Our Doctors | Clifton Park East Greenbush NY Pediatric Dentist

James McDonnell, D.M.D.

Dr. James McDonnell, an upstate New York native and graduate of Fairfield and Harvard Universities, currently resides in Malta, NY with his wife and five children. His pediatric dentistry specialty was obtained at The Children's Hospital of Boston where he also developed an easy-going reputation, and warm light-hearted manner that opens children’s hearts and minds for conversations about good oral hygiene and making healthy smiles. (He is also much better looking than Dr. McMahon, especially in a bow tie).

Get to know Dr. McDonnell!

Favorite color: Ummm, what are colors? I’m colorblind...
Favorite children’s movie: Anything Avengers
Favorite singalong Disney song: Does Metallica play any Disney songs?
Favorite game to play: Quiplash
Go-to summer activity: Flossing underwater in the pool
Go-to winter activity: Attending Dr. Cao’s hip hop dance class with the rest of our docs (next year’s Christmas party is coming)
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? I am super good at going to breakfast with Dr. McMahon. Also dad jokes, but mostly hanging out with Dr. McMahon.
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be: X ray vision. Think of how much time we could save!
What are you most passionate about professionally? Letting people know that they are worth something by how our team treats everyone!
What excites you the most about your work? Just being a part of our team. There is never a day where I take it for granted.
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! Mostly the fact that they put up with me. I will try to do better...
What else should our patients know about you? My wife thinks Dr. McMahon is a better dentist than me.

Eric McMahon, D.D.S.

Dr. Eric McMahon was born and raised in sunny California, and finally came to the “right” coast when he was admitted to Harvard’s pediatric specialty training. He now lives happily in Ballston Lake, NY with his lovely wife and three children. Children from all over “The North Country” appreciate Dr. McMahons’ youthful personality and keen sense of humor that immediately puts both patients and parents at ease. His youthful “super-hero-inspired” approach adds fun and enjoyment to the entire workplace. (For the record, he routinely steals jokes from Dr. McDonnell).

Get to know Dr. McMahon!

Favorite color: Blue
Favorite children’s movie: “Aladdin”
Favorite singalong Disney song: Gaston Song
Favorite game to play: Hide and Seek
Go-to summer activity: Wakeboarding
Go-to winter activity: Snowboarding
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? Previously an All-America Collegiate Soccer Player
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be: Flying
What are you most passionate about professionally? Being able to offer dental care to all children regardless of insurance.
What excites you the most about your work? Singing Disney songs and having fun while working
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! Our team is the biggest baddest pediatric dental office on the planet!
What else should our patients know about you? Just because I love singing doesn’t mean I am a good singer.

Megan McMahon, D.D.S.

Dr. Megan McMahon grew up in Queensbury, NY and has worked at The Smile Lodge since she was in high school. While working at a young age she was inspired by her favorite dentist, Dr. McDonnell. She figured if she could have this much fun every day, she would pursue dentistry. Becoming a doctor in 2015, after earning her Chemistry degree at St. Lawrence University and her dental degree at the University of Pacific in San Francisco, Dr. Megan McMahon returned to her hometown in upstate NY. She married her second favorite dentist in 2012 and together, Drs. Megan and Eric McMahon, enjoy traveling, playing soccer and softball, and spending time with their children.

Get to know Dr. McMahon!

Favorite color: I gravitate towards the boldest, most vibrant, fluorescent colors. If it were up to me, all my patients would get really cool, lime green fillings with sparkles. Sadly, we only have white.
Favorite children’s movie: “The Sandlot.” Nothing beats summertime, baseball, hanging out with friends, and making s’mores.
Favorite sing along Disney song: Under the Sea from the little mermaid. It’s just like at the smile lodge...since life is sweet here, we got the beat here, naturally!
Favorite game to play: Outdoor picnics with lawn games are the best. Kan jam, kubb, and corn hole are great, but when we want to take our backyard party to the next level, we break out the slip ‘n slide kickball.
Go-to summer activity: Girls just wanna have sun... you can find our family at the beach soaking up the vitamin-sea and vitamin D.
Go-to winter activity: Staying warm, ideally in the hot tub or next to a fire... there’s snowplace like home. I love wearing slippers, super soft sweaters, and taco parties.
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? I was a pitcher on my college softball team. Did you know a 60mph fastball in softball is equivalent to a 95mph fastball in baseball? In both cases the batters have 0.42 seconds to react to the pitch. Think fast!
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be: Flying. It would be the greenest, most exhilarating, traffic-free way to travel. We could visit our family in California all the time!! I’ve been taking this new levitation course at Sky Zone and I went straight to the top of the class...
What are you most passionate about professionally? Tongue tie releases so infants can nurse better! Two of my three babies had lip and tongue ties, so I’ve seen and felt firsthand how much better a baby can latch with a proper tongue tie release.
What excites you the most about your work? I love transforming smiles. Anterior esthetic work can be the most rewarding...it lifts the patient’s confidence and self-esteem, and it can be super motivational for getting them to improve their brushing and flossing habits.
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! Have you read the reviews? I don’t know of any other dental office that has been referred to as the “Disneyworld” of dentists. Our team is so passionate about making every kid smile, and I think it’s incredible that each member of our team embraces our mission so that every child can have a positive and memorable experience.
What else should our patients know about you? Three fun facts... can you guess which doctor I’m referring to in each statement?

When I was in high school, my favorite doctor in the office inspired me to become a dentist.
The most handsome doctor in the office married me, and together we have three (almost four) super awesome kids.
The most creative doctor in the office writes all the songs for our Smile Lodge music videos. ;)

Laila Hubbi, M.S., D.D.S.

Dr. Laila Hubbi graduated Rutgers University with a double major in Cell Biology & Neuroscience and Political Science. She then continued her education at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey receiving a Master of Biomedical Sciences in 2010. Dr. Hubbi went on to attend New York University College of Dentistry where she received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery and completed her specialty in pediatric dentistry. While at NYU, Dr. Hubbi had the opportunity to participate in many rewarding outreaches that took her as close as Maine to as far as Nepal!

Dr. Hubbi has recently moved to the Albany area with her husband and daughter Nora to join the wonderful Smile Lodge team. Dr. Hubbi considers her patients an extension of her family. She loves working with children and has a very compassionate and caring personality. Dr. Hubbi is excited to provide a great and relaxing atmosphere where your child will have a positive and happy experience. When she is not practicing dentistry, she enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, and attempting Pinterest recipes and ideas.

Get to know Dr. Hubbi!

Favorite color: Turquoise
Favorite children’s movie: “Aladdin”
Favorite singalong Disney song: A Whole New World—who wouldn't want to fly on a magic carpet on their first date?
Favorite game to play: Taboo, I can get really competitive and intense.
Go-to summer activity: Swimming with my Hubby (not to be confused with Hubbi) and my three children.
Go-to winter activity: S’mores by the fireplace. I have a little bit of a sweet tooth... shhhh.
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? I can read minds, especially when young children tell me they floss every day.
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be: Making people laugh. Laughter heals the world. Ask me to tell you my favorite joke!
What are you most passionate about professionally? Treating every child like they are my own.
What excites you the most about your work? My coworkers and the patients. They are the best. We improve children's smiles, but they also make us smile every day.
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! We are all superheroes and have superpowers in this building. Some superheroes wear capes, and some wear white coats.
What else should our patients know about you? I come from a big family of five children! I am the middle child. I got the best of both worlds: siblings to learn from and siblings to teach.

Karissa Koster, D.M.D.

Dr. Karissa Koster, originally from Wilbraham, MA, earned her dental degree at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continued with her pediatric residency at The Lutheran Medical Center in Holyoke, MA. A master at flossing throughout school—both teeth and the dance move—she’s always up for a dance-off challenge!

Outside of the office, Dr. Koster enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and exploring new places. Having moved to the area with her family in May 2019, Dr. Koster is always open to recommendations for new family-friendly activities or restaurants.

Get to know Dr. Koster!

Favorite color: Purple
Favorite children’s movie: “Finding Nemo” (pretty sure I can recite the entire movie)
Favorite singalong Disney song: One Jump from “Aladdin”
Favorite game to play: Catch Phrase
Go-to summer activity: Swimming in the ocean
Go-to winter activity: Waiting for summer
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? Upside down flossing...I joke about it but seriously I can floss while standing on my head.
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be: Teleportation: goodbye traffic jams, hello breakfast in Disney and dinner in Rome!
What are you most passionate about professionally? Making kids laugh
What excites you the most about your work? The fact that all of us here have the same goal: making kids smile.
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! The team at The Smile Lodge is so incredible. I was a cheerleader and I remember needing to feel like I trusted any teammate to literally catch me after flying through the air...I won’t be flying through the office but I know everyone here would catch me if I fell and I hope they know I’d catch them too.
What else should our patients know about you? I can’t wait for the new Wonder Woman movie to come out!!

Lawrence Chen, D.D.S.

Dr. Lawrence Chen grew up on the golden coast of Los Angeles, CA. After graduating from the University of the Pacific for both his undergraduate and dental degrees, he moved cross-country to attend a general practice residency at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx.

Since then, he has worked in New York City since where he has seen many kids and the kids at heart. Although Dr. Chen enjoys his time with patients, he also tries to cook, travel, stay active, volunteer in the community, and refine his craft through continuing education.

Get to know Dr. Chen!

Favorite color: Green
Favorite children’s movie: “Toy Story”
Favorite singalong Disney song: Circle of Life from “The Lion King”
Favorite game to play: Saying all the wrong answers while watching “Jeopardy”
Go-to summer activity: Getting in any body of water: ocean, lake, or kiddie pool!
Go-to winter activity: Staying warm
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? Competed in chess up to high school
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be: Healing like Wolverine. I wake up with bruises all the time
What are you most passionate about professionally? Teaching patients to be independent and to adopt good habits
What excites you the most about your work? Giving the whole family a reason to laugh and smile
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! They are hardworking silly gooses!
What else should our patients know about you? I’m a LAKERS FAN, NOT SORRY

Dr. Solomia Zhownirovych, D.D.S.

Dr. Solomia Zhownirovych, originally from the beautiful state of New Jersey, made her way to Western New York where she attended the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. After rooting for the Bills for four years, she moved to Rochester to complete her residency at Rochester General Hospital. Continuing her move down the New York State Thruway, Dr. Zhownirovych now finds herself in Albany and is excited to be working at the Smile Lodge. Dr. Z enjoys dancing around her apartment, singing in her car, traveling and exploring new places, spending time with her friends and family, and trying to gain the affection of her Flame-Point Siamese cat, Juliet.

Get to know Dr. Z!

Favorite color: does black count? It’s all the colors absorbed!
Favorite children’s movie: Moana
Favorite singalong Disney song: “Part of Your World” from the Little Mermaid
Favorite game to play: Fishbowl- it’s a combination of taboo and charades
Go-to summer activity: hiking, biking, exploring restaurant patios- anything that gets me outside!
Go-to winter activity: catching up on all the TV I forgot about during the summer
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? Getting selected for a “random” search at the airport when I travel
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be: speaking all languages- animal languages included
What are you most passionate about professionally? Getting people out of pain!
What excites you the most about your work? I get the opportunity to help someone every day!
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! Everyone helps make the work environment a comfortable and fun place to be!
What else should our patients know about you? I love to sing! So if you hear me singing or humming (quietly, of course) during your visit and hate it- just ask me to stop. I probably don’t even realize I’m doing it

Dr. Andrew Goodemote D.D.S.

Dr. Andrew Goodemote grew up in Queensbury, NY, and was inspired by both Dr. McMahons to pursue dentistry! After attending Boston College, he continued on to be classmates with Dr. Chen at the University of the Pacific, earning his dental degree in San Francisco. He returned to his home state, to complete an orthodontic residency at Stony Brook in Long Island, NY. Now, moving closer to home, he is ready to add to the services offered at the Smile Lodge to continue to provide the best quality care for our patients!

Get to know Dr. Goodemote!

Favorite color: Teal
Favorite children’s movie: Home Alone
Favorite singalong Disney song: "Friend Like Me" -Aladdin
Favorite game to play: Catan
Go-to summer activity: Cornhole
Go-to winter activity: Skiing
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? Saying the alphabet backwards faster than you can say it forwards
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be: Harnessing the force and all secrets of the Jedi
What are you most passionate about professionally? Creating those perfect smiles to give all patients the power of self-confidence!
What excites you the most about your work? Seeing the excitement in the smiles of patients and parents when orthodontic treatment is complete!
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! A level of energy and enthusiasm that you can't find anywhere else!
What else should our patients know about you? I'm a sports fanatic! Football, baseball, basketball, golf, soccer...you name it!

Chrissy Goodemote D.D.S., M.S.

Dr. Chrissy Goodemote was born and raised in northeastern Pennsylvania, the daughter of two dentists! She graduated as valedictorian from Wilkes University with a degree in Biology and was also first in her class at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry where she received her dental degree. Dr. Chrissy completed her Orthodontic residency at Stony Brook University in Long Island, NY, learning not only how to straighten teeth, but also how to find love! Together Drs. Chrissy and Andrew Goodemote enjoy spending time with their families (including the McMahons!), Pelotoning, creating beautiful smiles, and maybe even watching football… GO EAGLES!

Get to know Dr. Chrissy!

Favorite color: Seafoam Green
Favorite children’s movie: It’s a tie between The Lion King and Finding Nemo! I just can’t decide!
Favorite sing along Disney song: “Friend Like Me”- Aladdin
Favorite game to play: I love pretty much all games… board games (Sequence, Catan), card games (Phase 10, Rummy), puzzles... You name it, I’ll try to play it… except Ticket to Ride. That one’s not my fav.
Go to Summer activity: Soaking up the sun lakeside. There’s nothing better than enjoying time outside with family and friends!
Go to Winter activity: Making a run for it from wherever I am to the car! Hot chocolate, hot coffee, and hot tea are my must haves. I’m always freezing!
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? Pumpkin carving. It’s my hidden talent that I get to display once a year! I’m always taking requests! Raya, Toy Story, and Hocus Pocus are a few of my more recent creations!
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be… Controlling time. There just aren’t enough hours in the day for work, fun, and 8 hours of sleep!
What are you most passionate about professionally? Making a positive impact on my patients’ lives. Functionally improving the bite and esthetically improving the smile can be life changing.
What excites you the most about your work? I wholeheartedly believe being an orthodontist is the best job in the world! I have the privilege of watching kids grow in confidence and self-esteem as we achieve the perfect smile together!
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! Have you seen how creative they are with braces colors?!... Rainbows, holiday colors, the coolest patterns! Our ortho team is the best!
What else should our patients know abut you? I love to cook and I’m pretty sure Dr. Andrew loves to do the dishes. :)

Dr. Lauren Geffen, D.D.S.

Dr. Lauren Geffen was born and raised in Queens, NY and wanted to be a dentist since she was 10 years old! She pursued her dreams as she studied Neurology and Physiology at the University of Maryland, and then went on to get her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine. At Stony Brook, Dr. Lauren honed in on her passion for working with children and learned that she loved giving back to the community. She participated in dental mission trips to Jamaica, and rural parts of the US, and found so much joy in helping underserved communities. After dental school, she went on to specialize her skills as a Pediatric Dentist at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Dr. Lauren recently moved to Saratoga Springs with her husband and adorable Goldendoodle, Lola. They love exploring new places and are so excited for everything Upstate NY has to offer! In her free time, Dr. Lauren loves to cook and try new restaurants, stays active with running, biking, or yoga and plays frisbee with her dog (that would be number one if it were up to Lola). She is so excited to be part of this amazing team and can’t wait to see you around the Lodge!

Get to know Dr. Geffen!

Favorite color: Olive Green
Favorite children’s movie: This one's HARD. I have so many favorites! I love The Little Mermaid, Ratatouille, Coco, Toy Story and basically every single Marvel movie.
Favorite singalong Disney song: "You'll Be in My Heart" from Tarzan. It's a real tearjerker.
Favorite game to play: Heads Up
Go-to summer activity: Anything outdoors – going to the beach/pool, running, BBQs, bike riding
Go-to winter activity: Anything indoors – cooking, watching movies. But I am looking forward to getting better at skiing now that I live upstate!
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? I’m a NYTimes crossword puzzle junkie
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be: Time Travel
What are you most passionate about professionally? Having the opportunity to instill positive health practices at an early age and give children the confidence they need to be able to the visit the dentist, and even enjoy it!
What excites you the most about your work? Working with children and their families brings me so much joy. Children bring out the playful side in everyone, and it’s so rewarding to see a child overcome their fears and do things they didn’t think they could!
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! The team at The Smile Lodge are some of the most dedicated, hard-working and caring people I’ve ever met. They make the seemingly unpleasant experience of ‘going to the dentist’, a fun and rewarding one. It’s amazing to see how every member of the team can align on one common goal – to make sure our patients are cared for as if they were family.
What else should our patients know about you? I’m very bubbly and playful! I love to sing, but I don’t have a great voice, so please help me out and sing along.

Dr. Sangmee Kim, D.D.S.

Dr. Sangmee Kim grew up in Queens, NY and is a proud New Yorker at heart. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. She later went on to complete her pediatric specialty training at Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven, CT, where she served as Chief Resident. Dr. Kim is very excited to return to her home state, where she now currently resides near Malta.

Aside from stressing the importance of flossing and brushing, Dr. Kim loves to spend her time traveling, finding new foods to try, baking, singing in the shower, and trying to keep up in Zumba class. She is very excited to be a part of The Smile Lodge family and hopes to see you soon!

Get to know Dr. Kim!

Favorite color: Coral Pink
Favorite children’s movie: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Favorite singalong Disney song: Hakuna Matata...it means no worries!
Favorite game to play: Mario Party is always a great time
Go-to summer activity: Escape rooms!
Go-to winter activity: ...Escape rooms!
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? I'm the best at singing the wrong lyrics to songs (karaoke anyone?)
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be: Being able to eat dairy products without my Lactaid (...lactose intolerant problems)
What are you most passionate about professionally? Promoting the Power of Prevention!
What excites you the most about your work? Being able to provide even the smallest bit of new information or knowledge to patients and motivate better habits
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! We're a group of people that comes from very different backgrounds and experiences, but our "why" to serve everyone is what brings us all together - putting a smile on your face!
What else should our patients know about you? I'm a huge Baby Shark fan and will get the song stuck in everyone's heads around me (sorry!)

Dr. Jin Sung, D.M.D.

Originally from Seoul, Dr. Jin Sung graduated from the Korean National Music School and majored in music at Ewha Womans University. After performing and teaching music at an elite boarding school in Seoul, she moved to the US to begin a new journey. She earned her dental degree and completed her pediatric dental residency at Tufts University. She also completed a residency program in New York City and she worked in upstate NY for several years where she provided necessary services to children who exhibited complex medical histories and behavior management issues. Dr. Sung is sincerely motivated and happy to brighten the spirits and achieve healthy, beautiful smiles in all her patients.

Get to know Dr. Sung!

Favorite color: Deep Blue
Favorite children’s movie: Zootopia
Favorite singalong Disney song: When you wish upon a star
Favorite game to play: Sudoku
Go-to summer activity: Picnicking and Hiking
Go-to winter activity: Building the tallest snowman - still working on that goal!
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? I play the Kayagum - a 12 stringed Korean musical instrument and I love to sing jazz standards.
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be: Bionic strength!
What are you most passionate about professionally? Never accepting complacency - nothing is routine!
What excites you the most about your work? Overcoming challenges and seeing the beautiful smiles of patients!
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! I am looking forward to getting to know the team better, but thus far they exude grit and are super professional!
What else should our patients know about you? I truly believe every child deserves a healthy beautiful smile!

Dr. Carol Middernacht, D.M.D.

Dr. Carol studied dentistry at the University of Connecticut after earning a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. She then completed both her pediatric residency and fellowship at Columbia University, followed by a master’s degree in public health with a focus in health economics at Kingś College London. For almost 15 years, Dr. Carol’s dental career in the American, European and International systems has led her to work in New York, London, Germany, Dubai and Kenya, with a focus on preventive care, functional appliances, and minimally invasive procedures. She has volunteered in several countries providing oral health care services, served as a consultant for GCDFund in London, and co-authored a declaration of child health protection rights for the WFPHA in Geneva, Switzerland. She currently continues to consult with a global health, education, and economic security foundation.

Dr. Carol recently moved to the capital region with her husband. While not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, and listening to music.

Get to know Dr. Middernacht!

Favorite color: Rich warm colors – red, green, pink, yellow, cream, blue
Favorite children’s movie: Finding Nemo
Favorite sing along Disney song: “Let it Go” from Frozen
Favorite game to play: I cannot think of any, yikes!
Go to Summer activity: Traveling and exploring new places
Go to Winter activity: Traveling and exploring new places
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? Does baking rock hard cookies count....?
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be… Teleportation. I would visit every country in the world.
What are you most passionate about professionally? Creating healthy smiles, making children feel better, and increasing access to oral health care
What excites you the most about your work? Kids - they brighten my day in the most unexpected ways
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! The team at Smile Lodge is very friendly and helpful. They are quite relaxed and approachable, and make it a pleasant place to work.
What else should our patients know about you? I like adventurous activities such as skydiving and zip-lining at 150kph.

Dr. Debbie Derisse, D.M.D.

Dr. Debbie Derisse is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist who is passionate about creating an enjoyable dental experience for every child. Dr.Derisse is a Northern New Jersey native. She attended St. John’s University in Queens, New York, earning a degree in Biology and Speech Language Pathology. She received her Degree of Dental Medicine from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She went on to complete a general practice residency at The Lutheran Medical Center in Winslow, Arizona and a pediatric specialty residence at the University of Nevada School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Derisse enjoys mission trips and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Get to know Dr. Derisse!

Favorite color: I love bright colors, especially Fuchsia/HOT PINK!!
Favorite children’s movie: The Lion King
Favorite sing along Disney song: Beauty and the Beast, Tale as Old as Time
Favorite game to play: Anything that gets you up and out of your seat like Charades. I also love a game of Uno and Dominoes once we can all agree on the game rules!
Go to Summer activity: I love finding cozy outdoor restaurants with great food and a great view, Ice cream shops (my favorite is vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles) and the beach!
Go to Winter activity: Sledding, Snowball fights, Fire pits and Hot Chocolate
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? I danced throughout my childhood taking classes in ballet, tap, lyrical, jazz and hip hop. I may still be able to do a pirouette and a tour jete.
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be… Teleportation, I can be anywhere, any time!
What are you most passionate about professionally? I am passionate about providing a great dental experience to every child.
What excites you the most about your work? The opportunity to meet new families and help children overcome challenges in the dental office.
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! We are all focused on the same goal, providing memorable and fun dental visits.
What else should our patients know about you? I enjoy watching sports, especially basketball.

Dr. Rob Hales, D.D.S.

Dr. Rob Hales grew up across the Hudson River from Bear Mountain State Park in Montrose, NY. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Fairfield University, afterwards a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from New York University College of Dentistry. After receiving his dental degree from NYU he worked as a general dentist for 6 years before completing his specialty training in pediatric dentistry from Jamaica Hospital in Queens, NY. Dr. Rob Hales enjoys spending time with his wife, whom he met at college, as well as their two sons and daughter. Dr. Rob Hales spent all of his childhood summers in the Capital District and is excited to live and treat children in the surrounding areas.

Get to know Dr. Hales!

Favorite color: Red
Favorite children’s movie: Monsters University
Favorite sing along Disney song: “This Is Halloween” from The Nightmare Before Christmas
Favorite game to play: L.A. Noire on my PS5 and playing video games with my kids, I also enjoy horsing around with my two sons and daughter
Go to Summer activity: Sunday drives, barbequing, trying to renovate and repair things around the home (low success rate) and manual labor (also a very low success rate)
Go to Winter activity: : I have spent the last several years attempting to hit my wife in the head with a snowball. Unfortunately, I have terrible aim and she is much smarter than I am. And that’s all I have to say about that.
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? I have an 18-wheeler tractor trailer Class A commercial driver’s license. Thanks to my dad, learned to drive a stick shift on a John Deere at like 12 years old.
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be… To move faster than the speed of light! I could transcend space and time, although I haven’t tried, if I found a DeLorean and took it to 88 mph I’m not sure what could happen…
What are you most passionate about professionally? Helping and treating kids and making sure they’re given the best treatment possible. I want every one of my patients and their families to look forward to their visits and to leave knowing the value of developing and maintaining quality dental health
What excites you the most about your work? I was raised on the adage that “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” I am genuinely grateful I can say that is true for myself. I love everything about what I do – helping others, learning every day, and constantly improving on my dentistry skills.
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! We’re the opposite of the NY Jets, we like to win and do our best – although they are my football team
What else should our patients know abut you? I like turtles.

Dr. Melissa Mondesir, D.M.D.

Dr. Mondesir is a first generation Haitian American and a New York Native. She hails from Freeport, NY (Long Island), where she spent her childhood and teenage years. She attended Saint John's University, where she received her Bachelors of Science in chemistry and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Although Dr. Mondesir always knew that she wanted to become a dentist since the age of 3, she took a gap year between college and matriculating into dental school. During that time, she worked as a cosmetic chemist at Estee Lauder. She went on to receive her Doctorate in Dental Medicine from The University of Connecticut School Of Dental Medicine (Go huskies), where she not only participated, but lead many outreach and mentoring programs for children and teens from underserved communities. She was also afforded the opportunity to volunteer in global outreach and serve many children in Honduras.

Dr. Mondesir went on to complete a one-year General Practice Residency at New York Medical College/Phelps Memorial Hospital in Westchester, NY. After completing her residency, she spent some time in the Bronx, NY, where she worked as a General Dentist. In the height of the pandemic, Dr. Mondesir found herself moving to Alabama to begin her pediatric dental residency at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. During her second year in residency, she completed a leadership in education in neurodevelopment and related disabilities fellowship. In light of this exceptional training, Dr. Mondesir has a special place in her heart for the special needs community and hopes to be able to help those families in need.

Dr. Mondesir’s residency and practice experience has provided an excellent foundation for treating children of all nationalities, religions, races, and economic levels. She believes that every child deserves a beautiful smile. She is excited to provide compassionate care, servant-leadership, and hold an active interest in community health. She strives to be an advocate for children and help educate parents on the importance of good oral health.

Dr. Mondesir recently moved to the Albany/Troy area and while she’s originally from New York, Upstate New York is new territory for her. When you see her, feel free to give her some places she should visit. In her free time, Dr. Modesir loves to stay active. How? Her Peloton bike, lifting weights, and running with Peloton instructors. Can you guess that she loves Peloton? Dr. Mondesir LOVES to travel. She has visited 12 countries thus far. For now, COVID put a halt on travel, but she hopes to collect more passport stamps in the near future. She loves to cook at home, but also is a foodie and loves to try new restaurants and experience foods from different cultures. She is excited to see what Upstate New York has to offer and can’t wait to see all your beautiful faces.

Get to know Dr. Mondesir!

Favorite color: All shades of blue and pink. Oh and purple, lol
Favorite children’s movie: The Lion King
Favorite sing along Disney song: “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Tarzan & “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” from The Lion King. Extra brownie points if it’s the Beyonce version.
Favorite game to play: Taboooo!! If you’re on my team, you need to bring your “A” game….not that I’m competitive or anything.
Go to Summer activity: Traveling, visiting vineyards, attending summer concerts, brunch, and laying poolside or at a beach.
Go to Winter activity: Staying warm inside, lol just kidding. Ice skating and snow tubing. Maybe I’ll giving skiing another try…
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? I like to believe that I am a pretty good cook, I mean at least that’s what people tell me when they try my food.
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be… To teleport, or use floo powder (IYKYK). That would most certainly help me visit every country in the world. Flights are way too expensive these days.
What are you most passionate about professionally? It is important to me that each patient has the best experience. My goal is to provide a warm, child-friendly environment with exceptional care. I want every child to love coming to the dentist.
What excites you the most about your work? It’s the kids! Children have a way of bringing out the joy and happiness in everyone. Seeing the smiles and excitement in a child who was initially afraid of sitting in the dental chair, and now loves to come to the dentist warms my heart.
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! The team is very hard working. Everyone works together to make sure that every patient and every parent has a wonderful experience at The Smile Lodge.
What else should our patients know abut you? I have run 6 half marathons. I am a fitness enthusiast and am a Peloton afficionado. Oh and I love Beyonce.

Dr. Zachary Hansen, D.M.D.

Dr. Zachary Hansen grew up in the great state of Idaho, and yes, he loves potatoes. After high school he lived in Guatemala for two years where he fell in love with another delicious source of starch, corn. Dr. Zac completed his undergraduate and dental schooling in Utah, then worked for a couple of years in Nevada at a children’s dental office. He enjoyed working with kids so much that he decided to make it official; he moved across the country to complete his specialty training in pediatric dentistry at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health in Rochester, New York.

Dr. Zac is known for his calm and warm demeanor which helps both children and their caregivers feel at ease. A lover of teeth and all things chewed by them, he makes it a habit to inquire about and connect over his patients’ favorite cuisine.

Get to know Dr. Hansen!

Favorite color: Yellow
Favorite children’s movie: The Adventures of Milo and Otis
Favorite sing along Disney song: Poor Unfortunate Souls (Ursula is my favorite villain)
Favorite game to play: Mario Kart
Go to Summer activity: Swimming, especially in lakes and rivers
Go to Winter activity: Skiing and making baked goods, particularly anything with pumpkin (another wonderful starch)
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? I majored in viola performance in college; orch dorks unite!
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be… Breathing underwater
What are you most passionate about professionally? Helping children and their caregivers better understand the relationship between diet and oral health. There’s a lot more to it than “sugar is bad for teeth!”
What excites you the most about your work? I love connecting with a child and helping them through a dental experience; seeing a previously apprehensive child realize that they can successfully cope and that the experience turned out to be fun (or at least not as hard as they anticipated) is very rewarding!
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! The team at The Smile Lodge is HUGE, and each member is very specialized in their role. I have never worked with a more organized, efficient, and fun organization.
What else should our patients know abut you? Challenge me to a whistle-off if you dare

Dr. Ritu Shah, D.M.D.

Dr. Shah grew up in Utica, NY and went to college in the Albany area. After earning her DMD from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, she completed additional training in Pediatric Dentistry in Rochester at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health. She is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is an active member of the ADA and AAPD.

She is excited to be back in the Albany area after so many years and working at the Smile Lodge. Dr. Shah is passionate about creating positive dental experiences for her pediatric patients while helping families fend off those pesky cavity-forming sugar bugs! In her free time, she loves exploring in nature, eating great food, and creating/experiencing any type of art.

Get to know Dr. Shah!

Favorite color: Purple
Favorite children’s movie: Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Favorite sing along Disney song: Hakuna Matata
Favorite game to play: Taboo
Go to Summer activity: Swimming and then getting ice cream!
Go to Winter activity: Cross-country skiing or making snowmen!
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? Super fun improvised storytelling sessions all while catching sugar bugs!
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be… X-ray vision of course!
What are you most passionate about professionally? Being able to help ALL children achieve great oral health
What excites you the most about your work? Each visit with a child has small wins that add up to big wins in achieving oral health goals and/or overcoming dental fear
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! Everyone here is so passionate about what they do – this makes coming to work each day fun!
What else should our patients know abut you? I love rainbows, talking about books, and hiking!

Dr. Ahmed Hussein, D.D.S.

Dr. Ahmed Hussein grew in New York. During his undergraduate studies, he majored in Psychology and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo where he graduated with honors. He stayed in Buffalo and continued his studies to obtain his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree also graduating with honors. While completing his DDS degree he spent a lot of time in the pediatric dental clinic where his dedication and passion for children did not go unnoticed. He was awarded the "James Collar Memorial Award " for his commitment to the oral healthcare of children, and was highly encouraged to pursue and specialize in pediatrics at the "Women's and Children's Hospital of Buffalo". It is there we he advanced his training in Pediatrics as Chief Resident.

Dr. Hussein was inducted into multiple honor societies such as; Phi Beta Kappa, PSI CHI, Sigma Alpha Pi and given the Golden key in recognition of his scholastic achievement and leadership, graduating within the top 10%.

He enjoys dining out, traveling, reading, spending time with loved ones, playing guitar, singing, working out, and cooking.

Dr. Hussein says "Every single child is special and amazing in their own way. If you treat every child the same then you limit their ability to shine. When you limit their ability to shine then you have limited your ability to shine”

Get to know Dr. Hussein!

Favorite color: Orange
Favorite children’s movie: The Prince of Egypt
Favorite sing along Disney song: Let it Go
Favorite game to play: Ping Pong
Go to Summer activity: Go to the beach
Go to Winter activity: Snow tubing
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? I can play guitar and I am a master on the Grill.
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be… Teleportation
What are you most passionate about professionally? Creating a safe and fun environment where kids and parents love to come see the dentist.
What excites you the most about your work? The opportunity to develop a positive lifetime impact on children’s dental experience that they carry throughout their adulthood.
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! Putting kids first in every aspect.
What else should our patients know abut you? I love to eat watermelons; preferably seedless.

Samantha McDermott, D.M.D

Dr.McDermott is a local from Saratoga Springs. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Biology at Hartwick College and her doctorate at Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Illinois, right outside of the windy city, Chicago. Eager to return to upstate New York, she then pursued an Advanced Education in General Dentistry at NYU-Langone Health. Dr.McDermott is passionate about providing care in pediatrics and public health. Outside of the office she loves to bake, play with her golden retriever, and spend time outdoors.

Get to know Dr. McDermott!

Favorite color: Red
Favorite children’s movie: Mulan
Favorite sing along Disney song: “You’re Welcome” from Moana
Favorite game to play: Heads up
Go to Summer activity: Hiking, paddle boarding, or anything outside!
Go to Winter activity: Baking! I have a huge sweet tooth.
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? I was an EMT before becoming a dentist.
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be… To talk to animals, my dog would love it!
What are you most passionate about professionally? Helping children create a positive experience regarding their oral health at every visit. I would love to get rid of the fear of dental appointments.
What excites you the most about your work? Knowing that everyday you are helping children achieve the confidence in their smiles and making every visit one that they enjoy and learn from.
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! The team at Smile Lodge is amazing. Everyone is passionate and organized in delivering the best care to all of our patients.
What else should our patients know abut you? I love crossword puzzles. I try to race myself everyday on how fast I can do the New York Times crossword mini.

Christopher Goodemote, D.D.S.

Dr. Christopher Goodemote grew up in Queensbury, NY, and was inspired by both Dr. McMahons and the OG Dr. Goodemote to pursue dentistry! After attending SUNY Geneseo, he followed in his brother and sister’s footsteps at the University of the Pacific, earning his dental degree in San Francisco. He returned to his home state to complete residency through NYU Langone. Now, moving closer to home, he is ready to be the jack of all trades at the Smile Lodge and provide the best quality comprehensive care for our patients!

Get to know Dr. Goodemote!

Favorite color: Blue
Favorite children’s movie: Elf
Favorite sing along Disney song: "Strangers Like Me" - Tarzan
Favorite game to play: Catan
Go to Summer activity: Themed pool parties and hiking around Lake George
Go to Winter activity: I love to ski AND snowboard
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? I’m ambidextrous!
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be… Teleportation
What are you most passionate about professionally? It is a true privilege being able to help someone get out of pain. I also love working on the “smile zone” to help patients maintain happy and healthy smiles.
What excites you the most about your work? Being a goofy goober to help even the most nervous kid feel comfortable and confident at the dentist!
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! It’s bananas how amazing our team is! We are like the 300 Spartans…no size army of sugar bugs stands a chance.
What else should our patients know abut you? That’s me playing Fortnite in The Smile Lodge videos!

Amber Bruckner, D.D.S.

Dr. Amber grew up on Long Island, in Port Jefferson. She completed her undergraduate degree at Wesleyan University where she majored in Neuroscience and Behavior and was captain of the field hockey team. After Wesleyan, she returned to Long Island to attend Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine where she earned her Doctorate in Dental Surgery. While at Stony Brook, Amber loved giving back to the community and participated in local outreach events. She even had the opportunity to be a part of an outreach team that went abroad and spent three weeks in Madagascar, where she provided dental care to people in need. After dental school, she completed her specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at Stony Brook, where she served as chief resident.

Dr. Amber is board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is a compassionate dentist and is dedicated to creating a positive experience for all of her patients! She is very enthusiastic and friendly and loves building relationships with her patients and their families. Dr. Amber is so excited to be joining the Smile Lodge team!

Get to know Dr. Amber!

Favorite color: Orangey-red and teal
Favorite children’s movie: Frozen
Favorite sing along Disney song: Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast
Favorite game to play: I love board games and playing cards. Hard to pick a favorite, but I love Catan, Codenames, and Hearts.
Go to Summer activity: Pickleball, hiking, going to the beach, mini golf
Go to Winter activity: Baking, Harry Potter marathons, and watching football
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don't know about? Knitting! I love making blankets and scarfs!
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be… Power of persuasion, but I promise I would use it for good!
What are you most passionate about professionally? Providing high quality dental care to all patients in a comfortable and judgment-free environment.
What excites you the most about your work? I love empowering patients! I love helping a patient feel confident and proud of themselves, and hopefully they can bring that confidence with them to other areas of their lives.
Tell us about your team and what makes them so exceptional! All of the team members at Smile Lodge work together so well – everyone is so caring and hard-working!
What else should our patients know abut you? I ran the NYC Marathon, I rescued a baby sea-turtle, and I have wanted to be a dentist since I was a little kid, so I feel like I’m living out my dream everyday!