Meet the Team at Finger Lakes Dental at Canandaigua
Dr. Andrea Gerchman
DDS
Dr. Andrea has a passion for aesthetic dentistry and is proud to provide her patients with stunning new smiles. She looks forward to providing expert care to her new Finger Lakes Dental Care patients.
Dr. Andrew Bracci
DMD
Dr. Andrew Bracci is our oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Finger Lakes Dental who strives to provide superior patient care and change how people feel about visiting the dentist.
Dr. Ben Parker
DDS
Dr. Ben Parker is a Rochester native, growing up in Brighton and Pittsford. Dr. Ben enjoys every aspect of dentistry and strives to learn more every day to give the best care possible to his patients.
Dr. Cate Telehany
DDS
Dr. Cate strives to deliver high-quality comprehensive dental care within the progressive and positive work environment at Finger Lakes Dental Center.
Dr. Christopher Miller
DDS
Dr. Christopher Miller serves patients at our Canandaigua and Palmyra locations with the goal of providing a comfortable experience for all of his patients.
Dr. Jason Tanoory
DMD, FAGD, Owner
Dr. Tanoory, or Jason as he prefers to be addressed by his patients and staff, moved to Canandaigua in 2001. After associateships in Philadelphia, PA, Rochester, NY and Penn Yan, NY, he opened Finger Lakes Dental Care in 2002.
Megan Conley
Office Manager
Megan has been with Finger Lakes Dental Care since 2016. She has a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cortland in Health Science and received her Master’s Degree in Acupuncture from the New York Chiropractic College. Megan oversees the day-to-day operations at the front desk. Outside of work, Megan enjoys cooking, music, hiking, and spending time with her fiancé, Adam and doggie, Evie.
Jamie Collins
Registered Dental Hygienist
Jamie joined the Finger Lakes family in 2021. Jamie has been working in the dental field since 2009, returning to college to earn her advanced associate's degree in Dental Hygiene, graduating in 2019. She lives in Canandaigua with her husband and two girls, Katrina and Lily. Jamie loves helping patients achieve their personal hygiene best.
Her passions include reading her Bible, pretending to be a home chef, as well as traveling with her little family. Bible, pretending to be a home chef, as well as traveling with her little family.
Kara Badger
Registered Dental Hygienist
Kara started with Finger Lakes Dental Care as a Registered Dental Hygienist in 2017. Kara has been a dental hygienist since 1991. She and her husband, Tim, are both from Canandaigua. They have two sons, Merrick and Sully. Kara loves helping patients achieve their dental health goals. When not in the office she enjoys gardening, cooking and traveling in her vintage camper.
Mariah Chisom
Dental Hygienist
Mariah joined our team in June of 2016 as an experienced dental assistant, she then went on to receive her associates degree in Dental Hygiene at Monroe Community College in 2021. Mariah enjoys helping her patients improve upon their oral health and achieve their oral health goals while feeling comfortable in the dental atmosphere. Outside of work she enjoys reading, walking at her local state park and trails close by, and spending time with her two dogs, Kaipo and Bert.
Renee Fitzpatrick
Registered Dental Hygienist
Renee joined our hygiene team in January of 2016. She has been a dental hygienist for 24 years, living in the Buffalo and Rochester area. Renee enjoys helping and educating patients with her expertise in dental health and loves being part of a great dental team here at Finger Lakes Dental Care. Outside of work she is very busy with her three children; Josh, Julia and Brady. If Renee were able to find some spare time, she would spend it playing golf and tennis, then relaxing on the boat with her husband, Paul.
Selena Vershay
Registered Dental Hygienist Lead
Selena joined our hygiene team in January 2020. She graduated from Monroe Community College in 2016 as the youngest dental hygienist in New York State for that graduating class. She received her license to administer local and nitrous oxide anesthesia in fall 2016. Her gentle personality will automatically make you feel at ease during your dental cleaning! Outside of work, you will most likely find Selena reading, doing yoga or spending time with her two golden retrievers.
Jessica Pape
Registered Dental Hygienist
Jessica became a vital part of our team in January 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our practice. A proud graduate of Monroe Community College's dental hygiene program, Class of 2014, Jessica has spent the last decade perfecting her craft and delivering exceptional dental care.
Currently, Jessica is expanding her expertise with plans to obtain licensure in anesthesia and laser dentistry, reflecting her commitment to providing the highest level of patient care.
Jessica is not just a skilled professional but also a devoted mother to her two lovely daughters, Harper and Callie. Outside of her dental career, Jessica leads an active lifestyle. She enjoys fitness, embarking on camping adventures with her family, coaching softball, and nurturing her garden.
With her blend of professional prowess and personal passions, Jessica is a dynamic and cherished member of our team, dedicated to improving smiles and lives alike.
Costina Pitts
Registered Dental Hygienist
Costina became an integral part of the Finger Lakes family in 2023, bringing her expertise and passion for dental care to our community. She graduated from Valencia Community College in Orlando, Florida, in 2020 and honed her skills working in the Orlando area. In pursuit of family and new opportunities, Costina and her husband, Brendan, decided to move up north to be closer to their loved ones.
Costina's journey into dental hygiene has a profound origin in her native Romania, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges of treating rather than preventing dental issues. This sparked her dedication to preventative care, aiming to help others avoid the struggles she saw her loved ones endure.
Outside of her professional life, Costina cherishes her time with Brendan and their two adorable cats, Alex and James. An avid outdoors enthusiast, you can often find her exploring and conquering local trails, embracing the beauty of nature. Costina's commitment to both her family and her patients makes her a cherished member of our team, always ready with a warm smile and expert advice.
Aubrey Angora
Dental Assistant
Aubrey started at Finger Lakes Dental Care in August of 2020 as a dental assistant. She comes to us with eight years of customer service experience and two years of medical experience. She is CPR certified, and hopes to attend school in the future to assist. Aubrey grew up in Canisteo, NY and graduated high school in 2013. She then attended Finger Lakes Community College to play soccer and graduated with her liberal arts degree. In her free-time Aubrey runs her own photography business. Shooting weddings and portrait sessions is her passion. She also loves to spend time at home with her husband and 4-year old German shepherd, Mookie, as well as time outdoors riding four wheelers and hanging out with family and close friends.
Carlos Rivera
Certified Dental Assistant
Carlos comes to Finger Lakes Dental Care with 6 years of experience in the dental field. He currently has his certificate as a Dental Assistant and aspires to be a Hygienist or Dentist. Carlos loves helping others have a healthy smile and feel comfortable. His greatest satisfaction is to see his patients happy with their smiles. Carlos lives in Geneva with his fiancé Jessy (who is also a Dental Assistant), her 3 children Zion, Zyaa and Dylan and 2 kittens Smokey and Garfunkel. In his free time, Carlos loves to watch basketball and sing. He also enjoys family movie night with his stepkids.
Dayana Cruz-Echemenia
Dental Assistant
Dayana has been working with Finger Lakes Dental Care since January 2021. She has been in the dental field for 14 years. Dayana graduated from the University of Medical Science of Sancti Spiritus in Cuba, receiving her Doctorate in Dentistry. She practiced as a general dentist in Cuba and Venezuela before moving to the USA. Soon after arriving, she got to work studying for the National Dental Boards so she can practice dentistry in America. She’s enthusiastic about her job and loves to make people smile.
Outside of work, Dayana enjoys spending time with her fiance, son, and her cats, Simba, Stella, and Rocco. She loves to cook, travel, and experience new things.
Danielle Ellis
Dental Assistant
After several years in the food service industry Danielle joined the FLDC family in May of 2022 starting in the Dental Assistant school. She is happy to say that doing so is one of the best decisions she has made in her life! Since finishing with the assisting training and being on her own she has looked forward to learning and growing as an assistant every day. Danielle loves the camaraderie, support, and compassion that every employee at FLDC has toward one another, and that everyone goes above and beyond to ensure that each patient has the best experience possible and leaves happy.
When not at work you will find Danielle at her second job or with family; especially her daughter Mykenzi, spending time together and making memories with any activities we can find. On the rare days that Danielle has no plans you will find her under a blanket with a book. She loves to read and will read just about anything she can get her hands on!
Kassi Devlin
Dental Assistant
Kassi is new to the dental field. She joined the Finger Lakes Dental Care assistant training program in March of 2022. After finishing the assistant program, she quickly found her place in pediatric dental care. Kassi is committed to giving the kids who come in a great experience so they will love coming back. Outside of work Kassi enjoys spending time with her family and friends, she also enjoys camping, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.
Kayla Sisson
Certified Dental Assistant
Kayla Sisson is a Licensed Dental Assistant with our practice. She has been in the dental field since she was 16. Kayla grew up in Ecuador and has been exposed to dental knowledge all of her life. Her mother is an Orthodontist and has had her own practice for many years. Kayla spent many days helping her mother in the office. In 2007, she graduated from the University of Guayaquil, achieving her title as DDS. Kayla practiced as a dentist alongside her mother for some years before moving to the United States with her husband, Aaron. Upon arriving, Kayla immediately got to work and soon became a Licensed Dental Assistant in the state of New York. In addition, she is BLS and ACLS certified. She has a passion for all things dental, so she will never stop aspiring for great things.
When Kayla is not at the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and her Boston Terrier, Baxter. They love the outdoors and like to take long walks, paddle-board and snowboard. She also takes time out of her weekends to volunteer in the community. Next time you are at the office, make sure you say hello!
Kim Shapley
Certified Dental Assistant
Kim began dental assisting in 2011 and received her CDA a few years later in Michigan. After moving to NY, Kim joined the Finger Lakes Dental Care team in October, 2020. When Kim is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family. Kim loves being outdoors especially in the warmer months, where she can relax by the water kayaking, fishing, hiking, 4 wheeling, walking her dog, Asia and she is always up for an adventure and making new memories!
Marissa Burkhardt
Dental Assistant
New to the dental field, Marissa joined the team in March of 2021 as a dental assistant. She was part of the first ever dental assisting school through Finger Lakes Dental Care. She comes to us with a background in restaurant management and 10 years of front-of-house restaurant experience as an assistant dining manager of an upscale independent senior living facility. Marissa and her husband share two fur babies named, Lexi and Luna. In their spare time, they like doing any outdoor activities, or just having a good time with family and friends. She is enjoying every aspect of her new dental career, and the teamwork that comes with working at Finger Lakes Dental Care. She is looking forward to learning everything she can and furthering her career as a dental assistant.
Megan Meckley
Dental Assistant
Megan joined Finger Lakes Dental in August 2021 after completing the BOCES dental assistant program. Megan is currently CPR certified and working towards passing her DANB. Megan started working as a general dental assistant and found her passion for pediatric dental care. When Megan is not working, she likes to spend time with friends and family, kayaking, and doing other outdoor activities.
Teri Howard
Dental Assistant
Teri brought her 30+ years of experience to Finger Lakes Dental Care when she joined the team in 2017. Teri has been trained in many aspects of dentistry including cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, sedation dentistry, and orthodontics. She continues to take many hours of continuing education and is CPR certified. When she isn’t working, Teri enjoys spending time with her husband, Jeff, and their blended family of seven children and grand babies! Teri and Jeff also enjoy working out, hiking, walking their two dogs, and spending time in their Florida home.
Diane Saxton
Registered Dental Assistant
Diane brings a wealth of experience to the field of dentistry, with an impressive 35-year career dedicated to delivering exceptional dental care. She is not only a seasoned professional but also a loving mother of two, a grandmother of four, and a devoted pet owner.
When she's not in the dental office, Diane finds solace in the embrace of nature. She loves spending as much time outside as possible when the weather is nice; walking, swimming, grilling and just enjoying the sun and warmth. Her passion for spending quality time with her grandchildren is matched only by her enthusiasm for hosting them in her home for refreshing swims. In the company of her two beloved Rottweilers, she enjoys the charming antics that these pets bring into her life. Diane also cherishes moments with her kitty, who never misses the opportunity to curl up on her lap.
During the winter months, Diane opts for a cozy retreat with her pets, cuddling up to her favorite TV shows. Her commitment to a balanced life that embraces both her professional dedication and personal joys makes her a remarkable individual in both her dental practice and personal life.
Meg DeClercq
Dental Assistant
Megan joined the Finger Lakes Dental family in December 2023. After spending two years as an Orthodontist Assistant, she found her true passion in General Dentistry. Megan makes sure every patient has a great experience and leaves with a big smile. When she’s not at the office, Megan loves hanging out with her family and friends, especially doting on her cute little nephew Nash. She’s all about outdoor adventures and enjoys relaxing with her favorite TV shows.
Lindsay Stevens
Lab Assistant
Lindsay graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 2006 with a BS in Interior Design. She started working at Finger Lakes Dental Care in November 2020. She comes to us with six years of dental experience having been a dental assistant for a traditional practice, as well as a traveling dental program that visited schools. Lindsay's favorite part of being a dental lab technical assistant is being part of the solution in fulfilling a patient's needs whether that's running cases to different offices, adjusting appliances until they're perfect, or building something from scratch.
Lia Shaw
Assistant Lead and Sterilization Technician
Lia comes to our office with 12 years of customer service experience in a variety of fields. Lia attended Keuka College for B.S. in ASL/English interpreting. Lia loves to help others and started at Finger Lakes Dental Care at the front desk as our greeting coordinator. In 2020, Lia transitioned into our sterilization technician where she is committed to teamwork and OSHA and CDC guidelines.
Outside of work, Lia enjoys painting, cooking, sewing, and carpentry with her boyfriend, Sam.
Patricia Loiacono
Treatment Coordinator
Tricia is a 2018 graduate of SUNY Oswego and earned her bachelor’s degree in Wellness Management. Tricia is very passionate about the maintenance of health and well-being, and is fascinated how oral health plays a key role in our overall health.
When Tricia is not at work, she spends her weekends waitressing at a local restaurant. She enjoys spending her free time traveling, cooking, and being with her friends and family.
Michelle Jones
Treatment Coordinator
Michelle joined Finger Lakes Dental in Aug 2021. She is one of our Treatment Coordinators at the front desk. Michelle has 34 years experience in the dental field. Went to Durham college in Canada graduating as a level 2 dental assistant. Assisting for 16 years then moved into treatment planning for 18 years.
When not at work she likes spending time with her family and her German Shepard . She spends a lot of time at the gym with her husband doing fitness training. Currently working on opening her Etsy boutique to sell all of her unique art designs.
Marnie Joll
Hygiene Coordinator
Marnie is a dedicated Hygiene Coordinator with a strong administrative background in the medical and dental field. Born and raised in Geneva, NY, Marnie has developed an innate understanding of patient care and support. With a warm and compassionate nature, Marnie is committed to ensuring that patients receive the highest quality care and a positive experience throughout their treatment journey. Beyond her professional life she finds joy in reading, gardening, and taking on various home projects. Marnie's love for animals is evident in her one cat and two beloved dogs. Her devotion to her family shines through her role as a devoted wife and caring mother to two sons.
Kathryn Llano
Treatment Coordinator
Kathryn has been with the office since October of 2021. She Graduated from Midlakes High School. She comes to us with 20 years experience in sales as a corporate sales trainer and a general manager. She enjoys Life Coaching and helping people develop the "best version of themselves."
In her free time you can find Kathryn on her Harley Davidson, hiking with her 4 dogs and husband exploring new and fun places, or on the water with the boat or paddle boards. She's an HUGE Buffalo Bills fan and loves spending time entertaining family and friends. Kathryn loves her career at Finger Lakes Dental care as a Treatment Coordinator as she has found her "forever work family."
Stacey Carson
Treatment Coordinator
Stacey is a Treatment Coordinator new to the Dental field, with over 20+ years in customer service. Stacey is passionate about helping and working with people. She loves being creative and has worked as a pastry chef for over 20 years specializing in wedding cakes. She is also a small business owner that makes all natural Soy candles which you can find at many local shops in the Finger Lakes area or at local events.
When she is not working, she loves staying active spending time in nature hiking and snowboarding with her husband Nick, and being with their rescue dog and 2 cats.
Raychel Ortiz
Greetings Coordinator
Sue Farrell
Treatment Coordinator