Meet the Team

Melissa Stover – Practice Manager

Melissa is originally from northern Ohio, but has lived in the Cumming area for the past 12 years. She entered the dental field as a dental assistant and graduated at the top of her class.  She had such an impact on the dentist and his instructors that she was asked to return to teach as an instructor.  She enjoys giving back to the program that gave her so much knowledge into helping dental patients.  Endodontics is her favorite specialty and has assisted in hundreds of root canals and retreatments.

Melissa has volunteered her time with Dentistry from the Heart that gives free dental care to those in need.  Along with participating in the PTA, she also coaches Girls on the Run and is a kickboxing instructor. In addition to spending time with her family, Melissa can be found reading a good book or at the lake with friends.

Robin Joao – Lead Dental Assistant

Robin relocated from Massachusetts to the John’s Creek area in 2002. She is a graduate of the Gwinnett Technical College Dental Assisting Program. Her previous experience is in general dentistry. She is very excited to be a part of the Pinnacle team and has a strong desire to learn the specialized field of endodontics.

In her free time, she enjoys baking, playing tennis, being outdoors and beach trips with her husband and children.

Tawanna Curlee – Insurance Coordinator

Tawanna graduated from Concorde Career Institute with a degree in Dental Assisting in 2012. She worked in the field of Endodontics in Tampa, FL before moving to Georgia and brings a wealth of knowledge and care to Pinnacle Endodontics. She understands the patient’s concerns when they hear the word “root canal”. Her desire is to make the patients feel valued and comfortable from the moment they enter the front door. She enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with her 3 daughters and is happy to be joining the Pinnacle family.

Sheila Jeffers – Dental Assistant

Sheila is a native of Long Island New York and she moved to Georgia in 2015. She brings her 23 years of Endodontic knowledge and experience to the Pinnacle Team. Her desire is to treat all patients with Kindness and Respect so they may have the best possible
experience causing them to leave with smiling faces. Yes, even after a Root Canal. She loves being with her husband and two daughters and going on long walks with their new puppy.

Wanda Hills – Dental Assistant

Wanda Hills grew up in San Bernardino, California and moved to Georgia in 2016. She currently resides in Cumming, Ga, with her husband and two children. She is a graduate from Gulf Coast Community College Dental Assisting.  Wanda is passionate about patient care and helping patients achieve their best smiles possible.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, Zumba, playing tennis, and going to the movies.

Garrett Nichols – Dental Assistant

Garrett is from Redding, California and came to North Georgia in 2016. He finds it fulfilling to foster strong relationships with his patients and to see them leave happier and healthier than when they arrived at Pinnacle. He has a dental assisting degree from Fortis College in Orange Park, Florida. He worked in General Dentistry and in a dental laboratory before coming to Pinnacle. He brings great dental knowledge and experience to our Pinnacle Team. When not at work, Garrett likes to spend time with his wife and daughter, exercise and ride motorcycles.

Shante Fields – Patient Coordinator

Shante was born and raised in Monterey, CA and relocated to Northern Georgia in 2014. She brings 11 years of experience in both Endodontics and Oral Surgery to the Pinnacle Family. Shante enjoys patient interaction and helping to create a pleasant experience for our patients. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two young sons.

Jade Scott – Patient Coordinator

Jade is originally from Phoenix“ Arizona. She recently moved to the Cumming area at the end of 2019. She graduated from the Phoenix College Dental Assisting program and received her Associates in Applied Science Dental Assisting. In AZ she volunteered at AZMom which is a nonprofit organization that gives the less fortunate a chance to have their dental work done at no charge. Her favorite thing about this field is watching the patients leave with a smile on their face because they‘ve had such a great experience.
Outside of work, she likes taking her dog Sosa on walks and is enjoying experiencing this new state she calls home.

Erin Bigelow – Dental Assistant

Erin is a native of North Georgia. She attended the Dental Assistant School of Atlanta in 2019 and quickly found an interest in the specialty of Endodontics. She is very excited to be part of the Pinnacle team! Erin is dedicated to helping to ensure that each patient’s experience is a positive one and that they leave with a smile on their face.
In her free time, Erin enjoys spending time with her son, photography, gardening and yoga.

Margarito Cruz – Front Desk Coordinator

Margarito was born and raised in Georgia. He graduated from the University of North Georgia and obtained his bachelor’s in science degree. His focus is to give patients a great experience from start to finish. Although, he is new to the dental field he is eager and excited to learn more about endodontics and hopefully fall in love with the field to make it a career. Family has always been a top priority for him, and he is glad to come into an environment like Pinnacle that displays the quality of how family should be treated. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time exercising, reading, and spending quality time with his parents and his three younger siblings.

Calee Barmat – Front Desk Coordinator

Calee is originally from Tucson, Arizona and relocated to North Georgia in 2021. She graduated from the university of Arizona with a Bachelors of Science in Physiology in 2018. Calee is new to the Endodontics field and is excited to be a part of the Pinnacle team. One of her favorite aspects of working in the field is interacting with patients and working with them to get their needs met. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and baking, hiking, going to concerts, volunteering at animal rehabs/rescues, and traveling.

Amber Bailey – Front Desk Coordinator

Amber was born and raised in North Georgia. Amber couldn’t imagine living anywhere else and is looking forward to raising a family here with her husband. New to the dental field, she is excited to learn more about endodontics and make it her career. Amber is grateful to have found her new work family with the Pinnacle team! Coming from a customer service background, she has a passion to help others. Amber loves spending time with her husband and 3 pets. In her spare time, Amber enjoys cooking, gardening and traveling with friends.

Sydney Smith – Dental Assistant

Sydney is originally from Missouri, however was raised here in Georgia. After growing up in Gwinnett County, Sydney has found her home in North Georgia.Sydney has a veterinary background but after completing her x-ray certification she found an interest in dentistry-specifically endodontics. Sydney is excited to build her career with the Pinnacle Team! In her spare time, Sydney loves sharing her passion for animals along with her husband and their 3 children. Included in the family is also their dogs, a duck, their cat, a rat and chickens. On Country Gold Saturday nights, Sydney and her family can be found grilling out.

Karina Mulero-Velera – Dental Assistant

Karina is originally from Puerto Rico but relocated to Georgia 3 years ago. Karina entered the healthcare field as a medical assistant, but an awesome opportunity into the dental field, made her take another path. Pinnacle has been a blessing for her professional and personal growth. Karina loves music, dancing and spending time with her husband and their twin daughters.