We’ve chosen to have a large team because it allows us to deliver the best service and care for our patients at Blue Back Dental. Whether you’re talking to the front desk or working with an assistant or hygienist, you can trust that you have 100% of their attention and focus. They’ll take the time to learn about your needs and strive to meet them without you even having to ask. Before you meet our West Hartford and Avon dental team members in person, you can learn more about them below.
Kelsey, Clinical Manager
Kelsey is our tried-and-true Clinical Manager, where she oversees our technology, equipment, and clinical care systems to ensure seamless, high-quality patient experiences. Her dental journey began in 2012 in the orthodontic field before expanding into general dentistry. This diverse background gave her the comprehensive insight and hands-on expertise that paved the way for her leadership role today.
Dedicated to excellence in patient care and team support, Kelsey takes pride in creating an environment where patients not only receive exceptional care but leave with a smile. Her commitment to professional growth is reflected in her membership with the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM), where she continues to expand her knowledge and stay ahead of industry advancements.
Kelsey comes from a big, close-knit family with two brothers, two sisters—and fun fact—she’s an identical twin! She cherishes time spent with her family, friends, and her loyal pup, Bodie. When she’s not at the office, you’ll likely find her outdoors, making the most of New England’s seasons—especially hiking and kayaking during the summer.
Front Office
Jennifer, Front Desk Lead
Jennifer heads our office’s front desk team. She’s highly skilled thanks to her prior patient coordinator experience and continuing education. The result is that she happily works each day so patients receive optimal dental care in a positive environment.
Raised in nearby Newington, Jennifer currently lives with her husband and two children. She often joins them for family walks and summer evenings around the fire. Otherwise, her downtime hobbies include running, baking, reading, and traveling. When she gets the chance, she likes to plan parties as well! Jennifer is one of the Blue Back Dental “moms” who often brings in homemade treats or bagels for her beloved colleagues.
Cindy, Treatment Coordinator
Cindy is a dedicated treatment coordinator, and her contributions to dentistry began over thirty years ago. Once she graduated from Asnuntuck Community College, she devoted herself to helping patients with treatment planning and financing. She continues to do so, as she wants to help patients navigate dental insurance and finance options for their recommended dental treatment.
A native of Enfield, Cindy now has two adult children and two grandchildren who live near her. She loves being with them, not to mention hiking in local parks and practicing martial arts. Karate has been especially fruitful, as she’s now a 2nd-degree black belt!
Laritza, Patient Coordinator
Laritza, with her background as a certified dental assistant, knows her way around clinical and administrative tasks. More recently, her experience has expanded to include knowledge of insurance and treatment plans. She believes the best thing about her job is being able to help patients and interact with them.
Born in Cuba, Laritza moved to our state just before she started with Blue Back Dental. She has two terrific sons with her husband, an army veteran. When she’s off the clock, she likes playing board games, watching movies, hiking, and hosting cookouts.
Brooke, Treatment Coordinator
Brooke is a valued member of our treatment coordinator team and is passionate about her role at the office. She always strives to help patients understand their treatment and receive high-quality dental care.
Brooke has done a lot of traveling since she was little, so she herself doesn’t know her “hometown.” Still, she does have her companions – a Dachshund named Callie and a Great Pyrenees mix named Ellie! Many of her off-hours are spent with them, though she also makes time for traveling and going to concerts.
Tatiana, Patient Coordinator
When you need help with appointments and scheduling, you can count on Tatiana to get the job done. As part of our dedicated staff, she’s demonstrated skills in front desk work and dental assistant duties. Even better, she maintains a strong passion for the dental field. She values connecting with patients and helping them meet their needs.
Tatiana grew up in Springfield as part of a blended family. In concrete terms, that meant having five brothers, a dad who’s a twin, and a mom with seven siblings! Of course, she loves them to bits and enjoys various hobbies – outdoor adventures, art museums, Marvel movies, and more.
Jenna, Patient Coordinator
Jenna excels as our office’s patient coordinator. Her drive and interest as well as her education at the University of Connecticut inspire her efforts. She believes the best thing about Blue Back Dental is our focus on quality patient care!
As a native of Southington, Jenna has plenty to do when she’s not working. Her hobbies include reading, movie-watching, and time with friends and family. Some of her pursuits are collegiate, too, as her previous background was in higher education.
Kayla, Patient Coordinator
A Connecticut native, Kayla pursued her studies at Manchester Community College and Central Connecticut State University. At the beginning of her career in dentistry, she worked as a dental assistant before making her way toward the clerical end. She found her passion in dental insurance, and she now loves using everything she has learned to ensure each patient is well informed about what their dental plan offers.
Kayla, her fiancé, and their cat all reside in West Hartford. As for hobbies, she loves hanging out at home with friends and doing fun crafts and art projects around the house. Here’s something interesting about her: she can sing almost every Disney or Broadway musical song!
Pamela, Patient Coordinator
Pamela is from Southwick, MA, and she’s been part of the world of dentistry for a decade and counting. Her favorite thing about her job is being able to connect with patients while making them feel at ease and comfortable coming to the office for their treatments. She studied at the University of Phoenix and has even attended Yankee Dental Congress numerous times for continuing education in dental customer service and insurance.
Away from the office, Pamela is married, has a son in college, two stepchildren, and pet owner of four dogs and two goats. She enjoys going on hikes with her husband and dogs, cooking and hanging out with family and friends, running, practicing yoga, and attending barre classes. She loves the beach and enjoys traveling to the Caribbean Islands, especially Jamaica. She is also a real estate agent on the side!
Shannon, Treatment Plan Coordinator
Born and raised in Claremont, NH, Shannon has three decades of experience in the dental field under her belt. She began her dental career quite young and was a chairside assistant. After finding out she and her husband were starting a family, they moved and she worked at an office in West Hartford to continue her dental assisting career. She’s undergone various continuing education courses, worked with specialists, and is certified in X-rays and OSHA. She was also the lead dental assistant for many years before becoming a treatment plan coordinator.
At home, Shannon has a wonderful husband, three beautiful daughters, two stepchildren, and three grandchildren. She also has a furry pet named Luma! Other than helping others, she absolutely loves the ocean and traveling with friends and family. She likes cooking, gardening, and sitting around a fire while enjoying cheese and wine. She also loves helping and giving to others and being part of her congregation in Canton is incredibly fulfilling.
Dental Assistants
Tracey, Dental Assistant
Tracey is an amazing dental assistant who has been with Blue Back Dental for well over a decade. She is certified through the Dental Assistants National Board (DANB). Her educational background has been reinforced over the years with many additional continuing education courses. Thanks to these efforts, she’s able to delight in helping patients achieve their optimal oral health.
Raised in Rocky Hill, Tracey is married and has two beautiful daughters. She loves to cook, bake, read, take photos, and dance. Tracey also loves all things Disney, whether it’s the movies, songs, or parks. We love Tracey for her dedication, work ethic, and stellar sense of humor.
Watch Video About TraceyDonna, Dental Assistant
Donna is one of our dedicated dental assistants who has worked in dentistry for over 30 years! She is very skilled due to her time at Tunxis Community College and having completed several continuing education courses through the years. As a result, she can help our dentists deliver excellent quality dentistry.
Donna is from Bristol and has two grown children and a devoted boyfriend. Outside the office, she loves to cook labor-intensive meals. You could also find her gardening, reading, or taking walks with her dog in the local area. As for something more strenuous, she often devotes herself to alpine sliding and zip-lining!
Katiria, Dental Assistant
Katiria has worked as a dental assistant for nearly twenty years. That experience is evident in her skills, which were first honed by her education at Lincoln College of New England. She considers her teammates and patients the best part of her job.
From Meriden of New Haven County, Katiria is happy with her home life. She’s a proud mom of three handsome military sons and loves doting on her granddaughter. Otherwise, she stays active through Zumba, boxing, and HIIT classes.
Cece, Dental Assistant
Cece is a fantastic dental assistant. Once she finished her studies at the American Institute, she gained certification in dental assisting in only a year or so. She quite likes her current position, considering her fellow team members to be the best part of her job.
Cece has lived in Hartford for much of her life. In her downtime, she’s passionate about traveling and her family. One unique fact about her is that she rode horses for over seven years.
Kelsea, Dental Assistant
Kelsea does excellent work as a dental assistant, thanks in no small part to her education at the American Institute. She strongly believes in helping patients have a comfortable and positive dental experience.
Kelsea is originally from Daytona Beach, and she has plenty of hobbies – arts and crafts, hiking, and more! Her spare time is also devoted to her two cats, both of whom she loves to spoil.
Christine, Dental Assistant
Christine, or Chrissy, is a certified dental assistant with over two decades of experience. Since graduating from the dental program at Tunxis Community College, she’s taken various continuing education courses and earned several certifications. Consequently, her time with us has been joyful as she works with what she considers the best dental team.
Though raised in Newington, Chrissy and her husband live in nearby Berlin. When they aren’t working, the two spend time with their puppies, host loved ones, and enjoy birdwatching in relaxation. Once upon a time, Christine sang in her church’s choir and did so at the White House!
Samantha, Dental Assistant
Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Samantha loves the creativity involved in helping patients achieve their best smiles. Getting to meet new people at the office while implementing different techniques is incredibly exciting for her, and she also likes having a positive impact on the lives of others. She studied at the University of Connecticut, earning her Bachelor of Science in Allied Health. She is also certified in ICE, Radiation Health & Safety, and Basic Life Support.
Outside of dentistry, Samantha loves spending time with her friends and family. Her hobbies involve cooking and crocheting. She is a guitarist and was once an amateur boxer!
Aleyna, Dental Assistant
Born and raised in New Britain, Aleyna is a hands-on learner who built her dental career from the ground up. She began by jumping straight into clinical work, quickly mastering the skills needed through real-world experience. Her drive and determination helped her earn all the certifications needed to become a skilled dental assistant. Known for her warm, caring nature, Aleyna takes pride in helping patients feel comfortable and confident about their smiles.
Outside the clinic, Aleyna is a proud dog mom to her playful Golden Retriever Louie and cherishes time spent with her close-knit family. She’s an avid reader and binge-watcher, always on the hunt for her next favorite book or show. When the sun is shining, you’ll likely find her jogging along scenic routes or planting new blooms in her garden.
Dental Hygienists
Michele, Lead Dental Hygienist
Michele has been a part of the dental world for over thirty years! She graduated from the Westbrook College of Dental Medicine with certification in local anesthesia. Along with her continuing education courses, her skill and experience allow her to do top-notch work for our patients’ smiles.
Since spending her childhood in Bristol, Michele has raised and enjoyed her wonderful family. That group includes her husband, Tom, and her four children – Leah, Luke, Lyle, and Lucy. When she gets time away from the office, she spends much of it with them.
Rachel, Dental Hygienist / Clinical Director of Hygiene
Rachel excels in both of her roles, having degrees in dental hygiene and Healthcare Administration. She’s even served as the Connecticut Dental Hygienists Association secretary for multiple years.
Born in Cheshire, Rachel now lives with her husband and two adorable dogs. She tends to rock climb, run trails, and garden in her spare time. That last activity is especially big as Rachel has over forty houseplants!
Lucy, Dental Hygienist
Lucy has earned many accolades in dental school and has her degree and certifications in local anesthesia, CPR, AED, and first aid. Lucy also volunteers for Mission of Mercy and takes many continuing education classes. As a result, she’s well-equipped to give patients the education she believes is crucial to oral health.
Connecticut-born and raised, Lucy lives with her husband and two sons. In her non-work hours, she likes to create art ranging from paintings and pottery to photographs. She also considers herself a music lover, having an eclectic palate that lets her enjoy many genres.
Renee, Dental Hygienist
Renee exudes a deep passion for dentistry and has both a dental degree and local anesthesia certification. Every day in our office, she loves getting to help people and make them feel confident in their smiles.
Renee lives locally with her husband Brandon, her son Beau, and a dog named, Baloo. As for non-dental hobbies, she likes family time and touring the Connecticut wine trail. Staying active with frequent workouts is another passion.
Lindsey, Dental Hygienist
Lindsey is an experienced dental hygienist, and better yet, she also has a local anesthesia certification and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She loves to make people feel great about their smiles.
A Farmington resident, Lindsey has a loving husband and three sweet sons. She deeply enjoys hiking and biking with them, running road races, and spending time at the beach. A fun fact about her is that she makes silly, dental-related social media videos with her colleagues!
Jenn, Dental Hygienist
Jenn earned her dental degree from the University of Bridgeport. She’s a past recipient of the Colgate Star Award, which acknowledges students who’ve shown excellence in the oral hygiene profession. As always, her daily goal is to provide optimal and compassionate care to all her patients.
Today, Jenn resides in Naugatuck with her husband Steven, sons Nolan and Blake, cat Bella, and dog Arrow. Outside the office, she likes to spend time with family, garden, and practice yoga.
Ana, Dental Hygienist
Ana earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of New Haven and studied at the Kois Center. After providing free dental care to Arizona’s Navajo nation, she joined our practice.
Ana was born and raised right here in Connecticut. In terms of interests, she loves to go on adventures and travel. (Her current goal is to visit all of the national parks.) If she’s not hiking with her dog, Hocus, you’ll likely find them at home with her cat, Blueberry.
Melissa, Dental Hygienist
As a hygienist, Melissa loves getting to know her patients over time while also helping them feel good about their oral health. She has her Associates in Dental Hygiene from Tunxis Community College and regularly keeps up to date with the latest continuing education courses. She’s been working in this wonderful field for over a decade now!
Melissa and her husband, Scott, have known each other since high school, and they have a son named Tommy and an English Bulldog named Seamus. When she isn’t busy caring for teeth, her favorite hobbies include hanging out with loved ones, going to Cape Cod in the summers, and visiting Connecticut’s various vineyards and breweries. She also has a love of dancing, having practiced it for over 20 years at her grandmother’s studio.
Joann, Dental Hygienist
Joann graduated with honors from Tunxis Community College with a degree in dental hygiene. During her time in school, she was able to intern at the Community Health Clinic of New London as well as volunteer at different vaccination sites during the COVID-19 quarantine. Today, she is certified in local anesthesia and currently working on acquiring more continuing education credits that will help her further her knowledge so she can better help her patients.
Joann was raised in Puerto Rico by her mom who ended up being the first person in her family to go to college, and her dedication to being independent and improving herself was a big influence. Her mom and stepdad met and college, and because he was in the army, Joann and her two sisters moved around a lot when they were young. Today, she loves to dance, ride her road bike, do karaoke, and spend time with her closest friends watching K-dramas.
Samantha, Dental Hygienist
Sarah, Dental Hygienist
Born and raised in Ware, MA, Sarah attended Springfield Technical Community College to earn her associate’s degree in dental hygiene. She’s also certified in local anesthesia and is a graduate student pursuing her master’s degree in dental hygiene. Her favorite thing about her job is helping patients take control of their oral health and seeing them happy about their smiles.
Sarah and her husband have been together since 2016, and they live together with their beautiful baby daughter and their dog and cat. Outside of dentistry, she loves to spend time with family and friends, participating in game nights, crafting, and trying new restaurants. One fun fact about her is that before she found dental hygiene, she originally wanted to pursue classical studies focusing on Roman civilization and took 6 years of Latin!
Kirsten, In Memoriam, Former Office Manager
