Meet Our Team

Our goal is to be committed, to treat all valued guests and our own team members with compassion, excellence and with quality of care. Our professionalism drives us to provide restoration, rejuvenating and a rewarding experience.

Administrative

Laurie: General Manager

Laurie joined Villanova Dental as our General Manager in April of 2023. Born in Ottawa, Laurie travelled to beautiful British Columbia in 2007 where she graduated with honors from the Dental Assisting program. After spending several years assisting chairside providing quality care to patients she transitioned to treatment coordinator. In this role she provided support for her patients to help them achieve their dental goals. Laurie’s years of patient focused care propelled her transition into management in 2020. Laurie loves spending her spare time with her husband, their daughter and their dog Apollo. She loves cooking, boating, snowboarding, reading and writing.


Kristy: General Manager

Kristy Registered Dental Hygienist

Kristy embarked on her dental education journey in 2001, achieving a Level 2 Dental Assisting certification. Driven by her unwavering passion for dentistry, she excelled in the dental hygiene program, graduating with honors in 2003. In 2010, Kristy became an integral part of the Villanova team, where she has continuously embraced opportunities for professional development through ongoing education and staying abreast of technological advancements. Throughout her tenure, Kristy’s dedication and expertise were recognized, leading her to assume the role of Dental Hygiene Team Leader in 2021. In this capacity, she not only applied her wealth of knowledge but also shared her love for dentistry with the growing hygiene team. Eager to embark on new challenges, Kristy has recently transitioned to a management role, embracing the opportunity for personal and professional growth, as well as contributing to the business development of the practice. She is enthusiastic about the prospects this new chapter holds and remains committed to advancing her skills in the dynamic field of dentistry.


Anne: Marketing Director

Anne, Marketing director

Anne has been in the dental field since 1990 as a Certified Dental Assistant. She returned to school in 2001 to become a Registered Nurse. Although her career has changed, dentistry has remained a major part of her life. Anne also participates alongside the team in many dental continuing education courses including The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Esthetics.

Anne is excited to be part of a team that has exciting technological advances and training, enabling them to provide an optimal level of care to their patients.
Anne loves spending time with her four kids and husband. She also enjoys traveling and watching hockey “GO HABS GO”.


Kelsey: Human Resources

Kelsey, Patient Coordinator

Kelsey joined Villanova Dental Studio in February 2015, she graduated Dental Assisting with honours at Algonquin College in 2013. Since having orthodontic treatment done in high school she always knew that she wanted to work in the dental field as her experience helped her appreciate the impact of a healthy & happy smile.

Patient care is Kelsey’s number one priority & giving the highest quality of care. Over the years, Kelsey transitioned out of chairside assisting into an administrative position where she is able to utilize her Human Resource college background. In her spare time, she loves to travel to Canamore, Alberta to hike in the mountains, and travelling anywhere there is a good beach. Kelsey also loves spending time in her hometown of Kinburn, Ontario with her Pitbull mix named Hank.


Brooke: Administrative Team Lead

Brooke, Patient Coordinator

Brooke graduated in Business from Algonquin College in 2015 and has been a part of Villanova Dental Studio since 2021. Brooke has been working closely with the doctors and team members to ensure they are going above and beyond to provide exceptional patient care. Brooke helps by overseeing the Doctors schedules while also providing patients with personalized reviews of their treatment plans and coaching team members. Brooke is eager to assist all our patients with excellent patient-centered service and is always happy to help in any way possible. In Brooke’s spare time, you will often find her spending time with her daughter and trying out new local restaurants with friends.


Jenna: Treatment Coordinator

Jenna joined the Villanova team in April of 2023. She graduated from St. Lawrence College Medical and Legal Office Administration in 2020. She started as a patient coordinator and quickly became a treatment coordinator for Dr. Mahmood. Jenna started her dental career in 2022 and is excited to be part of such a hard-working team! Jenna is passionate at providing the best service for our patient’s and lending a hand to her colleagues whenever she can. When she is not at work you can find her with her 2 dogs, at dance class, spending time with her friends or trying something new. She also loves to travel and go to concerts whenever she can!


Alyssa: Treatment Coordinator

Alyssa joined the Villanova team in April 2023. She brings great knowledge and experience to our office from having worked in a different variety of medical offices. Her contagious smile, positive vibe and great customer service always makes it a pleasant experience for our patients. Alyssa is Dr. Mammah’s treatment coordinator who manages his schedule, and meets with each of his patients to create personal treatment/financial plans for each specific needs. Alyssa strives in ensuring both patients and staff are always provided with the best care, comfort and treated with respect. She is also in charge of maintaining the fun, creative, and up to date social media page for Villanova. In her spare time, she spends time with friends and family. You will find her on the water on her sea doo, canoeing, camping, skiing, and going on hikes. Alyssa enjoys the gym, playing soccer, watching hockey, and cooking. With her energetic, outgoing personality, and passion for helping others, she will always ensure you have an amazing experience at Villanova.


Courtney: Patient Coordinator

Courtney, Patient Coordinator

Courtney joined the Villanova team in June of 2016. She provides reception and administrative support while using her extensive experience of putting the needs of others first. This has allowed Courtney to become a well-rounded individual who is both passionate and dedicated to our patients. Courtney enjoys the rewarding feeling of welcoming new and existing patients into the Villanova Dental Studio and sets high standards for herself as well as the entire reception team.

Outside of the studio, Courtney is a mom to two little boys and keeps very busy chasing after them. When she’s not running after her children or pets, Courtney loves playing competitive sports and staying active.


Natalie: Patient Coordinator

Natalie, Patient Coordinator

Natalie joined Dr. Barakat’s team as a patient coordinator in May 2010. She graduated from Algonquin careers academy as a medical/dental office assistant with honors. Natalie grew up in Ashton, Ontario for most of her life. She enjoys being outdoors most of her spare time as well as spending time with her family and friends.

Her goal at the Villanova Dental Studio as a patient coordinator is to ensure patients receive quality care and have all their needs met. Natalie enjoys working for Dr. Barakat and his incredible team here at the Villanova Dental Studio, while learning all the latest in Dentistry.


Shelley: Patient Coordinator

Shelley, Patient Coordinator

After being a patient for the last 5 years having undergone neuromuscular treatment with Dr. Barakat and his team, Shelley decided she wanted to be a part of this amazing team which she joined in October of 2013. Shelley graduated from the Kingston Learning Centre in 1996 as a Dental Assistant and has worked in both the clinical and administrative aspects of dentistry. She is excited to be able to utilize the skills that

she has learned along the way and continue to learn through continuing education with Dr. Barakat and the team. Shelley grew up in Dalhousie, NB and moved to Ontario in 1995. She enjoys camping, boating and spending time with her husband Don and their beautiful boys Thomas and Colton.

Shelley’s goal at the Villanova Dental Studio is to ensure that every patient receives the utmost level of care that all our patients deserve and that all their needs are met.


Noah: Lab Technician

Noah, Lab Technician

Some of Villanova’s core values include excellent patient care, quality work and utmost ethics. Noah’s aim is to reflect these core values in all aspects of his work. On a daily basis, Noah brings his experience in business to provide excellent service. Whether he is face to face with patients or assisting colleagues, Noah is always putting his best foot forward. Noah is also very grateful to be part of such a hardworking, collaborative team here at Villanova. When Noah is not at work, he is most likely either teaching guitar, playing music, or teaching skateboarding.


Tuesday: Lab Technician

Tuesday is originally from Oak Ridges, a small town outside of Toronto. She moved to Ottawa in 2023 after graduating with honours in Biology and Archaeology at Wilfrid Laurier University. Shortly after her move she joined the Villanova team where she uses her lab experience to provide hospital grade sterilization and strong attention to detail to produce retainers, whitening trays, sport guards, and more. Outside of the lab Tuesday enjoys playing soccer, skiing, spending time outdoors, and being with her family.


Evan: Lab Technician

Evan is a Steri and Lab Technician at the Villanova Dental Studio, Stittsville Location. He studied biological science at the University of Guelph before joining our amazing team. He enjoys skiing and swimming at his cottage as well as watching NBA games.


Sydney: Lab Technician

Sydney joined the Villanova team in June of 2023, about one year after graduating from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree where she expanded her knowledge on health and disease and immunology and how these play important roles in our daily lives. She currently works as a sterilization/lab technician and patient coordinator where she applies her studies to the importance of following proper infection prevention and control measures at the dental office level while also providing kind and friendly care to patients. In her spare time, Sydney is an avid reader having her Kindle with her everywhere she goes. Her biggest passion is cooking/baking and loves to make meals for her friends and family whether it be a regular weeknight dinner or hosting themed dinner parties. She spends much of her free time with her Mini Schnauzer Finn, or with her partner Jacob and his two Golden Retrievers, Cooper and Chloe. Sydney is grateful to be part of such a hardworking, passionate and dedicated team that has been nothing but kind and patient with her from her very first day.


Registered Dental Hygienists

Tamara: Hygiene Team Lead

Tamara, Hygienist

Tamara graduated Dental Hygiene in 2004 and has been part of Dr. Barakat’s team since 2005. She is very happy to be part of such a progressive team. As all of Dr. Barakat’s hygienists, Tamara is highly trained in Laser Therapy and discussion of Neuromuscular dentistry. Her passion for the profession is evident in continuing

education and her ability to put patients at ease. She is dedicated to providing patients with the utmost of quality care, in a gentle and relaxed manner. Staying current in dental technology is very important to Tamara and through continuing education she is able to provide patients with the latest in dental hygiene advancements. Her goal is to tailor your dental hygiene care to best meet and maintain optimal oral and overall health.

Tamara loves spending her free time with her husband and two year old daughter Avery. She enjoys traveling, cooking and decorating her new home.


Niki: Hygiene Team Lead

Niki is a registered Dental Hygienist who joined our dynamic team at Villanova Dental Studio in 2017. She graduated from The Canadian National Institute of health as Valedictorian after being class representative through the entirety of her time at the college. Working as a Level II Dental Assistant for 6 years prior to this gives her a well rounded perspective on all aspects of dentistry. At Villanova she loves taking advantage of all the newest technology and continuing education we have to offer.


Emily: Registered Dental Hygienist

Emily, Hygienist

Emily is a Registered Dental Hygienist who has just joined Dr. Barakat’s wonderful team in April 2012. Emily started her career in dental in 2003 after graduating with honours from Algonquin Colleges Level Two Dental Assisting Program. Having the opportunity to go back to school to become a dental hygienist was something that Emily worked hard for and graduated from Algonquin College again with honours in 2007, and has been loving her career choice ever since.

Emily is committed to providing quality care and excellence for patients by keeping her skills and knowledge current through continuing education. Emily’s passion for the profession is evident in her eagerness to learn about all the latest dental technologies and techniques. Emily strives to make the dental experience of all patients a pleasant one through her calm and caring nature.

Emily moved to Ottawa for school in 2002 and has since fallen in love with the area and stayed. Growing up in small towns, Emily knew she wanted to live outside Ottawa but still in this area, and Emily and her fiancé now live in Renfrew, ON.

Outside of her career, Emily and her fiancé recently moved into their first home and had their first child Jack in December 2011. Emily loves spending time with family and friends, being a mother, and planning for renovations. Emily enjoys camping and being outdoors, reading, her pets, and also has a knack for crafting.

 


Jessica: Registered Dental Hygienist

Jessica Duenas: Registered Dental Hygienist

Jessica is a Registered Dental Hygienist who has just joined Villanova dental in 2022. Jessica started her career in dental in 2011 in Montreal after graduating as a dental assistant. Jessica worked for about ten years as a dental assistant in oral surgery. Jessica decided to Pursue more of her career in the dental field by going back to school and obtaining a Dental Hygienist diploma from CNIH. Villanovadental studio has giving her the opportunity to apply her knowledge and tailor it in every single case. Her motivation is making a difference with her patients by educating them in oral prevention and assisting them to keep a smile In their face. Fun fact about Jessica, she speaks three languages (Spanish, English and French), and she is very passionate to practice them. Jessica loves food and in her spare time enjoys being with her family.


Erin: Registered Dental Hygienist

Erin, Dental Hygienist

Erin joined Villanova in January 2018 and values her opportunity to work with wonderful patients and coworkers. She graduated from the Canadian National Institute of Health in Dental Hygiene with honours. During school, she was nominated to be the class representative by her peers. Erin has been working in customer service for over 15 years and has found her passion in dentistry. She prides herself in building good rapport with her patients while working together to obtain their optimal oral health.

She has a passion for people and it shines through her excellent patient care and treatment. She is dedicated to providing quality care in a gentle and comfortable manner.

Erin grew up in Richmond with four brothers and sisters. She now lives in Stittsville with her husband and their two cats. During her spare time you can find her enjoying the outdoors and spending time with family and friends. Erin always has a smiling face to greet you and looks forward to welcoming new and previous patients.


Katie: Registered Dental Hygienist

Katie: registered dental hygienist

Katie is a Registered Dental Hygienist who joined the Villanova team in August 2020. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Carleton University in 2012.

Katie return to her studies at the Canadian National Institute of Health (CNIH) and graduated in 2016 with an award for Excellence in Public Health. She is dedicated to using her two degrees to help her patients by providing them with quality care, while maintaining a friendly and professional demeanor. She specializes in gently educating her clients to maximize their personal health.

In her spare time, Katie enjoys traveling and has been to over 40 countries during her years as a Youth Program Coordinator. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering, and participating in community events.


Joceline: Registered Dental Hygienist

Joceline Fernandez, Registered Dental Hygienist

Joceline is originally from Quito, Ecuador. She is new to the dental field and has been practicing hygiene since August of 2021. After she studied and graduated from Police Foundations at Seneca College in King City, ON in 2016, Joceline found vocation in working with people in a healthcare aspect instead and graduated from the Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and Auxiliaries in 2020. She is passionate about providing quality care to her patients by helping them feel comfortable and educating them about their oral health as part of their overall wellbeing, and thus making them feel engaged and empowered to participate in their own personal care. In her own time, she enjoys cooking, nature, fishing, music, dancing and spending time with family and friends.


Carine: Registered Dental Hygienist

Carine McIntyre Registered Dental Hygienist

Carine has been a registered dental hygienist since 2009. She moved from her hometown in New Brunswick to pursue her studies in Ottawa at “La Cite Collegiale.” She later met her husband and the two share two adorable little girls. Carine and her family are very active and enjoy being outdoors. She has a passion for long distance running and loves participating in local races. Meeting new people is something she truly enjoys, come see her at Villanova.


Beth: Registered Dental Hygienists

Beth is a Registered Dental Hygienist who joined Villanova in August 2023. She worked as a Dental Assistant back in her hometown of Cape Breton which led her to further her education and move to Ottawa where she graduated with a diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Canadian National Institute of Health in March of 2023. Committed to making each patient’s dental visit a positive and educational experience, her top priority is to help each patient achieve optimal oral health. Beth enjoys a variety of activities outside of the dental office such as hiking, camping, and traveling!


Laurie: Registered Dental Hygienists

Laurie was born and raised in Ottawa. Before becoming a dental hygienist, Laurie worked in the customer service industry for over ten years. She went on to further her career by completing the dental hygiene program at Algonquin college and graduated in 2019. Laurie really enjoys working with and learning more about all of the advancing technology that Villanova Dental Studio has to offer to better her treatment with patients. Some of this technology includes digital scanning, air polishing with air flow and using a Velscope for oral cancer screenings. She feels that she is accomplishing the best care for her patients with state of the art equipment and technology offered. Through hard work and determination, Laurie has earned her black belt in Jiu Jitsu and has also had extensive training in Taekwondo.


Amelin: Registered Dental Hygienists

Amelin is a Certified Dental Hygienist who has just joined Villanova Dental Studio in April 2023. Amelin grew up in Havana, Cuba for most of her life. Amelin decided to pursue a new career in Canada in the dental field by going back to school and obtaining a Dental Hygienist Advanced Diploma from Algonquin College. Her goal at Villanova Dental Studio as a Dental Hygienist is to ensure patients receive quality care and have all their needs met. Amelin enjoys working for Dr. Barakat and his incredible team here at the Villanova Dental Studio while learning all the latest dental technologies and techniques in Dentistry.
Amelin strives to provide quality care to her patients by educating them about their oral health and to make the dental experience of all patients a pleasant one through her genuine smile and gentle, caring nature. Outside of her career, Amelin loves spending time with family and friends. Amelin enjoys music, dancing, and being outdoors.


Sydney: Registered Dental Hygienists

Sydney has over 10 years of experience in the dental field as a Registered Dental Hygienist and Certified Dental Assistant. She loves to volunteer and has participated for many free dental days, and went on a dental mission trip in the Dominican Republic with World Mission Partners in January 2020. She was then nominated to be the CDHO’s 2020 “Dental hygiene Superhero” and was also asked by the CDHA to write a column for their “Oh! Canada” dental hygiene magazine that was published Spring 2021. Sydney is originally from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan but currently resides in the Ashton area with her husband and two dogs. She loves hiking, kayaking and collecting vinyl records.


Dental Assistants

As dental assistants it is our desire to provide the most advanced and proven technologies available today to our patients. We are a place for patients and professionals to work together to help you achieve a common goal in your dental health. We also strive to make every patient that walks into our practice leave feeling comfortable and confident with the care that has been provided.

Kayla: Assistant Team Lead

Kayla, dental assistant

Kayla joined the dynamic team at the Villanova Dental Studio in January 2011. She graduated as a level two dental assistant with honours and has been working in the dental field since 2008. She enjoys learning and sharing her knowledge of dentistry through her continuing education as well as providing patients with the highest quality and gentle care. Helping to create healthy and bright smiles for her patients shows she’s passionate about her career.

In her free time she enjoys being with family and friends. She loves traveling, rollerblading, camping, shopping, going to the gym and spending a lot of time outdoors. With her energetic and outgoing personality she loves being around people and making them laugh.

Kayla brings a lot of determination and enthusiasm to the Villanova Dental Studio. Her goal is to continue to excel in the latest advances in dentistry with Dr. Barakat’s team.


Cathy: Dental Assistant

Cathy, dental assistant

Hi my name is Cathy. I am one of Dr. Barakat’ s Dental Assistants here at the Villanova Dental Studio. I joined this wonderful team here in 2007. I am a Level 2 Dental Assistant who graduated from CDI College with honours.

One of the many things that I enjoy here at the Villanova Dental Studio is that Dr. Barakat is always learning the latest in Dental. I enjoy going on continuing education courses, which allow me to keep my skills up to date as well as learning about the latest and the newest technologies this office has to offer to our wonderful patients.

I am very dedicated to making every one of our patients feel as comfortable and relaxed as they can be during their visit here at the Villanova Dental Studio.

If there is anything that I can do to help make your visit here more enjoyable and relaxing please let me know…


Erica: Dental Assistant

Erica, dental assistant

Erica was born and raised in Ottawa and began her career as a certified dental assistant July 2014 in Oral Surgery. From there she began to explore all other aspects of dentistry and developed her skills in the field of general dentistry. She continues to explore new learning opportunities and develops her skills as a dental assistant through continuing education courses.

Her top priority is patient comfort through all procedures, and she tries to do everything she can to keep her patients comfortable and happy.

In her free time, Erica enjoys volunteer work to help give back to the community and keeping active through many different sports.


Merrick: Dental Assistant

Merrick Robertson, Dental Assistant

Merrick joined the Villanova team November 2021, she has nearly six years of experience in the dental field. After working at a dental office in high-school; she knew she wanted to work in the dental field to impact patient experience and spread knowledge of oral health. In her free time she does a lot of jogging, in the spring and summer months she likes to participate in marathons and triathlons , in the winter months she likes to travel to tropical destinations with friends and family.


Mona: Dental Assistant

Mona joined the team at Villanova Dental Studio in February of 2022. She graduated as a level II, Intra Oral Dental Assistant with honours from Algonquin Careers Academy. She is very passionate about dentistry and her top priority is to provide outstanding customer care to every patient. One of the many things she enjoys at Villanova is providing patients with an exceptional experience while utilizing the most recent technology in dentistry. She strives to be a team player and to grow alongside the team at Villanova with the goal of making each patient smile brighter and feel more confident. Mona focuses on the positive in every situation and takes on many challenges, as she believes it is an essential part in helping her grow in her career and other aspects of her life. In her free time, she enjoys activities such as swimming, biking, skating, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.


Stephanie: Dental Assistant

Stephanie graduated from level 2 dental assisting with honors in 2010. She lives with her 2 sons, her 5 pound dog Mikey and 17 year old cat Snuggles in Arnprior. She loves Gardening and spending time with family and friends doing anything outdoors. She also enjoys DIY projects. She is very excited to be part of the Villanova team and meeting all of their great patients.


Mary: Dental Assistant


Mary joined Villanova in July 2023 after graduating from the dental assisting program at Algonquin College. Her passion for the dental field started in kindergarten where she had her first contact with an orthodontic treatment procedure. Throughout high school, she volunteered at her local dental office where her interest in the field solidified. Now a certified level II dental assistant, Mary helps Dr. Barakat with numerous orthodontic treatments around the office. In her spare time, Mary loves hiking with her husband. She also loves sipping coffee while bundled up in a cozy blanket.

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