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!
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.
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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
1261 Stittsville Main Street
