Meet Dr. Jake Pedraza
Dr. Jake Pedraza grew up in New Port Richey and is a Gulf High School graduate. He completed his undergraduate degree in Microbiology at the University of Florida, where he graduated with High Honors. He then went on to graduate from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in the top third of his class. After graduating, Dr. Pedraza continued his education by completing a rigorous residency program in Jacksonville, Florida. His Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency had an emphasis on the surgical placement and restorative aspects of implant dentistry.
In 2007, Dr. Pedraza had the honor of presenting one of his personal dental implant cases at the Nobel Biocare World Conference. Dr. Pedraza strongly believes in continuing education and training, and he will continue to make it a top priority in his practice.
In 2006, Dr. Pedraza placed the University of Florida at Jacksonville’s 1,000th implant with Nobel Guide®, a computer-guided surgical technique which uses a CT scan to plan the surgery.
In his personal time, Dr. Pedraza enjoys spending time with his Wife Christina (who is also his Executive Director) and their two young Sons, Mason & Riley. They love to spend weekends in the pool or beach and also visiting local favorites… Busch Gardens, the Aquarium, and the Zoo.
He is obviously a BIG Gator fan and likes to return to Gainesville to attend football games whenever possible. Dr. Pedraza enjoys the ocean and is an avid scuba diver who has been all over the Caribbean and has even taken part in a shark dive.
Meet Our Team
Christina Pedraza: Executive Director
Christina was born and raised in New Port Richey, Florida. She graduated from Gulf High School in 1998 and went on to become a University of Florida Gator. It was there she started dating her husband, Dr. Jake Pedraza. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business, majoring in Marketing. Christina has spent many years in the insurance industry and corporate business world, and she has a lot of experience providing excellent customer service. In running the dental office, she most looks forward to developing a great relationship with each patient and creating a warm, friendly environment for everyone. When Christina isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her Husband, 2 boys Mason & Riley, and family & friends. She also loves to travel, enjoys running, watches reality TV, and loves chocolate!
Holly Rees: Dental Hygienist
Holly has been a dental hygienist for 18 years. She loves what she does, and especially enjoys building lasting relationships with her patients. She has experience in many aspects of dentistry, including cosmetic, periodontal, implant and restorative treatments. Holly loves to bake, read, and spend time at the beach with her family. When she can fit it in her schedule, Holly also enjoys working out. She's a big sports fan, and loves to root for her Miami Hurricanes and Dolphins. And much to the Marlins' chagrin, her favorite baseball team is the Cincinnati Reds!
Tara Thompson: Dental Hygienist
Tara was born in New York, but has lived in Florida for nearly 20 years. She has been a dental hygienist for 14 years, and she truly enjoys helping people have healthy, happy smiles! Away from the office, she is a die-hard runner, and she also loves to spend time outdoors with her two beautiful children. Tara loves to cook, and she actually IS a great cook, so her kids happily eat everything she puts in front of them. Well, almost everything.
Allison Quinlan: Dental Hygienist
Allison recently joined our practice, (after being a wonderful Patient for many years), as our newest team member! She has 12 years of experience providing excellent care as a Hygienist, is a native Floridian, and grew up locally in Lutz. She is married, has 3 young children, and loves all things Disney! She enjoys cooking and running races when she is away from the hygiene chair.
Rachel Tipler: Dental Assistant
Rachel has been a dental assistant for over 6 years and recently joined our team in 2018. She has been local to Pasco county her entire life and is raising her 3 kids here. On the weekends she loves to spend time with her Fiance and young children while attending baseball and softball games. She enjoys baking & cooking, and loves anything to do with animals (especially golden retrievers and her fluffy cat).
Leah Sofarelli-Miller: Front Office Administrator
With over 30 years of experience in the dental field, Leah is an integral part of our front office staff. You can always expect a warm welcome whether you call to make an appointment or walk through our front door. Leah moved to our area from New York in 1982 and has a wonderfully busy house with her husband, two kids, and two dogs. She is a big baseball fan and loves to see the Rays play at home…Go Rays!
Mia Murphy: Front Office Administrator
Mia moved from NC in 2002 but is really a New Jersey Girl born & raised. She has been in the dental field for several years and provides a calming ease & voice to our front office. She has 2 kids and enjoys active hobbies such as: Zumba, salsa, yoga, meditation, and the gym.
Stella Diana: Office Manager
Stella joined our team in June 2011 and has worked in all facets of the front office and insurance position. She was born and raised in Argentina and moved to the USA when she was 18 years old. She speaks Spanish fluently and is always ready to help out or answer any questions you may have. She is a great asset to our team with many years of experience and was recently promoted to Office Manager. In her free time, she loves to cook, paint, and do arts & crafts projects. You will likely find her at the baseball field or enjoying the outdoors with her husband and three young children.
