Kasia Dionne, DMD, Owner / General Dentist
Dr. Kasia Dionne, a native of Poland, embarked on her dental journey in 2002 as an assistant at Sprucewood Dental. Her love for the profession grew, leading her to pursue higher education. In 2009, she graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Arts in biology and a minor in chemistry. Dr. Dionne continued her studies at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and graduated in 2013.
Since graduation, Dr. Dionne has dedicated herself to providing general dentistry services to patients of all ages and dental needs. Her passion for public health led her to participate in providing dental care to underserved children and adolescents in rural areas of Vermont. Dr. Dionne’s commitment to her profession is evident through her involvement in professional organizations. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, Vermont State Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry and American Academy of Facial Esthetics. Additionally, she served on the Vermont State Dental Society Board of Directors from 2017 to 2024.
Dr. Dionne’s academic achievements extend beyond her dental degree. She is a faculty member of the dental residency program at the University of Vermont Medical Center, contributing to the education of future dentists. Dr. Dionne’s personal life is enriched by her loving family. She and her husband, Ed, reside in Williston, Vermont, and together they raise their three daughters, Emma, Chloe, and Lilly, while also caring for their beloved dogs, Bean and Rocky.
In her free time, Dr. Dionne pursues her passions, including traveling, gardening, swimming, reading, and spending time outdoors. One of her unique interests is learning new languages, demonstrating her intellectual curiosity. Dr. Dionne’s dedication to her profession, her involvement in professional organizations, and her commitment to her family and personal pursuits make her an exemplary dental professional and a valued member of the Vermont community.
Miranda Lee, DMD, General Dentist
Dr. Miranda Lee grew up in Canada, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics with minors in Pure Mathematics and Biology from the University of Calgary before moving to Boston to pursue her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry at Boston University.
Dr. Lee’s interest in dentistry began early, inspired by her childhood dentist who encouraged her curiosity and love for teeth. That early spark grew into a lifelong passion for helping others feel confident and comfortable in the dental chair. She takes pride in making dental visits as gentle and approachable as possible, whether that means taking extra care during treatment or taking the time to discuss options in detail. Dr. Lee believes that understanding builds trust and makes it a priority to walk patients through not just what she recommends, but why. Helping people feel informed, confident, and in control of their oral health is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work. She also believes that dentistry can (and should!) be fun, and she values creating a positive, relaxed environment where both patients and the team enjoy coming into the office.
Committed to lifelong learning, Dr. Lee has completed advanced training in all aspects of her practice, including Invisalign and dental implants. She has received honors from the American Association of Orthodontists, the American College of Dentists, and the American Association of Dental Research. She is also an active member of the American Dental Association, the Vermont State Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Outside the office, Dr. Lee enjoys the beauty of Vermont life with her husband, young son, dog, and cat. She loves skiing, golfing, and spending time outdoors. When she finds a quiet moment, she can often be found reading a good book or tackling a challenging Sudoku puzzle.
Makesha Heath, TDA, Office Manager / Traditional Dental Assistant
In 1999, Makesha completed her education at The Essex Technical Center as a Dental Assistant, where she was recognized with the prestigious “Outstanding Dental Assistant” award that same year. She has been a valued member of the Sprucewood Dental Team for over a decade.
Makesha often greets patients with a warm smile, making her the first welcoming face they encounter in the office. She skillfully wears multiple hats and approaches each task with enthusiasm and dedication. Her compassionate, thorough, and dedicated nature is evident in her work. Additionally, she serves as the office’s insurance and billing specialist.
Outside of work, Makesha resides in Essex Junction with her partner, Nate, and their two lovely daughters, Monica and Daphne. In her free time, she enjoys immersing herself in the outdoors, tending to her vegetable garden, picking berries, camping, taking leisurely walks, cycling, and spending cherished moments with her family.
Alma Chase, Front Desk Receptionist
Alma brings a unique blend of healthcare experience and technical expertise to her role at the dental front desk. She graduated from Essex Center for Technology as a Dental Assistant in 2007. After studying Liberal Arts at Community College of Vermont in 2009, she transitioned into the healthcare field, gaining hands-on experience as a Dental Assistant. This role provided her with a deep understanding of patient care and clinical operations.
Her skill set expanded further through her time as a dental assistant and medical assistant, eventually leading her to train as a biomedical equipment technician. This background gave her a strong foundation in the electromechanical and electronic aspects of medical equipment, fostering a sharp eye for detail and a problem-solving mindset—qualities essential for managing the fast-paced environment of a dental practice.
At the front desk, Alma is the welcoming face patients first encounter. She excels at scheduling appointments, coordinating care, and ensuring every visit runs smoothly. Her warm personality and commitment to patient satisfaction make her an invaluable part of the team.
Outside of work, Alma enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her love for the outdoors, including kayaking, camping, and swimming with her two dogs, reflects her energetic and approachable nature.
Michaela Clark, RDH / Lead Hygienist, Registered Dental Hygienist
Michaela, a certified dental hygienist, graduated from Vermont Technical College in 2020. With expertise in local anesthetic and laser treatment, she provides exceptional care at Sprucewood Dental. Michaela’s thorough and gentle approach ensures top-quality preventive care, helping patients achieve optimal oral health. She is dedicated to educating patients on maintaining healthy smiles and creating comfortable, positive experiences.
Outside of her professional life, Michaela finds tranquility and joy on her small farm. She prioritizes spending time with loved ones, finding balance and happiness in these relationships. Whether interacting with patients or enjoying personal time, Michaela brings a warm and positive attitude to all endeavors. As she says, “Let’s work together to maintain your radiant and healthy smile!”
Lea Keyes, RDH / Registered Dental Hygienist
Lea, a Vermont Technical College graduate from the class of 2023, is a skilled and passionate dental hygienist. Her meticulous attention to detail and gentle touch ensure that her patients’ visits are comfortable and thorough. Lea is certified to administer local dental anesthesia, helping patients receive the necessary pain management during their procedures.
Prior to her career in dental hygiene, Lea worked as a hairstylist, where she developed a passion for helping people feel good about themselves. This passion continues to drive her in her role as a dental hygienist, as she strives to provide her patients with a positive and comfortable experience.
Lea resides in Colchester with her partner, Zac, and their two beloved dogs, Niko and Roo, as well as their spirited cat, Kaine. In her personal time, she enjoys relaxing in her hammock with a good book, tending to her garden, and cherishing moments with her loved ones.
Holly Anderson, RDH / Registered Dental Hygienist
Holly, a seasoned dental hygienist with over two decades of experience is dedicated to providing patients with exceptional oral healthcare. She believes that every patient deserves a positive and compassionate dental visit.
Holly’s journey in dentistry began after graduating from the University of Vermont. She honed her skills working alongside a renowned prosthodontist in New York City for over a decade. This experience greatly contributed to her expertise as a skilled hygienist.
In pursuit of a better work-life balance, Holly returned to her home state of Vermont to be closer to her family. She currently resides in Hinesburg with her husband, Rick, and their beloved cat, Marvin.
Outside of her professional life, Holly cherishes spending quality time with her family. She also enjoys the simple pleasures of gardening, kayaking, fishing, hiking, cooking, and traveling.
Holly’s passion for dentistry and her commitment to patient care make her an invaluable asset to our team. She is dedicated to helping patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health, while ensuring their comfort and satisfaction throughout their dental visits.
Linda Retchin, RDH / Registered Dental Hygienist
With over three decades of experience, Linda is a skilled Registered Dental Hygienist. Her journey began at Howard University’s College of Dentistry in Washington, D.C., where she has continually expanded her knowledge of top-notch dental care and practices. Linda’s passion for oral health is evident in her work. Not only is she an expert in the dental office environment, but she is also an active member of the dental community, earning her respect in the field.
For more than a decade, Linda has worked as a per diem Dental Hygienist in northern Vermont. Her dedication to oral health shines through her work, where she has continuously demonstrated her expertise and adaptability.
Beyond her clinical work, Linda’s extensive experience and dedication to her profession make her an admirable figure in the field of Dental Hygiene. In 2015, the VDHA recognized her accomplishments with the Outstanding Dental Hygienist Award. Linda continues to actively contribute to the local Dental community, serving as the ADEX District 10 Representative and as a National Dental Examiner with CDCA-WREB-CITA.
Outside of her profession, Linda is an active member of her Vermont community and enjoys participating in International Dragon Boat competitions, baking, golfing, playing Mah Jongg, traveling the world with friends, and spending time with her husband of 35 years, Jeff, and their five-year-old Australian Labradoodle, Copper.
Melissa Cadorette, RDH – BSDH / Registered Dental Hygienist
Melissa, a seasoned dental hygienist with over 18 years of experience, was born and raised in Berlin, Vermont. She obtained her dental hygiene diploma from the University of Vermont in 2004, being part of the final graduating class of dental hygienists from the institution. Following her graduation, Melissa gained valuable experience working in various clinical dental hygiene settings across central Vermont.
Melissa is happily married to her husband, Jon, and they are proud parents to two teenagers, Riley and Lydia. Despite her demanding career and family responsibilities, Melissa demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination by pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in dental hygiene with a minor in community health during the challenging pandemic. Her ability to successfully juggle full-time work, academic studies, and raising two active teenagers serves as an inspiring example to her children, showcasing the boundless possibilities that hard work can unlock.
Having successfully completed her educational journey, Melissa has joined Sprucewood Dental on a per diem basis, bringing her wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. She is passionate about empowering patients to achieve optimal oral health and emphasizes the crucial connection between oral health and overall well-being.
Outside of her professional commitments, Melissa dedicates much of her time to supporting her children’s sporting endeavors. Both Riley and Lydia are actively involved in year-round sports, and Melissa serves on two boards associated with their athletic activities, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her family and community.
Ariel Duquette, RDH / Registered Dental Hygienist
Ariel, a graduate of Vermont Technical College since 2009, holds over 15 years of noteworthy dental experience. As Director of Dental Services at a larger practice, she gained comprehensive knowledge in clinical, front desk, billing, and management aspects of dentistry.
Her passion for dentistry preceded her dental hygiene studies. Before her educational journey, Ariel worked as a dental assistant in an Endodontic office. She has a diverse patient base and holds experience working in a mobile dental clinic that served children in rural Vermont. Her unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality dental care is complemented by her dedication to building strong patient relationships.
Ariel’s compassionate and positive demeanor, along with her easy-going personality, make her a highly valued member of the team. Based in Barre, Vermont, Ariel leads a vibrant family life with her husband Lance and their two active boys, Max and Abe. Their boys’ participation in travel hockey and lacrosse keeps the family on its toes.
When she’s not traveling to Boston for hockey games, Ariel seeks solace by the ocean, collecting shells, with Marco Island, FL being her preferred destination.
We are thrilled to have Ariel join our expert Team at Sprucewood Dental. With her impressive background and her unwavering dedication to patient care, Ariel is poised to make a significant impact on our practice.
Buffy Farrell, TDA / Lead Assistant, Traditional Dental Assistant
Buffy’s dental assisting journey began in 2009 when she worked in a mobile dental van, providing dental care to children in rural Vermont. Prior to that, she ran her own flower shop in Montpelier, VT.
As a dedicated dental assistant at Sprucewood Dental since the fall of 2021, Buffy strives to make every patient’s experience positive and comfortable. She enjoys assisting with various dental procedures and performing lab work with precision.
As the Lead Dental Assistant, Buffy’s exceptional organizational skills contribute to the smooth operation of the office. She adeptly handles a wide range of daily tasks, ensuring efficiency and quality care for all patients.
Outside of work, Buffy enjoys spending time with her husband, Chet, engaging in outdoor activities such as riding motorcycles and camping. They have three children and cherish the joys of being grandparents.
Stacy Placey, CDA, EFDA / Expanded Function Dental Assistant
Stacy has been a dedicated dental assistant since 2003. In 2008, she became a Certified Dental Assistant and in 2010, she achieved the high level training of Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA). Stacy’s passion for dentistry is evident in her unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care to every patient.
Stacy is a valued member of our team, known for her enthusiastic and compassionate approach. She believes in a collaborative effort among dental professionals to deliver the highest level of care possible. Her dedication extends beyond the dental chair, as she strives to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for all patients.
Outside of work, Stacy finds solace in the tranquility of the ocean. It is her happy place, where she rejuvenates and finds inspiration.
Fun fact: Stacy had the pleasure of working with Dr. Dionne at her previous practice, fostering a strong bond that continues to this day.
Michelle Yaehrling, CDA, EFDA / Expanded Function Dental Assistant
Michelle Yaehrling is an expanded function dental assistant (EFDA) with a strong public health background. She began her dental career in 2012 as a dental assistant and completed advanced training at New Hampshire Technical Institute in 2021. This training allows her to place beautiful restorations for patients. Her earlier experience in nursing and oral surgery has equipped her to manage complex dental cases. Additionally, her attention to detail and task-oriented personality make her a valuable asset for various front office administrative duties.
As our Office Compliance Manager, Michelle ensures we stay current with OSHA standards and the latest dental policies and procedures.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband and two lively children through hiking, biking, and kayaking. Known for her warm smile and caring approach, Michelle combines technical expertise with compassion to provide confident, patient-centered care.
Stasi Ford, CDA / Certified Dental Assistant
Stasi began her career in 2012 as a dental assistant at a community health center, where she discovered her passion for providing dental care. In 2019, she earned her dental assisting certification. Over the years, Stasi has worked in a mobile dental clinic, delivering essential dental services to children in rural Vermont. Her dedication led her to serve as the clinic’s administrative coordinator for five years, where she streamlined operations and enhanced patient care. She finds joy in treating children and making a positive impact on their oral health.
Stasi had the privilege of working with Dr. Dionne at her previous practice.
Residing in Woodbury, Vermont, Stasi shares a home with her fiancé, Dan, and their beloved dog, Tonka. In her spare time, she enjoys curling up with a good book or spending time with family.