Melodie
Office Manager
Melodie has been the Office Manager at Prairie Dental since 2003. She graduated from Franklin University with a Bachelors in Business. Melodie is a proud mother of an ambitious teenage daughter, 2 loyal canine companions and partner of a hard-working husband. When asked what her favorite thing about working for Prairie Dental is, she says that she finds fulfillment watching smile transformations and the positive impact it has on patient’s lives.
Jill
Hygienist
Jill is one of our hygienists, and has been with Prairie Dental for over 30 years. She went to Ohio State University and has two children, two grandchildren and two dogs as well! Her favorite thing about working for Prairie Dental is the patients and the relationships she has built with them over her time here.
Ileen
Hygienist
Ileen is another one of our hygienists and she has been a member of Prairie Dental for over 25 years! She grew up in Youngstown and graduated from YSU but has since lived in Columbus with her husband, two children and two dogs.
Fadwa
Dental Assistant
Fadwa is one of two Dental Assistants at Prairie Dental. She has been a team member since 2021 but before that she was a dentist in Sudan after attending the University of Khartoum. While working under Dr. Verzella’s wing she is also working towards becoming a dentist in the U.S.. Fadwa loves nature, art and more than anything loves a good cup of coffee to get through her day.
Denise
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Denise is the EFDA (Expanded Functions Dental Assistant) at Prairie Dental. She started working in the profession in 2004 as a front desk coordinator, but became so interested in the clinical aspect of dentistry that she began her education towards becoming a CDA/EFDA. When Denise isn’t assisting the dentists, she spends her time with her husband, kids and grandkids as well as selling homes for Keller Williams!
Hanna
Patient/Social Media Coordinator
Hanna is the Patient/Social Media Coordinator. She has been with Prairie Dental since 2022, just a year after graduating from Ohio University with a Bachelors in Business, specializing in Marketing. Hanna has been a patient at the office since she was 4 years old and loves telling patients all about her goldendoodle puppy, Harley!
Zariah
Dental Assistant
Zariah started with our team as a Hygiene Coordinator and has since been promoted to Dental Assistant! She joins us from Southwestern Career Academy, graduating in 2025, and brings a passion for dentistry and patient care. Outside of work, Zariah loves reading and cooking, always on the lookout for a great book or a new recipe to try!
Erika
Dental Assistant
Erika is one of our Dental Assistants, and has been with us since 2024. Originally from Ukraine, Erika earned her dental degree from the Wroclaw University in Poland, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge, skill, and passion for dentistry. Erika is always sharing her expertise and providing exceptional care to our patients.