I feel blessed to be a part of such an amazing team that sees our young patients the way we see our own nephews and nieces. Being a father of two young children, I have been in the shoes of a parent anxiously waiting to see a doctor, and cautiously hoping that the provider is sympathetic tomy fearful children. Safari Smiles delivers that compassionate and personal care through our daily efforts and focus on our vision as a practice; to ensure that every child walks away with a fun experience in a setting that can otherwise be frightening. Influenced by my own personal and professional experiences, I feel empowered when I find opportunities to help assuage the fears of emotionally vulnerable children. Ive seen first-hand the qualities of providers that can break or nurture the child sitting in the dental chair, and find the greatest sense of purpose when I see parents trust me with those they love and cherish the most. Informed by my specialty training, years practicing as a pediatric dentist, and my own childhood experiences, I am excited to bring my expertise as well as my most compassionate, engaged, and attentive self to your childs care.
Hello, my name is Catrina, and I am the Office Manager at Safari Smiles. I grew up all over the map. I have been in this community for 17+ years. I have two amazing boys. We enjoy anything that requires laughter.
I LOVE what I do! I personally love to help others become the best version of themselves. It is a great feeling to work in a place that I can call family. We really are the best team in town. Safari Smiles strives for excellence and aspires to make each patient the TOP priority, and it is evident when you first walk into the office throughout the whole visit and even while exiting the building. I love working with and for Safari Smiles because we all live up to the values that are portrayed.
Hello, my name is Stacy. I am the Assistant Office Manager/Treatment Coordinator here at Safari Smiles. I have 4 children that were raised here. I have worked with children for as long as I can remember. I previously taught at a private school, I also previously worked with the mentally and physically challenged youth in the surrounding areas.
Hello, my name is Becca L. and I am a Dental Hygienist. I grew up in Hornby, New York. I graduated from Broome Community College in 2010. I started working as a Dental Hygienist right out of school in Painted Post. I love working with children as a dental hygienist because I love kids and want to make their experience at the dentist fun and memorable and want them to enjoy coming to the dentist.
My name is Cindy Wheeler and I am the Hygiene Coordinator at Safari Smiles. You will primarily see me assisting the Hygienists with documenting the patients teeth numbers, taking the x-ray pictures, helping with the sealants (super shields), and making sure the Hygienists rooms are completely cleaned and disinfected for the next arriving patient.
Growing up in Troy, PA during my elementary school years, I eventually moved to NY and finished my schooling in Horseheads. After graduating high school, I went to the SCT Boces Tech center for the Dental Assisting Program.
For over 20 years now, I have been in the dental field as an Assistant in General Dentistry, and also an Orthodontic Assistant, and now I am in the most perfect position for me!! I love what I do here at Safari Smiles, and my work family is completely amazing!! They are so genuine and compassionate for one another, and with each of our patients. I look forward to coming to work knowing that I get to help my work family and am able to help put a smile on your childs face! I reside in the Horseheads area with my 3 beautiful boys, and wonderful husband
I grew up in Horseheads, NY where I graduated High School with a Dental Assisting Degree from the GST BOCES Tech center, Instantly I fell in love with working with teeth and meeting new patients. I currently reside in the Horseheads area with my significant other, and our wonderful yellow lab Boozer.
For 8 years now, I have been in the dental field as an Assistant in General Dentistry, and also as an Orthodontic Assistant, and now I am in the most perfect position for me working with your children!!
I am very passionate about what I do here at Safari Smiles, and my coworkers instantly became my family!! You can always count on me to bring positive vibes and a smile on my face at our office. I look forward to coming into work knowing that I get to help transform a patients smile. I am so grateful that I am part of a team that impacts every childs experience in a positive way.
My name is Katie Jones and I grew up in Corning. After high school, I moved to Alfred, NY where I attended Alfred University and taught elementary and pre-school for 3 years. When my husband and I decided to start our family, we wanted to move back to Corning to be closer to family. I wanted to take some time off from teaching but still work with kids, thats when I found Safari Smiles!
I grew up in northern New York but have lived in the Southern Tier for 38 years. A mother of four sons (Number 3 likes to tell his brothers he is the favorite), I am also a Grandmother of ten! I taught at a private Christian school for over 20 years and also had my own catering business for 15 years. I love God! I love my family! I love my country (member of the DAR)! I love my job!
Hi there, my name is Amanda, and Im one of the front desk faces here at Safari Smiles! Im from Elmira and just recently moved back to the area. After spending about 8 years in Hampton Roads Virginia, I decided to move back home to raise my daughter around family. In VA, I worked at a dermatology office and really enjoyed the healthcare environment. When I moved back home, I was so excited to find Safari Smiles! Being able to help patients in such a fun and bright atmosphere greatly appealed to me! When I first stepped into safari smiles, my first thought was that my daughter would LOVE it here. I love seeing that same reaction from all of our patients every day!!
Dr. Choi studied at Reed College and Columbia University as an undergraduate student, where he earned a BA in physics and a BS in biomedical engineering, respectively. After graduating from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, Dr. Choi completed a fellowship program at Helen Hayes Hospital and a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at St. Barnabas Hospital. His educational background has helped him learn how to manage patients with special health care needs and complex medical conditions.