1261 Stittsville Main Street, Unit #9Our 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 2023, bringing a wealth of experience and a patient-centered approach to her role. A native of Ottawa, Laurie ventured to British Columbia in 2007, where she graduated with honors from the Dental Assisting program. Her career began with hands-on patient care, working as a dental assistant and providing exceptional chairside support.
Laurie’s dedication to patient care naturally led her to a role as a treatment coordinator, where she excelled in guiding patients to achieve their dental goals. Her extensive experience in patient care and coordination paved the way for her transition into management in 2020.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Laurie enjoys spending quality time with her husband, their daughter, and their beloved dog, Apollo. She is passionate about cooking, boating, snowboarding, reading, and writing. Laurie is excited to contribute her expertise and enthusiasm to Villanova Dental and looks forward to working with our team to provide outstanding service and care.
Kayla: General Manager
As a committed dental assistant, Kayla started her career in the dentistry field in 2008. She became a member of the Villanova team in 2011, where she collaborated with the orthodontic team and used the most recent advancements in dentistry technology to broaden her knowledge in the field. She enjoys giving her patients the best care possible and witnessing the confidence her patients gain from their smiles. Her responsibility as the dental assistant team lead at Villanova has grown over the past few years, and she has been tasked with motivating, coaching, and training her group. She also continues working as the executive assistant to Dr. Barakat. In her current role as General Manager, she has integrated her vast experience and adept leadership abilities to supervise day-to-day operations. Whenever Kayla is not camping, hiking, or watching her kids play sports, she can be found spending time outside with her husband, two children, and dog! She also enjoys reading and spending days at the beach.
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”.
Brooke: Administrative Team Lead
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!
Mikayla Albert: Treatment Coordinator
Mikayla is a Treatment Coordinator at Villanova Dental Studio where she plays a key role in ensuring that patients receive the highest level of care and support throughout their treatment journey. With a passion for making dental visits as smooth and comfortable as possible, she works closely with patients to explain treatment plans, coordinate schedules, and address any concerns. Her dedication to providing exceptional service and creating a positive patient experience is evident in her everyday interactions.
Outside of work, Mikayla cherishes spending quality time with her family, whether it’s enjoying outdoor activities, cooking meals together, or simply relaxing at home. Her strong family values and compassionate nature extend beyond the office, making her a true asset to both patients and colleagues.
Jessica Schonberg: Treatment Coordinator
Jess joined Villanova Dental Studio in 2024 as a dedicated Treatment Coordinator and is committed to guiding patients through their dental care journey with ease and confidence. With a warm and patient-focused approach, she ensures a smooth and comfortable experience for everyone.
Outside of the office, Jess loves travelling, experiencing new cultures, and exploring new places. She finds balance through yoga and enjoys relaxing with her cat. Passionate about music, she loves discovering new artists, and as a gaming enthusiast, she enjoys both strategic challenges and immersive adventures.
Jess is proud to be part of the Villanova Dental Studio team, helping create a supportive and welcoming atmosphere where patients feel valued and cared for.
Linda: Patient Coordinator
Linda Gonzalez started at Villanova Dental Studio April of 2024. She was born and raised in Ottawa with 3 sisters! She started her dental assisting career in 2013 right out of College and slowly migrated from Dental Assisting in General/Endodontics/Oral Surgery to front desk administration in the last few years.
She is bilingual in English and Spanish with two beautiful children Adam and Gloria, plus one cute pup Kacey! She is a nature lover and likes spending most of her free time enjoying the great outdoors with her kids. Whether that’s going for a swim, fishing, and playing in her softball league!
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 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.
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.
Emily Russel: Sterilization Technician
Emily joined Villanova Dental Studio in September 2024. With an innate passion for improving the health and well-being of others, she has always dreamed of working in healthcare. Emily has both her Bachelor of Health Sciences degree and her Master of Science degree, and has developed a profound understanding of the body’s intricate systems and the importance of holistic patient care.
Here at Villanova, she works as a Patient Coordinator and Sterilization Technician, where she can apply the skills and knowledge from her academic background to ensure that patients receive safe, compassionate, and effective care. Emily’s goal is always to enhance the patient experience, contribute to their overall well-being, and of course, try to put a smile on the face of patients and her coworkers. Moving forward, she is eager to further her education and pursue a career in dentistry. When she is not at work, you can find Emily in the gym, in the dance studio, or with her cat Pixie!
Registered Dental Hygienists
Tamara: Hygiene Team Lead
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
Jessica joined the Villanova team in November of 2013. She went to school at Durham College for Dental Assisting but decided that Administration was better suited for her. After taking some time off to be home with her three kids, she is excited to be back with all of her coworkers & the amazing patients! In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Her goal at Villanova is to provide patients with the best care possible so they leave every visit with a smile.
Jessica Grant: 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 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.
Erin: Registered 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.
Joceline: 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 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 Hygienist
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 Hygienist
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 Hygienist
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.
Makalya Murphy: Registered Dental Hygienist
Makayla is a registered dental hygienist joining the Villanova Dental Studio team in 2024. Graduated from the Canadian National Institute of Health in 2021 with an Advanced Diploma in Dental Hygiene. Makayla is passionate about educating patients on the importance of oral health and implementing preventive dental care practices. Makayla enjoys building relationships with her patients to provide a personable experience and is committed to making each patient’s dental visit positive and comfortable. Outside of work, Makayla enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family and reading.
Nadya: Registered Dental Hygienist
Nadya recently joined the Villanova team in 2024, as a Registered Dental Hygienist. Graduating from Algonquin College in 2009 with honours, as well as Niagara College in 2005 as a Dental Assistant. She is dedicated to staying up to date with the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques.
She is proud of the work she has done throughout her career and has had a passion for Orthodontics ever since entering the dental field. Her love of transforming peoples smiles ensures she strives to make each patients visit positive, comfortable and as informative as possible. Becoming a member of such a progressive and educated team has given her new insights into dentistry and orthodontics, and she learns something new every day.
Outside of work, she enjoys snowboarding, paddleboarding, travelling, and music with her three children. She is currently enrolled in a Holistic Nutrition program, as her passion for health and transformation goes beyond teeth and gums.
Cassandra: Registered Dental Hygienist
Cassandra is a Registered Dental Hygienist who joined our team in February 2024. Cassandra grew up in Ottawa, where a strong sense of family values shaped much of her life. Known for being family-oriented, Cassandra cherishes time spent with friends and family. In addition, Cassandra leads an active lifestyle and enjoys going to the gym and spin classes during her spare time.
In 2023, Cassandra graduated from Algonquin College with an advanced diploma in Dental Hygiene, marking a significant milestone in her professional journey. With a strong passion for preventative dental care, Cassandra embraces new dental technologies and continuously seeks out innovative tools and techniques to enhance patient care and improve treatment outcomes. With a commitment to both personal and professional growth, Cassandra continues to be dedicated to providing the best possible care for patients while fostering positive relationships within the dental community.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
Amber: Dental Assistant
I grew up in a small town of Brockville and I just recently moved to Ottawa. I graduated dental assisting in 2017 at Niagara college, and I have worked in general dentistry and oral surgery. I enjoy travelling, hiking and road trips with friends! I also enjoy having a cozy night in with board games or putting on a comfort movie/show.
1261 Stittsville Main Street
