Meet the Team
janeime
Janeime is one of our dental hygienists and has been with Dr. Patel since 2000, even before he opened his own practice!
As a first-generation college graduate, (AS of Dental Hygiene, BS Biology, Walden University MPH, and Walden University PhD in Epidemiology), my proudest achievement thus far has been seeing my oldest daughter walk across the stage for her own college graduation, knowing that I have fostered a love for education and personal accomplishment in my own children.
I can honestly say I love what I do and enjoy coming to work every day. I value the relationships I have built with my patients over the years and love the company of my co-worker, it makes me feel like I’m surrounded by the sisters I never had growing up as an only child.
As a wife and mother of four, I spend much of my free time involved in the activities of my children. I have two daughters in their twenties and two teenage sons, a cat and a dog. We love watching basketball and spending time in Charleston, SC at the beach.
lindsey
Lindsey joined the team in August 2004 as a hygienist and has a very loyal following!
I was born and raised right here in East Cobb, attended Pope High School, and went on to graduate from the University of Georgia in 2002 with a bachelor-of-science degree in Psychology. I continued my education, graduating first in my class, with an Associate Degree of Applied Technology in Dental Hygiene in 2004 from Athens Technical College.
I complete many hours of continuing education every year, allowing me to remain on top of advancements in the dental field because I have a passion for dental health. The favorite part of my job is my work family and the bond that I have formed with my patients over the years.
Aside from working in the dental profession, I enjoy traveling and playing with my three boys.
tara
Tara has been a critical team member for Dentistry at East Piedmont since 2008. Her outgoing personality and dental knowledge make her an invaluable asset to our practice.
I grew up in Kentucky and moved to Atlanta in 1999. From the time I got my braces at age 13, I was fascinated with Dentistry, I knew I wanted to be in the field. When the opportunity to become a dental Assistant was presented to me, I knew I had found my calling!
After I achieved my dental assisting certification with the Georgia Board of Dentistry, I completed my Expanded Duties education at Dental Staff School in Marietta, GA. Shortly after, I became a clinical instructor for the school to share my knowledge and train up and coming dental assistants.
As a Founding Member of Atlanta United Football Club, I regularly attend matches for both Atlanta United as well as ATLUTD 2. I am also involved in the craft beer community and enjoy traveling to different breweries. I am a cat mom to Bo, Mr. Blue, Nona, Andrew and Rue.
melissa
Melissa has been with Dentistry at East Piedmont since 2016 and is a real asset with her bright and cheery attitude.
I was born and raised in Florida and started in the Dental field as a front office coordinator. After moving to Georgia, I decided to go to school for dental assisting at Medix School in Smyrna. I enjoy working in dentistry meeting new people and helping them achieve excellent oral health and creating beautiful Smiles. I love working at Dentistry at East Piedmont because we are like family and we make a great team!
I have been married to my husband Steve since November 1994 and have two beautiful daughters, Kayleigh and Mallory, and a wonderful son-in-law Devin. We have two dogs, Charlie and Lily, and a cat Milo. I love working out, traveling with my husband, and spending time with family.
shila
Shila joined Dentistry at East Piedmont in 2018 as a dental assistant and front office.
I was born in Mombasa, Kenya, grew up in London, England, and moved to Atlanta, GA in 1991. I love the fact that everyone is treated like family here and the unique environment that it creates is truly remarkable.
When not working I enjoy cooking, sewing, playing tennis, reading, and cheering all Atlanta/Georgia teams. My favorite thing to do is to relax on a beach with my family, husband Raj, daughters Hema & Meela and grand-dog Mojo, and a good book!
christina
Treatment Co-Coordinator
Christina is originally from Canada but has lived here for more than 20 years and has been in the dental field for 30 years.
I worked with Dr. Patel as his treatment coordinator from 2008 until 2012, when I decided to expand my skills and focus on cosmetic dentistry. During my time away, I had the opportunity to provide dental consulting services as well as learn about prosthodontics, specifically full mouth restorations using implants.
Whether it is seeing someone have whiter teeth for the first time in their life or coordinating all-day surgeries, I truly love helping our patients through the process of transforming their smiles alongside Dr. Patel, Dr. Levine, and Dr. Bauman. If you have ever wondered what your new smile possibilities are, please call me for your complimentary consultation and receive a digital smile makeover!
candis
Dental Hygienist
I have been in the dental field since 2016, having received my bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene from Clayton State University. My number one priority is patient comfort. My passion is to provide exceptional quality care and help educate patients on achieving a happy, healthy smile. Dentistry has allowed me to form amazing patient relationships, and I cannot imagine a more fulfilling career. I am originally from Savannah, and in my spare time, I like to spend time with my family, my son Luca and husband Damon. I also love to travel and enjoy watersports.
rita
Front Office
I grew up in Spartanburg, South Carolina and moved to Atlanta in 2010. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Lander University. I have extensive experience working in both social and community services fields.
My favorite part about my job is meeting new people, building relationships with our patients, and helping them to maintain good oral health.
I have been married to my husband for over 14 years, and we have two beautiful children and our dog, Gizmo! I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling, playing tennis, and reading!
rachael d
Front Office
I am a Kansas girl at heart, but now I call Georgia home.
I believe in providing top-notch patient care in a comfortable environment. The dental field is amazing because we have the ability to change someone’s life. I want to be part of those moments! In addition, I love being able to provide excellent customer service. It’s a nice feeling to know that you can help put a nervous patient’s mind at ease to help them look forward to coming to see us.
Out of the office, I love seeing the world, trying new restaurants, playing with my cat Blue and sharing moments with family and friends.
rachael m
Hygienist
I am originally from southwest Georgia but have lived in the Atlanta area for the last four years and have called East Cobb home since 2020. I’m lucky to live and work in this wonderful community!
I grew up always wanting to work in the medical field. I wasn’t sure where I fit in, but I knew I wanted to help others and make a difference. I ended up teaching elementary school for three years after shadowing a few medical options that weren’t a good fit. My heart called me back to healthcare, but I found my true calling in dental hygiene! So I went back to school, achieved my Dental Hygiene degree at Georgia State University, and became a Registered Dental Hygienist with the Georgia Board of Dentistry. My Masters in Education, however, helps me work with patients to guide them in understanding and achieving their oral health goals.
In my spare time, I enjoy working on home improvement projects, finding new walking trails, and playing with my pup, Freyja!
jennie
Dental Assistant
I was born and raised in upstate NY, moved to Savannah in 2014, and then finally to Atlanta in 2016. I started my career in Dental Assisting in 2021 and knew it was where I wanted to be. I love to work at a place that helps people achieve a confident, healthy smile is the greatest of feelings.
Fishing, hiking and hitting the trails in my Jeep keep me busy on my days off. I have a cat named Ozzy who loves to snuggle & watch Netflix.
zarriya
Dental Assistant
I am an Atlanta native, which is rare to hear these days due to the growth of this peachy city. I love to spend my free time with my husband and son, East, exploring nature and attractions as if we were visiting Atlanta for the first time.
Entering college after high school, I loved studying people, so I went for a sociology major, but that wasn’t hands-on enough for me. Right in the midst of Covid and my pregnancy, I found a school for dentist assistants. Dentistry has always interested me, from the x-rays to materials and the opportunity to connect dots in people’s overall health. I am so happy to have the opportunity to work at this great office with wonderful patients and doctors.
Improving smiles is an amazing job to have, and I am proud to be a part of this team!
