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Dr. Vairo is known for his gentle touch, making even the most anxious patients feel comfortable. Dr. Vairo helps his patients in all aspects of dentistry from preventative care to complex forms of restoration, and exceptional cosmetic procedures. He regularly attends continuing education classes both locally and nationwide to keep up with the latest advances in dentistry, in order to provide you with outstanding results clinically.
Dr. Vairo attended the University of Florida College of Dentistry and has been practicing in the Gainesville area for the last 25 years. Dr. Vairo and his wife Tina have three beautiful daughters. Their entire family has been very active in our Gainesville community and in their church, University City Church of Christ.
In his spare time, Dr. Vairo enjoys exercising and staying fit, delicious food with family, and traveling.
Dr. Nicholson's strengths include improving patient quality of life and boosting patient self-confidence through restoring and recreating beautiful smiles. She does so by taking her time getting to know her patients and guiding them through each step of the process. Previous patients have appreciated Dr. Nicholson's compassion and conservative approach.
Dr. Nicholson completed her dental education at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and understands the value of lifelong learning. She participates in study groups, continuing education courses, and local dental meetings. Dr. Nicholson has lived in Florida her whole life and loves to give back to the community through volunteering and mentorship. Her favorite experience is volunteering for the Alachua County Department of Health to improve healthcare access in our area.
When Dr. Nicholson is not practicing dentistry, she likes to visit the small businesses of Gainesville, play tennis and pickleball, and take her dog on adventures.
Ellie’s experience in the field of dentistry spans about 30 years, 10 as a dental assistant and 17 as a hygienist. Her lengthy career is the result of wanting to help people feel better about themselves. According to Ellie, “If I can help them smile with confidence, I have accomplished that.”
When she is not in the office, Ellie enjoys spending time with her husband, taking photos, and spoiling her cats Thor, Gilbert Grape, and Baldr.
Kristina has spent the last 20 years working in the field of dentistry, 15 of which were spent right here in Gainesville.
When asked about why she chose dentistry, she said, “I enjoy building relationships with my patients and team members, as well as providing patient education needed to have a healthy smile.”
Kristina spends her free time with her husband, three daughters, and two boxers. Whenever possible, she enjoys taking in the views from her mother’s front porch in the Tennessee Mountains.
Jessica has spent nearly a decade as a dental hygienist graduating from Santa Fe College in 2012. She has been a hygienist 3 years in Gainesville and 6 years in the Clearwater area.
Jessica has always enjoyed going to the dentist which prompted her interest in dentistry as a career. She loves helping people have a comfortable dental experience. She strives to give people the eductation they need to maintain their oral health, and leave the dental chair with the confidence they need to maintain their dental care at home.
In her free time she loves spending time with her family, and enjoys interior decorating.
Melissa was born into a Cuban family in Miami, where she lived until her late 20’s. She moved in 2017 to go to school at Santa Fe College and begin a new career in Dental Hygiene and is a proud first-generation college graduate in her family. She has a great love and respect for her profession, and understands the value of earning her patients’ trust to allow her to be their oral healthcare advocate.
In her free time, she cares for a cat and two elderly dogs. Her love of animals has motivated her to start a nonprofit organization to bridge the gap of medical care for shelter animals. She loves nature, the ocean, kayaking, bike riding and rollerblading.
Misue graduated from Palm Beach State College, and has been a hygienist for almost 13 years. She has been in Gainesville for about 5 years, and enjoys nature hikes, bird and butterfly watching here in Northern Florida. She is addicted to all things Disney and a big Star Wars fan, and is very involved with her family and friends in her spare time. In dentistry, she loves to help people achieve a healthy smile and make patients as comfortable as possible.
Ericka has worked in dental care since 1993. "It's gratifying to help patients attain beautiful smiles, ease their fears and gain their trust."
Ericka is married with three children. Her family also has two rescue dogs and two horses. She enjoys spending time with family and traveling to new places. Ericka has a passion for baking and enjoys sharing it with her work family.
Kristi has been in dentistry for 24 years, with over 10 of those being right here at Santa Fe Family Dental. She has 2 daughters and loves spending time with her family. She enjoys real estate and refurbishing anything old. Kristi loves helping people, and believes you get back what you put in.
Jodi’s experience is extensive, with over 35 years spent in various fields of the dental industry. While you will normally find her in the clinical area in our office, she sometimes helps in the business area as well. Being versed in all areas and always willing to help, you never know where you might see her! Jodi is married with three kids scattered across the US. She enjoys horses and spending time with her family, and her sweet Corgi, Sophie.
Receptionist
Yolonda’s smiling face will be one of the first you see when you come in for your appointment. When she’s not helping out our patients, Yolonda enjoys reading, travel; she’s involved heavily at her church in choir, benevolence, and in the children’s ministry.
Office Manager
Denise has over 20 years of experience in the field of dentistry, and is the Treatment Coordinator for our team. Denise is happily married with four children and two grandchildren, and enjoys camping in her free time.
Insurance Coordinator
Tonja is extremely knowledgeable in dental insurance, having worked in this area of dentistry for many years. She is great at helping patients with their dental questions or seeking out answers to more difficult issues. Tonja has been happily married to her best friend for 23 years. She is Mom to four children and Nana to two grandchildren. She loves to spend time with her grandchildren and going to the beach.
Indi has over 10 years of experience in the dental field and has a passion for dentistry, oral health, and helping others. Her hobbies include gardening, cooking, traveling, caring for her 2 dogs and spending time with family.
Tabatha has been working in the dental field more than 15 years, because she enjoys helping people. She loves being able to connect with patients and help them understand their treatment or insurance and making them feel as comfortable as possible. She and her husband have 3 kids and moved back to Florida to be near family after one too many blizzards in Wisconsin. In her spare time, you would find her at a practice or game during the busy sports seasons with her kids, or some other family celebration with family and friends. She absolutely loves shopping, anything related to fashion and listening to true crime podcasts.
Schedule your appointment online or give us a call to get started today.
