Dental Hygienist
Maria, CRDH
Maria brings a rare depth of experience to the Smiles of Winter Haven team — one rooted in a lifelong dedication to dentistry and a genuine desire to improve the lives of her patients. Originally from Valencia, Venezuela, she earned her general dentist license from the Universidad de Carabobo in 2008, and in 2017 expanded her credentials by becoming a Registered Dental Hygienist in Florida. With over 15 years in the field across a variety of dental settings, she combines broad clinical knowledge with the kind of adaptability that makes her an invaluable member of any team.
For Maria, dentistry has always been about more than teeth. She is deeply passionate about oral health education, not as a box to check, but as a meaningful way to influence her patients’ overall well-being. Her emotional intelligence, compassion, and natural ability to connect with people allow her to meet patients where they are, making even the most anxious visitors feel respected and cared for. It’s this combination of clinical skill and genuine warmth that has defined her career from the start.
Outside the office, Maria is an avid traveler who loves discovering new places and soaking in different cultures. At home, she cherishes time with her husband, two children, and their beloved rescue pit bull. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Maria makes every patient feel understood and at ease, no matter their background.
Dental Hygienist
Mandy, CRDH
Mandy brought her passion for patient care and oral health education to the Smiles of Winter Haven team in 2025. She holds an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene and an Associate in Arts from Florida SouthWestern State College, and is certified in both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Local Anesthesia — credentials that allow her to deliver care that is as safe and comfortable as it is thorough.
Mandy’s commitment to dentistry runs deeper than technique. She believes strongly that oral health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, and she is especially driven to help patients who struggle with dental anxiety. With a gentle touch and clear, honest communication, she works to transform what can feel like a stressful experience into one that feels supportive and even empowering. Her goal is for every patient to leave not only with a healthier smile, but with the confidence and motivation to keep it that way.
Originally from South Dakota, Mandy made Florida home in 2010 and has embraced everything the Sunshine State has to offer. A certified PADI Open Water Diver, she feels just as at home beneath the ocean’s surface as she does on land — where you might find her hiking, gardening, or tending to her latest quilting project. Creative and curious by nature, she also loves painting and drawing, and has a soft spot for animals of all kinds. Her wide-ranging sense of wonder and care for living things extends naturally into everything she does for her patients.
office manager
Sonya
Sonya is the backbone of Smiles of Winter Haven — a proud Hillsborough County native who brings over two decades of dental experience to her role as Office Manager. Her deep roots in the field have given her an intuitive understanding of both the clinical and operational sides of dentistry, allowing her to keep the practice running smoothly while ensuring every patient feels welcomed from the moment they walk through the door.
Sonya’s investment in dentistry extends well beyond her own career. She has served as a Dental Assistant instructor, sharing her expertise and experience to help shape the next generation of dental professionals — a role that speaks to both her mastery of the field and her genuine desire to give back to it.
Outside the office, Sonya is an enthusiastic football fan who loves cheering on her favorite teams. But above all else, her greatest joy is time spent with her grandchild — especially showing up to cheer him on at his weekend sporting events. That same energy and dedication she brings to the sidelines is exactly what she brings to work every day.
Patient Care Coordinator
Mary
With three decades of experience in dentistry, Mary brings a rare, well-rounded perspective to her role as Patient Care Coordinator at Smiles of Winter Haven. Having worked as both a Dental Assistant and a Sterilization Technician over the course of her career, she understands the inner workings of a dental practice from every angle — and that depth of knowledge is something patients feel from their very first interaction with her.
Mary is the kind of person who makes the complicated feel simple. She has a true gift for breaking down the often confusing world of dental insurance, ensuring patients leave every conversation fully informed about their coverage, their options, and what to expect. Her fluency in both front- and back-office operations means she’s always one step ahead, quietly making sure every visit goes smoothly for patients and staff alike.
Originally from Miami, Mary was drawn to the slower pace and natural beauty of Central Florida — and she hasn’t looked back. When she’s not at the office, you’ll find her outdoors, soaking in the tranquility that first brought her here. It’s that same calm, grounded presence she carries into her work every day, making patients feel at ease from the very first phone call.
Dental Assistant
Starr
Since joining the Smiles of Winter Haven team in 2023, Starr has brought an energy and dedication to patient care that is impossible to miss. Her journey in dentistry began in 2020 as a Sterilization Technician — a behind-the-scenes role that gave her an appreciation for the precision and care that underpins every successful practice. From there, she grew into her current role as Patient Care Coordinator, and the blend of clinical awareness and front-office finesse she carries with her makes her an invaluable presence for both patients and colleagues.
For Starr, this work has always been personal. She was drawn to dentistry because she genuinely loves caring for people, and there’s something deeply fulfilling to her about helping someone walk away with a healthier, more confident smile. That sense of purpose shows up in everything she does — whether she’s coordinating appointments, guiding a patient through their treatment plan, or simply making someone feel at ease the moment they step through the door. Hardworking and team-first by nature, she takes quiet pride in knowing that her effort, in every role she’s held, has made a real difference.
Originally from St. Augustine, Starr has called the Jupiter area home since 2021 and has fully embraced the beauty of the region she lives in. Her favorite way to spend time outside the office is exploring everything Florida has to offer alongside her daughter — adventures that fuel the same warmth and enthusiasm she brings to work each day.
Dental Assistant
Omayra
Omayra bought more than two decades of experience in dentistry when she joined our team in 2025. She earned her Associate degree in Dental Assisting from Ponce Paramedical School in Puerto Rico and holds advanced training in Expanded Functions, equipping her to provide skilled, efficient support across a wide range of procedures. Her extensive background spans multiple dental offices, where she has consistently been known for delivering exceptional care with a genuine commitment to patient comfort.
For Omayra, dentistry is far more than a profession, it’s a calling. She finds deep fulfillment in helping people and takes pride in making every patient feel truly seen, safe, and at ease. Whether greeting someone at the start of their appointment or guiding them through treatment, she brings the same warmth, attentiveness, and clinical expertise to every interaction. Her goal is simple: to ensure that every patient leaves feeling better than when they arrived.
Originally from Ponce, Puerto Rico, Omayra’s journey has taken her through Chicago and North Carolina before she and her husband made Florida home. Outside the office, she loves spending time with her family, soaking up the beach, and staying active. Omayra is fluent in both English and Spanish.