Meet The Team

Liz

Dental Assistant

 Liz joined the office in 2023.  She is a native of North Carolina.  After graduating high school, she moved out west where she attended Western Dakota Technical Institute, in Rapid City, SD.  She received her Dental Assisting License in 2018.  She worked as a dental assistant for the United States Air Force, most recently at Beale Air Force Base in California.  She is passionate about her job and enjoys getting to know her patients and providing them with quality care and a positive experience. 

Rochelle

Dental Hygienist

Rochelle joined the office in 2022.   She grew up in Goldsboro, NC.  She graduated from Wayne Community College in 2008 where she earned her Dental Hygiene Degree.  While accompanying her husband as he served in the United States Air Force, she obtained a second Dental Hygiene License from Lake Washington Institute of Technology in Kirkland, WA.  Upon her husband’s retirement from the Air Force, they decided to return to her home state of North Carolina.  Rochelle enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.  She loves animals, hiking, and photography

Taylor

Dental Hygienist

Taylor joined our office in 2023.  She graduated from A-B Tech College in Asheville in 2019.  She loves sharing her knowledge with patients and collaborating with them to create a hygiene plan that they can feel proud of.  When not at work you can find her spending time with her family.  She is married with three children.  They enjoy spending time with their animals, including two dogs and a dozen chicken.

Esther

Office Manager

Esther joined the office in 2014.  She graduated from Blue Ridge Community College and transferred to Montreat College in 2002 where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Business.  She wants each patient to feel valued and appreciated and obtain the smile they desire to have.  While not at work she loves spending time with her husband and four children.  She has quite a few pets at home as well.  She enjoys chasing waterfalls and watching flowers bloom.  

Jody

Dental Assistant

Jody joined Dr. Merrell’s office in 2010.  She grew up in Southern California, where she graduated from a vocational dental assisting program.  She moved to Western North Carolina in 2009 with her son.  While off you might see her walking or taking a hike, and she has a passion for growing and propagating plants.  She loves helping people with their smiles.