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.

Brandy

Front Desk Business Assistant

Brandy is a valued member of our front desk team, where she welcomes and checks in patients, helps coordinate appointments, and enjoys educating patients so they can feel confident and informed when making decisions about their dental care.

Brandy began her career in dentistry in 2010 and has since gained experience in pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and general dentistry. She previously worked in our office as a dental assistant, so returning to our team feels like coming home. She believes that our shared passion for dentistry and commitment to our patients is what makes our office such a special place. Her experience both clinically and at the front desk gives her a unique understanding of the patient experience and allows her to help patients feel comfortable and cared for from the moment they walk through our doors.

Outside of the office, Brandy loves spending time with her daughter and enjoying the outdoors. Whether they're exploring, staying active, or simply making memories together, family time is her favorite way to spend her free time.

Jada 

Dental Assistant

I was first introduced to the dental field by my friend’s mom, and ever since then, I’ve been passionate about helping people feel confident about their smiles.   

I am a goal-oriented person and I like asking question and learning new things. The dental field is a good fit because there is always plenty to learn. No two cases are exactly the same and that keeps things interesting.

What I love most about my job at Cortez Gardens Family Dental is the support that I get from the entire team. They are upbeat bright happy people to be around and always helpful.

Fun fact about me – I am a born and raised Floridian!  More specific, born and raised right here in Bradenton. So here ‘s a friendly shout out to all my current and future Bradenton friends and dental patients!

Gisselle

Dental Assistant

I joined the dental field in 2022 after I graduated from the MTC dental assisting program here in Bradenton Florida. I worked in cosmetic family dentistry before joining Dr. Tulipanos team. 

The best part of joining the Cortez Gardens Family Dental team is that I get to work in a place that helps people restore and keep their smiles. Dr. Tulipano has been a wonderful teacher and guide since I began here. I love to learn new things, gain experience and I genuinely love to just chat!  Being a good team player is at the top of my priority list!

I have an amazing husband and three dogs (two Dobermans and a miniature schnauzer). We spend our free time playing games, doing puzzles, being with our families and having cookouts. We are new first time home owners so we have many fun projects over the weekends.  I personaly love to decorate and make things beautiful!

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.

Jenn

Registered Dental Hygienist

Jenn brings more than 25 years of experience in dentistry and a passion for making a difference in the lives of her patients. She began her dental career in 2000 as a receptionist and went on to grow through many roles, including office manager and dental assistant, before becoming a dental hygienist. She even spent a short time sharing her knowledge as a clinical instructor at a dental hygiene school.

What Jen loves most about being a hygienist is helping people, building genuine personal connections, and promoting the importance of lifelong oral health. She especially enjoys being part of our team of like-minded professionals who share her belief that people always come first.

Outside the office, Jen is a proud third-generation Floridian who loves walking along the beach—especially during turtle season! She also has an immense love of learning and is always looking for opportunities to expand her knowledge, particularly when it comes to dentistry and the ever-evolving world of oral health.