Meet the Team
We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive orthodontic care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience every time you visit our practice.
We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.
Katherine
Practice Administration / Orthodontic Technician
I began my dental assisting career in 2010 at Porter and Chester Institute and joined this office that same year. Most of my time is spent in the clinic, sterilizing instruments and equipment, and offering chairside assistance during procedures. For me, watching people’s confidence and self-esteem grow as their smile changes is the best experience. At McKenna Orthodontics, we’re lucky: We help our patients change their lives and see those smiles emerge every day!
I live in Avon with my husband Eric and our houseful of crazy pets.
Lisa
Marketing Coordinator
I started my dental career in 1992, working chairside for an oral surgeon. After a few years working in oral surgery, I found a new path with a general dentist and orthodontist. I took ten years off to start a family and returned to orthodontics with McKenna Orthodontics. The rest is history! I feel so blessed to work with such a wonderful group of people. The doctors’ friendly approach and expertise in the field makes me proud to work for McKenna Orthodontics.
My husband is a police officer and we’ve been married for 25 years. We have five daughters and three dogs. In my free time, I love to hike, travel, and explore new places. I also have an adventurous side and have gone diving in a shark cage and rappelled down Mohegan Sun!
Michele
Practice Administration
I enjoy wearing many hats here at McKenna Orthodontics, from making appointments to submitting insurance forms, but most of all welcoming and giving every single patient my full attention, supplying 110% quality of care at all times. I became a certified dental assistant and oral and maxillofacial surgical assistant in the late 1980s, and joined McKenna Orthodontics in 2010. I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with outstanding, compassionate dental professionals over the years, and in such a light-hearted and collaborative atmosphere. It’s wonderful to oversee a broad range of projects, training initiatives, and problem solving to create the best possible practice for our patients.
My husband Kevin and I have been married for more than 20 years and we’re busy raising our two boys, Tyler and Michael. We are major New York Yankees fans and enjoy being involved with our local little league and junior baseball teams. I also volunteer my time to public service and giving back to my hometown community in Bristol.
Gale
Orthodontic Technician
I am a graduate of Springfield Technical Community College, class of 1988, and am certified in radiology and CPR. I seat and prepare patients for their procedure, explain what will happen, and make sure they’re comfortable. There is truly nothing better than seeing the changes in our patients when they see their outcome of their orthodontic treatment. It is such a rewarding feeling to have a patient love their smile!
Working with Dr. Paul and Dr. Michael for the past 33 years has been an ongoing learning experience. I have seen and been a part of many changes in the growth of McKenna Orthodontics. Honestly, McKenna Orthodontics is the reason why I am who I am today.
I have been married for 35 years to my high school sweetheart, Joey. On my days off, I help my husband with his business LaPierre Electric. At this time in our life, our family is growing from two strong daughters, Nicolette and Kathryn, who have given us a granddaughter and grand puppy. As for Joey and I, we are enjoying snowmobiling in Yellowstone and New Hampshire, boating in the Long Island Sound, and scouring the beach for sea glass. We are active with the Windsor Locks Volunteer Fire Department, where he is a Lieutenant and I am a Lady's Auxiliary member. I also help with Windsor Locks Dollars for Scholars and Project Graduation.
Maria
Practice Administration
I hold both an associate’s in dental assisting and a bachelor’s in liberal sciences, and have worked in the dental field since 2000. I handle a variety of tasks at the front desk, including treatment, schedule, and financial coordination. My greatest satisfaction comes when our patients have their expectations of a beautiful and healthy smile met. We are a team that works together to give our patients the best possible experience, from the moment they make the first phone call to the day they join the McKenna Orthodontics family.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family. I am truly blessed to be part of a close-knit Italian family that loves our time together.
Nicole
Orthodontic Technician
I have worked in orthodontics for more than 32 years, and have become a certified X-ray tech and orthodontic technician. I work in the clinic, where I prepare and sterilize our equipment and instruments. I also take X-rays and prepare patients to see the doctor: explaining what we’ll be doing and answering questions. I love developing great relationships with each of our patients, from seven to 77! It’s incredible to see how changing a smile transforms a person’s life and outlook. I’m truly blessed—my work family rocks!
I share my home with my beloved Mark—33 years strong! I have a beautiful niece and a handsome nephew. They are our world and keep us very entertained. I love gardening, going to the beach, music, and dancing. I’m surrounded by the best family and friends a girl could ever dream of!
Jennifer
Orthodontic Technician
I completed my certified dental assistant training through Tunxis Community College in 1991 and joined McKenna Orthodontics in 2001. I work in the clinic, where I take orthodontic records, handle intraoral scans, and am a lab technician. I also prep patients for the doctor, assist during different procedures, and teach patients about oral health. I love being part of McKenna Orthodontics, where we all have the same goal in mind: transforming smiles and changing lives though the best possible orthodontic treatment.
On my days off, I love to be at the beach and spend time with my family.
Sheila
Practice Administration
I’ve loved being part of the amazing McKenna Orthodontics team since I joined in 2014. I assist patients and parents with all aspects of treatment and financial planning. Together, we figure out the financials and review insurance benefits, and I schedule visits and procedures, too. Here, we do everything we can to make our patients feel welcome and confident. I look forward to each patient’s visits, because they tell us their latest news and the exciting things happening in their lives. I am lucky to work with such fantastic doctors and staff—they’re the best!
Karen
Practice Administration
I joined the dental field in 2019 and enjoy all aspects of working in the front office, from scheduling appointments to billing insurance. I love to greet the patients, and meet new people, and being a small part of helping to turn their anxiety into happiness as they see their treatment being successful and changing their lives with a brand new smile. I am lucky to be working with an amazing group of people who work together to make our patients feel special and happy about themselves.
I live in Winchester Center with my husband Phil. We have two amazing children, PJ and Melanie. We also have four fur babies, our Labs, Rosco, Duke and Daisy, and our golden retriever Donut, who is our baby !
Tori
Orthodontic Technician
I graduated from Tunxis’ dental assisting program in 2012. I gained experience in general dentistry, oral surgery, and pediatrics nine years, until joining McKenna Orthodontics in 2021. My dream job since I was 12 years old was to be an orthodontic assistant—and here I am! I love watching our patients’ smiles and confidence transform. The doctors and the rest of my team all have one goal in mind—making our patients happy.
I have a daughter who is my entire world! In my spare time, I enjoy taking her to new places to learn and explore. She will a big sister to twin brothers in October 2022! When I have the chance, I enjoy having lunch with friends and socializing.
