Meet the Team at Eastgate Dental Excellence

Michelle
Office Manager

As office manager, Michelle loves being part of creating an amazing culture for the team at Eastgate Dental Excellence, and enjoys planning team-building events and finding fun ways to show appreciation to the team. She has worked at Eastgate since 2006 when she started as a dental hygienist. Michelle loves that her years in the office have allowed her to build relationships with so many families in the practice. Michelle transitioned into the office manager role in 2014. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene since 1996 and is an American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM) member. Michelle went into the dental industry because she wanted a career where she could help others get healthy and feel confident about their smiles. She was surprised by how much she would also enjoy connecting with her patients and her team — so much it has become her favorite part of her career!

When not working, Michelle enjoys hanging out with her family and children (including her husband Geoff and children Olivia, Avery, and Luke), binging shows on Netflix, playing darts with neighbors, and cheering on the Reds and Bengals. Someday she would love to travel to countries where her ancestors are from, including England, Ireland, Scotland, and Norway.

Linda
Business Team Leader

As business team leader, Linda loves helping patients achieve the smiles they have always wanted. She holds an Associate Degree in Medical Assisting, and decided to go into the dental industry because she enjoys helping people love their smile. Linda has a passion for helping people achieve their goals — goals of all kinds!

When not working, Linda enjoys spending time with her family (including her husband Mike and her four children Katlyn, Brian, Kimberly and Kelly and two grandchildren Lila and Mia). She also enjoys being outdoors, camping and boating. Someday she would love to travel to Germany.

Tia
Hygiene Leader

Tia is a dental hygienist who joined the Eastgate Dental Excellence team in 2018. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash Dental Hygiene school, and has worked in the dental field for over two decades. She began in the industry when she fell into this career in high school and hasn’t dreamed of doing anything else since. She especially enjoys connecting with patients and helping them achieve the healthy smiles they want and deserve.

When not working, Tia enjoys hanging out with her husband Jason, and visiting local breweries, attending sporting events, and traveling together. She grew up in Oregon but is happy to call Cincinnati home now.

Heather
hygienist

Heather is a dental hygienist who holds an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene, and has been with Eastgate Dental Excellence since 2013. She enjoys building lasting relationships with her patients and coworkers. She is passionate about helping her patients get through their dental challenges and anxieties so they can accomplish top dental health.

When not working, Heather enjoys spending time with her family (including her husband, two children and two dogs), especially watching her childrens’ sporting events. She also enjoys traveling to new places, and someday hopes to take her children to the Bahamas, which is where she and her husband were married. She would also love to swim with pigs there!

Jessica W
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

As an expanded functions dental assistant (EFDA), Jessica loves making people smile with confidence again. She has worked at Eastgate Dental Excellence since 2014, and graduated from dental assisting school in 2009 and EFDA school in 2016. She went into the dental field so that she can help people, as she loves how much she is able to make a difference in their smiles and, therefore, lives.

When not working, Jessica enjoys hiking, being outdoors and spending time with her husband, Brian, and dog, Remi. She also loves to travel and would like to travel to many cities and countries, including internationally.

Ashlee
Business Team

As a financial coordinator, Ashlee takes pride in fitting her patients’ dental needs into their budgets and working with the team at Eastgate Dental Excellence. She holds a radiology license and has worked at Eastgate Dental Excellence since 2019. Her passion for helping others is what led her to working in the dental industry. She feels that everyone at the office is truly a family, and she looks forward to coming to work every day.

When not in the office, Ashlee enjoys spending time with her two sons Torben and Torsten. Together they enjoy camping at their seasonal lot and visiting the Cincinnati Zoo. Someday she would love to take the whole family to Hawaii.

Denise
Dental Assistant

As a certified dental assistant, Denise loves taking care of people and helping patients get their mouths healthy — giving them pride and confidence in their smile again. She received dental assisting education and training from the University of Cincinnati and Dental Assistant Pro. Denise’s love of dentistry started as a young adult when she discovered how much a smile can greatly impact a person’s confidence, appearance, and overall health. Combined with her desire to take care of and help others, she decided to pursue the dental industry.

When not working, Denise enjoys spending time with her husband Brandon, three sons (Caden, Evan and Ellis) and two dogs (Josie and Remi). She also enjoys camping, hiking, fishing and riding quads. Someday she would love to travel to Scotland.

Susana
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

As dental assistant at Eastgate Dental Excellence, Susana loves her job because she is able to help people every day. She has dreamed of being in the dental field since she was a child and enjoys her role in assisting the dentist and helping patients at Eastgate Dental Excellence.

When not working, Susana enjoys spending time with her family — Jagger, Wampa and Stella. She also loves learning new skills, sewing, and traveling, and hopes someday to retire in Europe.

Angel
Dental Assistant

As a dental assistant, Angel enjoys providing top quality care to her patients. She joined the Eastgate Dental Excellence team in 2020 and she holds a radiographer certification. In her role, Angel enjoys making patients feel comfortable and anxiety free when they visit the office. She strives to make sure they leave with a great experience and a big smile!

When not in the office, Angel enjoys spending time hiking, shopping, and with her two cats Thackery and Winnie. Someday she would love to travel around the world.

DJ
Hygienist

DJ Mays is a dental hygienist who joined the Eastgate Dental Excellence office in 2021. She holds an Associate Degree in Applied Health from UCBA, a local anesthesia administration certification, and is first aid and CPR trained. She loves helping people love their smile, and her goal as dental hygienist is to make as many people love their smile enough to show it off every day instead of hiding it! She also enjoys the team and patients at Eastgate Dental Excellence, and how they work so well together and make every day enjoyable.

When not working, DJ enjoys hiking and camping with her great dane named Tundra, as well as kayaking and tubing down the river, and checking out local breweries and restaurants. She also enjoys traveling and would love to travel to as many countries as possible some day.

Jennifer
Hygienist

Jennifer is a dental hygienist at Eastgate Dental Excellence, where she loves being able to comfort patients who are nervous about their dental visit and making people smile! Jennifer holds an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene and an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. She is certified in local and nitrous administration and CPR.

When not working, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband, Jon, and children Jacob, Tyson, and Marissa. She is very active, as she enjoys running, daily walks with her dog, and going boating with her family. She would love to one day visit Italy with her family since her family is Italian. She and her family are new to Cincinnati, but they are already making the city their home.

Tabatha
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

As an expanded function dental assistant, Tabatha enjoys learning and is always working to perfect her skills. She holds certifications as an EFDA, CDA, and in sealants. Tabatha decided to go into the dental field because she wanted to help people have the confidence to smile every day.

When not working, Tabatha likes to spend quality time with her young son, Colton. She also enjoys playing with her two dogs, Riley and Remi. Tabatha loves traveling and hopes to someday see the world by visiting many other countries.

Elyssa
Hygienist

Elyssa loves her role as a dental hygienist at Eastgate Dental Excellence because she gets to help those who struggle with dental fear. She enjoys giving them a safe space to work toward a bigger, happier smile.

She received her education at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash in 2021 with a degree in applied science and local anesthesia administration.

When Elyssa is not at work she enjoys spending time with her dog, Lizzie, and her two cats. She enjoys singing in her band which has been together for over 10 years! One thing she has on her bucket list is to one day pet a manatee. When she is enjoying music, you will most likely find her listening to Paul McCartney, Queen, Paramore, or the Beatles!

Stacey
Hygienist

Stacey fell in love with dentistry from an early age as her mom worked in dentistry. She was inspired by the hygienists in her mom’s office to also pursue a career in dentistry. One of the main things she loves about her role is that she is able to get to know her patients on a personal level along with being able to help them achieve their oral health goals.

Outside of the office, Stacey enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs. You can find her camping, fishing, or riding their Harley down by the Ohio River during her free time. At the top of her bucket list is getting a camper and going out West to see all of the national parks. In terms of music, she loves Queen and classic rock and is also a huge fan of anything from the 90s!

Sarah
Business Team

Sarah has been a patient herself of Eastgate Dental Excellence since 2021. She loved everything about the office as a patient and when she recently had the opportunity to change her career she jumped at the chance to be a part of the EDE team!

Sarah’s education includes an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts. When she isn’t at work you will find her spending time with her two twin boys and husband on their boat or in their backyard. One thing she has on her bucket list is to see the humpback whales in Alaska. Her go-to Spotify playlist includes Pink, Jason Aldean, Fleetwood Mac, and Stevie Nicks!

Ashley E.
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

As a financial coordinator, Ashlee takes pride in fitting her patients’ dental needs into their budgets and working with the team at Eastgate Dental Excellence. She holds a radiology license and has worked at Eastgate Dental Excellence since 2019. Her passion for helping others is what led her to working in the dental industry. She feels that everyone at the office is truly a family, and she looks forward to coming to work every day.

When not in the office, Ashlee enjoys spending time with her two sons Torben and Torsten. Together they enjoy camping at their seasonal lot and visiting the Cincinnati Zoo. Someday she would love to take the whole family to Hawaii.

Jessica C
Dental Assistant

Jessica is just beginning her career in dentistry drawn to the field by the inspiration she received from her hygienists, Tia and Elyssa, while she was a patient at the practice. Jessica takes pride in supporting the team to ensure a smooth and efficient day at the practice. She particularly enjoys helping young patients have a positive first experience at the dentist. Outside of work, Jessica loves spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Rebel. She also enjoys hiking, kayaking, and crocheting in her free time.

Sophia
Dental Assistant

Sophia has been passionate about dentistry since childhood, which led her to pursue a career in the field. Although she’s only been working as a Dental Assistant for a short time, her enthusiasm and dedication are evident. She graduated from the Dental Assistant Academy in November 2023 and is a Registered Dental Assistant, certified in Radiology, CPR, and First Aid. Sophia finds the most rewarding aspect of her work to be the constant opportunities for growth and seeing patients gain confidence during their visits. Outside of dentistry, Sophia loves spending time with her family, including her four dogs, and enjoys coaching a middle school cheerleading team in her hometown. A fan of travel and Italian cuisine, she dreams of visiting Italy one day.

Carly
Dental Assistant

Carly is just beginning her career in the dental field after being inspired by her own childhood experiences where the dentist’s office was a place of comfort and positivity. Now, she’s pursuing further education in hygiene school and is already X-ray certified. Carly finds immense joy in seeing patients leave with happy, confident smiles, knowing that her team’s hard work has made a difference. When she’s not helping patients, Carly enjoys spending quality time with her friends, family, and boyfriend, Trent. She also loves watching movies, reading, and engaging in outdoor activities like fishing, tennis, pickleball, and kayaking.

Kimberly
Business Team

Kimberly began her career in dentistry in the spring of 2024, inspired by her positive experiences as a longtime patient at Eastgate Dental Excellence. She loved the welcoming environment so much that she decided to join the team, knowing that if they could make going to the dentist fun, working there would be even better. Kimberly finds the most rewarding part of her job to be the relationships she’s built with the doctors, who not only provide excellent patient care but also take the time to teach and mentor the team daily. Outside of work, Kimberly enjoys taking her dog, Mongo, on walks and playing with him, as well as cuddling with her cat, Hudson. She also cherishes time spent with her dad and siblings, whether they’re bowling, watching movies, or sharing dinner together.

Jenna
Hygienist

Jenna is a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) at Eastgate Dental Excellence. She was inspired to enter the dental field because of her passion for oral health and for working closely with people. Jenna earned an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene to pursue her career.

When she is not in the office, Jenna enjoys hiking and being in the great outdoors. She also dedicates her time to volunteering with community organizations. A travel enthusiast, one of Jenna’s bucket list goals is to visit as many places as possible. Her go-to music selections on Spotify include Frank Sinatra and Hawaiian Reggae.

Jeanette
Hygienist

Jeanette is a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) on the team. She chose a career in dentistry because she loves the science behind oral health and enjoys getting to know her patients and helping them meet their needs on a one-on-one basis. Jeanette earned her degree from Sinclair Community College.

When she is not at work, Jeanette loves spending family time with her baby girl and walking her dog, Cash. She also enjoys being outside and reading fiction. Her bucket list includes traveling internationally, and her favorite artist to listen to on Spotify is Taylor Swift.

Erica
Business Team

Erica is a Dental Assistant and Business Team Member with the Eastgate Dental Excellence team. Her interest in the dental field started at a young age; she always loved going to the dentist and even enjoyed pulling her own teeth as a child. Erica received her education from Ross IMDT.

Outside of work, Erica enjoys hanging out in her pool and keeping busy with her kids’ sports. While she feels she has experienced a lot in life, her bucket list includes traveling to Italy and Australia. Her diverse musical tastes include Britney Spears, Sammy Kershaw, KORN, the Backstreet Boys, the Eagles, Bon Jovi, Poison, 2000’s rock, and 90’s pop country.

Govani
Hygienist

Govani’s passion for dentistry was sparked by his desire to make a meaningful impact through preventive care. As a Registered Dental Hygienist, he finds joy in educating patients and the broader community on the vital connection between oral health and overall well-being. Fluent in Spanish, Govani is proud to bridge communication gaps and serve diverse communities with compassion and clarity. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College, he is continually driven by the goal of empowering others through knowledge and care.

Outside the office, you’ll find Govani cheering on the Bengals and FC Cincinnati, hiking scenic trails, or planning his next adventure. One of his biggest dreams is to volunteer internationally as a hygienist—combining his love for service and travel. His go-to Spotify playlist? A soulful mix of Spanish Pop featuring artists like Cuco and Dannylux.

Sierra
Dental Assistant

Sierra’s interest in dentistry started early, thanks to her own positive experiences with dental and orthodontic care growing up. Now, as a Sterilization Technician, she plays a key role in keeping the clinic running smoothly and safely—supporting both her team and patients with care and attention to detail. With both high school and college education under her belt, Sierra is proud to be building her career in a field that made such a difference in her own life.

When she’s not at work, you’ll likely find her soaking up the outdoors with her dogs or spending time with her boyfriend and close friends. A lover of travel, she dreams of exploring Europe one day. Her go-to Spotify playlist? A high-energy mix of country, throwbacks, rock, and EDM—just like her, it’s a little bit of everything.

Emma
Dental Assistant

Coming Soon

Julie
Business Team

Coming Soon