Meet the Team at I Love My Dentist Lake City

Dr. Krizner-Meza

Dentist

Dr. Melissa Krizner-Meza, affectionately known as Dr. K, is originally from Pittsburgh and grew up in South Florida. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Miami before spending ten years working in the hospitality industry. Inspired to pursue a career in healthcare, Dr. K completed post-baccalaureate studies at Florida Atlantic University before obtaining her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry.

The University of Florida also happens to be the alma mater of Dr. Ramkissoon and Dr. Weiss, and the three even shared some of the same professors during their training.

What Dr. K enjoys most about dentistry is meeting new people and building meaningful, long-term relationships with patients and their families. As she puts it, “I love that dentistry connects me with people and communities. It provides me a way to give back.”

One of the qualities that truly stands out about Dr. K is her strong commitment to serving others. She is passionate about giving back to the community and has dedicated time to providing dental care to underserved populations through organisations such as the WeCare Clinic in Gainesville, Mission of Mercy, FIMRC Medical Mission to Peru, Remote Access Medical, AAWD, Super Sealant Saturday Dental Children’s Program, and the Summer Health Professions Education Program.

Outside of the practice, Dr. K has a creative side and enjoys all types of crafting, especially knitting. She also loves spending time outdoors with her husband and their two dogs, Cora and Lola Rose.

Dr. Fiola

Dentist

Lisa

Lead Hygienist

Lisa is the lead hygienist and a certified registered dental hygienist (CRDH) at I Love My Dentist. In her role, Lisa provides thorough dental cleanings, scaling and root planing, and periodontal care. She is passionate about helping patients improve their oral health while feeling comfortable and confident every step of the way.

Lisa completed her dental hygiene education at South Florida State College in Avon Park, Florida, after completing her prerequisites at Polk State College in Winter Haven. Her dental career began as a dental assistant from 1999–2001, and after completing hygiene school in 2007, she practiced in Winter Haven, Florida for over 16 years. Lisa joined the I Love My Dentist team in August 2023, where she continues to bring both skill and warmth to every appointment.

What Lisa enjoys most is getting to know her patients and coworkers on a personal level and helping each person leave the office feeling healthier, refreshed, and proud of their smile. Her passion for dentistry began early, inspired by her own orthodontic journey and the life-changing results she experienced.

Outside of work, Lisa loves traveling and spending time outdoors, especially kayaking, boating, and soaking up time at the beach. Fun fact: before becoming a dental hygienist, she wore many hats, including working as a veterinary assistant, a patient care assistant in a nursing home, and even a realtor. 

Debbie

Hygienist

Debbie joined I Love My Dentist in March 2026, bringing with her decades of experience and a lifelong passion for dentistry. She began her dental career in 1976 as a Certified Dental Assistant before becoming a Registered Dental Hygienist in 1980. Debbie received her education and training at Suffolk County Community College and SUNY Farmingdale.

Known for her easygoing personality and warm sense of humor, Debbie truly enjoys building relationships with her patients and helping them achieve better oral health through education and compassionate care. She values working in a supportive, team-oriented environment where everyone helps one another and believes that positive teamwork creates the best experience for both patients and staff.

Debbie’s love for dentistry began at a young age, inspired by her own positive experiences at the dentist’s office and admiration for dental hygienists. Her passion for the profession has never faded, and she feels fortunate to still love what she does after all these years.

Outside the office, Debbie enjoys bowling, walking, reading, and solving Cryptogram and Cryptoquip puzzles. She is also passionate about recycling and reducing waste whenever possible. Above all, Debbie treasures the meaningful relationships in her life and is known for making friends easily and bringing positivity and laughter wherever she goes.

Estefany

Dental Assistant

Estefany is a calming and caring presence at I Love My Dentist, helping patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their visit. As a dental assistant, she provides attentive chairside support and contributes to a smooth, respectful clinical environment by being reliable, cooperative, and detail-oriented. Her steady approach helps procedures run efficiently while keeping patient comfort front and centre.

She completed her education and training at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and began her journey in dentistry in 2023, joining the I Love My Dentist team in 2024. Estefany was drawn to the dental field for its hands-on and creative nature, as well as the opportunity to work closely with patients. She finds it especially rewarding to help improve confidence and overall oral health.

What Estefany enjoys most is easing patient anxiety and being part of a supportive team that learns from one another. She values the collaboration that allows everyone to grow while delivering thoughtful, high-quality care.

Outside the practice, Estefany enjoys staying active and creative. She loves going for long walks with music playing and expresses her creativity through painting and dance. Estefany spent eight years training in classical dance, an experience that shaped her discipline, focus, and appreciation for movement and art.

With her gentle nature, creativity, and dedication, Estefany brings warmth and positivity to the I Love My Dentist team.

Jalia

Dental Assistant

Jalia is often the first friendly face patients meet once they step into the clinical area at I Love My Dentist. As a dental assistant, she focuses on helping every patient feel comfortable, relaxed, and well cared for from the moment they sit in the chair. Her thoughtful approach and attention to patient comfort help create a positive and reassuring experience.

She received her education and training at the Florida Institute of Dental Assisting and began her career in dentistry in 2025. Although she was initially drawn to the broader medical field, Jalia discovered that working in a smaller, more focused dental practice allows her to build stronger connections with patients and her team.

What Jalia enjoys most is seeing her patients smile and being part of a team that works together seamlessly. The natural collaboration between team members creates a supportive environment where everyone knows their role and supports one another without needing to ask.

Outside the practice, Jalia enjoys staying active at the gym, shopping, and expressing her creativity through crocheting. She loves learning new techniques and creating pieces she never imagined she could make. And here’s a fun fact that always gets a reaction: Jalia enjoys ketchup on white rice and ranch on spaghetti!

With her warmth, creativity, and dedication to patient comfort, Jalia is a valued member of the I Love My Dentist team.

Jaime

Dental Assistant

Jaime is a dental assistant at I Love My Dentist, where she focuses on making every patient feel comfortable, cared for, and confident throughout their visit. Known for being kind, reliable, and patient, she takes pride in answering questions, easing nerves, and helping create a positive experience from start to finish.

Jaime began her career in dentistry in 1993 after answering a newspaper job ad in England for a trainee dental assistant. She completed on-the-job training through NHS England (1993) and later expanded her skills with UF Expanded Functions (1999). She joined the team at I Love My Dentist in October 2025 and has loved building relationships with patients ever since.

Outside the office, Jaime enjoys spending time with friends and family, growing her re-selling business, and creating helpful videos for her YouTube channel. She also loves painting and anything crafty, and she enjoys riding around the farm on her 110 Kawasaki pitbike. Originally from London, Jaime is proudly “from across the pond” and, of course, never says no to a good cup of tea.

Aneliz

Dental Assistant

Aneliz is a dedicated dental assistant at I Love My Dentist. Known for her approachable presence, Aneliz is someone patients and team members feel comfortable coming to, whether they need support, answers, or reassurance.

She received her education and training at Santa Fe College and the UF College of Dentistry, building a strong foundation in patient care and clinical support. Aneliz began her career in dentistry in 2021 and joined I Love My Dentist in 2025, where she continues to grow and contribute as a valued member of the team.

What Aneliz enjoys most about her work is helping patients improve their oral health and seeing the results they’ve been hoping for. She values teamwork, open communication, and sharing ideas to create a comfortable, positive environment for both patients and staff.

Her interest in dentistry started at a young age. She enjoyed dental visits as a child and was drawn to the diverse treatments and specialties within the field. 

Outside of the office, Aneliz loves spending time with friends and family, going on walks and runs, and baking. A fun fact about her: she enjoys baking cakes and desserts for friends and family.

Heather

Practice Administrator

Heather is the heart behind the welcoming atmosphere at I Love My Dentist. As our practice administrator, she helps shape each patient’s experience from the moment they walk through the door. With a strong focus on clear communication, Heather works closely with both patients and staff to ensure everyone feels respected, supported, and genuinely cared for. She also serves as a steady source of guidance and encouragement for the team, helping the practice run smoothly each day.

Heather completed her training through the University of Florida Expanded Functions Course and began her career in dentistry in 2006, joining the I Love My Dentist team in 2025. Her long-standing passion for dentistry started early. She loved going to the dentist as a child, and that positive experience inspired a career dedicated to helping others feel just as comfortable.

What Heather enjoys most is watching patients regain confidence through their smiles and seeing the dental team grow together. She values collaboration and believes that a strong, supportive team creates the best possible patient experience.

Outside the practice, Heather enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Boating, fishing, and hunting are some of her favorite activities, and she also loves to unwind with a good book. One of her most unique hobbies is archery, which reflects her focus, patience, and steady hand.

With her warmth, leadership, and dedication, Heather plays a vital role in making I Love My Dentist a place where both patients and team members feel at home.

Josefa

Business Administrator

Josefa is one of the friendly faces patients see when they arrive at I Love My Dentist. As a business administrator, she plays an important role in keeping the front of the practice running smoothly by checking in patients, confirming appointments, and answering phone calls. Her calm, welcoming presence helps set the tone for a positive visit.

Josefa began her career in dentistry in 1998 and joined the I Love My Dentist team in 2023. With decades of experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of patient care to her role. Her decision to work in dentistry stems from a lifelong passion for helping people, something she brings into her work every day.

What Josefa enjoys most is seeing patients leave the practice with a smile and knowing she’s helped support both them and her team along the way. She takes pride in being someone her colleagues can rely on and is always happy to lend a hand.

Outside of the practice, Josefa treasures time spent with her grandchildren and enjoys getting lost in a good book. 

With her kindness, experience, and genuine care for others, Josefa is a valued member of the I Love My Dentist team and a reassuring presence for both patients and staff alike.

Shawn

Insurance Coordinator

Shawn has been working in dentistry since 1981 and joined I Love My Dentist in 2021. With experience across both the clinical and financial sides of dental care, she helps make sure patients receive the best care while supporting the team behind the scenes.

She trained at Florida College of Medical & Dental Assistants and Florida Junior College, and what first drew her to dentistry was an interest in forensic dentistry. That curiosity quickly grew into a career learning every aspect of the field, from hands-on patient care to practice management.

What Shawn enjoys most about working at I Love My Dentist is being part of a team that values support and collaboration. Outside the office, she loves saltwater fishing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. A longtime fan of old western shows and movies, her favorite is Gunsmoke. And a fun little-known fact: she once won a turkey shoot, beating out five grown men!

Jennifer

Treatment Plan Coordinator

Jennifer is the treatment plan coordinator at I Love My Dentist, where she is dedicated to helping patients navigate their financial options so they can receive the best dental care possible. With a caring and compassionate approach, she enjoys guiding patients through the treatment process and finds great fulfillment in seeing their confidence grow through healthier smiles.

Jennifer began her career in dentistry in 2009 and recently joined the team at I Love My Dentist. She received her education and training from American Institute School of Health. Her passion for dentistry comes from a lifelong desire to help people smile and feel better about themselves.

Known for her positive attitude and supportive nature, Jennifer loves being part of a team that helps improve patients’ oral health and overall well-being. She values the relationships she builds with patients and enjoys being part of their journey toward healthier, happier smiles.

Outside of the office, Jennifer enjoys spending time with friends and family, writing poetry, and participating in water activities such as swimming, kayaking, and boating. Her love for poetry is one of her most unique creative outlets and reflects her thoughtful and artistic personality.

Heidi