Joleen joined our team over 20 years ago. She oversees our clinical inventory and also works closely with our patients with her reassuring demeanor and comforting spirit. Joleen has also been an LPN since 1981. She loves animals and enjoys spending time with her family.
Raymond wears several different hats here. He is our IT specialist, Treatment Coordinator, Public Relations Director and also brings a great level of support to our patients as a certified dental assistant. Raymond joined our team full time 5 years ago.
When not here at LP, Raymond enjoys cycling, fishing, drag car racing, golf, ATV’s and tending to his small farm animals.
Desiree graduated from Traviss technical college in 2022. She enjoys getting to help patients with whatever needs they have!
When not working as a dental assistant, Desiree enjoys spending time with her family, hanging with her church family, and playing with her dog. She also enjoys one on one time with her husband who devotes his life as a Polk County deputy sheriff!
Laura loves spending time with family, friends and future husband Jose as well as participating in outdoor activities and enjoying nature. Laura also loves to travel when possible and attending church every Sunday.
Deborah started her career in Dental Hygiene in 1981 after graduating from St. Petersburg Junior College. She initially practiced her long awaited career in Germany. She returned to the US three years later to continue her profession. Her passion for her role here at LP is evident with the high level of care and compassion shared with our patients.
Deborah’s spare time is spent “working/playing” in her gardens, DIY projects, and spending time with her son and 3 year old grandson.
Nuvia has been a valued part of our team since 2006. Initially, she worked chairside as a surgical assistant, and then furthered her education 7 years ago by obtaining her AS degree in dental hygiene. We are blessed that she continued with our office in her new role as Registered Dental Hygienist. Nuvia speaks fluent Spanish and helps our patients with her bi-lingual capabilities.
When not here with her LP team, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and enjoying outdoor activities. Nuvia and her husband have 3 children.
Freda has been in periodontal practice almost all of her lengthy career and loves getting to know each of her patients while helping them to improve their dental challenges with skill and dedication. Each patient is unique and she strives to help each one discover personal best in their dental health.
A fourth generation Floridian, Freda has her roots in the agricultural community. Growing up on the multi-generational dairy farm, she never dreamed she and her husband would be the generation to close Polk County’s last dairy farm with a final crop: concrete.
As a lover of the outdoors and animals, she is still owned by 2 horses, a dog, parrot, and barn cat that keep her occupied in the stable. When riding and barn chores are complete you can find her sewing and quilting.
A mother of 4 children who are spread around the country, she is also blessed with 3 grandchildren, although living out of state, she visits and spoils as often as possible.
Bev has been with LP for 40 years, starting with the practice founder, Dr. Jim Belcher. As the practice administrator, she oversees all aspects of the clinical and clerical areas. She loves the daily interaction with patients and team members and considers them all, extended family. Bev enjoys cooking, traveling, is an avid animal lover, and enjoys spending time with her family.
Sandi has been with LP for over 3 years. She brings over 25 years of experience in the dental field working with doctors, team members and patients to ensure a smooth transition from consultation to treatment. Sandi is the proud mother of 3 adult children, “Forever Mom” to her oldest. You will find Sandi spending time with family and friends or relaxing on the beach. Sandi enjoys reading mystery and romance novels, but nearest and dearest to her heart is volunteering for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Jen comes to Lakeland Periodontics with 20 + years of dental administrative skills. Her ability to easily communicate with others, making them feel comfortable and uplifted, is just one of her many great qualities. She has spent the last year of her career here with the LP team.
We are so glad that Jen made the decision in March of 2018 to relocate and become a permanent resident of Florida.
Jen has a passion for nurturing houseplants and gardening. She is a proud Momma of 2, and even more proud Nonna of 3! While her family keeps her quite busy, she loves to spend time at Disney. She surprised us all when she returned from a recent vacation as a married woman!
Kimber graduated from Traviss Dental Assisting School in 2019 and worked in general dentistry prior to joining our team. She enjoys volunteering within the dental community.
Kimber brings dual talents to our team as she is a certified dental assistant and a very proficient administrative assistant!
Kim is happily married and has 2 beautiful daughters. She enjoys being on the water/boating with her family. When she can find time, she also enjoys crocheting.
Tara has been with the LP family since 2014 with over 20 years of experience in the dental field.
After 10 years of being a dental assistant, she switched gears and now prefers the administrative side of dentistry.
Tara is married and is a fur mom to her 11 yr old labrador, Loomis. She is also involved with TNR programs for cats. She and her husband, help rescues with transports and fostering of homeless pets. Tara also enjoys boating and water sports.
Kelly worked with us at Lakeland Periodontics several years ago and is back with us. She has been in dentistry since 1986. She has worked both chairside and in administration. She enjoys interacting with patients and loves to see them smile.
Kelly is happily married to Paul and they have a daughter, Anna who is a senior in high school (Go Dreadnaughts!) She also has several fur babies at home.
In her spare time, Kelly enjoys reading, cooking and going to the beach with her family.