Phanisia joined the Navy to attend the dental assistant program in 1985. She has been involved in the dental industry since. She served as an assistant for several years before joining Patterson Dental in 1996. Teaching technology to dental offices for 24 years is what led her to join our faculty here at LMU. Phanisia has lived in a few different states but decided TN was the most beautiful and moved here 2 years ago. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and spending time with her family.
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Liz was born and raised in East Tennessee. She has been a dental assistant since 1993. Liz has certifications in Coronal Polishing, Sealants, and Nitrous Monitoring. She joined our LMU Dental team in June 2024. She loves helping people improve their smiles and confidence. In her spare time, Liz enjoys cooking and spending time with her husband Jeff.
Holly began her career in dentistry in 2006 working in a family-owned company that provides practice management and marketing services for dentists and dental organizations. Through supporting dentists in their career and practice goals, Holly has developed an appreciation for dentistry's impact on a patient’s life by improving their overall health. Her educational background includes an A.S. in Communications and an A.S. in Accounting. She enjoys exploring the beautiful East Tennessee parks with her family and dog Rue.
Devin Cradic earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from East Tennessee State University. He began his career in dentistry in 2017, becoming the Dental Director for Appalachian Miles for Smiles. Devin joined Lincoln Memorial University in 2022 and is currently a Clinical Supervisor in Kingsport, TN.
Teresa has worked in all areas of a dental practice and has worked alongside many dental specialties as well as taught Dental Assistant classes for 29 years. In her 29 years, she maintained her passion while being a flight attendant and came right back to my love of the art of Dentistry and helping patients see their oral health has a major impact on their overall health. Teresa has been with LMU dental school since August 2022 and her goal is to work alongside the Dental professionals to be just a mustard seed in helping to be part of history with Lincoln Memorial University. Teresa currently works alongside Dr. Patel and is looking forward to working with future dental professionals to achieve their legacy.
Deborah originally trained and served as a Dental Technician in the U.S. Navy. Over the last 40 years, she has continued to focus her career and education on maximizing technology in dentistry and advancing practice growth. Deborah has been an independent business owner for over 20 years, providing dental practice management and marketing services for dentists in the Southeast U.S. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and being entertained by her rescue pets.
Jill has been in the dental industry for over 10 years. She has experience with front-office administrative work. She enjoys helping patients and greeting them when they visit the dental clinic. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies with her husband.
Alexis is a Registered Dental Assistant and a Clinical Supervisor for LMU College of Dental Medicine. She has been practicing for 3 years and recently joined LMU. My responsibilities include coordinating, supervising, and directing dental students for proper patient care. I love working in the dentistry field but outside of work, I spend time with my family and travel! I’m originally from Florida but currently live in Cumberland Gap, TN. I have a little girl who is my entire world and keeps me on my feet 24/7.
Jennifer Harmon earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in May, 2000. She has spent the majority of her career working in private practice until accepting a position with LMU in 2022. Jennifer is part of our phenomenal dental team in Kingsport, TN where she travels with Appalachian Miles for Smiles providing dental hygiene services in East TN and SW VA.
Malea completed the dental assisting program at LMU CDM in November 2023 and immediately started her career as an RDA at LMU-CDM in December 2023. She loves having a positive impact on patient experience. When not at work, Malea likes spending time with her family and friends.
Aprile Mason began working at LMU in July 2008 as the Executive Assistant for the VP of Academic Affairs. In 2014, she went on to become Executive Assistant for the VP of Finance, 2017 Fixed Asset Coordinator, and 2019 Purchasing Coordinator. In December 2023, Aprile joined the LMU College of Dental Medicine as Examination Services Coordinator. In 2014 she graduated from LMU with a Bachelor of Science in Management and Leadership and in 2016 she earned her Master of Business Administration. Aprile was born and raised in Claiborne County, Tennessee where she lives with her husband and family.
Tammy began her dental journey 35 years ago when she graduated from the dental assisting program at Old Dominion University. She has worked in both general dentistry and oral surgery, as well as team lead for military reserve dental exams in anticipation of deployment. She is a native of West Virginia and moved to the Knoxville area in 2020. She has been with LMU College of Dental Medicine since the fall of 2022 and is excited to be working with the dental students. She enjoys hiking in the mountains with her husband and spending time with her family.
Dawn Mullens is a dedicated and skilled dental hygienist with 30 years of experience in providing comprehensive dental care and hygiene services. A graduate of Roane State Community College in dental Hygiene, Dawn is passionate about educating patients on the importance of oral health and implementing preventative dental care practices. She has an Associate of Arts Degree in Theology from Clear Creek Bible College and an Associate of Science Degree from Southeast Community College. Dawn is currently employed as the Dental Hygiene Clinical Administrative Assistance for Lincoln Memorial University where she provides administrative resources to students and patients regarding the dental hygiene clinic and the operations thereof. She is currently enrolled in East Tennessee State University obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene which will be completed in December 2024.
Amy is a laboratory instructor at Lincoln Memorial University and assists in teaching dental anatomy, gross anatomy, and head & neck anatomy laboratories. She joined LMU-CDM in 2022 graduated from the University of Tennessee and received a B.A. in Anthropology. Further, she received her M.S. in Forensic Studies with a concentration in Human Identity and Trauma Analysis from Florida Gulf Coast University where she trained for over three years. Amy is a graduate of the 5th session of the National Forensic Academy collegiate program and has been a teaching assistant at the National Forensic Academy since 2017 training law enforcement personnel in nonhuman versus human osteology and forensic archeology for clandestine burials. Amy assists with forensic anthropology cases at the Regional Forensic Center and has participated in over 100 forensic anthropology cases and field recoveries.
Wendi Pursel joined Lincoln Memorial University in 2020 as the PA Program Administrative Coordinator. She moved to LMU-CDM in 2023 as the Student Service Coordinator and then transitioned into her current position of Director of Career Services. She is now the primary contact person with the DMD Program for student applications throughout the application and admission process. Ms. Pursel works in the areas of recruiting, admissions, advancement, alumni relations, and event planning, bringing a culture of excellence to each position held. She enjoys working with students, SGA, and helping students navigate the steps to begin their professional journey. Wendi is a USN Veteran and went to Mountain Empire Community College where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Courtney is a Registered Dental Assistant and recently graduated from the Dental Staff School of Tennessee. She is very excited to begin her journey working at LMU-CDM. Penny is originally from New Hampshire, has a grey cat named Pennywise, and loves spending time outdoors with friends and family.