Experience a Highly-Credentialed Team

Shaleah Small | Clinical Assistant

As a talented and experienced Dental Assistant, Shaleah makes sure her patients feel at ease and comfortable during dental treatments. She is available to answer any questions you may have or to take care of any need during your time with us. Shaleah calls Beautiful Smiles her second home, and the rest of the dental team, her second family. An Invisalign® graduate, she is a wonderful resource for our patients. Outside of the office, Shaleah spends time with her fiancé, Andre, and their beautiful daughter, Arielle.

Meridith Hans | Insurance Coordinator

Meridith is incredibly valuable to our patients. She is responsible for coordinating with dental insurance providers and maximizing your insurance benefits so that you can focus on achieving the smile of your dreams. She is also one of the first members of our team who will greet you when you arrive. When she is not in the office, Meridith loves to bake, knit, read, and listen to music.

DeAna Nelson | Scheduling Coordinator

As scheduling coordinator, DeAna is responsible for organizing your treatment plan so that it fits your life. And,as the first face you will see welcoming you when you walk through our doors, DeAna will check you in and out during your appointment. A published author, paralegal, notary public, and mother of four, DeAna has a tremendous love of people and enjoys time with her family and many friends. She is very active in her church leadership and is a gifted writer whose poems touch all those who read them.

Kathy Merriam | Registered Dental Hygienist

As a Dental Hygienist, Kathy performs a wide array of tasks that provide you with excellent care and personalized attention. She enjoys sharing her extensive dental and health knowledge with all patients. Kathy started her hygiene career with Dr. Santiago a number of years ago, and she is now thrilled to be back with the team that was always like another family to her. Additionally, she has truly enjoyed reconnecting with so many of her former patients. With daughters off at college, Kathy also mentors dental hygiene students. Together with Phyllis Gerrol, she also participates in additional hygiene education throughout the year. Kathy spends her time with her husband and enjoys walking her old dog, Nutmeg.

Phyllis Gerrol | Registered Dental Hygienist

A Dental Hygienist, Phyllis gives you personalized care that begins with talking about your dental concerns and tailoring her care to your special needs. Phyllis takes time to help you learn how to best care for your smile. Her enthusiasm for continuing education is a boon to all of us, as well as to her patients.

A gardener and cook, Phyllis supplies the dental team with amazing snacks, healthy snacks. She keeps us all laughing with her humorous stories. She enjoys spending time with her two children and her two grandchildren, and she also enjoys taking photos of the bears who visit in her neighborhood.

Hinda Jaskina | Clinical Assistant

Having been assisting dentists since she was in high school, Hinda finds that being in dentistry allows her to take care of patients. She enjoys ensuring their comfort and helping them understand to better understand their treatment. Patients know that their dental visit is her top priority, as evident by her abilities to set them at ease with friendly conversation and her gentle nature. Everyone who is around feels her positive energy.

Hinda grew up in West Hartford and has lived in Simsbury for most of her life with her husband and two beloved sons, Brandon and Andrew. Her household includes three dogs, birds and tropical fish as well as occasional additions to the menagerie.

Hinda is passionate about good health and nutrition. She enjoys working out, riding her bike, staying fit, and preparing healthy meals for her family. We, at the office, benefit from her helpful suggestions with regards to go dietary choices.