Meet Our Team
OUR ADMIN TEAM
Teresa, DAADOM
Practice Administrator
LEARN MORE ABOUT TERESA:
Originally from Fernandina Beach, FL, Teresa joined Amelia Dental Group in 1991 as a dental assistant. Throughout her career, she has served in several administrative leadership roles within the practice and became Practice Administrator in 2010. With more than three decades of experience in dentistry, Teresa is passionate about leadership, team development, operational excellence, and creating an exceptional patient experience.
Teresa is a proud member of the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM) She earned her Diplomate designation from the American Association of Dental Office Management in 2021 and was nationally recognized as AADOM’s Practice Administrator of the Year the same year. Teresa was also honored with the Leave the Ladder Down Award in recognition of her commitment to mentorship, leadership, and serving others within the dental community.
Teresa enjoys spending time with family and friends and loves kayaking, relaxing at the beach, reading, shopping, and traveling to new places. She is married to John, and together they have three children: Ashley, Jonathan, and Saralyn.

Tina
Treatment Coordinator
LEARN MORE ABOUT TINA:
Originally from Blakely, GA, Tina joined our practice in 1986 as a Dental Assistant and over the years has had several administrative positions, but is now one of our Treatment Coordinators. She graduated from Florida State College in Jacksonville as a certified Dental Assistant, with her Associate's Degree in Education. She loves spending time with her family, reading and going out on the boat.

Kim
Insurance Coordinator
LEARN MORE ABOUT KIM:
Originally from Indiana, Kim joined our practice in 2007 and has had several administrative positions, but is now our Insurance Coordinator. She has been in dentistry for over 15 years and is involved with the American Association of Dental Office Managers. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family, enjoying time in her yard gardening and taking long walks with her miniature schnauzer, Charlie.
Emma
Hygiene Patient Coordinator
LEARN MORE ABOUT EMMA:
Emma grew up here in Fernandina Beach and joined our practice in 2019. She is a standing member of the American Association of Dental Office Management, having earned her FAADOM Distinction in September of 2023.
What she loves most about dentistry is building relationships and human connection.
She wants to make sure everyone feels seen and heard.
Emma loves cooking, anything to do with fitness or nutrition, and spending time with her son and family.
She visits the gym routinely and has a passion for strength- training.

Alexis
Doctor Coordinator
LEARN MORE ABOUT ALEXIS:
Alexis brings a strong background in both medical and dental care to her role as Doctor’s Coordinator at Amelia Dental Group. Before joining the team, she worked as a medical assistant in urology and gained experience in pediatric dentistry a field she quickly fell in love with because of the relationships and positive impact dentistry can have on patients and families.
What Alexis loves most about dentistry is being part of a team that helps people in the community maintain healthy, happy smiles. She is passionate about creating a welcoming environment and believes every patient should feel cared for like family. Her warm, compassionate approach helps patients feel comfortable, valued, and supported throughout their dental experience.
Outside of the office, Alexis enjoys spending time with her son and family, cheering on her favorite baseball player as a proud baseball mom, shopping, and being outdoors. A fun fact about Alexis is that the furthest she has traveled is Egypt — an adventure she’ll never forget!

Kathy
Treatment Coordinator
LEARN MORE ABOUT KATHY:
Kathy Hannaford brings decades of dental experience and compassionate patient care to her role as Treatment Coordinator at Amelia Dental Group. A graduate of Fernandina Beach High School’s Class of 1993, Kathy earned her Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) certification from the University of Florida in 1993 and has dedicated her career to helping patients feel comfortable, informed, and supported throughout their dental journey.
Kathy is passionate about building strong relationships with patients and helping them better understand their treatment options so they can feel confident in their care. Her warm personality, attention to detail, and caring approach help create a positive and welcoming experience for every patient she meets.
Outside of the office, Kathy enjoys traveling, photography, and spending quality time with family and friends. Her friendly nature and years of experience make her a valued part of the Amelia Dental Group team

Heather
Hygiene Coordinator
LEARN MORE ABOUT HEATHER:
Heather Bowen brings a strong background in business administration and patient care to her role as Hygiene Coordinator at Amelia Dental Group. She attended Palm Beach Atlantic University, where she studied Business Administration, and is passionate about creating positive experiences for every patient who walks through the door.
What Heather loves most about dentistry is seeing patients’ beautiful smiles and knowing she has the privilege of being part of their care journey. She believes every patient deserves to feel welcomed, heard, and genuinely cared for before they leave the office. Her compassionate and attentive approach helps patients feel comfortable, valued, and confident in their dental experience.
Outside of the office, Heather enjoys traveling, spending time at the beach, water sports, photography, and baseball. A fun fact about Heather is that before joining the dental field, she worked in television as a Programming Traffic Manager bringing a unique blend of organization, communication, and creativity to her role today.

Michell
Treatment Coordinator
LEARN MORE ABOUT MICHELL:
Originally from Southport, NC, Michell has been in dentistry for over 15 years, and joined our practice in 2017. She has had several administrative positions with us but is now one of our Treatment Coordinators. She loves to spend time with her family, going on golf cart rides and walks with her yellow lab Dixie.

Phyllis
Treatment Coordinator
LEARN MORE ABOUT PHYLLIS:
Phyllis brings more than 20 years of dental experience to her role as Treatment Coordinator at Amelia Dental Group. She began her career in dentistry as a dental assistant and has continued to grow professionally throughout the years, earning her EDA certification and becoming both a Fellow and Master of the American Association of Dental Office Management, with her MAADOM designation this fall.
What Phyllis loves most about dentistry is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients while helping them receive the care they need to achieve healthy, lasting smiles. She believes patient care starts with trust, consistency, education, and prevention, and she is passionate about helping patients feel supported throughout their dental journey. Her goal is to help create smiles that last a lifetime through proper continuing care and strong patient relationships.
Outside of the office, Phyllis enjoys serving as a 4-H art club leader, raising chickens, painting, and spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite ways to relax is curling up on the couch with her dog, Moose, and a good book. A fun fact about Phyllis is that she loves classic cars and can even rebuild engines, a talent that often surprises people!

Sam
Hygiene Patient Coordinator
LEARN MORE ABOUT SAM:
Samantha Denio is a dedicated Hygiene Patient Coordinator at Amelia Dental Group who brings a caring and compassionate approach to every patient interaction. After attending the University of West Florida and coming from a medical background, Samantha transitioned into dentistry where she discovered a passion for helping patients feel confident and comfortable in their smiles.
What Samantha loves most about dentistry is seeing patients gain confidence through their smiles and overall oral health. She is committed to making sure every patient feels welcomed, comfortable, and cared for while having a positive experience at the office. Her friendly personality and patient-focused approach help create a smooth and supportive visit from start to finish.
Outside of work, Samantha enjoys spending days at the sandbar and traveling whenever she gets the chance. Her warm energy and dedication to patient care make her a valued part of the Amelia Dental Group team.

Marisa
New Patient Coordinator
LEARN MORE ABOUT MARISA:
Marisa joined Amelia Dental Group after spending more than 17 years in Early Childhood Education before making an exciting career change into dentistry in August 2025. Her background in education helped shape her warm, compassionate, and relationship-focused approach to patient care.
What Marisa loves most about dentistry is meeting new patients and building lasting relationships with them from start to finish. She believes trust, communication, and dependability are the foundation of a positive patient experience and strives to make every patient feel welcomed, comfortable, and cared for from their very first interaction with the office.
Outside of work, Marisa enjoys traveling, spending time at the beach with family and friends, and shopping. A fun fact about Marisa is that she went on a mission trip and flew on an airplane for the very first time at age 12 when she traveled to the Virgin Islands — an experience she still remembers fondly today.

Lauren
Dental Concierge
LEARN MORE ABOUT LAUREN:
Lauren Healey is a friendly and enthusiastic Dental Concierge at Amelia Dental Group who is passionate about creating a welcoming and positive experience for every patient who enters the office. After graduating high school in 2023, Lauren continued her education and is currently enrolled at Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ).
What Lauren loves most about dentistry is seeing patients leave feeling confident about their smiles. She appreciates the unique blend of art and science that dentistry offers and enjoys being part of a team that helps patients improve both their oral health and self-confidence.
Lauren believes great patient care begins with strong relationships, active listening, and helping patients feel understood and supported throughout their visit. Her warm personality and caring approach help patients feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.
Outside of the office, Lauren enjoys running, spending time at the beach, surfing, camping, and being with friends and family. She also loves spending time with her puppy, Maple. A fun fact about Lauren is that she is currently the youngest team member at Amelia Dental Group — bringing fresh energy and positivity to the team every day.
MEET OUR ASSISTANTS

Heather
Dental Assistant
LEARN MORE ABOUT HEATHER:
Originally from Fernandina Beach, FL, Heather joined our practice in 2004 as a dental assistant. She graduated from Concorde Career Institute. She enjoys spending time with her husband and son.

Erica
Dental Assistant
LEARN MORE ABOUT ERICA:
Originally from Hilliard, FL, Erica joined our practice in 2008 as a dental assistant and graduated from Florida State College of Jacksonville. She enjoys spending time with her children and hunting.

Shannon
Dental Assistant
LEARN MORE ABOUT SHANNON:
Originally from Marietta, GA, Shannon joined our practice in 2014 as a dental assistant. She graduated from Waldron School of Dentistry in Marietta in 2012 and the University of Florida with Expanded Functions in 2014. She is a dance teacher at Bean school of dance. She enjoys golfing, kayaking, and spending time with her daughters, Brianna and Sadie.

Mary
Dental & Hygiene Assistant
LEARN MORE ABOUT MARY:
Originally from Jacksonville, FL, Mary joined our practice in 2015 as our dental/hygiene assistant. She graduated from Florida College of Medical and Dental Careers in 1990. She enjoys attending her church, going to the beach, working in her garden, and travelling.

saRAH
Dental Assistant
LEARN MORE ABOUT SARAH:
Originally from Yulee, FL, Sarah joined our practice in 2021 as a dental assistant. She graduated from Concorde Career Institute in 2015. Sarah enjoys spending time with her children, fishing, playing volleyball and going to the beach.

April
Dental Assistant
LEARN MORE ABOUT APRIL:
Originally from San Antonio, TX, April joined our practice in 2014 as a dental assistant. She served 8 years in the Navy and graduated from Concorde Career Institute in 2014. She loves to hang out with her husband, Billy, and her two sons, Dylan and Austin.

Haley B.
Dental Assistant
LEARN MORE ABOUT HALEY:
Haley Boedigheimer is a dedicated Dental Assistant at Amelia Dental Group who brings a positive attitude, compassion, and a strong desire to learn her role each day. With a year of experience in dentistry, Haley enjoys being part of a profession that is constantly evolving and creating new opportunities to grow while helping patients achieve healthier smiles.
What Haley loves most about dentistry is the ability to continue learning and improving while serving patients, friends, and families in the community as efficiently and effectively as possible. She is passionate about creating a calm, informative experience for patients and helping them feel comfortable and cared for during every visit.
Outside of the office, Haley enjoys volunteering at her church and spending quality time with her parents and three brothers. A fun fact about Haley is that she loves playing all kinds of board games and enjoys the fun and connection they bring with family and friends.

Amanda
Dental Assistant
LEARN MORE ABOUT AMANDA:
Amanda is a compassionate and experienced Dental Assistant at Amelia Dental Group who is dedicated to helping patients feel confident in their smiles. She attended Concorde Career Institute in Jacksonville and has a passion for continuing to learn and grow within the dental industry while providing excellent patient care.
What Amanda loves most about dentistry is the opportunity to help patients restore confidence in their smiles and improve their overall well-being. She values building strong connections with patients and believes in creating an experience that is both warm and caring while also being honest and direct in helping patients understand their dental health needs.
Outside of the office, Amanda enjoys fishing and spending quality time with her children and grandson. Her caring personality, strong work ethic, and patient-focused approach make her a valued part of the Amelia Dental Group team.

Hailey F.
Dental Assistant
LEARN MORE ABOUT HAILEY:
Hailey Farmer is a caring and energetic Dental Assistant at Amelia Dental Group who is passionate about helping patients feel confident in their smiles. She graduated from Yulee High School in 2021 and attended assisting school at Florida Career College, where she completed her training in 2022. Hailey has been working in dentistry for the past three years and enjoys the opportunity to make a positive difference in patients’ lives every day.
What Hailey loves most about dentistry is building relationships with patients and seeing the life-changing smile transformations that come from quality dental care. She is known for her kind, welcoming personality and gentle touch, helping patients feel comfortable and at ease throughout their visits.
Outside of the office, Hailey enjoys spending time on the boat, riding four-wheelers, and caring for her little farm. A fun fact about Hailey is that she has 35 farm animals, including goats, turkeys, chickens, and even a duck — keeping life fun and full of adventure outside of work!
MEET OUR Hygienists

Jennifer
Registered Dental Hygienist
LEARN MORE ABOUT JENNIFER:
Originally from Fernandina Beach, FL, Jennifer joined our practice in 1999 and has had several positions, but is now a Registered Dental Hygienist. She graduated from Florida Community College of Jacksonville in 2002, received her Bachelor's in 2005 from St. Petersburg College and her Master's in 2009 from NOVA Southeastern University. She is a member at First Baptist Church, and in her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband Jesse, her 2 sons Grady and Cooper and their dog Gracie out on the water.

Mandy
Registered Dental Hygienist
LEARN MORE ABOUT MANDY:
Originally from North Carolina, Mandy moved to Fernandina Beach when she was 3, so she considers herself a local. Mandy joined our practice in 2009 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. She graduated from Florida State College of Jacksonville in 2003. She grew up on the island riding horses, but enjoys spending time with her husband, Marc, and their sons Sam and Max. She aspires to have a small farm, but for now, she has a French bulldog Mayvis-Jean, a German shepherd, Cash, and 6 chickens.

Patti
Registered Dental Hygienist
LEARN MORE ABOUT PATTI:
Originally from Ohio, Patti joined our practice in 2010 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. She graduated from Florida Community College of Jacksonville in 1993 and received her Bachelor's at Southern Illinois University in 2011. She is a member of the American Dental Hygiene Association, and in her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband Jeff, daughter Morgan, their brittnepoo Molly, and their boykin spaniel Macy. Together they enjoy going out on the boat, motorcycle rides, camping, hunting deer and enjoying civilian life, due to her husband Jeff retiring from the Navy after 38 years of being on active duty.

Tonie
Registered Dental Hygienist
LEARN MORE ABOUT TONIE:
Originally from St. Mary’s, GA, Tonie joined our practice in 2018 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. She graduated from Florida State College of Jacksonville in 2018. She enjoys going to the beach, lying by her pool, driving her golf cart, cooking, or spending time with her children.

Patrina
Registered Dental Hygienist
LEARN MORE ABOUT PATRINA:
Originally from Fernandina Beach, FL, Patrina joined our practice in 2001 while in high school. She returned in 2019 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. She graduated from Florida State College of Jacksonville in 2008 and attends New Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She is a part of the local NAACP and Elks. She enjoys spending time with her son Tyrin, chihuahua-jack russell terrier Tide and her family. She also enjoys going to the beach, going to the pool, and shopping.

Kavette
Registered Dental Hygienist
LEARN MORE ABOUT KAVETTE:
Originally from Bryceville, FL, Kavette joined our practice in 2019 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. She graduated from Florida State College of Jacksonville in 2018. She enjoys shopping and loving on her yorkie, Tank.

Kim
Registered Dental Hygienist
LEARN MORE ABOUT KIM:
Kim has been in the dental field for over 20 years. She started her career as a dental assistant in periodontal surgery and then became a dental hygienist. She enjoys staying current in the latest technology and standards of care in dentistry. Kim values the importance of getting to know her patients to provide optimal care unique to the individual. When Kim isn’t in the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, going on playdates with her dogs and traveling.
Laura
Registered Dental Hygienist
LEARN MORE ABOUT LAURA:
Originally from Massachusetts, Laura joined our practice for the second time in 2018 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. She graduated from Florida State College of Jacksonville in 1995, and she attends The Journey Church in Yulee. She is a certified LesMills fitness enthusiast and enjoys exercise, long distance biking, hiking, paddle boarding, tennis and making stained glass.

Lauren
Registered Dental Hygienist
LEARN MORE ABOUT LAUREN:
Lauren Courson is a dedicated Dental Hygienist at Amelia Dental Group who is passionate about making a positive difference in her patients’ lives through compassionate, quality dental care. As a Registered Dental Hygienist, Lauren is committed to helping patients improve their oral health while creating a comfortable and supportive experience during every visit.
What Lauren loves most about dentistry is the opportunity to positively impact her patients’ confidence, health, and overall well-being. She believes comfort is key when providing patient care and strives to create a calm, reassuring environment where patients feel relaxed and at ease. Lauren feels that when patients are comfortable, trust is built, allowing for a more effective and positive dental experience.
Outside of the office, Lauren enjoys boating and hunting for shark teeth along the coast. Her caring personality and patient-focused approach make her a valued member of the Amelia Dental Group team.

Rita
Registered Dental Hygienist
LEARN MORE ABOUT RITA:
Rita is a highly experienced Dental Hygienist at Amelia Dental Group with more than 25 years in dental hygiene, including four years specializing in periodontal care. She earned her associate’s degree and Certificate in Dental Hygiene and is also Perioscope trained, bringing advanced knowledge and expertise to patient care.
What Rita loves most about dentistry is educating patients and helping them achieve a healthy mouth that meets their individual needs. She is passionate about partnering with patients to improve their oral health through education, prevention, and personalized care. Rita believes the best outcomes come from compassion, understanding, and teamwork between the patient and provider.
Outside of the office, Rita enjoys biking, hiking, paddleboarding, and relaxing afternoons at the beach. A fun fact about Rita is that she loves yard work and finds “playing in the dirt” surprisingly therapeutic — a hobby that keeps her active and connected to nature.

HALEY
Registered Dental Hygienist
More info coming soon!







