Meet the Team
NARCE
As a multifaceted member of Dr. Montano’s team since 2010, Narce has juggled roles ranging from Office Manager to Treatment Coordinator and RDA. Off-duty, you might find her on a family escapade, orchestrating lively get-togethers with friends, or soaking in quality moments with her husband, three kids and faithful pup!
“I love not only seeing the changes in our patients’ smiles but also in their self-esteem!”
SUZANNE
Suzanne has been a steadfast presence in the orthodontics field since 1982, bringing a wealth of experience to her roles. As our Treatment Coordinator and skilled RDA, she’s become a pivotal member of Dr. Montano’s team since 1988. Her dedication and expertise have been invaluable in ensuring our patients receive top-tier care.
“I enjoy helping patients achieve their orthodontic goals.”
KRYSTAL
As Treatment Coordinator since 1996, Krystal has both a skill and a genuine passion for her work. Away from the charts and appointments, she’s often found charting new travel maps or relishing the company of family and friends. Yet, for Krystal, the most cherished adventures often lie in the laughter and stories shared with her two children and three grandkids.
“I enjoy watching the transformation of our patients’ smiles.”
MICHAELA
Michaela Ducote joined Montano Elevated Orthodontics in September 2021 as a Front Desk/Concierge. With a background in Dental Assisting from 2015, she balances her time between work, spending time with her son and daughter and pursuing her fitness goals.
“Seeing and making others happy and smile is what truly makes me happy!”
RHONDA
As our Financial and Insurance Coordinator, Rhonda’s been the go-to numbers guru with the Montano team since 1985! With her decades-long tally of experience, she’s practically the team’s financial superhero. When she’s not crunching numbers, you’ll find her sharing laughs and creating memories with her son.
“The best part of working with Montano is seeing the patients get excited about their smiles at the end of their treatment.”
LIZ
Liz Rodriguez has worked at Montano Elevated Orthodontics since 2013. She is our resident bi-lingual Scheduling Coordinator; in addition to scheduling patient appointments, she coordinates insurance benefits and facilitates our out-of-office communications–all in English and Spanish! She loves spending time with her family– especially her grandson, Liam. When
she’s not at work, you can find her at the movies, out to dinner, or shopping for shoes!
“Of all things we wear, our smile is the most important.”
ELSA
Elsa’s been juggling our calendars since 2020 as our Scheduling Coordinator. When she’s not syncing up our schedules, she’s the star of her own family’s show–hosting movie nights, leading dance-offs, and challenging everyone at game nights. With a husband, four kids, and two rescue pups, her home is always bursting with lively energy!
“I love getting to go through our patients’ smile journeys with them and helping them celebrate when it comes time to reveal their beautiful new smile. The new confidence they have walking out of here is an amazing thing to see.”
JENNIFER H.
Jennifer is our team’s Scheduling Coordinator, bringing a rich experience from the dental field since 1994. She became part of the team in 2020. Outside work, Jennifer spends some of her quality time hunting and fishing with her son!
“My favorite part of working with Montano’s team is the transformations you see in patient’s smiles. Not to mention the expertise of our doctors. They have a true passion for what they’re doing!”
VICTORIA
Since 2013, after earning her Associate of Science degree, Victoria has been a dynamic RDA OA addition to the Montano team. Outside the office, she’s likely diving deep into a video game, losing herself in a good read, or reliving the magic at Disneyland. Meanwhile at home, she accompanies herself with her three cats and two dogs, ensuring there’s never a dull moment in the house!
“The best part about working here is when patients tell us they’re going to miss coming in after they finish their treatment.”
LUISA
Luisa, with her RDA expertise, has been a cornerstone of the Montano team since 2018, consistently delivering excellence in her role. When the dental lights dim, she shifts her focus to her family, savoring every moment with her daughter. Her household is always brightened by the presence of her two loyal pups, adding warmth and joy to all of her daily activities!
“Smiling is a universal language.”
ANGEL
Angel, with her certification as a Dental Assistant/Lab Tech, has been a vital asset to the Montano family since 2018, having honed her skills in dental school. Away from her professional duties, Angel wears multiple hats: a cheer coach, a crafty party treat creator, and cooking heartwarming meals for her five children.
“A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear.”
KORI
Kori, with her expertise as a Dental Assistant, has been an integral part of the Montano team since 2017. Away from her professional duties, she cherishes moments with her four children, dreams of tropical escapes, and maintains a strong dedication to her fitness routine. With frequent Disneyland trips and the joys of raising two boys and two girls, Kori’s days are
filled with lively experiences!
“I love creating relationships with patients and getting to know them, not to mention watching their smiles transform!”
JENNIFER S.
Jennifer, our Records Technician, has been ensuring everything runs smoothly with the Montano team since 2015. However, her expertise doesn’t end there; she also has a BS in Crimonology/Criminal Justice from ASU. Jennifer truly embodies a blend of precision and diverse skills in her professional journey!
“I love seeing the beautiful smiles come my way when I take final records.”
MELINDA
Melinda has been an invaluable RDA and Surgery Coordinator with us since 2003, bringing excellence to every task. When she’s not in the office, you might find her soaking up the sun on the beach, enjoying live music, or hiking. Above all, she cherishes her role as a dedicated mother to her daughter.
“The best part about working with Montano’s team is the close friendships I have made throughout the years with patients and coworkers.”
JENNIFER D.
Jennifer, with her Dental Assistant certification from SJVC, has been an essential part of the Montano team since 2021, initially shining as a Sterilization Tech. Outside of her work routine, she has a penchant for music, with BTS holding a special place in her playlist! Whether she’s delving into the captivating world of anime or soaking in the vibes at concerts, Jennifer’s
passions resonate both in and out of the office.
“It’s never too late to improve your smile.”
KIMBERLY
Kimberly, our skilled RDH, joined Montano Elevated Orthodontics in 2023, making her mark as an Infection Control Specialist. When she’s not ensuring top-notch hygiene standards, she might be found diving into the pool, engrossed in a book, or cheering on the Chargers! Balancing her roles as a mother, stepmother, and doting grandmother, Kimberly’s life is a
tapestry of familial bonds and cherished memories.
“I have the best job in the house! I get to see everyone’s hard work finished then celebrate it with each patient!”
CHARMENE
Charmene, with her A.S. degree in dental assisting, joined the Montano team as an RDA in 2023. In her downtime, she often finds herself indulging in Netflix marathons with her three furbabies, Kobe, Mocha, and Bleu-Lani (though sometimes they turn into unplanned naps). As a proud mother to Geral-Ryan and a doting pet owner, her days are always filled with both joy and bustling activity!
“Issa vibe”
JALISA
Jalisa, Montano’s steadfast Sterilization Tech since 2023, ensures that every instrument meets the highest standards of cleanliness, playing a pivotal role in upholding a pristine and secure environment for both staff and patients. When she hangs up her gloves, Jalisa is drawn to the open air, whether it’s a spirited visit to dog parks or taking on scenic trails with her family!
“The environment at Montano Orthodontics is unmatched. They’re very family-oriented and make sure all patients leave happy.”
CHARISSE
Charisse, our accomplished RDH since 2023, couples her practice with impressive educational credentials, holding both an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene and an Associate of Arts degree. Away from the office, she often finds herself cheering from the sidelines, watching her sons Aidan and Cooper, shine in their sports games. The joy of travel, alongside cherished
moments with family and friends, fills her days outside the office.
“It is very rewarding removing a patient’s braces or Invisalign and revealing their amazing new smile.”
JASMINE
Jasmine, a proficient Dental Assistant, joined Montano Elevated Orthodontics in 2021, backed by her solid AS Degree in Dental Assisting. When she’s not assisting with precision in the office, she embraces quality time, often shared with her two daughters, family and friends. Her dedication in the orthodontic field is only rivaled by her commitment to creating lasting memories outside of it!
“I love working for the Best Orthodontists in Kern County, making people smile and boosting confidence.”
MAYRA
Mayra joined our team in 2017, with her RDA background from UEI’s 2009 Dental Assisting program. She’s currently honing her aesthetic skills at Milan Institute’s Cosmetology School. Outside work, Mayra loves doing nail art, outdoor sports, going to theme parks, and spending time with her husband and their four kids!
“Wearing braces makes happy faces!”
