Meet the Team

We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.

We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.

Michele

Office Manager

I began my career in 1999 at the front desk and loved the dental field so much, I decided to study for dental assisting! I graduated from Manatee Technical Institute in 2002 and joined Dr. Katie and the Cortez Gardens Family Dental team in 2018.

My goal is to create a pleasant experience for our patients, from their first phone call to the end of their appointment. I love working with our wonderful team and developing new relationships with our patients. I feel lucky to mean it when I say I love coming to work every day!

In my spare time, I like being with my husband and the kiddos watching movies, going to the beach, or playing with our three dogs, and tortoise.

Sylvia

Front Desk Business Assistant

My dental career started when I was 19 years old back in New York City. What was going to be just a summer job turned into a career! I worked with a general dentist for a few years until I went back to school to become a Certified Dental Assistant. I am so excited to be a part of the fun-loving Cortes Gardens Family Dental Team. My objective is to make sure every patient has an enjoyable experience from the first time I talk to them over the phone to when they come in to the office and leave happy and with a smile.

I enjoy spending my free time with my husband. If we are not cooking together, we are exploring the beaches, restaurants, and all the other beautiful things that Florida has to offer. I also love decorating our new home, making handmade jewelry, and making seasonal wreaths to put on our front door.

Erick 

Dental Assistant

I began my dental career in 2008 attending dental assisting school in New York City. I've been in the field ever since!

I joined Dr. Tulipaons team in 2023. The best part of my job is interacting with my team members and our patients here at Cortez Gardens Family Dental. I treat them as just one more member of my extended family. I like to make everyones experience comfortable and fun and I love to joke around. I also enjoy helping patients overcome their fears, understand their dental options and look forward to their next appointments. 

I moved to Florida in 2021 with my beautiful wife and our two fur babies Bella and Charlie. I love the sunshine state. In my free time I enjoy exporing Florida with my wife and trying my hands at wood working. 

 

Gisselle

Dental Assistant

I joined the dental field almost two years ago when I graduated from the MTC dental assisting program here in Bradenton Florida. I worked in cosmetic family dentistry for a few years before joining Dr. Tulipanos team. 

The best part of joining the Cortez Gardens Family Dental team is that I get to work in a place that helps people restore and keep their smiles. Dr. Tulipano has been a wonderful teacher and guide since I began here. I love to learn new things, gain experience and I genuinely love to just chat!  Being a good team player is at the top of my priority list!

I have an amazing partner and two Doberman dogs. We spend our free time playing games, doing puzzles, being with our families and having cookouts. We recently became new home owners so we have many fun projects oer the weekends.  I personaly love to decorate and make things beautiful!

Morgan

Registered Dental Hygienist

As a dental hygienist, I work closely with other members of the dental team to improve the oral health of our patients. I also strive to connect with my patients on a personal level to build trust and make them feel more at ease. Not many people enjoy coming to the dental office, so making it enjoyable, or at the very least comfortable, is my goal. I enjoy partnering with my patients, educating them, and seeing their progress in oral health while helping them anyway I can along the way.

I moved to Florida at the end of 2019 from Franklin, Tennessee, and I’ve been trying to soak up as much of Florida as possible ever since! I love going to the beach, kayaking, exploring Florida, shark fishing (catch and release of course), reading, and the occasional getaway to the woods.

Aniko

Registered Dental Hygienist

I have a passion for promoting optimal dental care and nurturing my patients’ oral health. My journey in the dental field began in 1988, and I've had the pleasure of contributing my expertise to this office since 2022. I'm dedicated to educating patients about the importance of oral health and helping them achieve their best smiles. What I enjoy most about my work is the opportunity to meet new people, connect with them on a personal level, and witness the joy of a bright, healthy smile.

I'm blessed with a loving family that includes my spouse, Dan, and our two daughters, Morgan and Mckenna, and my grandbabies Isla and Thea. When I'm not in the office, you'll often find me near the water, as I have a deep love for boating and the beach. The great outdoors calls to me, and I relish spending time walking, exercising, and soaking in the beauty of nature.