Meet the Staff | Lifetime Smiles

Tammy

Patient Coordinator/ RDA

Lifetime Smiles has been my home since 1994. I started out as a registered dental assistant but now I am happy to greet you as your treatment coordinator. My dental experience started when I was in high school. My mom was an assistant and office manager for years and sparked my love for dentistry. I cannot imagine working with anyone else but Drs. McDonald and Mallakis. They are both compassionate, caring and a great dentists. I hope to be here for at least another 20 years with them.

I live in Escondido with my dogs Clyde, Holly and Mia. I am hoping to have chickens real soon! I have 2 children (well not children anymore). My daughter Brooke is 26 and lives in Iowa. My son JD is 24 and lives in Escondido. I enjoy being outdoors, boating on the river or going on motorcyle rides with my boyfriend. I hope to get my motorcycle license someday but for now I enjoy riding on the back!

I look forward to meeting you.

Jayme

Hygiene Coordinator/ RDA

Hi, my name is Jayme and I have been around dentistry my whole life! I have been part of the team at Lifetime Smiles since 2003. I started at a registered dental assistant and am now happy to greet you as your hygiene coordinator. Lifetime Smiles is my home away from home. Our patients and my co-workers are my second family and I feel fortunate to be part of this amazing organization and to work with such empathetic and compassionate doctors.

I live in Ramona with my wonderful husband and 2 daughters. Morgann is in college and loves volleyball. Our baby girl (Payton Skye) is in elementary school and such a joy to be around. In my free time, I find myself at track meets and volleyball games. I enjoy my horses, goats and dogs and love going to the desert and boating.

I look forward to meeting you!

Cynthia

Registered Dental Assistant

I have been in dentistry since 1995 and a Registered Dental Assistant for 15 of those years. I am proud and honored to be on the team at Lifetime Smiles where we practice compassionate, caring and beautiful dentistry.

My husband Dave and I live in Valley Center with our 4 kids and really enjoy the quiet and quaint little town feeling. When we are not working or looking after our kids we enjoy going to the desert and to the river. I also enjoy baking and crafts with my daughter Julie, and watching my son play water polo and surf. We all enjoy fishing together as a family and I have even been known to catch a few fish of my own!

I look forward to taking care of your smile at our office in Escondido.

Tony

Sterilization Tech

My name is Tony and I am the new kid on the block compared to my team members. I am the sterilization technician at our office and I tend to jump in and help out with just about anything I am asked of. I really have finally found my niche! My co-workers are amazing and I look forward to many years at Lifetime Smiles.

Blessed to say, I married my high school sweetheart and we have a beautiful 3 year old daughter Melanie or as we like to call her “MelMel.” We enjoy spending time together keeping Mel-Mel active with playing soccer, swimming lessons and anything she enjoys dong. When I’m not with my girls I enjoy spending time at the gym or on a hike, “my alone time” I like to call it!

Lindsay

Registered Dental Hygienist

As a hygienist, there is nothing more rewarding then earning the trust of my patients. And it always starts with being a part of a commited team that treats our patients as our own family. At Lifetime Smiles, I have had the privelege of working with exceptionally talented dental professionals and doctors since 2013. I can honestly say, it has become my second home. I believe “patient care” can be translated to “person care”- after all doesn’t our general health begin with our oral health?

When I’m not in the office, I am spending time in the great outdoors. Originally from Washington State, I am enjoying the warmer climate of San Diego and discovering its hidden gems. My husband, Ken, and daughter, Athena are my anchor. We love living with our four birds and two cats in Fallbrook.

Maureen

Registered Dental Hygienist

Hi, my name is Maureen. I have enjoyed working in the dental field for many years, first as a dental assistant and now for several years as a hygienist.

I grew up in Vista and went to school in Los Angeles to complete my dental hygiene education. My husband and I are long time residents of Escondido and are proud parents of our daughter who recently received a master’s degree in architecture.

As a Southern California native, I can’t imagine living too far from the beaches, mountains and desert. In my spare time I like playing tennis, hiking and reading. Lifetime Smiles is an office that I am happy to be a part of, as the focus is on quality, patient care, and the latest in dental technology and advancements is our number one priority.

Grant

Registered Dental Hygienist

Hello, my name is Grant Gill and I love being a Registered Dental Hygienist. I grew up in a family of dental professionals, so being a hygienist was a natural path for me. My hometown is Palm Desert and I currently live in San Marcos with my wife Leah. I have lived in San Diego for over 3 years and I love it.

I am so proud of being a part of Lifetime Smiles. I can honestly say that I couldn’t have asked to be on a better team of dental professionals. Our practice is solely patient focused, there is always laughter and fun, and most importantly the best today’s technology has to offer.

I look forward to meeting you and providing you with a great hygiene visit.

Ellie

Insurance Coordinator

My name is Ellie and I joined Lifetime Smiles family in 2017. I have been in dentistry for over 10 years and I absolutely love it! Helping people is a true passion of mine and the fact that we help patients achieve their best smile is an honor. I am happy to call Lifetime Smiles my home away from home. We have great patients and my coworkers are amazing people. We truly are like a family here and we cannot wait to welcome you into our office.

When I am not at the office, I love spending time with my three girls, Kaitlyn, Abigail, and Emma. We enjoy afternoons at the park, impromptu dance parties, snuggling with a movie, devouring ice cream, walking with our Golden Doodle CoCo and going to church. There is never a dull moment with my kiddos and I love it.

I look forward to meeting you and providing you with a great hygiene visit.

Ariana

Registered Dental Assistant

My name is Ariana Garcia and I have been a dental assistant for 8 years. I was fortunate enough to join Lifetime Smiles 3 years ago. I feel so grateful to be a part of this amazing and professional high tech team. I enjoy working with both doctors and my co-workers.

On a personal note, I have been married for 10 years to my wonderful husband Samuel. We have been blessed with our baby boy Samuel Jr. who is now 4 years old. As a family we all enjoy camping, riding horse, movies, and spending time with our loved ones.

I look forward to meeting you and providing you with the best dental experience!

Roxana

Registered Dental Hygienist

Hello, my name is Roxana and I have been working in dentistry for many years. I discovered my love of dentistry working as a dental assistant while being motivated to continue learning and growing in the dental field and becoming a dental hygienist. I am caring and dedicated to my patients, and love spending time with them, one-on-one. Being a dental hygienist offers me the opportunity to help my patients learn and grow in caring for their dental health. I am most happy when I see the results of my efforts, knowing that I am making a difference. And although not everybody may be ready to listen today, I never lose hope that one day they will.

I feel honored to be a part of a great and professional team of doctors and coworkers, and be able to help people achieve smiles for a lifetime at Lifetime Smiles.

I love spending time with my husband, daughter and our precious dog. I like reading, hiking, long walks on the beach, ice-skating and rollerblading. We also have an African grey parrot who keeps us entertained.

I look forward to providing you with a great dental experience and care that everyone deserves!

Wendy

Registered Dental Hygienist

My name is Wendy and I have been working as a registered dental hygienist for the past 20 years. I enjoy making people happy and informed on their oral health, leaving them with a reason to smile.

I have 3 busy boys and enjoy my duties of carpooling and attending their many sports commitments. Personally, I love being on water specially kayaking!