We value your time and strive to stay on schedule to minimize your wait in our comfortable reception area. We offer state of the art technology to better serve our patients. With a friendly, compassionate staff, patients are treated to the utmost in professionalism.
I was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in South Florida. I attended undergraduate college and dental school for my Bachelor of Science (BS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degrees, respectively, in the dual admissions program at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. After obtaining my DMD in 2010, I commissioned as a captain in the Air Force and completed a 1-year residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD-1) at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Afterwards, I completed a 3-year specialty residency in prosthodontics at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas in 2015. At the same time, I obtained my Master of Science (MS) degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. I then had the honor of serving as part of the dental team for five years at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia.
In my spare time, I indulge in fitness and wellness. I also love to explore thrilling experiences such as hiking, skydiving (indoors), zip lining, traveling with friends, and enjoying rollercoasters for the kid in me!
I was born and raised in New Jersey. I moved to Gainesville, Florida to attend University of Florida where I earned both my Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Nutritional Sciences and my Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, respectively, in the dual admissions program.
I am committed to a lifelong education in dentistry, and I have already completed over 50 hours of continuing education while in dental school. I received my Botox certification for management of orofacial pain and headaches. I am a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Association of Women Dentists, and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. I have traveled throughout the country to study and attend continuing education conferences where I have learned from cutting-edge leaders in dental science, materials, and technology.
Pursuing a profession in dentistry has been a lifelong dream. Beyond connecting with my patients and listening to what their overall goal is as a patient of Baylee, I am passionate about the transformation dentistry can have on them. My treatment goal is ensuring total patient comfort and relaxation while utilizing the most modern dental techniques and materials available.
As an avid sports fan, you can always strike up a conversation with me about Gator sports, baseball or golf. I also enjoy traveling the world and trying new food. So, if you have a good restaurant or golf course recommendation, please let me know! In my free time, I also enjoy running and visiting the theme parks, especially Disney. I have completed many races at Disney, including 4 marathons. Overall, I am ecstatic to join the team at Baylee Dental and will continue the tradition of clinical excellence and compassionate care.
Chrissy was born and raised in south Florida and brings over 16 years of clinical and administrative dental experience to Baylee Dental. She attended Broward College and Nova Southeastern University. Chrissy initially started in dentistry as a front desk administrator in a pediatric dental practice. She moved into Endodontics as both a front desk administrator, assistant manager, and dental assistant. She then moved into periodontics where she started as the practice owner's only surgical dental assistant, grew into the office manager role and now the practice director. Chrissy has trained extensively and continuously attends training in practice management, team building, customer relations, human resources and more. She is very dedicated to the practice and strives to always make the practice and our team even better for the patients we serve.
In her free time, Chrissy loves spending time with her son and husband as well as friends and extended family. She is handy and enjoys home improvement projects. Chrissy's passion is the ocean and during lobster season, she is out there diving for lobster.
Shelley was born and raised in Kansas and joined the Air Force in 2004. She was trained as a Dental Technician and has over 17 years of progressive experience in the dental field. She graduated from the Community College of the Air Force, earning an Applied Science degree in Dental Assisting.
Shelley has completed more than 160 hours of professional leadership and management coursework through Airman Leadership School, Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, and Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education. She has also obtained a trainers certification from Duke University for the TeamSTEPPS program which focuses on medical team performance principles and culture change designed to improved quality of care and patient safety. Shelley has been with Baylee Dental since 2019 and strives to provide the best dental experience to our patients!
Shelley, Walt, and their daughter Cameron spend most weekends at motocross tracks across FL/GA, and her hobbies include travel, photography, and helping with her familys off-road graphics company by earning a B.S. degree in Graphic Design at the Los Angeles Film School in 2021, and winning the 2021 American Advertising Federations Bronze Award for Logo Design, Student Category.
Ruby has been in the Dental field for 7+ years and is our Patient Coordinator. She began her career with the Marion County Health Department and after several years sought out another opportunity for professional growth, and found that opportunity here with us at Baylee Dental! After graduating high school in Orlando, Ruby strived for higher education and obtained an A.A. degree in Liberal Arts, as well as an A.S. degree in Healthcare Administration from the College of Central Florida and additionally, has obtained billing and coding certifications to strengthen her skills.
She previously orchestrated the Sealant Program for school-aged children throughout Marion County and enjoys community outreach opportunities, and she continues to serve our patients as a proficient and enthusiastic Spanish-English translator. She has been with us since 2019 and loves taking on new challenges to help our team grow.
Ruby loves watching and playing soccer. She is also a worldwide traveler and an avid foodie! On the weekends you can usually find her with husband Ivan and their two boys, Max and Matias, at a soccer game or enjoying great food with friends and family!
Peggy has been part of the Baylee Dental Team since 2015. She was born in Columbia, S.C. and as an Army dependent had the good fortune to live in many different US states and in Germany. By age 20, she had traveled most of Western Europe and parts of Asia.
After graduating high school in Alexandria, VA she earned an Associate in Science from Ferrum College in Ferrum, Virginia. That is when she decided that she wanted to go into the dental field. She went on to earn her Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene from Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia in 1981. Peggy has been licensed and worked in Georgia and North Carolina, as well as Florida. She is passionate about providing her patients with all of their preventive needs with a gentle touch!
Carol is a native Floridian raised in Center Hill.Her family has lived and farmed here for manygenerations.In the mid 80s Carol moved to New Hampshire and studied dental assisting in all the specialty rotations at Pease Air Force Base Dental Clinic. She then became certified in dental radiology in Vermont.After coming back home to Florida She decided to go back to school to become a dental hygienist.Carol studied at Santa Fe community college in Gainesville with clinical studies at the University of Floridas dental school. She graduated in 1990 and began practicing right away,this is year #32.In 2016 she completed a bachelor's degree in Occupational Health Care Management at the College of Central Florida.She has lived on a cattle ranch inSummerfield forthe last 25 years and raising her two sons Cameron 25 and Daniel 17.Carol enjoys working in the community, close to home with the local residents.She is close knit with her family, friends and neighbors.On Friday afternoons she Clogg dances (tap dance) with a group of ladies for a few hours which is a great outlet for her feet since her hands are so busy withteeth all week.She also enjoy her pets and traveling when she can.Carol looks forward to meeting eachand every one of you,partnering with you on your continuousjourney to great dentaland whole-body health.. and of course, your beautiful smiles.
Born in Florida and returning after moving to Tennessee, Melissa lives in Reddick, FL. Though Reddick is roughly 45 minutes away, she considers the travel time worth it to work at Baylee Dental. Melissa graduated from Central Florida Community College as a Certified Dental Assistant and has been working for Dr. Cayia since1997.She loves everything about Dentistry. Mother of two, Melissa is an avid reader, exercises daily, and is involved in many church functions. Her favorite singers are George Strait and Jon Bon Jovi and she loves the color pink.
Kaitlyn is one of our skilled dental assistants and has more than 5 years of dental experience! A Florida native, she studied at the Concorde Institute in Tampa, where she received her certificate in Expanded Function Dental Assisting. Kailyn loves animals and much of her free time is spent playing with her 2 dogs and 2 cats. She enjoys hiking with her dogs and taking them on adventures on Florida trails.She loves the beach and traveling to new places!
Diane is an experienced dental hygienist who has been working in The Villages area since 2006. She also happens to be a Villages resident herself, and enjoys the area and its community very much! She attended St. Petersburg Community College, earning an Associate in Arts degree in Science. Diane also attended Hillsborough Community College earning an Associate in Arts Degree. She then went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree at Palm Beach Atlantic University. In addition to working as a clinical dental hygienist, she was also a proficient instructor of the Dental Hygiene program at Palm Beach Community College. She is certified in the administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation.
Diane was the recipient of an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Florida Dental Hygienist's Association. She also is the Co-Founder and Past President of the North Central Florida Dental Hygiene Association. She is incredibly knowledgeable and loves providing our patients with top-notch care!Diane's patients love her caring manner, gentle touch, and attention to detail!