MEET THE TEAM
Our Warm and Friendly Dental Team
Our Dedicated Team
In order to provide the highest level of service, we have selected a team that is not only competent, but unusually warm and friendly. People like this are not easy to find. We are very fortunate to have built such a quality team. You’ll notice the difference on your first visit!
Melissa McDaniel
Clinical Director
My love for dentistry began when I was about eight years old. My childhood dentist would sing ‘Brown-Eyed Girl’ to me while he checked my teeth, which made me think dentists were the coolest people around. Turns out, I was right! I began working for that doctor when I was 17, shortly after I took a radiology course in my first year of college. The intrigue just kept growing from there and here I am, 25 years later, still loving it. I went to college at University of New Orleans and LSU School of Dentistry.
I have always had a very deep passion and fascination for the dental field and have been privileged to work with, and be taught by, some of the best clinicians the field has to offer. I began my career working with the Cleft Palate Team at Children’s Hospital New Orleans for many years, while working with special needs children alongside several doctors. I became a CSFA after being part of that team and continued in Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery. During that time, I became certified in ACLS and PALS. I have participated in several research studies that were exceedingly successful. I have worked with post-cancer reconstruction, CAD-CAM technology, and all aspects of dentistry. I always look forward to learning and growing and still get excited about a good dental journal! I am well-versed in the clinical and administration aspects of dentistry, which helps me to navigate every aspect of our patients’ care, and that is my favorite part of my day – taking care of you.
I grew up in Metairie, LA and went to East Jefferson High. I have lived in a few places but always land back here. I moved to Slidell in 2001 and loved the small-town feeling this community provides. When you see me out and about, come chat with me. I promise I will love it and you will make my day! I have three adult children (Olivia, Eugene, and Gabriella) and one granddaughter (Michaela). When I am not at work, I love cooking good food and experimenting with new desserts. I love live music and/or a good game night with my family and friends! My favorite dessert is vanilla custard ice cream with coffee poured over it.
Pam Smith
Registered Dental Hygienist
I have been in dentistry for nearly 20 years. I began working as a dental assistant, then decided that becoming a dental hygienist was for me. I graduated from Pierce College in Lakewood, WA in 2015 and have been working with Dr. Pousson and now Dr. Marin for nearly six years. I love the relationships I have found at this office and love the people I work with. The most important responsibility I have is to make my patients healthy and to be a trusted and compassionate provider. I love my patients!
I have lived all around the country and appreciate the different cultures, values, food, and people each place has contributed to my life. I enjoy spending time outdoors in my garden and camping with friends and family, and I love cooking! I am always trying new recipes and have recently been focusing on Asian cuisine.
Lauren Vermilyea
Registered Dental Hygienist
After graduating from Texas Tech University and not feeling passionate about my degree, I decided to pursue a career as a dental hygienist. I always LOVED going to the dentist and getting my teeth cleaned, so I was always confused when people told me they would rather do anything else. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston in 2018 with the hopes of providing the dental experience everyone deserves.
My husband is in the Coast Guard, and we transferred here from Kodiak, Alaska in June 2021. I love talking about all things Alaska, so ask me anything! We have a toddler (Madilyn) and a baby (Donovan). My husband and I are Texas Tech fanatics and love watching football and basketball. (WRECK EM!) I love coffee and anything covered in Nutella.
Shannon Daigle
Expanded Duty Dental Assistant
I have been a dental assistant for 15 years. I love the challenges and the excitement that are involved in the dental field. Meeting and caring for the patients’ needs and making sure they leave with a smile on their faces brings me great satisfaction. I love spending my free time with my husband and daughter and my fur babies.
Gabbi Dorr
Expanded Duty Dental Assistant
I joined the team at Dynamic Dental Studio in April of 2022, but I have been in dentistry for seven years. I have deeply enjoyed the friendships and connections I formed with our patients and our team since I have been a part of the office and look forward to many years together. I chose to be in dentistry after figuring out nursing was not the place for me. I have always known in my heart I wanted to be in healthcare, I just needed to find my niche! It is truly an incredible thing to be part of someone’s journey. I love when patients leave happier and more confident in themselves.
I spent the first 5 years of my life in Belle Chase, LA and then moved to Carriere, MS, where I attended Pearl River Central High School. I met my husband, Josh, six years ago and we now live in Picayune, MS with our son, Tanner. We have two dogs, Dixie and Belle. Being Mama to Tanner (Dixie & Belle too) is my most favorite thing. I adore being with family and friends. We spend a lot of time outdoors and really love spending time at the park with Tanner. Family time is super important to us! My favorite dessert is crème brûlée, but have you tried a Jimmy Buffet Load Tea? Yum!