Meet the Team

We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.

We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.

Michele

Office Manager

I began my career in 1999 at the front desk and loved the dental field so much, I decided to study for dental assisting! I graduated from Manatee Technical Institute in 2002 and joined Dr. Katie and the Cortez Gardens Family Dental team in 2018.

My goal is to create a pleasant experience for our patients, from their first phone call to the end of their appointment. I love working with our wonderful team and developing new relationships with our patients. I feel lucky to mean it when I say I love coming to work every day!

In my spare time, I like being with my husband and the kiddos watching movies, going to the beach, or playing with our three dogs, and tortoise.

Sylvia

Front Desk Business Assistant

My dental career started when I was 19 years old back in New York City. What was going to be just a summer job turned into a career! I worked with a general dentist for a few years until I went back to school to become a Certified Dental Assistant. I am so excited to have recently joined the fun-loving Cortes Gardens Family Dental Team. My objective is to make sure every patient has an enjoyable experience from the first time I talk to them over the phone to when they come in to the office and leave happy and with a smile.

I enjoy spending my free time with my husband. If we are not cooking together, we are exploring the beaches, restaurants, and all the other beautiful things that Florida has to offer. I also love decorating our new home, making handmade jewelry, and making seasonal wreaths to put on our front door.

Brandy

Dental Assistant

I began my career as a dental assistant in South Carolina, where I worked in general dentistry for eight years. When I moved to Florida in 2009, I received my EFDA and shifted my focus to pediatric dentistry. It was a pleasure to return to family dentistry in 2020 when I joined Dr. Tulipano at Cortez Gardens Family Dental.

I have a passion for dentistry and all it entails, from working one-on-one with patients or helping my team in the clinic. It is personally gratifying to make a difference in people’s lives through their smiles.

I love my life in the Sunshine State, where I have really enjoyed the Gulf Coast to the fullest. I love crafting, doing most outdoor activities, and spending time with my family. Life is good!

Haidee

Dental Assistant

I joined the dental field almost four years ago, originally working in pediatric dentistry before moving to general dentistry. I currently have an A.A. degree but plan on going back to school for bachelor’s degree in science.

The best part of joining the Cortez Gardens team is that I get to work in a place that feels like home. Dr. Tulipano has been a wonderful teacher and guide since I began here. Being a good team player is at the top of my priority list!

I have a six-year-old daughter who loves to go swimming and out to the parks. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer.

Morgan

Registered Dental Hygienist

As a dental hygienist, I work closely with other members of the dental team to improve the oral health of our patients. I also strive to connect with my patients on a personal level to build trust and make them feel more at ease. Not many people enjoy coming to the dental office, so making it enjoyable, or at the very least comfortable, is my goal. I enjoy partnering with my patients, educating them, and seeing their progress in oral health while helping them anyway I can along the way.

I moved to Florida at the end of 2019 from Franklin, Tennessee, and I’ve been trying to soak up as much of Florida as possible ever since! I love going to the beach, kayaking, exploring Florida, shark fishing (catch and release of course), reading, and the occasional getaway to the woods.

Aniko

Registered Dental Hygienist

I have a passion for promoting optimal dental care and nurturing my patients’ oral health. My journey in the dental field began in 1988, and I've had the pleasure of contributing my expertise to this office since 2022. I'm dedicated to educating patients about the importance of oral health and helping them achieve their best smiles. What I enjoy most about my work is the opportunity to meet new people, connect with them on a personal level, and witness the joy of a bright, healthy smile.

I'm blessed with a loving family that includes my spouse, Dan, and our two daughters, Morgan and Mckenna, and my grandbabies Isla and Thea. When I'm not in the office, you'll often find me near the water, as I have a deep love for boating and the beach. The great outdoors calls to me, and I relish spending time walking, exercising, and soaking in the beauty of nature.