Meet the Team at I Love My Dentist Lake City

Dr. Krizner-Meza, DMD

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.

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. Elizabeth Rojas, DMD

Dentist

Dr. Elizabeth Rojas is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable, informed, and confident in their dental care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida before receiving her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Rojas provides comprehensive dental care with experience in preventive and restorative dentistry, including fillings, crowns and bridges, extractions, removable prosthetics, root canal therapy, and implant dentistry. Throughout her dental career, she has valued taking the time to discuss treatment options with patients and helping them understand their oral health.

Her passion for serving others extends beyond the dental office, with years of involvement in community outreach programs focused on oral health education and access to dental care. She especially enjoys building relationships with her patients and creating a welcoming environment where they can feel at ease.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Rojas enjoys giving back to her community, traveling abroad, listening to live music, and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Carol Fiola, DMD

Dentist

Dr. Fiola is a dedicated and compassionate family dentist who takes pride in helping patients achieve and maintain healthy, confident smiles. She began her academic journey at the University of Florida, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering before continuing on to complete her Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, where she graduated in 2007.

With a deep passion for providing exceptional care, Dr. Fiola focuses on helping patients find the best treatment options to achieve optimal dental health. She believes that a beautiful smile can truly transform a person’s confidence and well-being, and she works diligently to ensure that every patient receives the highest quality care in a comfortable, supportive environment.

Committed to lifelong learning, Dr. Fiola, has furthered her education through advanced courses at the Pankey Institute and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, allowing her to stay at the forefront of modern dental techniques and aesthetic treatments.

Outside of the office, Dr. Fiola enjoys an active lifestyle centered around health and wellness. She loves spending time with her family and their beloved French Bulldog, Rocky.

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.

Nicci, CDA,CRDH

Hygienist

Kelly Geiger, M.B.A

Director of Practice Operations

Kelly brings over a decade of experience in dentistry since beginning her career in 2014. She earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business. With a strong background in dental operations, leadership, and practice growth, Kelly is passionate about creating systems that allow both the team and the practice to thrive.

What she loves most about I Love My Dentist is the team and the positive culture they have built together. She enjoys supporting her team, improving the patient experience, and finding new ways to help the practice grow.

Outside of the office, Kelly loves spending time with her husband and two daughters. A fun fact about Kelly is that she speaks Arabic and loves to cook! She also loves traveling, event planning, and creating meaningful experiences with family and friends.

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, EFDA

Treatment Coordinator

Jennifer helps patients understand their recommended treatment and navigate financial options so they can move forward with their dental care with confidence. With a caring and compassionate approach, she enjoys making the treatment process feel simple, comfortable, and personalized for every patient.

Jennifer began her career in dentistry in 2009 and received her education and training from the American Institute School of Health. Her passion for dentistry stems from a lifelong desire to help others feel confident in their smiles and improve their overall well-being.

Known for her positive attitude and supportive nature, Jennifer especially values the relationships she builds with patients

Josefa

Patient 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.

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.

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.

Heidi

Heidi has been working in dentistry since 2010 and received her Dental Assisting Certification from Stony Brook University. She enjoys building positive relationships with patients and working alongside her team to provide high-quality, compassionate care. She loves working at I Love My Dentist because of the exceptional care she is able to provide to the patients and be a part of a great dental team. 

Heidi loves being part of a profession where she can make a positive impact each day. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her children, sewing, and reading.