Meet Surfside Pediatric Dentistry

I am from Nebraska but moved away for a career in the Air Force. I spent the majority of my service in Italy and Spain maintaining C-141’s and C-5’s. After my military retirement, I joined Ford Motor company and managed the distribution of their parts network. I retired again to be close to grandchildren and now call Tybee Island home and love living on the beach. My experience in logistics helps the Surfside team navigate the complexities of insurance reimbursement.

I’m from Arizona, but I’ve lived in Georgia for 8 years. I’m married with 3 kids and love reading, chocolate, and letting loose with my kids on roller coasters and bungee jumping! I enjoy working with kids because of how funny they can be, it keeps my job interesting! I love working at Surfside and hope you enjoy coming here too!

Hi my name is Jamie. Originally from Kentucky I moved to Brunswick in 2016. My boyfriend and I have 2 dogs, Cooper and Dolly. I’ve always loved being around children and as a Patient Care Coordinator I get to have a part in giving them the self confidence of having a healthy smile. After all, your smile is your best accessory!

Fun Fact: If I’m not spoiling my dogs I enjoy watching investigative shows.

I am originally from rural Pennsylvania, where I grew up on a farm. As an Army spouse, I have lived with my family in various parts of the country and relocated to Coastal Georgia. Most of my free time is spent running my boys between practices and games or coordinating events for military families. My absolute favorite thing about the opportunity to work in pediatrics is the laughter – the giggles are the greatest!

Fun Fact: I recently completed my degree in Business & Human resources and I enjoy utilizing it to enhance access to care for the children we serve!

Genelle is an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant from Blakely, GA. Receiving her certification from Savannah Technical College in 2013, she has practiced as a dental assistant in pediatric dentistry for 6 years. She enjoys making dentistry fun and providing children with the opportunity to have healthy smiles. Although dentistry is her passion, during her spare time Genelle enjoys cosmetology, karaoke, and spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and her mother.

Fun fact: Genelle enjoys baking desserts.

Cortney is a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) and is originally from Brunswick, GA. She currently resides in Waycross, GA with her husband, step-son, and precious pup Piper. Her favorite thing about working with children is watching the fear that some may have transform to excitement throughout each dental visit.

Fun Fact: She groomed her family cat at the age of three and has since been banned from using scissors for all eternity.

Fun Fact: Alexis is an aunt of five!

Born in New Jersey, but raised in Oklahoma, Jill graduated from Savannah Technical College with a Dental Hygiene Associate of Science degree and is a Certified Dental Assistant through the American Red Cross.

Fun Fact: Jill has visited twelve countries, four continents in total, and hopes to travel to all seven. From a military family, Jill lived in Okinawa, Japan from ages 12 to 16 years old.

Born in Beaufort SC, but raised in Georgia, I graduated from Savannah Technical College with an Associate of science degree in Dental Hygiene. I’m bilingual in Spanish and English. I love working with children because they are so full of life. During my free time I like traveling, baking and spending time with my family.

Fun fact: My favorite animal is a Great White Shark, and my dream is to go swimming with one!

A California native, Ms. Kaitlyn joined the Surfside team a little over a year ago! While Kaitlyn is currently completing her bachelors program online, her uncle, Dr. Adam, owner of Surfside Kids, offered her a position, starting out as Sterilization Tech and quickly climbing the ladder to Dental Assistant. She quickly fell in love with dentistry and now aspires to become a dentist one day, specifically in pediatrics. Kaitlyn particularly loves to see her patients develop a healthy association with the dentist and works to eliminate their fears.

Fun fact: Kaitlyn loves to knit!

Fun Fact: Shalina performed backup vocals and tambourine in a classic rock band.

Ms. Molly was born and raised in Shellman Bluff and recently moved to Jesup. When she was a kid, she always loved going to the dentist. Since a young age, she knew she wanted to work with kids in some capacity as an adult. Molly loves the spontaneity of children. They’re funny, full of life and always keep you on your toes – she looks forward to her job each day!

Fun Fact: Molly traveled throughout the southeast playing softball!

Ashley was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, but spent most of her life in eastern Kentucky. There, she attended Eastern Kentucky University and received her Bachelors in Elementary Education. Ashley taught 4th and 5th grade for 4 years before transitioning into the dental field. She has always found teeth fascinating and loves the environment that Surfside provides for their kiddos! She is married to her wonderful husband, Michael, whose military career brought them to Richmond Hill. Additionally, Ashley is a self-taught baker and photographer! She makes cakes for several different occasions and enjoys taking pictures for friends and family. She attends CrossFit Hightide in Richmond Hill and enjoys running half-marathons.

Fun Fact: Ashley is related to the country music stars, June Carter and Johnny Cash!

Marisa was born and raised in Coastal Georgia. In her free time, she enjoys shopping and hanging out with her family and dog, Mae. She has always loved working with children, but shortly after starting at Surfside Kids, she discovered how much she loves the dental field!

Fun fact: Marisa’s a new aunt to a sweet baby girl named Dallas Rae!

Dr. Pepper, the beach, and plants. She is so thankful for the opportunity to work at Surfside with such amazing people, and hopes you love it as much as she does.

Fun fact: Wendy loves video games and even gets paid for playing!

Patient Care Coordinator
Theawanza, nicknamed “Thea”, was born and raised in Brunswick, Georgia. She is a graduate of Brunswick High School, 2002. “Go Pirates!” Thea is the mother of four amazing children, and has three cats and a dog. At a young age, Thea accepted Christ as her personal Savior, and wakes up everyday with a spirit of positivity and great expectations. As a believer, she knows that she can do all things through Christ who strengthens her. As a child, she was called the “Baby Whisperer” because of her innate ability to calm them down. Subsequently, Thea discovered her passion for working with children. They are smart, fun, energetic, and help teach adults life lessons. In the future, Thea plans to go back to college and finish her massage therapy degree.

Fun Fact: Thea is a freedom fighter. The Aunt of the late Ahmaud Arbery (2/23/20), Thea began a non-profit organization called Relentless Sistahood that helps families in need.