Linda - Consultation Concierge
I'm the patient experience coordinator, and I welcome the new patients into our practice and help them through the initial phase of orthodontics. I know that listening to what the patients say is very important. I help our patients with their wants and needs with a smile and positive attitude. My family includes my two children and one granddaughter, Hayden. When I'm not spending time with them, I enjoy cooking and making crafts. My daughters Tiffany, Savanna and I are proud to be graduates of Mt Vernon High School.
FUN FACTS:
My Favorite color is:
PURPLE because it is such a friendly color : )
My favorite quote:
My kids will tell you I can often be found saying, "If you are on time, you are late. If you are early, you are on time." With a favorite quote like this, it is no surprise that I am the honorary mom, as well as the cheerleader, of the office. Stick with me and you will get where you need to be and never be late!
Three things that make me smile:
- Fall leaves crunching under my feet
- Thunderstorms
- Campfires on a camping trip
Rosita - Ambassador of First Impressions
I work as the insurance coordinator and help our patients make the most of their insurance coverage. I wake up excited to come to work in the morning because we treat our patients like close friends or family, and always do what we can to make their orthodontic experience more convenient. When I'm not at the office, I love spending time with my husband Ernie, my son Sami, and my grandson Noah. At 3, my grandson can be a challenge to keep up with, but we have fun playing with monster trucks and watching Blippi. I also enjoy cooking and watching my favorite TV shows such as Fuller House.
FUN FACTS:
Cherished childhood memory:
Every weekend my parents would take me to the movies and afterward eat at our favorite restaurant.
Most people don't know this but:
I love Hello Kitty!!!
What brought me to Alexandria:
My brother who lives here and my love for travel. I always wanted to travel and live elsewhere.
Favorite Quote:
Everything happens for a reason.
Juliana Hege – Office Manager Extraordinaire
Hi there! My name is Juliana Hege and I am the Director of Business Operations. I am a lifetime resident of Alexandria and [proud to be] one of the rare locals. Before coming to Hughes Ortho, I spent several years as a real estate agent and a retail manager. I found out about this opportunity through a church friend and immediately knew it would be a good fit after meeting the staff and seeing how Hughes Ortho cares for their patients. I consider my day a success when I am helping people and solving problems with creative solutions, as well as checking things off my to-do list. I am so excited to be a part of this team that continues to raise the bar and am passionate about how we can better serve you!
FUN FACTS:
The best thing about the Smile Team:
I enjoy being a part of the Smile Team because we love to laugh and have fun, we work well as a team and always help each other out, and we care for every patient like they are family. I couldn’t ask for a better place to work and love this family business!
In my free time:
I try to sneak away to spend as much time with my three nieces and nephew. I can also be found hiking and exercising with my rescue mutt, Teddy. Ask me about him; he is the best!
I would like to visit:
No I am not a Game of Thrones fan, but I really want to visit Croatia. I have heard the best way to see the country is by boat, but I also want to see some of the amazing waterfalls Croatia has to offer. Hopefully this will be the year I can check it off my bucket list!
My coffee shop order:
A chai latte with my latest obsession, oat milk. I visited Asheville last year and loved all the chai options, and have been disappointed to find nothing comparable in our area. So on the weekends you can find me exploring the city on the hunt for the best, one coffee shop at a time. Got any recommendations?
Damaris -Patient Care Specialist
I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and come from a family of 5. I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends. I work in the clinic assisting with patients and work on our social media accounts. Check out our FB and Insta to see my favorite dance videos! Since I was little, I dreamt of becoming a dentist because of the struggle and insecurity I had. Apart from that, another reason is to help people build up self-esteem and confidence. I enjoy helping others and making them feel good about the way they look and feel. I am currently pursuing the competitive Northern Virginia Community College Dental Program.
FUN FACTS:
Who inspires me:
My parents are who inspire me to be the best that I can be. I'm truly grateful for the love and support. They sacrificed their needs and desire in order to give my sisters and I a chance at obtaining a better education and future.
Favorite Restaurant:
El Paso Mexican Restaurant
Favorite Movie:
The Great Gatsby
Rosa - Multitasking Master
I joined Hughes Orthodontics in 2006 as a chairside assistant and today, I’ve expanded my knowledge and responsibilities both clinically and administratively to become the clinical care specialist. I enjoy working with patients to help them create a perfect smile which builds their confidence and self-esteem. My husband, Gerardo, and I have two adorable children, Emily and Justin.
FUN FACTS:
Things I love:
I enjoy shopping, watching movies, making craft around the house with my family, and always keeping busy with my kids' activities.
My favorite movie is:
I like to watch chick flick movies, but my all time favorite movie is Dance with Me.
Someday I would love to live:
On the beach!
Marelyn - Patient Care Specialist
Welcome, my name is Marelyn and I am one of the smiling faces you will see in the clinic!! I have had the opportunity to be a part of this amazing family since 2013, and I am excited for many more years to come. I come from the city of salsa dancing! Can you guess where? That's right - I am from Cali, Colombia. I am a local graduate of West Potomac. Go WOLVERINES! I enjoy coming to work because I know that I am helping a patient feel more confident and radiant about their smile. I am excited to be a part of your smile journey!
FUN FACTS:
What is on my bucket list:
I want to meet Ellen Degeneres and be part of her studio audience. She is hilarious!
My favorite color is:
GREEN! And my artform is color coding and labeling the office.
My favorite movies:
Finding Nemo & Finding Dory (starring Ellen Degeneres, of course)
Favorite Quote:
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - Walt Disney
Abdul - Patient Care Specialist
I am the longest-serving employee of Hughes Ortho; I have worked here since 1999. I work as the lab manager and as a patient care specialist. I get to make retainers using our new digital scanner and 3D printer, as well as assist with patients in the clinic. No one is more excited than me that we no longer have to make goopy impressions! When I'm not in the office, I spend time with my wife, Shazia, and our two children, Sameeya and Mohammad. I also play cricket for the Washington Cricket League.
FUN FACTS:
My favorite type of movies are:
Scary movies!! I take advantage of a movie-goer subscription and frequent the movies three times a week!
Things I love:
I love to travel and explore new places.
You will often hear me saying in the office:
“Come on!” or “Simmer Down”
Lyuda - Calligraphy Queen
I work as a patient care specialist, helping the doctors with clinical procedures and making our patients feel comfortable and at home. I also do all the names and artwork on our welcome board. I learned my penmanship back home in Russia, where we had to practice multiple hours a day. Hughes Ortho is a great place to work because the doctors respect the opinions of the staff and patients, and always take the time to listen. My favorite thing to do in the clinic is deband patients. It is always a joy to see when someone gets their braces off and they see their new smile!
FUN FACTS:
You may not know this about me but:
My passion is gardening. I plant cucumbers, tomatoes, and smaller plants like basil and cilantro.
Things I love:
I love to cook different types of foods and also bake. You may not know, I love to decorate cakes!
What I'm afraid of:
My deadliest fears are heights and snakes.
When I am not in the office:
I enjoy staying active. I like to ride my bike and jog
Thuy - Spark Plug
I work as a patient care specialist and enjoy seeing our patients in the clinic. I have been deemed the spark plug of our office because of the incredible joy and energy I bring each day! Our office is a lot of fun to work in and I know that you'll enjoy visiting us. Our team gets along really well and we love to laugh with our patients. My husband Tin and I have two sons, Timothy and Tyler and two daughters, Tiffany, and Talia. When I'm not at the office, you will find me on a sunny Florida Beach where we have a second home.
FUN FACTS:
Three things that make me smile:
- Seeing my children read books to each other
- My kids bringing home good grades
- Getting to volunteer at my children’s school
Things I love:
I love summer days, walking along the beach with my family, and crabbing the blue crabs at the bay.
Most people don’t know this but:
I love to do yoga on my days off!
Tammy - Money Maestro
Hi! I am Dr. Herb Hughes wife Tammy, and I am the bookkeeper for Hughes Orthodontics. You can think of me like Santa Claus! Always checking the list twice to make sure Hughes Orthodontics can provide you with the very best experiences!
FUN FACTS:
Three things that make me smile:
- Obviously my magical husband, 3 sons (the trifecta), daughter-in-law, and our lovable long-haired English cream dachshund – Wagner!
- A glorious sunset compliments of my heavenly Father
- Enjoying a nice glass of wine with stimulating company/conversation around a fire pit on a chilly autumn evening
Favorite singer I love to dance to when I'm all alone in the kitchen:
Confessions of a 70's music fan- let's go with the Bee Gees!!!
What energizes me:
"That feeling after an amazing workout!"
Laura - Fun Ambassador
I am the marketing coordinator! I have the incredible opportunity to seek out ways to grow and expand the Hughes tradition of dedicated service and involvement in our community. I am a Richmond VA native who was swept off her feet by the handsome Dr. Justin Hughes and whisked away to adventures in both NYC and Iowa to achieve the dream of one day joining back here at Hughes Orthodontics. It has been an absolute joy to come alongside my husband in his endeavors and I am very excited to dive into all that the area has to offer. From exploring our nation’s capital to walking the streets of Old Town (where we currently live) to growing in our new church community at Del Ray Baptist. I look forward to meeting you and hearing all about why you love this area and more specifically Hughes Orthodontics ; )
FUN FACTS:
Sport played growing up:
I was a figure skater starting at the age of 7 years old! I had the same wee little Scottish coach over the 12+ years I competed and I even used to travel here from Richmond to the Mt. Vernon ice arena for their annual Cherry Blossom competition!
How Dr. Justin and I meet:
We were sneakily set up by my college roommate! She was in Justin’s church community group and (unbeknownst to us!) thought we would be a great match. She would invite me to things their group was doing together to get us to meet and hang out and the rest is history!
Favorite quote:
Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning to DANCE IN THE RAIN!
Katy - Insurance Specialist
Hello,
My name is Katy but my Starbucks cup might tell you differently ;). I am the insurance lady here at Hughes Orthodontics. I believe that good patient care starts when you walk into the office and I work hard to make sure that patients can focus on their treatments and not their financials. I like solving problems so if I can help my door e-mail or phone is always “open”.
A little about me:
I was born in Spain (my parents wanted to learn Spanish) and moved to The United States when I was 5. I am the youngest of 3 and the only girl. You could say I’m a little spoiled and tough at the same time. I love traveling, new experiences and cappuccinos. I married my high school sweetheart and we have two amazingly fun and silly kids together.
Favorite quote:
“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Guilty pleasure:
Netflix
Margarita - Ambassador of First Impressions
Hey! My name Is Margarita and I’m the Receptionist, also known as the Ambassador of First Impressions. I truly enjoy speaking with you all, and getting to know each and every one of you. I’m a proud Virginian who was raised in Alexandria, and graduated from Mount Vernon High School. Before joining the smile team, I was a proud member of the 920th Aeromedical Squadron in the Air Force. It’s sort of cliché, but one of my favorite things to do is eat! I love trying new restaurants and cuisine from all over the world. When I’m not stuffing my face, I enjoy writing poetry, crafting, and spending quality time with my family.
Favorite types of movies:
I enjoy watching action and fantasy movies. Harry Potter is one of my favorite series!
Most people don’t know this but:
I love super heroes, and I used to collect comic books. I prefer the Marvel universe over DC.
Favorite quote:
“Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.”
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