Laura joined the Dr. Menendez team in 2019. Although being the newest team member, Laura brings over two decades of experience to the office and to her patients. Laura started her career in dentistry in 1996 as a general dental assistant before moving on to become an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Assistant. She then graduated from St. Petersburg College in 2005 as a Registered Dental Hygienist.

In addition to starting her dental career, Laura also met her husband Mark in 1996. Together they enjoy their time off soaking up the Florida sun on their boat. If the sun is shining, they will definitely be on the boat! Laura and Mark are proud parents of two fur babies – a loving German Shepard and a playful cat who they rescued and has now become a part of the family.

Laura's favorite aspect of dentistry is…”The relationships and trust you build with patients over the years. Nothing is more gratifying than seeing a fearful patient change over time into a patient that no longer fears going to the dentist. I have actually had patients tell me that they were looking forward to their dental visit! That is a huge accomplishment in my book and I am so thrilled to be a part of that!”

Catherine proudly joined Dr. Menendez’s team in February of 2019, as an Administrative Assistant. She has been a great asset to the practice ever since she joined us!

Catherine is a graduate of Concordia University, River Forest/Chicago, where she earned her degree in Education and a minor in Psychology. She has had many years of experience as a dental assistant and office manager in her dental career. Catherine loves being part of this knowledgeable, professional and caring team. She is excellent at greeting patients, assisting with scheduling and creating a warm and relaxing environment.

During her free time, Catherine takes joy in spending time with family & friends and volunteering for local school and community functions and events. Along with her husband Scott and daughter Natalie, Catherine loves traveling to discover and learn about new places, culinary delights and culture.

Nicole started her dental career with Dr. Menendez over 20 years ago. While she received her dental certifications at the University of Florida, her real education came from years of sitting chairside with Dr. Menendez. That is where Nicole’s true love for dentistry and genuine caring for people came from. She loves being a patient advocate and helping patients understand their dental treatment. She is also passionate about helping patients who struggle with fear and previous dental trauma.

Nicole took 8 years off to start and raise a family. She is married to her husband, Andy and is a loving mother to her 4 beautiful children - Reese, Phoebe, Gabriel and Daphne. She loves serving her family and her community and is a proud homeroom parent for her children’s school. In her home life she enjoys movie night with the family.

"Taking 8 years off to start my family was a wonderful gift! When I was invited to come back to work, I quickly realized how much dentistry and working with Dr. Menendez means to me. I know that working with patients alongside Dr. Menendez is my true calling and I am so happy to be back home in this office."

Tara graduated college in 2003 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. A year later she moved to Palm Harbor to obtain her Associates Degree in Hygiene from St. Petersburg College. Upon graduation in 2007, she began working full time and has been practicing hygiene in the Tampa Bay area ever since.

As a periodontal therapist, Tara’s goal is to provide patients with quality, gentle dental care. She also educates patients on how to achieve and maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime. Tara is very enthusiastic about contributing to the exceptional care that Dr. Menendez and his team have been providing to patients for more than 35 years.

Outside of work, Tara loves spending the weekends with her husband and three sons, enjoying all that Florida has to offer. She enjoys reading, food/wine tastings and spending time at the beach.

Sara proudly joined Dr. Menendez's team in 2008 and has loved every minute of being there since then. Passionate about providing the highest quality dental services, she received her Expanded Functions Certification at the University of Florida in Dental Assisting. She treats all patients with a gentle and kind demeanor and ensures that everyone feels comfortable.

One of Sara's greatest areas of expertise is radiography, where she exemplifies a high level of competency and sensitivity to patients.

Sara says, "Assisting patients in obtaining comfortable radiographs is so important. What I love most about my position is building the relationship with patients, while helping them have full understanding of their oral health and the possibilities available for them! Dr. Menendez provides us the opportunity to learn and grow each day. I am happy and proud to be a part of this amazing team."

In her spare time, Sara loves spending time with her family as well as time with her boyfriend Ricky. Together they enjoy Florida at its best with boating, golf cart riding and watching Florida State football!

Kathy is the amazing Assistant Manager at Comprehensive Dental Care. She has been an outstanding asset to Dr. Menendez’s team from the day she joined us in 2004.

Kathy juggles many important administrative tasks at the practice. Her area of expertise patient care and she has a unique ability to create solutions that are most efficient. Kathy works tirelessly to ensure a patient’s comfort and convenience throughout their appointments. Her sincere hospitality and warm smile is what welcomes new and familiar faces alike.

Kathy has lived in Pinellas County since 1970. She has been happily married to her husband Steve since 1991. She adores her 2 sons and their families, she is especially blessed by her 4 beautiful grandchildren. Outside of work, Kathy enjoys spending time with her family, loves to travel, appreciates her Church life and loves the Florida life of surf, sun and sand.

Doris is an amazing part of the team with Dr. Menendez! She joined the team in 1999 as Financial/Insurance Coordinator and has been doing a fantastic job ever since then. Doris came to Palm Harbor from Pennsylvania, where she graduated from the Lyons Technical Institute for Dental Assisting in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania in 1987.

Doris is extremely detail oriented and is passionate about helping patients understand their insurance and payment options. She has three Children Sara who also works with Dr. Menendez as a Dental Assistant, David and Madison.

Doris' greatest joy is being a proud mother to her wonderful family. During her time off she loves fishing, walking, kick boxing, watching football and the company of her three grand puppies.

Doris says, "Working with patients on an individual basis to help achieve their goals is something I take a lot of pride in. Assisting patients with their often complicated insurance benefits is one way I help them to receive the dental care they deserve. It is truly an honor to help those families who have chosen us as their oral healthcare providers. I value this opportunity whole-heartedly."

If you have ever wondered how we manage to stay on time with our appointments, it is due to the efficient work behind the scenes that Jordyn does. She works diligently on keeping the office organized, sterilized, and set up properly. She started working with Dr. Menendez in 2021 and is learning more and more about dentistry every day.

Jordyn was born here in the sunshine state. She is an accomplished MMA fighter and is currently studying to obtain her NASM certification to become a personal trainer. She loves fitness, traveling, going to the beach, and family time. But, most of all, her heart is owned by a beautiful white Pomeranian named Jose.

A quote she loves to live by is "A negative mind will never give you a positive life" ~ unknown author

Yari has a unique story, so if you ever have the pleasure of meeting her be sure to ask! Yari was born and raised in Habana (Havana) Cuba. At the age of 19, she had the opportunity to be a part of an exchange program in China, where she studied at the Beijing Language and Culture University, BLCU. From there, she moved to the United States 10 years ago and meet her husband. Together, they have a little boy, who is the joy of their lives, in addition to three “crazy” dogs. During her down time, she enjoys anything crafty, painting, and building miniature houses. She attended Dental Hygiene School in Suny Cane, New York and graduated in 2019.

Yari started working with Dr. Menendez and his team in October of 2022, and brings a beautiful energy to our office, you will never see her without a smile on her face.

“What I love about my job is being able to help people every day” ~ Yari

Carmella is a knowledgeable dental professional with over 17 years of experience in the field. She began her career in 2004 when she received her Dental Assistant Program Certificate from Hillsborough Community College.

For the first ten years of her career, Carmella worked as a chair-side assistant in Periodontics. She then transitioned to the front office for seven years, where she gained invaluable experience in office administration and patient management.

After taking a brief hiatus from the field, Carmella realized her passion for dentistry was too strong to ignore. She decided to return to the field and is now excited to be part of a fantastic team at Comprehensive Dental Care.

Outside of work, Carmella enjoys several hobbies, including gardening, singing karaoke with her husband and caring for her cats and dogs.