Meet the Team - Admin

We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.

We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.

Tara E.

Practice Manager

Tara, our dedicated Practice Manager with a rich background in the dental field since 2001. In 2006, Tara made Arizona her home and joined East Valley Periodontics in 2010, where she has been an integral part of our team.

Tara earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with an Emphasis on Management from Northern Arizona University and has a passion for leadership and team development. She is proud to be a member of the EVP team and loves working with our skilled and dedicated doctors and team members.

Outside of work, Tara treasures family time with her husband and three boys. They share a love for outdoor adventures such as hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and camping. Additionally, they enjoy recreational shooting, attending movies, and exploring car shows together.

Fun Fact: Before assuming her role as Practice Manager, Tara excelled as a Treatment Coordinator, Patient Care Coordinator, and Insurance Billing Specialist at East Valley Periodontics.

We are privileged to have Tara's expertise and dedication enriching our practice, ensuring exceptional care and a supportive environment for our patients and team alike.

Shelby D.

Professional Relationship Director

Shelby, our dedicated Professional Relationship Director who serves as the vital link between our office and our referring practices. With over two decades of experience in the dental field, starting from her teenage years, Shelby brings a wealth of knowledge and boundless enthusiasm to her role.

Shelby's passion for dentistry is rooted in her genuine enjoyment of interacting with patients and bringing smiles to their faces. Her lifelong ambition is to connect with as many people as possible, nurturing meaningful relationships along the way. She thrives in our practice's warm, family-like atmosphere and values teamwork and collaboration.

With a diverse background encompassing Orthodontics, General Dentistry, Marketing, and Periodontics, Shelby is exceptionally well-rounded and skilled. She is even a certified Dental Assistant, demonstrating her dedication and versatility. Whether she's visiting offices, assisting with surgeries, managing communications, or hosting continuing education seminars, Shelby's commitment is unmatched.

Outside of work, Shelby resides in Mesa with her high-school sweetheart-turned-husband, Nick, and their two sons, Mattix and Daxton. She treasures spending quality time with her family, making lasting memories outdoors, pursuing her passion for dirt bikes, and enthusiastically supporting football.

Shelby's life philosophy revolves around choosing happiness in the face of adversity. She is also deeply passionate about raising cancer awareness, having been personally affected by its impact on herself and loved ones.

We are privileged to have Shelby's vibrant Italian personality and unwavering dedication enriching our practice. Her presence ensures strong partnerships and exceptional care for our patients and referring colleagues alike.

Vanessa Z.

Insurance Specialist

Meet Vanessa, our dedicated Insurance Specialist with over 15 years of comprehensive experience in the dental field, spanning roles from front office to back office. Vanessa finds great fulfillment in interacting with our patients and has a remarkable talent for patient communication.

Many recognize Vanessa as the welcoming smile they first encounter upon walking through our doors. Before transitioning into her current role as our Insurance Specialist, she served as our trusted Patient Care Coordinator, showcasing her commitment to patient satisfaction and care.

Vanessa excels in navigating the complexities of insurance and effectively communicates with insurance companies to maximize patient benefits, ensuring a smooth and seamless process for our patients.

Outside of work, Vanessa cherishes her time with family. She is happily married and is the proud mother of two sons and a daughter. Their shared interests include camping, hiking, and attending her sons' sporting events. Vanessa's priority is to spend quality time with her loved ones whenever possible.

We are fortunate to have Vanessa's expertise and warm personality contributing to our practice, ensuring that our patients receive the highest level of care and support.

Jenn R.

Insurance Specialist

Meet Jenn: Our Billing Specialist at EVP. Jenn has called Arizona home since 2016, after making the move from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. With a career in dentistry that began in 2000, Jenn has developed a deep appreciation for the people, both patients and colleagues, that make the field so rewarding.

At EVP, Jenn excels as our Billing Specialist, where she thrives in an environment filled with talented professionals who value and support each other. She loves working with a team that not only appreciates each other’s contributions but also shares her commitment to excellence in patient care.

Outside of the office, Jenn enjoys spending quality time with her husband and kids, diving into a good book, or catching the latest movie. She’s a dedicated follower of New England sports teams “GO Patriots!” She has a special place in her heart for country music and Motown.

**Fun Fact:** Jenn is the second oldest of four sisters, which has made her a natural people pleaser.

Jenn’s enthusiasm for her role and her vibrant personality make her a valued member of our EVP team, where she brings both expertise and a warm, personal touch.

Rebecca C.

Treatment Coordinator- Mesa/Queen Creek

Meet Rebecca, a native Arizonan with a passion for dentistry and seven years of experience in the field. Her favorite aspect of dentistry is educating patients about their oral health, empowering them with knowledge.

Rebecca finds EVP to be her ideal workplace due to its systematic approach and the genuine kindness of everyone involved.

Outside of her professional life, Rebecca cherishes time with her daughters and eagerly anticipates the arrival of her baby boy. Family is central to her life, and they enjoy activities like camping, attending races, and going on rides together.

A fun fact about Rebecca: She has a creative side and loves crafting using her Cricut machine, making personalized items such as shirts, cups, and signs.

We are delighted to have Rebecca as part of our team, bringing her dedication to patient care and her creative flair to enhance our practice.

Stefanie A.

Treatment Coordinator- Mesa

Meet Stefanie, a dedicated treatment coordinator with 29 years of experience in the dental field. As an Arizona native, Stefanie brings a wealth of knowledge and a personal touch to her role at EVP. Her favorite aspect of dentistry is the opportunity to connect with and support patients throughout their treatment journeys, ensuring they feel cared for and understood.

Stefanie deeply values the excellent standard of care at EVP, where each team member genuinely prioritizes patient well-being. When she’s not making a difference with patient care, Stefanie enjoys spending quality time with her son and extended family. Her hobbies include baking sourdough bread, delving into a good book, and exploring new places through travel.

A true warrior and colon cancer survivor, Stefanie embodies resilience and strength.

Fun fact: if given the chance, she would love to embrace her inner farmer!

We are privileged to have Stefanie on our team, as her spunk, experience, and unwavering commitment make her an invaluable member of our EVP family!

Allison H.

Treatment Coordinatior-Mesa

Meet Allison, she grew up in AZ and moved back east for 16 years, then moved back to Arizona to escape the snow and enjoy the sunshine once more in 2017..

With a career in dentistry that began in 2000 as a dental assistant, Allison made the transition to the front office in 2023. At EVP, she thrives as our Treatment Coordinator, where her passion for organization and teamwork shines brightly. She loves how seamlessly the office operates, and her appreciation for our supportive and efficient environment makes her an invaluable part of our team.

Outside of work, Allison finds joy in reading, camping, organizing, and cross-stitching. She is a firm believer in treating others with kindness and inclusivity, always striving to make everyone feel valued and welcome.

**Fun Fact:** Allison is a proud mom to three kids, plus her niece and nephew, making her household lively and full of love. She’s also a Game of Thrones fan with a strong opinion—she’d definitely sign a petition to remake Season 8. (Bran as king? Not on her watch!)

Allison’s dedication to her role, combined with her warm personality and diverse interests, make her a standout member of the EVP family.

Angelica "Angie" L.

Patient Care Coordinator- Mesa

Meet Angie, originally from Santa Ana, California, now residing in Chandler, Arizona. With four years in the dental field, Angie has quickly become a valued and hardworking member of our front office team.

Angie's aspiration over the next five years is to graduate from hygiene school and pursue a career as a dental hygienist, potentially right here at EVP. She admires the positivity and camaraderie within our team, noting that "everyone is always smiling." Angie takes pride in interacting with patients during check-ins and check-outs, finding joy in receiving compliments about our team.

Beyond dentistry, Angie has a passion for archaeology, viewing the study of the past as integral to understanding the future. She was particularly inspired by her visit to the Teotihuacan Pyramids, marveling at the incredible culture they represent. One of her pet peeves is littering, reflecting her respect for the environment.

Outside of work, Angie leads an active lifestyle, routine 5 am morning walks with her goldendoodle Mando. She enjoys reading self-development books, going to the gym, and unwinding with movies. She also enjoys taking spontaneous trips to the beach!

We are privileged to have Angie as part of our team at EVP, where her dedication, enthusiasm for patient care, and passion for learning enrich our practice.

Crystal A.

Patient Care Coordinator- Queen Creek

Meet Crystal, originally from Washington State, who has called Arizona home for over 12 years. With over 18 years of experience in the dental field, Crystal brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for helping patients achieve both health and confidence in their smiles.

Crystal finds great fulfillment in her role at EVP, citing the friendly and supportive environment where "it definitely feels like family."

Outside of work, Crystal's greatest joy is spending time with her three boys, supporting them in their sports activities and bonding over card games. Apart from her family, Crystal is deeply committed to causes close to her heart, including Relay for Life and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Fun Fact: Crystal is a proud mom to three boys, keeping her active and engaged both at home and in her community.

We are privileged to have Crystal as part of our EVP team, where her dedication to patient care and her passion for making a difference shine through in all she does.

Staci M.

Patient Care Coordinator- Mesa

Meet Staci, originally from Nebraska—where she proudly supports her alma mater, Go Big Red! With over 25 years of experience in the dental field, Staci has worked both in the back office and at the front desk, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a warm, welcoming demeanor to our practice.

Staci's passion lies in ensuring every patient feels welcomed and leaves with a smile. She deeply values the professionalism of our doctors and the caring, supportive atmosphere among our team at EVP.

Outside of work, Staci resides in Mesa with her husband, her best friend of over 25 years, and their two daughters. She also adores her role as a grandma. In her leisure time, Staci enjoys hiking, kayaking, motorcycling, lounging poolside, and cherishing moments with friends and family.

We are privileged to have Staci as an integral part of our EVP family, where her dedication to patient care and her vibrant personality contribute to exceptional experiences for our patients and team alike.

Elizabeth "Elzie" M.

Patient Care Coordinator- Mesa

Meet Elzie, a Tucson native whose journey in the dental field began in 2012, starting out in a Pediatric Dental office. Elzie finds joy in dentistry, particularly in seeing patients smile. As a valued Front Office Check-Out Patient Care Coordinator at EVP, she ensures each patient's visit concludes on a positive note.

Elzie's fondness for EVP is rooted in the familial atmosphere of the team. She appreciates how everyone supports one another, making it feel like a second family.

Outside of her professional life, Elzie is an avid adventurer. She enjoys hiking in Arizona's scenic landscapes, attending festivals and concerts, exploring new dining experiences, and embracing the outdoors.

Fun Fact: Elzie has a passion for Neuroscience and has been a vocal advocate for mental health, speaking publicly on this important topic.She also enjoys the thrill of salsa dancing.

We are privileged to have Elzie as part of our EVP family, where her enthusiasm for patient care and community involvement enriches our practice and enhances patient experiences.

Grace B.

Patient Care Coordinator-Mesa

Meet Grace is a true Arizona native, having spent her entire life in the Grand Canyon State. With 8 years of experience in the field of dentistry, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for patient care to her role as one of our Patient Care Coordinators at EVP.

At EVP, Grace finds great joy in interacting with patients and witnessing the transformative effect of restoring their smiles. She cherishes the close-knit, family-like atmosphere at the office, where the supportive and positive environment makes every day rewarding.

When she's not brightening smiles, Grace enjoys outdoor adventures with her family, including hiking, camping, and embarking on road trips. She has a special fondness for the festive spirit of Christmas in New York City and loves catching a good sports game.

**Fun Fact:** Halloween is Grace’s favorite holiday, and she embraces the season with enthusiasm. She’s also a proud mom to two wonderful daughters, who add joy and excitement to her life.

Grace’s commitment to making a difference in her patients’ lives and her vibrant, family-oriented spirit make her an essential part of our EVP team.

Missy M.

Patient Care Coordinator-Mesa/Queen Creek

Meet Missy, Patient Care Coordinator at East Valley Periodontics and brings five years of experience in the dental field. As an Arizona native, she is deeply connected to the community and has a true passion for helping others. Her favorite aspects of dentistry include building meaningful relationships with patients and being part of their journey to improved dental health and beautiful smiles. Missy values the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives and is committed to ensuring every patient feels cared for and supported. At EVP, she appreciates the welcoming and friendly atmosphere, where teamwork and mutual support are at the heart of everything the team does.

When Missy isn’t at work, she fills her time with a variety of hobbies and interests that reflect her adventurous and creative spirit. She enjoys taking dance classes, playing pickleball, exploring thrift stores for hidden treasures, paddleboarding on Arizona’s serene waters, and spending time outdoors reconnecting with nature.

A fun fact about Missy is her love for chickens—she had them as pets for five years, and they remain her favorite animal companions. Missy’s personal life is just as vibrant as her professional one. She met her spouse at Mesa Community College two decades ago, and they have since built a beautiful life together. They are proud parents of five children and share their home with a playful dog named Stella. Missy’s enthusiasm for life, dedication to her work, and love for her family make her an invaluable part of the EVP team.