Meet the Team at Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry

Dr. Joseph Wareham, DMD

Dentist

Dr. Joseph Wareham is the proud owner and dentist at Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry, a practice he founded and opened in 2013. With a deep passion for dentistry, Dr. Wareham has been practicing since graduating from Nova Southeastern University in 2007.

Dr. Wareham's favorite part of working in dentistry is the close-knit relationship he shares with his team members. He believes in fostering a fun and lighthearted work environment, where jokes and laughter are shared between colleagues and patients alike. This sense of camaraderie creates a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Dr. Wareham’s decision to pursue dentistry stemmed from a suggestion by a professor during his undergraduate studies. Although initially drawn to the medical field, he appreciated the creative, hands-on nature of dentistry, which led him to choose it as a career.

Outside of his work, Dr. Wareham is an avid mountain biker, enjoying the thrill of riding at local bike parks. He is also a big fan of boxing and motorsports. A genuinely unique hobby of his is watching sumo wrestling, which piques his interest due to its rich history and strategic elements. A fun fact that many may not know about Dr. Wareham is that he was the class clown in high school, showing his playful side even back then.

Vanessa

Office Manager

Vanessa is the office manager at Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry, where she plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the practice. Her responsibilities include overseeing daily office functions, scheduling patient appointments, managing billing and insurance claims, processing payroll, and coordinating staff training and evaluations. She also works closely with the dental team to foster a positive and productive work environment.

With on-the-job training, Vanessa has built a strong foundation in dental office management since beginning her career in dentistry in 2018. Initially drawn to dental hygiene, she quickly found a passion for the behind-the-scenes operations of a dental office.

One of the most rewarding aspects of her job is creating a welcoming environment for both patients and staff. She takes pride in helping patients feel comfortable and ensuring that their visits are pleasant. She also values strong communication and teamwork, which contribute to a collaborative and efficient workplace.

Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys traveling to Disney and the beach. She has a unique passion for home improvement projects and enjoys tackling creative renovations. 

Annie

Lead Dental Assistant

Annie is an enthusiastic member of the Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry team, serving as both front desk receptionist and dental assistant. She joined the practice in August of 2023 and quickly became an integral part of the office's daily operations.

Annie’s role involves greeting patients, scheduling appointments, verifying and filing insurance claims, and assisting the doctor with chairside procedures. Her friendly demeanor and attention to detail help create a positive experience for every patient. She also takes X-rays to support the dental team in providing high-quality care.

She received her training directly at Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry, initially working as a front desk receptionist before expanding her skills to clinical chairside assisting under the guidance of Dr. Wareham and his lead assistant.

One of Annie’s favorite aspects of working with patients and her team is the camaraderie that develops during lunch breaks when the team enjoys playing card games. She also loves meeting new patients and learning about their experiences.

Curiosity led Annie to the dental field, where she has found both personal and professional fulfillment. Outside of work, Annie enjoys reading fiction and has a unique hobby of paper quilling. 

Milissa

Registered Dental Hygienist

Milissa is a dedicated registered dental hygienist with over 20 years of experience in the dental field. She began her career in 2004 and has been a valued member of the Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry team since 2014.

Milissa received her education and training at St. Petersburg College. She enjoys meeting people and always looks forward to learning something new at the office, whether from patients or her team members. Her passion for dentistry is fueled by her commitment to patient care and her desire to grow in the field.

Outside of work, Milissa enjoys gardening and has a unique hobby of macrame, where she creates intricate designs. She is also an animal lover and has a lot of pets, which adds a touch of warmth and fun to her life.

Milissa’s journey into the dental field was inspired by her desire to try something new, and she has since found fulfillment in the profession, providing exceptional care to her patients and working alongside a great team.

Hailey

Registered Dental Hygienist

Hailey is a dental hygienist at Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry, where she plays a crucial role in performing a variety of dental procedures to ensure the best possible care for her patients. Her responsibilities include routine cleanings (prophylaxis), scaling and root planing, applying fluoride and sealants to prevent cavities, polishing and smoothing tooth surfaces to reduce plaque buildup, instructing patients on proper brushing and flossing techniques, and assessing gum health. Hailey is also skilled in taking x-rays and educating patients on how to improve their oral health.

Hailey received her education and training from Indiana University, where she developed her passion for dentistry. She began working in the dental field in 2018 and joined Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry in 2024.

One of Hailey’s favorite parts of her job is forming strong relationships with both her team and patients. She takes great satisfaction in helping her patients improve their oral health and seeing the positive results of their care.

Outside of work, Hailey enjoys working out and visiting Disney. One unique aspect of Hailey’s life is that she was married in Las Vegas. 

Kerri

Registered Dental Hygienist

With a lifelong fascination for dentistry, Kerri’s passion for oral health began in childhood. Inspired by her mother’s best friend, a dental assistant who let her explore dental equipment, Kerri grew up with a deep appreciation for the field, an enthusiasm that carried her into a career in dentistry.

She began her journey in 1999 as an orthodontic dental assistant before earning her qualifications from St. Petersburg College to become a registered dental hygienist. Today, she enjoys building meaningful relationships with patients, educating them about their oral health, and witnessing the transformation of their smiles.

Outside the office, Kerri is an adventurer at heart. She has embraced skydiving, skiing, and bungee jumping and never passes up the thrill of a front-row seat on a roller coaster. When she’s not seeking adrenaline, she finds peace in her backyard, where she enjoys birdwatching, photographing deer, and hiking with her beloved dog. She also enjoys traveling and cherishing time with family, friends, and her fur babies.

Emily

Front Desk Receptionist

Emily is one of the welcoming faces you’ll see at Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry. She helps patients check in and out with ease while also training and learning new skills as she works toward her goal of becoming a dental assistant.

Though this is her first position in dentistry, Emily’s personal experience with her own smile, having once struggled with crooked front teeth, inspired her to join the field. She’s passionate about helping others feel more confident about their teeth and enjoys being part of a team that feels like family.

Emily’s education has been a blend of schooling and hands-on training, and she values the opportunity to learn in a real-world environment. Outside of the office, she loves camping, taking her pup to the beach, and searching for shark teeth. She also crochets stuffed animals and blankets.

Interestingly, Emily has a brother who is 18 years younger and a sister who is 21 years younger than her!