MEET THE STAFF

Ashley has recently relocated from Colorado to Northern Virginia. She is the first smile to greet you when walking into the office. Ashley enjoys doing things outside, such as hiking and going to the beach in her free time. She also likes to spend her time traveling somewhere new or relaxing at home, crocheting a new blanket.

Karine recently moved to the Southern Maryland area from Virginia and brings over 20 years of dental experience, including 15 years in orthodontics. She is a passionate orthodontic professional who brings positive energy and a friendly presence to our office, helping patients feel comfortable and well cared for. Karine enjoys being part of a team that keeps things running smoothly while creating a great experience for every visit. Outside the office, she enjoys great food and staying active.

Torrie is the newest addition to our team and helps ensure we have everything we need to create beautiful smiles. In addition to serving as our Sterilization Technician, she also manages all of our office supply orders. New to the field of dentistry after a lifelong career as a veterinary technician, Torrie brings a passion for organization and care to our dental team. Her attention to detail and positive attitude, developed through years of working with animals, make her a valuable asset. She enjoys collaborating with her colleagues, spending time with her family, reading, and caring for all living creatures.

Adriana has proudly worked as a Certified Expanded Functions Orthodontic Assistant for over 20 years. She was born in Mexico and speaks fluent Spanish. She enjoys spending time with her husband of 15 years and her 4-year-old daughter. Before helping create beautiful smiles, she was a professional makeup artist for 8 years. Halloween is her favorite holiday, and she loves creating Special FX looks on herself. Some of Adriana’s favorite things are The Nightmare Before Christmas, Harry Potter, Disney movies, playing video games, and camping during the fall.

Vanessa is our front desk expert and often the first face patients see when they walk through the door. She creates a warm, welcoming environment by greeting patients, managing check-ins, and ensuring each visit runs smoothly from start to finish.
As a Treatment Coordinator, she guides patients through every step of their smile journey—from the initial consultation to understanding their personalized treatment plan. She works closely with the orthodontist to answer questions, explain options, and assist with scheduling and financial arrangements.
Vanessa is passionate about making every patient feel comfortable, informed, and cared for. She finds the greatest reward in building lasting relationships and watching patients gain confidence in their smiles.

With over 15 years of experience in dentistry, Nikki serves as the Clinical Manager at Patuxent Orthodontics and has been a valued member of the team for more than two years. She works across both the Maryland and Virginia offices, often at the center of operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly while helping patients feel right at home.

Nikki’s background spans multiple specialties, including extensive experience in oral surgery. She has also taught dental assisting and radiography at the college level. She is a Certified Orthodontic Assistant and holds certifications in radiography, ACLS, and anesthesia assisting.
Known for her energetic and outgoing personality, Nikki has a natural ability to connect with patients, especially children, making visits feel more relaxed and enjoyable. She is committed to creating a positive, comfortable experience while keeping appointments efficient and on schedule.

Behind the scenes, Nikki focuses on fostering strong patient relationships and collaborating with other practices to ensure seamless, coordinated care. Her goal is simple: to make every visit as easy, efficient, and stress-free as possible.

Outside of work, Nikki enjoys spending time with her family, gaming, mountain biking, and aquascaping.

Alana is passionate about creating a comfortable and positive experience for every patient she works with. With six years of experience in orthodontics, she focuses on building trust, easing anxieties, and making each visit as smooth as possible.

She brings a friendly, approachable attitude to her work and genuinely enjoys connecting with patients. Outside of the office, Alana loves reading and spending quality time with her family.