Surgical Team

Nichole Tilofaga – Surgical Assistant

When Nichole was a teenager, she found herself fascinated by the orthodontic treatment she was receiving. A few years later, Nichole moved to Hope Mills, NC to be closer to family and decided it was time to pursue her true passions. Nichole earned her Certified Dental Assisting degree from Fayetteville Tech in August of 2019 and joined our Sandhills Oral Surgery family in August 2023 as a surgical assistant.

Nichole loves interacting with and educating our patients on oral surgery. She understands that there can often be a fear or anxiety associated with dental care and prides herself on helping our patients overcome those fears or worries. Nichole noted that the best part of her day is making our patients feel comfortable and right at home in our office.

As a busy mom of 4, Nichole loves relaxing (when she can 😉) and spending time with her family. Together, they love traveling to the many beaches NC has to offer and making memories as a family.

Nichole Tilofaga – Surgical Assistant

Sarah Parker – Surgical Assistant

Sarah Parker, a Lumberton native, says that she always had such a pleasant experience when she went to the dentist office as a young girl. She just knew that she wanted to be part of a team in a dental office that would allow her to provide others with the same pleasant experience.

As a Certified Dental Assistant attending school at Fayetteville Technical Community College, she heard about amazing things happening at Sandhills Oral Surgery and knew right away that she wanted to join the Sandhills team. Sarah joined the practice in 2019 and just loves being able to work with a great team of dental professionals.

Her favorite part of her day is interacting with the patients and building relationships with them so that they enjoy coming into the office. She wants them to know that they are not just patient but that they are family.

When Sarah is not helping to transform the smiles of her patients, she enjoys spending time with her two children, Kaitlyn and Evan, biking, reading, and traveling.

Sarah Parker – Surgical Assistant 

Geri Locklear – Surgical Assistant

Fayetteville native Geri Locklear has been a member of the Sandhills family since 2007. As a Surgical Assistant, she’s proud to be part of an incredible group of dental professionals who share the same goal of providing expert care in a friendly, patient-centered environment.

For Geri, every day is an opportunity to enhance her skills and make connections with her patients. Geri is truly a people person. In fact, she enjoys the interaction so much she has been known to greet a patient by telling them, “You are why I came to work today!”

One of Geri’s best qualities is her ability to relate to and empathize with her patients, and she strives to make every visit to our office feel like visiting with friends. Whether you’re a parent who needs reassurance about a child’s surgery or a senior who needs additional explanation about a procedure, she takes the time to listen, explain, encourage, or simply hold a hand.

Geri has been married to her husband for over 30 years, and they have two adult children, Charity, and David. In her free time, Geri loves hiking trails in search of waterfalls, going to the beach, finding lighthouses to explore, and spending time with her extended family. A resident of the Hope Mills area, she also volunteers with young children at her church.

 Geri Locklear – Surgical Assistant

Nathalia Kiefer-Reyes – Surgical Assistant

Nathalia Kiefer-Reyes was born and raised in Colombia where she lived until 2010. Growing up, Nathalia always knew she wanted to have a career in the health industry but wasn’t exactly sure how she wanted to leave her mark. Like many people, Nathalias close friends and family were not huge fans of going to the dentist. She found herself wondering what she could do to help ease their fears of the bi-annual dental visits and ultimately decided to take matters into her own hands. In 2001, Nathalia and her father took a trip to visit universities and fell in love with Universidad Antonio Narino. It was there that Nathalia’s dad suggested dentistry and she decided to complete her education to become a General Dentist in Colombia.

Nathalia joined our team in July of 2022 as a Certified Dental Assistant. A social butterfly, she loves connecting with patients and getting to know them on a personal level. She enjoys seeing patients build trust in our office and staff and watching them walk out the door smiling with confidence post treatment.

Nathalia has been married to her sweetheart Marc for 4 years and has 2 children, Alanna and Samuel. When she is not working, Nathalia enjoys spending time with her family, staying active at the gym, traveling, watching scary movies, and making our office delicious authentic Colombian foods.

Nathalia Kiefer-Reyes – Surgical Assistant 
Kaylee – Surgical Assistant

Kaylee joined our practice in July 2023, bringing her expertise as a Dental Assistant II (DA II). She completed her Dental Assisting program at Fayetteville Technical Community College, where she developed a strong foundation in patient care.

With a lifelong passion for making people feel good, Kaylee is dedicated to helping our patients achieve healthy smiles. She finds joy in her role, especially in teamwork and effective communication, ensuring every patient has the best possible experience in our office. Building relationships and providing comfort to our patients are her favorite aspects of the job.

Outside of work, Kaylee enjoys spending quality time with her boyfriend and her bonus daughter, cherishing those moments together.

 Kaylee - Surgical Assistant

Ashley Rose – Sterilization Tech

Ashley, a Certified Dental Assistant, embarked on her dental career driven by the diverse opportunities for growth it offers. Hailing from Fayetteville, she joined our practice in 2023. Ashley appreciates not only the genuine care our team extends to our patients but also the mutual respect and camaraderie among colleagues. She finds joy in the individuality of each person and situation, much like the uniqueness of every smile. Outside of work, Ashley channels her creativity into photography, drawing, and cooking, often sharing these passions with her young son, Rowan.

Ariana “Meme” Bell – Surgical Assistant

Meet Ariana, affectionately known as “Meme,” a multi-talented professional with a diverse academic background. She holds degrees in Business Administration, General Education, Arts, Microsoft, and Science. Meme’s passion for dentistry ignited when she eagerly volunteered to help her younger sister with her first lost tooth, leading her to pursue a career in this field. Recognizing the need for more women of color in dentistry, she furthered her education with a certification in dental assisting.

In our office, Meme is dedicated to delivering exceptional care while building meaningful connections with her patients. Outside of work, she runs her own small business, “Sister Threads,” where she creates custom-embroidered apparel. An avid horse lover, Meme spends time caring for and riding her three horses. When she needs to unwind, you might find her at the beach or curled up on the couch enjoying a Game of Thrones marathon.

Hannah – Surgical Assistant

Hannah is a dedicated surgical assistant with a Certificate in Dental Assisting (CDA) and a passion for the healthcare field. Originally from Colorado, she has always been drawn to helping others and making a positive impact in their lives. With a keen interest in oral surgery, Hannah stays up to date on the latest technologies and techniques, ensuring that her patients receive the best care possible.

One of the most rewarding aspects of her job is witnessing the incredible transformations her patients undergo. Seeing the positive changes in their lives fuels her commitment to excellence in her work.

When she’s not in the surgical suite, Hannah loves spending quality time with her daughter and is currently furthering her education in college, pursuing her passion for learning and growth. With a blend of compassion and expertise, Hannah is an invaluable member of our team.

Megan Gidden – Surgical Assistant

Megan is a dedicated surgical assistant with a Certified Surgical Technologist certification. Originally from Florida, she discovered her passion for oral care during high school and has been committed to the field ever since.

Megan thrives on building relationships with patients, ensuring they feel comfortable and cared for during their procedures. She enjoys collaborating with our skilled surgeons, where her expertise and friendly demeanor shine through, especially during those light-hearted moments in the operating room.

Outside of work, Megan is happily married and shares her home with a spirited cat named Atlas. When she’s not assisting in surgeries, you can find her at the gym or soaking up the sun at the beach, embracing a balanced and active lifestyle. Megan’s enthusiasm for her work and her warm personality makes her an invaluable part of our team!

Adrianna Aubuschon – Surgical Assistant

Adrianna is a dynamic surgical assistant with a diverse background that includes service in the Air Force and experience as an EMT. Originally from Tucson, AZ, she attended the Community College of the Air Force and the University of Arizona, where her journey in healthcare began.

During her time in the Air Force, Adrianna was initially placed in the dental field, but it was through her technical training that she discovered her true passion for oral surgery. She thrives on the challenges her role presents and appreciates the opportunities for personal and professional growth that come with it. One of her greatest joys is easing patients’ anxiety and bringing a smile to their faces.

In her free time, Adrianna enjoys staying active by working out and hiking. She loves relaxing at home with her boyfriend and their playful German Shepherd, Bentley. Adrianna’s dedication to her patients and her commitment to excellence make her a vital part of our team!

Alysha Gatto – Surgical Assistant

Alysha Gatto is a dedicated surgical assistant with a Dental Assistant II degree. Originally from upstate New York, she relocated to Lillington, where she continues to pursue her passion for dentistry. Alysha’s fascination with the dental field began in her teenage years, particularly geared towards dental hygiene.

During her clinical hours in the dental assistant program, she developed a strong interest in oral surgery at the offices where she trained. This experience ignited her passion for the intricacies of surgical procedures, and she thrives on the excitement and learning opportunities that come with assisting in surgeries.

Alysha loves connecting with patients and easing their worries through friendly conversations. Outside of work, she enjoys curling up reading and spending quality time with her boyfriend and their dog, Dozer. Her commitment to patient care and her enthusiasm for learning make her a valuable member of our team.

Alyssa Gallagher – Surgical Assistant

Alyssa Gallagher is a talented surgical assistant who holds both her Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) and an associate in science degree. Originally from Fort Lauderdale, FL, she now resides in Hope Mills. With a keen interest in the sciences and a wealth of college credits, Alyssa chose to pursue the CDA program after being accepted, embracing her passion for the field of medicine.

At our office, Alyssa enjoys the continuous learning opportunities and the chance to meet new people every day. Her enthusiasm for her work is evident in her dedication to patient care and her collaborative spirit. Happily married, Alyssa spends her free time indulging in her hobbies, which include reading, painting, and participating in gun competitions.