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
Morgan - Ambassador of First Impressions
Howdy! My name is Morgan and I’m an Ambassador of First Impressions. I recently moved here from Texas, and friends of mine let me know about the opportunity to work here at Hughes Orthodontics and I haven’t looked back! I had a wonderful experience going to the orthodontist when I was a kid and I’m excited to be a part of yours. I can’t wait to serve you and your family as you reach your smile goals!
FUN FACTS:
What I like to do:
I LOVE baking. I really enjoy trying new things, but I especially love making different kinds of breads and pastries.
Favorite place I've traveled:
Austria– both the capital city, Vienna, and the countryside mountains are absolutely beautiful!
My first concert:
Aly and AJ– and the Jonas Brothers opened for them! Every ‘90s kid dreams.
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
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”
Amina - Patient Care Specialist
Hi, my name is Amina.
I moved from England to the United States in 2022. I love travelling to different countries and trying out different types of food as long as it’s not alive or slimey 😂.
FUN FACTS:
What are my hobbies?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, topped with a chocolate dessert.
Who is my favourite superhero?
I’m a big Avengers & Marvel fan; my favourite character is Wonder Woman. I just love her fearlessness.
What’s one thing I miss the most?
That’s probably going to be my parents back in the UK. I miss my morning cuddles with mum and binge watching shows with my dad.
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!
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
Grace - Patient Care Specialist
Hi I'm Grace!
I work with the smile squad as a patient care specialist. I grew up in a small town in Kentucky, so the countryside holds a special place in my heart. My husband and I moved here to Alexandria through his job in the military. I love coming to work every day to support our clients as they build their most beautiful smile. My goal is to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome while visiting our clinic.
When I'm not at work I can be found covered in blankets relaxing on the couch with all my candles lit and a tv show playing in the background.
Something that makes me happy:
Sitting on the porch on a crisp fall morning with a steaming coffee mug in my hand.
My favorite tv show:
The Office
My favorite quote:
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.” ~Wayne Gretzky
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!"
Jackie - Patient Care Specialist
Hello,
My name is Jackie and I am new to the Smile Squad, working as a patient care specialist! Due to a military relocation my husband and I are recent transplants to Old Town. We have enjoyed exploring all that NOVA has to offer! Helping others brings me true joy, and I can’t wait to help each patient gain confidence throughout their smile transformation. I am so excited to be a part of this amazing team and I look forward to meeting you!
In my spare time you will find me:
Walking the streets of Old Town with my doggies Ziggy and Ella, catching up on true crime docs/podcasts, or trying out a new recipe.
Somewhere I’d love to travel:
Italy- pasta and wine… need I say more?
My favorite movie:
Dirty Dancing
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
Thuy - Spark Plug
I work as a patient care specialist with Dr. Hughes. 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.
FUN FACTS:
Three things that make me smile:
- When I see my children read books to each other
- Kids bring 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!
Amber - Front Desk
My name is Amber Skinner-Richardson and you can find me smiling at the front desk. I am a previous patient of Dr. Hughes and I finished my treatment in August of 2016. While I no longer have an accent I am from the United Kingdom and moved to the United States when I was 7 and a half. When I'm not at the office you might find me crocheting my latest project while listening to music or with a movie in the background.
My favorite color is…
Yellow. It’s such a happy color so I can never feel sad when wearing it.
Somewhere I’d love to travel…
Japan. I'd love nothing more than to try fresh sushi or vending machine ramen. Something about the food has me wanting to visit.
Something I love…
Is trying new recipes even if they flop. That’s okay to me because I always have fun in the kitchen.