Meet Dr. Suzanne Bird
Practice Philosophy
As a board-certified Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Suzanne Bird is one of just a few pediatric dentists in the United States who is also a certified Orthodontist. This dual specialty helps Dr. Bird create a pleasurable experience for your children as she assesses their growing jaws and how their teeth are growing in. If there are any concerns, Dr. Bird can often guide your children’s growth and development with orthodontics – without referring your child to an unfamiliar team.
Home Life
When not helping her family of patients attain and maintain straight and healthy teeth, Dr. Bird appreciates traveling to tropical destinations and spending time with her husband Jake and their five children, Jacob, Emily, Marilyn, Rosemary and Renee; the youngest of whom is an aspiring dentist! The family also enjoys the antics of their furry family members, a Cockapoo named Otto and a Labradoodle named Henry.
Education & Professional Memberships
Dr. Bird earned her doctorate from UNC School of Dentistry, her Pediatric specialty from The Ohio State University and Columbus Children's Hospital, and her Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from The University of Missouri in Kansas City. She is an active member of the following organizations:
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- North Carolina Society of Pediatric Dentistry
- North Carolina Dental Society
- Charlotte Dental Society
Meet Dr. Ann Kennedy
Practice Philosophy
Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Ann Kennedy specializes in working with infants, children, teens, and those with special healthcare needs. She has a special love of making dental visits fun and enjoyable and helping children understand that going to the dentist is important and can be easy.
Home Life
A Greensboro native, Dr. Kennedy loves Charlotte and enjoys exploring our beautiful city and attractions. In her free time Dr. Kennedy enjoys cooking, exercising, and spending time with family – and if there is a movie you’d like to know more about – just ask! Dr. Kennedy also enjoys watching as many movies as possible.
Education & Professional Memberships
Like Dr. Bird, Dr. Kennedy earned her doctorate from UNC School of Dentistry. After spending much of her time at UNC seeking opportunities to work with children, Dr. Kennedy followed her dream and completed her pediatric residency at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. She is an active member of the following organizations:
Dr. Kennedy loves spending time with Dr. Bird’s dogs Otto and Henry.
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- North Carolina Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- North Carolina Dental Society
- Charlotte Dental Society
Dr. Kelly Lipp
Practice Philosophy
As a second-generation dental professional, Dr. Lipp loves children and is passionate about helping them start their dental journeys in calming comfort. She knows that healthcare can sometimes be intimidating and confusing, so Dr. Lipp places her focus on creating a comfortable, enjoyable, and educational environment at every visit.
Home Life
Dr. Lipp and her husband Dr. Blake Nelson, who is also a dentist, have recently made Charlotte home and are excited about exploring the city. They spend their free time cooking, hiking, and relaxing with their dog, an adorable Goldendoodle named Teddy, who will do anything for a treat.
Education & Professional Memberships
Rounding out the UNC School of Dentistry alumni is Dr. Kelly Lipp. After earning her doctorate, Dr. Lipp also earned her certificate to practice pediatric dentistry at The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Dr. Lipp wrote her master’s thesis on Pediatric Patient Comfort Following Dental Treatment. She is an active member of the following organizations:
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- North Carolina Dental Society
- Charlotte Dental Society
- American Academy of Dental Research
Dr. Lipp and her husband
Dr. Blake Nelson & Teddy.
Dr. Blake Nelson & Teddy.
Meet Dr. Suzanne Bird
Practice Philosophy
As a board-certified Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Suzanne Bird is one of just a few pediatric dentists in the United States who is also a certified Orthodontist. This dual specialty helps Dr. Bird create a pleasurable experience for your children as she assesses their growing jaws and how their teeth are growing in. If there are any concerns, Dr. Bird can often guide your children’s growth and development with orthodontics – without referring your child to an unfamiliar team.
Home Life
When not helping her family of patients attain and maintain straight and healthy teeth, Dr. Bird appreciates traveling to tropical destinations and spending time with her husband Jake and their five children, Jacob, Emily, Marilyn, Rosemary and Renee; the youngest of whom is an aspiring dentist! The family also enjoys the antics of their furry family members, a Cockapoo named Otto and a Labradoodle named Henry.
Education & Professional Memberships
Dr. Bird earned her doctorate from UNC School of Dentistry, her Pediatric specialty from The Ohio State University and Columbus Children's Hospital, and her Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from The University of Missouri in Kansas City. She is an active member of the following organizations:
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- North Carolina Society of Pediatric Dentistry
- North Carolina Dental Society
- Charlotte Dental Society
Meet Dr. Ann Kennedy
Practice Philosophy
Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Ann Kennedy specializes in working with infants, children, teens, and those with special healthcare needs. She has a special love of making dental visits fun and enjoyable and helping children understand that going to the dentist is important and can be easy.
Home Life
A Greensboro native, Dr. Kennedy loves Charlotte and enjoys exploring our beautiful city and attractions. In her free time Dr. Kennedy enjoys cooking, exercising, and spending time with family – and if there is a movie you’d like to know more about – just ask! Dr. Kennedy also enjoys watching as many movies as possible.
Education & Professional Memberships
Like Dr. Bird, Dr. Kennedy earned her doctorate from UNC School of Dentistry. After spending much of her time at UNC seeking opportunities to work with children, Dr. Kennedy followed her dream and completed her pediatric residency at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. She is an active member of the following organizations:
Dr. Kennedy loves spending time with Dr. Bird’s dogs Otto and Henry.
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- North Carolina Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- North Carolina Dental Society
- Charlotte Dental Society
Dr. Kelly Lipp
Practice Philosophy
As a second-generation dental professional, Dr. Lipp loves children and is passionate about helping them start their dental journeys in calming comfort. She knows that healthcare can sometimes be intimidating and confusing, so Dr. Lipp places her focus on creating a comfortable, enjoyable, and educational environment at every visit.
Home Life
Dr. Lipp and her fiancé Dr. Blake Nelson, who is also a dentist, have recently made Charlotte home and are excited about exploring the city. They spend their free time cooking, hiking, and relaxing with their dog, an adorable Goldendoodle named Teddy, who will do anything for a treat.
Education & Professional Memberships
Rounding out the UNC School of Dentistry alumni is Dr. Kelly Lipp. After earning her doctorate, Dr. Lipp also earned her certificate to practice pediatric dentistry at The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Dr. Lipp wrote her master’s thesis on Pediatric Patient Comfort Following Dental Treatment. She is an active member of the following organizations:
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- North Carolina Dental Society
- Charlotte Dental Society
- American Academy of Dental Research
Dr. Lipp and her fiancé
Dr. Blake Nelson
Dr. Blake Nelson
About Our Team
Along with our kind and compassionate pediatric dentists, our team of dental professionals is dedicated to helping your children achieve excellent oral health with the beautiful smile they deserve.
Assistant Manager
Sully Nazario
As a military child, Sully has lived in five different States and Germany, so we consider ourselves fortunate that she chose to settle in Charlotte. Her passion for people includes meeting families from different cultures and countries.
Sully is currently working towards her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and when she does have spare time she enjoys hiking, traveling, and time with her family … but nothing is as important as caring for her furbaby Ella.
Business Development Manager
Maria Ridge
Maria has lived in Charlotte all her life and can’t imagine living anywhere else – although traveling the world and attending a dental mission trip are high on her bucket list. With a background in dental assisting, Maria is perfectly suited to use her creativity and organizational skills in a way that helps both our team and our family of patients.
Away from the practice, She enjoys time with her teenaged son Austin and going to sporting events that he participates in as well as enjoying professional sporting events.
Away from the practice, She enjoys time with her teenaged son Austin and going to sporting events that he participates in as well as enjoying professional sporting events.
Patient Coordinator
Megan Burnette
After working in a general dental practice for three years, Megan joined our team so she could place her focus on helping children and families have a pleasant time at the dental office. She loves children and making them happy whenever they visit.
Away from the practice, Megan’s daughter Emily is the love of her life and the person she wants to spend the most time with. Megan and Emily enjoy spending time at the park and caring for their Mini Dachshunds, Roxy and Derby.
Away from the practice, Megan’s daughter Emily is the love of her life and the person she wants to spend the most time with. Megan and Emily enjoy spending time at the park and caring for their Mini Dachshunds, Roxy and Derby.
Insurance Coordinator
Claudia Rhoades
Originally from Upstate New York, Claudia came to town when her husband Aaron landed a job in Charlotte after serving for four years in the US Marine Corps. Ensuring you are happy with all aspects of your visits, from how your children are treated to how your dental insurance is handled, is Claudia’s first concern.
Away from the practice, Claudia enjoys going to the gym, relaxing with friends, and serving in the Army National Guard. At home, she enjoys spending time with her fur babies Molly, Wrangler, Jux, Darby, Dale and Sox, who she adopted from Dr. Bird!
Away from the practice, Claudia enjoys going to the gym, relaxing with friends, and serving in the Army National Guard. At home, she enjoys spending time with her fur babies Molly, Wrangler, Jux, Darby, Dale and Sox, who she adopted from Dr. Bird!
Lead Dental Assistant
Michele Merritt
As our lead Dental Assistant, Michele has been helping us create a warm and inviting environment for our family of patients for more than seven years. Originally from Buffalo, Michele traded the snow for the city of trees and she couldn’t be happier to be here!
Away from the practice Michelle channels her creativity by making wreaths, scrapbooking, and dreaming of travel.
Away from the practice Michelle channels her creativity by making wreaths, scrapbooking, and dreaming of travel.
Dental Assistant
Shyla Morse
A true people person, Shyla is happiest at work when she helps people smile. Born and raised in Charlotte, Shyla is dedicated to our city and the people who live here – it’s her dream to start up a mentoring program for young girls and young women. Away from the practice Shyla enjoys reading, hiking, and relaxing with the family dog, an Australian Shepherd/Husky mix named Zoe.
Dental Assistant
Nyan Phoebus
Nyan has been making children comfortable as a pediatric dental assistant for more than 13 years and she loves building relationships with our patients and their parents.
A dedicated mother to her three children, Nyan grew up in Miami and chose to relocate to Charlotte to give her children more opportunities … and to show them what changing seasons are like. Away from the practice, Nyan enjoys time with her husband Kirt and their children and hopes to one day travel the world.
Dental Assistant
Mia Guadagna
Mia’s philosophy – take care of yourself; you’re only given one chance – extends to how she compassionately helps our family of patients understand the importance of good daily oral hygiene habits and regular dental care.
Mia’s love for children includes making them happy and comfortable – whether they are in the dental chair or seen through the lens of her camera. When she is not making her patients or photography subjects smile, Mia enjoys cooking, baking, and being outdoors.
Mia’s love for children includes making them happy and comfortable – whether they are in the dental chair or seen through the lens of her camera. When she is not making her patients or photography subjects smile, Mia enjoys cooking, baking, and being outdoors.
Dental Assistant
Marianella Couttenye
With ten years’ experience in the dental field, Marianella began her career by spending three years at dental school in Venezuela. After falling in love with Charlotte, Marianella moved and earned her dental assisting credentials. Working at both of our practices is a dream for Marianella – she loves to see children grow and enjoys the bond she has with the children in her care and their parents.
Marianella is dedicated to her community and serves weekly at Elevation Church. An avid and talented photographer, Marianella spends her free time building her photography business.
Marianella is dedicated to her community and serves weekly at Elevation Church. An avid and talented photographer, Marianella spends her free time building her photography business.
Pediatric Assistant
Nakosha Gause
With the motto “treat others the way I would want to be treated", Nakosha likes engaging with our patients – particularly enjoying their differences, from age to outlooks to culture. Her health philosophy is that your body is your temple, so take care of it in every aspect. Everyone at Bird Pediatric Dentistry is here to help!
When not at the practice, Nakosha can’t get enough retail therapy, but her true joy is spending time with her fiancé, family, and friends … and vacationing! She has a fish named Jovi and actively volunteers with her church, the Red Cross, and the men’s homeless shelter. Her dream? Travelling the world!
When not at the practice, Nakosha can’t get enough retail therapy, but her true joy is spending time with her fiancé, family, and friends … and vacationing! She has a fish named Jovi and actively volunteers with her church, the Red Cross, and the men’s homeless shelter. Her dream? Travelling the world!
About Our Team
Along with our kind and compassionate pediatric dentists, our team of dental professionals is dedicated to helping your children achieve excellent oral health with the beautiful smile they deserve.
Assistant Manager
Sully Nazario
As a military child, Sully has lived in five different States and Germany, so we consider ourselves fortunate that she chose to settle in Charlotte. Her passion for people includes meeting families from different cultures and countries.
Sully is currently working towards her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and when she does have spare time she enjoys hiking, traveling, and time with her family … but nothing is as important as caring for her furbaby Ella.
Business Development Manager
Maria Ridge
Maria has lived in Charlotte all her life and can’t imagine living anywhere else – although traveling the world and attending a dental mission trip are high on her bucket list. With a background in dental assisting, Maria is perfectly suited to use her creativity and organizational skills in a way that helps both our team and our family of patients.
Away from the practice, She enjoys time with her teenaged son Austin and going to sporting events that he participates in as well as enjoying professional sporting events.
Away from the practice, She enjoys time with her teenaged son Austin and going to sporting events that he participates in as well as enjoying professional sporting events.
Patient Coordinator
Megan Burnette
After working in a general dental practice for three years, Megan joined our team so she could place her focus on helping children and families have a pleasant time at the dental office. She loves children and making them happy whenever they visit.
Away from the practice, Megan’s daughter Emily is the love of her life and the person she wants to spend the most time with. Megan and Emily enjoy spending time at the park and caring for their Mini Dachshunds, Roxy and Derby.
Away from the practice, Megan’s daughter Emily is the love of her life and the person she wants to spend the most time with. Megan and Emily enjoy spending time at the park and caring for their Mini Dachshunds, Roxy and Derby.
Insurance Coordinator
Claudia Rhoades
Originally from Upstate New York, Claudia came to town when her husband Aaron landed a job in Charlotte after serving for four years in the US Marine Corps. Ensuring you are happy with all aspects of your visits, from how your children are treated to how your dental insurance is handled, is Claudia’s first concern.
Away from the practice, Claudia enjoys going to the gym, relaxing with friends, and serving in the Army National Guard. At home, she enjoys spending time with her fur babies Molly, Wrangler, Jux, Darby, Dale and Sox, who she adopted from Dr. Bird!
Away from the practice, Claudia enjoys going to the gym, relaxing with friends, and serving in the Army National Guard. At home, she enjoys spending time with her fur babies Molly, Wrangler, Jux, Darby, Dale and Sox, who she adopted from Dr. Bird!
Lead Dental Assistant
Michele Merritt
As our lead Dental Assistant, Michele has been helping us create a warm and inviting environment for our family of patients for more than seven years. Originally from Buffalo, Michele traded the snow for the city of trees and she couldn’t be happier to be here!
Away from the practice Michelle channels her creativity by making wreaths, scrapbooking, and dreaming of travel.
Away from the practice Michelle channels her creativity by making wreaths, scrapbooking, and dreaming of travel.
Dental Assistant
Shyla Morse
A true people person, Shyla is happiest at work when she helps people smile. Born and raised in Charlotte, Shyla is dedicated to our city and the people who live here – it’s her dream to start up a mentoring program for young girls and young women. Away from the practice Shyla enjoys reading, hiking, and relaxing with the family dog, an Australian Shepherd/Husky mix named Zoe.
Dental Assistant
Nyan Phoebus
Nyan has been making children comfortable as a pediatric dental assistant for more than 13 years and she loves building relationships with our patients and their parents.
A dedicated mother to her three children, Nyan grew up in Miami and chose to relocate to Charlotte to give her children more opportunities … and to show them what changing seasons are like. Away from the practice, Nyan enjoys time with her husband Kirt and their children and hopes to one day travel the world.
Dental Assistant
Mia Guadagna
Mia’s philosophy – take care of yourself; you’re only given one chance – extends to how she compassionately helps our family of patients understand the importance of good daily oral hygiene habits and regular dental care.
Mia’s love for children includes making them happy and comfortable – whether they are in the dental chair or seen through the lens of her camera. When she is not making her patients or photography subjects smile, Mia enjoys cooking, baking, and being outdoors.
Mia’s love for children includes making them happy and comfortable – whether they are in the dental chair or seen through the lens of her camera. When she is not making her patients or photography subjects smile, Mia enjoys cooking, baking, and being outdoors.
Dental Assistant
Marianella Couttenye
With ten years’ experience in the dental field, Marianella began her career by spending three years at dental school in Venezuela. After falling in love with Charlotte, Marianella moved and earned her dental assisting credentials. Working at both of our practices is a dream for Marianella – she loves to see children grow and enjoys the bond she has with the children in her care and their parents.
Marianella is dedicated to her community and serves weekly at Elevation Church. An avid and talented photographer, Marianella spends her free time building her photography business.
Marianella is dedicated to her community and serves weekly at Elevation Church. An avid and talented photographer, Marianella spends her free time building her photography business.
Pediatric Assistant
Nakosha Gause
With the motto “treat others the way I would want to be treated", Nakosha likes engaging with our patients – particularly enjoying their differences, from age to outlooks to culture. Her health philosophy is that your body is your temple, so take care of it in every aspect. Everyone at Bird Pediatric Dentistry is here to help!
When not at the practice, Nakosha can’t get enough retail therapy, but her true joy is spending time with her fiancé, family, and friends … and vacationing! She has a fish named Jovi and actively volunteers with her church, the Red Cross, and the men’s homeless shelter. Her dream? Travelling the world!
When not at the practice, Nakosha can’t get enough retail therapy, but her true joy is spending time with her fiancé, family, and friends … and vacationing! She has a fish named Jovi and actively volunteers with her church, the Red Cross, and the men’s homeless shelter. Her dream? Travelling the world!
Community Involvement
As a practice, and individually, we believe that giving back to people and providing sponsorship for events that benefit kids is our responsibility. We participate regularly in community support initiatives including:
- School presentations to teach oral health
- School festivals
- 5 k runs
- Safety days
- YMCA events
- Local swim teams
- Recreational sports leagues
- Local schools
Community Involvement
As a practice, and individually, we believe that giving back to people and providing sponsorship for events that benefit kids is our responsibility. We participate regularly in community support initiatives including:
- School presentations to teach oral health
- School festivals
- 5 k runs
- Safety days
- YMCA events
- Local swim teams
- Recreational sports leagues
- Local schools