My family and my profession as an orthodontist are my passions in life. I feel blessed to be a part of this profession and to have patients let me into their lives each and every day in order to help them achieve their goal of attaining a beautiful smile.

I love combining the art and science of orthodontics to produce a healthy, beautiful smile, but the most fulfilling aspects of my career are getting to know my patients and their families personally and becoming part of the community where I live and work. I have found, over the years, that I learn as much from my patients as they learn from me. The best part of my day is seeing the happy faces of parents and patients every time they visit us, especially when we achieve the end result of a beautiful smile after all of their hard work and dedication.

Continuing education continues to be an integral part of my life as a practicing orthodontist. I became board certified in 2007 by the AmericanBoardofOrthodontics (an honor bestowed to only 25% of orthodontists) andI attend annual meetings held by the North Eastern Society of Orthodontists, the Massachusetts Dental Society, and the American Association of Orthodontists in order to remain current on the changing technology in orthodontics. This also simultaneously allows me to make sound treatment decisions based on the facts and research presented.

Following graduation from dental school in 2001, I began my career as a Naval Officer andthe events of 9/11 changed America and my plans to pursue orthodontics immediately after graduation. A war was on the horizon, and I had to prepare for deployment to Iraq in support of Operations Enduring/Iraqi Freedom with the US Navy. In 2003, I was one of three dental officers from Camp Pendleton to be assigned to serve in support of the US Marine CSSB-12 unit, a supporting battalion to the Infantry. I then went on to become the only dentist on board an amphibious ship to Kuwait and the Gulf in 2004. While this meant delaying my career in orthodontics, I would never trade the valuable experiences and opportunities that I personally gained from these deployments. During my months in the war, I was given the opportunity to garner profound experiences in leadership and challenging supervisory roles. In addition, I learned that I was able to successfully treat even the most difficult of dental cases in an extremely hostile and austere environment.

Some fun facts about my Naval Career: I became back-seat qualified and was able to fly backseat inan F-18 jet, I drove my ship (the USS Denver) during an underway replenishment while at sea during my training for theSurface Warfare Pin, I was one of 11 women on board my ship with a crew of 400and ran the Physical Fitness Program, and I was aPistol Sharp Shooter back in 2004.

I am a native of Pasadena, California, and while my time with the Navy led me to travel the world during my deployments (Hawaii, Thailand, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Africa to name a few) andlive in Philadelphia, San Diego, San Antonio, and Yokosuka Japan, I am pleased to be able to call Natick my home. Here, I lead a quieter life and get involved in the community where I actively promote dental health and education in our local schools, and participate inNatick events and fun runs.My husband, Kevin, and I have been married for 24years and havetwo daughters, Evelyn and Veronica as well as two dogs, 12chickens, 2fish, a hedge hog and aguinea pig. I guess you could say that we love animals! Outside of work, I love gardening, running (working towards my 5thhalf marathon race),spending time with my family and pets at homeas well as traveling. The Navy instilled a love of travel in me so Ihave tried to encourage that adventurous nature in my family lifeas well!

Jenwas born and raised in Rhode Island and spent four years in the banking business before she left to raise her family. She was excited to re-enter the work force at Lakewood Park Orthodontics and uses her expert organizational skills and warm personality to manage the front desk as our scheduling coordinator.Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys cooking and photography, but virtually all her free time is spent with her husband and two kids.

Kerry has been a Treatment Coordinator for over 12years. Kerry is passionateabout her job. She loves meeting new people and helping our patients find the confidence they need for an amazing smile. When asking Kerry what she likes most about her job, it is seeing the transformation a smile can make in a persons life. When not working, Kerry enjoys spending time with her husbandand three daughters.

Mia has a warm and personable nature about her and is especially wonderful with kids. She enjoys meeting new patients and families and may even know some of them personally as she was raised in Natick herself! Outside of work, she enjoys the greatoutdoors, going to the cape, and spending time with friends, family and her dog.She is also pursuing her college degree outside of work!

Jeannie has a work history in luxury retailwhere she spent over 15 years in sales. She is a real people person and enjoys meeting and greeting all of our patients andfamilies at the front desk! When she is not at work, she is a personal trainer locally and enjoys traveling and taking long motorcyclerides.

Kristen has been an orthodontic assistant for over 21years and hasachieved the lofty goal of becoming aCertified Orthodontic Assistant. This entails thousands of documented hoursof assisting and passing a rigorous test covering all aspects of dental and orthodontic assisting. She also acts as thepractice's Infection Control Officer and ensures the office is up to date on all the latest infection control measures to keep everyone safe and happy! She truly enjoys being able to work closely with patients and getting to know them personally. She believes thatthe most rewarding partof beingin orthodontics is the happiness and appreciation our patients give us for what we create for them. When not in the office, Kristen enjoys taking day trips with her husband, cooking and spending time with her large family.

Melanie has been an orthodontic assistant for 22years and loves it! She is a fun,compassionate person whoalways makes sure that her number-one concern is the patient's care and comfort. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two sons and her favorite sport is hockey of course! During the summer months (her favorite season)she loves going to the beach.

Patience has beenin the dental field for 3years and graduated from Porter and Chester Institute in dental assisting. She is a Certified Dental Assistant with a background in general dentistry but she has always had a love for orthodontics and helping patients through the treatment and is thrilled to have joined our team where she gets to exclusively work in orthodontics!She is originally from Uganda, Africa and moved to the US 9 years ago. Fun fact: she speaks 5 different languages! Outside of work, she loves to spend time with friends and her son. She has a passion for working with special needs patients and on the weekendsshe volunteers at a group home in Natick where she finds fulfillment in seeing them become more independent and confident in their abilities.

Wildaly was born and raised in Yauco, Puerto Rico and moved to MA at the age of 10 and grew up in Framingham where she herself got braces. Wildaly attended Keefe Tech in Framingham and then went on to the American Career Institute where she completed her Dental Assisting Program in 2010. She has had experience working in orthodontic and general dentist practices ever since! Outside of work, she spends time with her two children and is also a licensedcosmetologist and loves doing hair!

Julia recently joined our office at the front desk as a Scheduling Coordinator but is also training to work as our Sterilization Technician! She is very excited about advancing her career in the dental field and become more hands-on in the patient sideofthe practice! Julia has prior experience in the hospitality industry and we are thrilled to have her join our team. Outside of work, she spends time with family,friends and her fianc. Fun fact: she loves the Grateful Dead!

Beckiehas been working in the field of dental insurance and financials for over ten years. She knows the ins and outs of working with insurance companies to help maximize our patient's benefits. Outside of the officce, she spends time with her partner, Eric, their dog, Harper,and her nieces and nephews that live nearby. In the summer time, she enjoys tractor pulling!

At Lakewood Park Orthodontics, Dr. Janeen Hughes has hand-picked the most talented individuals to be a part of her team. With a focus on communication and respect, our patients know they are in the hands of people who truly care. Our office is designed for patient comfort in the waiting room and the operatory. In our office, we want you to feel like you are at home.