TEAM

Our Team

Our team is dedicated to make your dental visit as pleasant and comfortable as you would expect from a family oriented dental practice. From the moment you enter the office, you will be treated with the utmost respect you and your family deserves.

- Dr. G
Ashley - Practice Manager

I began my career in 2001 as a pharmacy technician while attending the University of Georgia. I soon learned how much I loved patient care so I went on to Mercer University’s Doctor of Pharmacy program for my graduate degree. In 2005 I graduated and continued my career in pharmacy.

For the past few years, I was privileged to serve as the Medication Safety and Quality Pharmacist at Saint Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta.


As of 2009, I am very happy to say that I am now able to be a part of this wonderful practice. I have been a part of many teams in the past and have made many friends along the way; however, this team really works well together! Everyone here truly cares about each other and our patients. This caring attitude comes across in all the little day-to-day interactions that make this practice so special.


It is great to come to work every day and really love what you do. I believe that the patients, staff, and dentists here really make the work I do so enjoyable.


Ashley is a born leader and has a special way of creating a fun environment for our team and patients! As the practice manager, she is often providing encouragement and is always eager to help our team develop skills to be more efficient.

Courtney - Dental Hygienist

I graduated from Medical College of Georgia in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Growing up I always loved going to the dentist and seeing my hygienist. Those memories inspired me to pursue a career in Dental Hygiene. I hope that I can make those same lasting memories for others!

When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband Devon and our precious son, Tucker. Tucker will be 3 years old soon and much of our time revolves around him. We have a Labrador named Bentley, that loves going on walks with me.  We enjoy playing outside whether at the pool or on Lake Hartwell. 


I hope to have the opportunity to clean your teeth one day.


Courtney has been a wonderful addition to our team!  She joined the team at just the right time.  She always seems to greet you with a smile and cheerful personality!

Phyllis - Dental Hygienist

I am a 1979 graduate of Macon college of Dental Hygiene with an associate of science degree. I have been a member of the oral health profession for 31 years. I have practiced in public health, periodontal and general dentistry.


I joined this practice in 1996. I feel our mission is to improve the dental health of our patients and help them to have a beautiful smile. 



Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. We work as a dental team and our patients quickly become aware of our outstanding commitment to service, making their visit more comfortable, our commitment to patient education makes decisions about dental care easier and our constant focus is on the patient.


I attend CE classes yearly where I learn about the latest procedures and the most advanced technology available.


We love Phyllis’s outgoing personality! We have also decided that it seems that she has provided dental care for everyone in Northeast Georgia at some point over the last 30+ years she has been providing care. She is very active with The Moose Lodge, with her husband Kenny. They are often seen performing at local venues with Phyllis at the Mike and Kenny on his guitar. Now that their son is grown and a father himself they spend their free time traveling. We are all very proud of her son, Mac, for serving and protecting us all as an active service man of the U.S. Army. Most recently she became a very proud grandmother of an adorable little girl.

Tammy - Financial Coordinator

With 24 years of experience in the dental, financial, and administrative field, I strive to provide the best for Oakwood Smiles in order to establish complete patient satisfaction. I believe that assisting patients with financial questions is key to helping obtain optimal care for our patients. 


We as a team enjoy creating relationships with each patient and strive to demonstrate a welcoming and warm environment as they walk through the door.



I enjoy and appreciate being a member of a qualified and friendly office that operates with a high-tech advantage, without diminishing the human touch quality. I feel very blessed to be part of such a wonderful team.


After spending 12 years in South Carolina, I relocated to Georgia in June of 2007. I am blessed to have three beautiful children and six wonderful grandchildren. I live in Habersham County with my son and enjoy traveling to Colorado and Florida as often as possible to visit with my precious grandchildren.


Tammy is reliable and smart so when we created a new position, in 2010, and interviewed many, Tammy was an easy choice. Being the loving mother of three she has proven herself to be a natural leader time and time again.  

Linda - Front Desk

After graduating high school in Savannah, TN, I attended West Tennessee Business College in Jackson, TN. I worked for the Tennessee Department of Labor in Knoxville, TN while my husband went to the University of Tennessee. 

My son Kevin was born in Knoxville. After graduation, we moved to Nashville where my son Eric was born. We moved to Gainesville, GA in 1979. I was a stay at home Mom for many years before I went to work as an Administrative Assistant at Liberty Mutual here in Gainesville. I was employed there 16 years.


I have been happily employed at Oakwood Smiles since 2007. We have a terrific staff and a gifted Doctor. We have the best patients in all of North Georgia.On a personal note, I enjoy spending time with my 6 year old granddaughter. She and her parents recently moved to Gainesville from the Philippines. I occasionally visit my son and family in Austin, TX. I love to be spend time there with my step granddaughter. I spend most of my time with my best friend Ed. We enjoy traveling especially the western part of our beautiful country.


Linda is the perfect person for our front desk! She always has smile on her face and a kind word to share with our patients (and us). She’s here bright and early to make sure everyone's day begins on time and with a little added happiness.

Sawyer - Dental Hygienist

I began my career in dentistry as a dental assistant in 2004, and graduated from Lanier Technical College in 2009 with a degree in Dental Hygiene. Building relationships with my patients and dental education is my passion. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband, Casey, and our two beautiful daughters. I also enjoy reading a good book (or 5, or 10...), cooking and laying on a beach somewhere. 

 

Our family loves to spend time at our farm, gardening and playing outdoors. I am so proud to be a member of the team here at Oakwood smiles, where the staff and patient care is first class. A gentle touch, kindness, and quality care are provided to every patient who walks through the door.

 

I look forward to helping provide you and the entire family with the best dental experience possible!

 

In a short period, Sawyer became a valuable member of our team. Knowledgeable, dependable, and always ready to jump in whether it's to take care of a patient or help another team member.

Gabby - Dental Assistant

My career in dentistry started when I was 21 years old, working part-time as a dental assistant and going to school. As I continue to work as a dental assistant, I soon realized that it’s something I loved doing; therefore, I decided that I wanted to continue to pursue a career as a dental assistant. I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity of learning my skills on the job and continuing to give me the knowledge that I need on the daily basis. I truly believe as humans we can learn something new every day and teach others, whether it’s professionally or in a personal aspect.

 

Also, I am very thankful to work with a great dentist and an awesome team at Oakwood Smiles. It is a place where I’ve learned so much and continue to learn. I love assisting Dr. Gritsiv and helping our patients feel comfortable and at ease during the process of fixing their smiles. At the end of the day, it is very rewarding to see the smile on our patient's faces when they see their beautiful smiles. During my spare time I love going for runs when it’s nice outside and enjoying some fresh air, watching a good movie, I also attend and help in our local church, and I am a proud wife to a man who loves to serve his community in law enforcement. All in all, I am very blessed to work with a great group of people at Oakwood Smiles.

 

We are so happy to have Gabby’s kind and calming personality during those busy moments throughout the day. Gabby is hard-working, sweet, and always looking to comfort her patients.

Yvette - Insurance Coordinator

My dental career started in high school, I started working for my orthodontist, now I have 22 years of experience in the dental, financial and administrative field. I enjoy getting to know the patients and making their dental experience the best that I can. I have been at Oakwood Smiles since February 2019, I have really enjoyed my time here so far. Oakwood Smiles is an office unlike any other I have ever worked for, everyone is so upbeat and positive, I feel lucky to work with so many wonderful people. I have 3 children, 2 grandchildren and 2 fur babies. In my spare time I spend time with my family!


Yvette is a natural.  We knew instantly from our first phone call she would be great!  She has excelled at learning the way our practice works and is always up to get the job done!

Ashley - Dental Assistant

After graduating from the dental assisting program at Lanier Technical College in 2010 with my expanded duties certification, I’ve been in the dental profession for over ten years now. I started with Oakwood Smiles in July of 2019. This is an amazing team to work with. Loving my job and feeling it is very rewarding, I feel like I’ve found my forever home. When I am not working, I spend my time with my husband and our 4 kids. We enjoy getting outside and going to our family’s lake house in the summer.

 

Ashley is hardworking and dedicated but more importantly, she always shows her caring personality to patients and team members. She is a great assistant that will keep you comfortable throughout your visit. Ashley is a wonderful addition to our team!

Sarah - Dental Assistant

After graduating from Athens Technical College Dental Assisting Program I began my career as a Dental Assistant in the Athens area. Interacting and forming a bond with patients and coworkers is very rewarding. I have been with Oakwood Smiles since March 2017. I couldn’t imagine a better doctor to work for and have enjoyed every moment with the amazing team and patients. I have lived in Gwinnett County since 2012 with my husband (Ryan), son (Colby) and my precious Australian Sheppard (Sampson). 

 

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching my son play football and I also have a slight obsession with crafting.

 

We’re glad Sarah joined our team! There is no task that is too big or too small for Sarah. She is very inquisitive and always willing to learn new things to improve our practice. Sarah’s spirited personality is appreciated by everyone in the office as well as patients that come to know her. 

Alena - Patient Coordinator

I began my career in dentistry at age 16 after graduating early from PennFoster College.  I am an energetic individual that really loves socializing and going out with family and friends! Outside of work I enjoy drawing, outdoor activities, and doing party decor.  


Alena was a surprise addition to the team!  We knew from our first meeting she was great, but we weren’t looking to hire at the time.  She mentioned her experience and we decided to hire her temporarily to help with all the new COVID guidelines.  That temporary position became permanent within the first 2 weeks of her starting with us. Alena is positive, reliable, and very happy to help everyone! We’re so glad she joined our team.

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