Meet The Team

Shannon

Registered Dental Hygienist

I was raised in Sharpsville, PA.
Education: I graduated Valedictorian and Class President of Pittsburgh Dental Hygiene class of 2024. I was a part of Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society. Magna Cum Laude from Point Park University in December 2020 with a BS in Pre-Medical/ Pre-Professional Studies and a double minor in Chemistry and Psychology.
What I like most about dentistry: For the love of dental science; structure, development and abnormalities of the teeth, disease prevention of the mouth and gum tissue, the anatomy, the physiology, and oral biology.
Favorite hobby/ pastime: Trying new coffee shops in Pittsburgh
My favorite place or favorite getaway: Key West is my favorite place and hope to one day call it home.
Favorite sports team: The Steelers!
Favorite restaurant: Gaucho and Cafe 33 
Favorite movie: Shutter Island
Favorite music: Anything Mac Miller
What do you love most about Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh people love Pittsburgh. We have the number one fans for every sports team. Pittsburgh fans are the best!
Bucket list: To visit the River Shannon in Shannon, Ireland.
Favorite quote: “The world only exists in your eyes. You can make it as big or as small as you want. – F. Scott Fitzgerald
Fun fact: My middle name is my mom and grandmas name put together
Favorite dental joke: Why should you be kind to your dentist?. . . because they have fillings too.

Julia

Registered Dental Hygienist

I was born and raised in Erie, PA before I moved to Ohio to attend Ohio University. After graduation, I got to live in Wilmington, NC near my older brother and sister. Then I began dental hygiene school at Pittsburgh, where my Dad graduated dental school.
Family: I have 3 siblings (2 brothers and 1 sister) I share the “middle child” title with my older brother, Chris and then have my older sister, Katie and younger brother James. My parents Shawn and Laura are still living in Erie for now.
Education: University of Pittsburgh for Dental Hygiene, Ohio University for Health and Science Administration
What I like most about dentistry: Interacting with patients and helping them feel more confident with their smile!  
What I love about Pittsburgh: Always something to do and people here
Favorite sports team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite movie: Not really a movie watcher but my favorite TV shows are Game of Thrones and Severance
Favorite music: R & B / Pop
My bucket list: Travel 5 places outside the US
A fun fact: I love to bake! 

Chelsey , EFDA

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

I was born in Lexington, South Carolina and raised in  Steubenville, Ohio.   Adventure is my middle name!
Family: I am the only child, but have a huge family. My dad is the youngest of nine and my mom is a sibling of seven.
Education: I attended The Ohio State University… “Go Bucks!”
What I like most about dentistry: Helping our patients shine bright with a smile.
My happy place or getaway: My bed. LOL
Favorite hobby/pastime: My favorite hobby is perfecting my make-up, but if you see me at work I probably look a mess.
What I love most about Pittsburgh: All the hidden gems.
Favorite sports team: The Buckeye’s (OSU) and the New England Patriots (Sorry Steeler fans!!)
Favorite restaurant: Anything Seafood
Favorite movie:  Inception
Favorite music: Old school R&B, preferably the 80’s
Favorite app or social media site: Instagram
Bucket list: Go to the Maldives and walk the beach that lights up blue at night.
Favorite quote: I do what I need to do, so I can do what I want to do.
A fun fact: I have two middle names!
Favorite dental joke: Knock, knock. Who’s there? Dishes. Dishes who? Dishes how I talk since I lost my teeth.

Isha

Treatment Coordinator

Kim

Patient Coordinator

I was born and raised on an Army Base at Campbell, KY. We moved a lot as a family,  and landed in Pittsburgh in the 70’s. I finished school in Pittsburgh, married in 1990, and began moving all over again. Kanas City, Alabama, Calgary Alberta Canada, then back to the Burgh in 2020.
Family: Married for 30 years with 3 grown daughters.
What I like most about dentistry: The amazing advances to keep people smiling.
My favorite place or favorite getaway: Kauai, Hawaii
Favorite hobby/pastime: Dance … I teach Zumba Classes and I love to Scrapbook!
What I love most about Pittsburgh: Hometown feel and pride. The feeling of family even if you are not.
Favorite sports team: Duh, Steelers!
Favorite movie: Grease
Favorite music: Rock & Roll, Classic and New
Bucket list: traveling to Italy
Favorite quote: If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything!

Olivia

Administrative Dental Specialist

I was born and raised in Lynchbroug, VA, new to Pittsburgh, but I’m enjoying exploring the city. I love being creative and picking up hobbies to do in my spare time.
Family: 4 brothers, 2 sisters-in-law, parents, and dog (Alaska)
Education: Bachelors degree in English
What I like most about Dentistry: I like helping people feel confident about their smiles and getting to meet and care for so many people 
My happy place or favorite getaway: Maine
Hobby: Paint by numbers
What I love about Pittsburgh: I love many delicious restaurants there are and how many fun and unique things there are to do 
Favorite Sports Team: Steelers
Favorite App or Social Media Site: Pinterest
Favorite Restaurant: Apteka 
Favorite Movie: the Life of Pi
Favorite Music: Billy Joel
My bucket list: to publish a book
Fun Fact: I was fluent in Latin for a time and have translated the Aeneid from its original Latin (I have forgotten most of it)
Favorite Quote: “Everyday, once a day, give yourself a gift.”
Favorite Dental Quote: When’s the best time to go to the dentist? - Two thirty! (Tooth hurty)

Jose

Billing and Insurance Specialist

Jessica

Registered Dental Assistant

I was born and raised in a city called San Felipe in Venezuela. I moved to Pittsburgh a year ago because of the love I found 4 years ago and I love this city. I am a positive person that loves taking new challenges and learning from each and every day.
Education: I am a registered dental assistant (RDA) in Pennsylvania and was a practicing dentist in Venezuela
What I like most about dentistry: I like dentistry because it is a super nice career in which you can help people with their oral health and improve their smile.
My favorite place or favorite getaway: I like to go to the park for a walk and connect with nature
Favorite hobby/pastime: In my free time I like to watch Netflix series and bake cakes and muffins
What I love about Pittsburgh: I love the weather and seasonal changes. I also love the people here because they are very nice
Favorite sports team: Pirates!! I like baseball
Favorite restaurant: Fogo de Chao. I like to eat!
Favorite movie: Miracle in Cell No 7
Favorite music: Pop and Reggaeton
Favorite app or social media site:  Duolingo and Instagram
My bucket list: I want to see my parents soon!
Favorite quote: “It always seems impossible until it’s done”  Nelson Mandela
A fun fact: I sneeze 7 times in a row
Favorite dental joke: Why did the king go to the dentist? To get his teeth crowned!!

Sasha

Pre Dental Intern

Summer

Treatment Coordinator

I was born and raised in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area. I grew up in all 3 and claim them all as where it all began.
Education: I graduated from TC Williams High School (Remember the Titans) Go Titans! After graduating I completed a course to become a dental assistant. I later received certification as a labor and post-partum doula, breastfeeding counselor, and nutrition specialist.
What I like most about dentistry: I have always loved being at the dentist office since I was a kid. I always thought it was fun and interesting. I didn’t have any cavities as a kid so that may be why, LOL. I love getting to know patients and building personal relationships with them. I love the evolution of dentistry and restoring overall oral health for patients. Patients come to the dentist the restore their smiles and confidence and I love being a part of that.
My favorite place or favorite getaway: I love being at the beach and near bodies of water. A good hike and beautiful scenery are a close second.
Favorite hobby/past-time: I am a movie connoisseur as well as a huge book lover. I love reading. Buying books is something I consider a hobby.
What I love about Pittsburgh: I love that Pittsburgh has endless places to eat. I consider eating a hobby as well. I love to eat and there is no shortage of awesome options here. Pittsburgh also has great trails and places to hike. My kid and I love that.
Favorite sports team: Technically…I am an Eagles fan
Favorite restaurant: I have a few favorite restaurants so it’s hard to pick one but I love pasta, Mexican, and a good lobster with a side of mac and cheese.
Favorite movie: Gone with the Wind
Favorite music: I am a lover of most genres of music
Favorite app or social media site: I love Tiktok
My bucket list: Bungee jumping
Favorite quote: “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” – Dr. Mae Jemison
A fun fact: I never thought I would move north seeing as how I don’t like being cold. My dad had been trying to convince me for years. I finally did and love it.
Favorite dental joke: Which teeth do you need to brush? Only the ones you want to keep.

Alina

Dental Assistant

I was born and raised in Ukraine. Came to US at age of 15 and since live in Pittsburgh.
Education: A.W. Beattie Career Center
What I like most about dentistry: I love helping patients feel comfortable and confident. Seeing someone leave with a smile they’re happy with is the best part!
My favorite place or favorite getaway: Somewhere warm with a beach and ocean view
Favorite Hobby/Pastime: Trying new foods, spending time with friends, traveling around the world, and creating my own flower arrangements 
What I love about Pittsburgh: Beautiful views!
Favorite restaurant: Condado Tacos/ Sushi Tomo
Favorite music: A mix of everything, depends on my mood
Favorite app or social media site:  Instagram/TikTok
My bucket list: Travel the world and visit as many countries as possible!
Favorite quote: “Confidence is the best thing you can wear!”
A fun fact: I’ve been in 11 countries for the past 8 years, and can speak 3 languages fluently
Favorite dental joke: You don’t have to floss all your teeth . . . just the ones you want to keep :)


 

Ashlee

Pre Dental Intern

Donna

Administrative Assistant

I was born and raised in Richland, a suburb of Johnstown, PA. I currently live in Wexford. 
Family: I have two grown children and 2 grandchildren. 
What I like most about dentistry: The finished product
My favorite place or favorite getaway: Going to visit my daughter and her family, and my son in Miami 
Favorite hobby/pastime: Working out, pilates, walking, and bike riding 
What I love about Pittsburgh: It’s big enough to get the feeling of a “big city” and easy to navigate to wherever you need to go
Favorite restaurant: Olives and Peppers
Favorite movie: The Holiday
Favorite music: Pop, Jazz, and Big Band
Favorite app or social media site: Instagram
My bucket list: Go to Italy
Favorite quote: “If you ain’t got something nice to say, don’t say nothing at all.”
A fun fact: I can spin a basketball with my finger! Lol

Julie

Graphic Designer

I was born and raised in Greensburg, PA. I have 3 little boys that are my whole world!
Education: TheArt Institute of Pittsburgh
What I like most about dentistry: The feeling you get knowing you have a healthy smile. Health is so important!
My favorite place or favorite getaway: Myrtle Beach it’s been a family fav. the past 5 years
Favorite hobby/pastime: Painting, books, baking, cooking, going to watch my kids play baseball
What I love about Pittsburgh: PNC park, Stage AE, PPG Place, Kennywood, so many good places that I have great memories as a kid and now share them with my kids
Favorite sports team: Pittsburgh, Steelers! 
Favorite restaurant: Nakama, Cheesecake Factory, Waffle House
Favorite movie: Fools Rush In, Black Sheep, Stepbrothers 
Favorite music: Punk
Favorite app or social media site: Instagram
My bucket list: Do missionary work in Africa
Favorite quote: "For beautiful eyes, look for good in others; For beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge you're never alone." - Audrey Hepburn

Zoe

Cheerful Patient Greeter, Loyal Friend, and Therapy Dog

I was born in Reading, PA.
Family: The awesome humans on the Smiles by Hart Team.
Education: Working on it with the help of lots of treats.
What I like most about dentistry: The patients! They tell me I’m adorable and I get lots of attention.
My happy place or favorite getaway: other than on a patients lap …  in the yard chasing squirrels real and imagined
Favorite Hobby / Pastime: I love a good fetch and return game and watching Animal Planet is up there too. I am particularly fond of hanging my head out the car window.
What I love about Pittsburgh: I get to go to work everyday, so I’m never home alone. Wearing winter sweaters isn’t too shabby either.
Favorite Restaurant: Starbucks puppuccino is pretty good and Brew Dogs is a close second
Favorite Sports Team: Steelers and Penguins … Duh! My pawrents scream pretty loud every time they score so it’s super exciting! 
Favorite Movie: Marley & Me
My favorite social media site: Instagram: #smilesbyhart.pittsburgh #cavalier_life
My Bucket List: Go to the Westminister Dog Show 
Favorite quote: “It’s a dog’s world people just live in it”
“Be the person your dog thinks you are.” -C.J. Frick