Our dedicated professionals undergo continuing education on the latest technologies and procedures in order to provide you an exceptional patient experience. While technology is a wonderful thing, it needs the right hands to convert all those power-packed features into a comfortable, stress free experience for you. All of our clinical staff, including doctors, hygienists and assistants, are thoroughly trained and tested on the latest innovations, so you can relax knowing you’re receiving the best care possible.
Our staff goes the extra mile to welcome you into our family. When you contact us, you'll never get a canned recorded greeting or be put into the dreaded voicemail black hole. Your call or email is handled promptly by a highly-informed and compassionate person who will be happy to answer your questions.
As a new patient, you can expect to be contacted by a staff member before your upcoming appointment to welcome you into the practice and answer any questions you may have.
You can even request the same doctor, hygienist, or assistant, attend to you on every visit. Talk about personalized care! At MFD, we treat you like family, because… well to us, you are!
Julie has over 20 years of dental experience and joined our office in 2018. She attended the University of Maryland and received her Bachelors of Science degree in Dental Hygiene in 2005. Julie loves educating her patients on their oral health and is committed to making every hygiene appointment a comfortable and positive experience. She and her husband, Steve are proud parents of two boys. In her free time she loves to cook, travel and spend time with her family.
Alex graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene. She always has a smile on her face, and strives to make her patients feel warm and welcome in the dental office. Alex has a strong passion for volunteering and promoting optimal oral health through education and prevention.
When she's not at MFD, she enjoys hiking, playing board games, and petting every dog that walks by.
Bonnie joined Midlothian Family Dentistry in 2008, just two days after moving to Richmond from Maine, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene from The University of Maine, Orono. Bonnie is a past member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry and is dedicated to thorough dental care of her patients. Bonnie practices Yoga and enjoys kayaking and river rafting. When not working out, she competes in Tough Mountain Challenges across the country and enjoys traveling. She and her husband have one son and a daughter-in-law.
Brooke began her dental career working as an orthodontic assistant in Woodbridge, Virginia. It was there that she learned she wanted to be a dental hygienist. Brooke attended Virginia Commonwealth University from 2014-2016, graduating with a BS in Dental Hygiene. She has gained an extensive amount of experience at VCU, such as knowledge required to provide exceptional patient care and empathy to make patients feel the most comfortable. Her other interests include hiking, crocheting, photography, traveling, and spending time with friends, family, and her cat, Boo.
Brooke, RDH, BSDH, has been a dental hygienist at Midlothian Family Dentistry since 2009.
She graduated from MCV with a Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene in 2009, and spent a summer in Germany providing oral health services. With a passion for oral health education, Brooke, accompanied by our mascot Timmy the Tooth, teaches about oral health in local day care facilities, churches, and schools. Brooke's mission is to help each patient reach their oral health goals by giving individualized, gentle, and thorough dental care. Brooke and her husband, Derek, live in Amelia, VA with their cattle dog, Dee.
We all want the best and Byrd Orthodontics cares about giving you a healthy, beautiful smile! Dr. Byrd has expertise as a post-doctoral trained specialist in orthodontics. He takes a gentle approach with an emphasis on good hygiene through treatment and for a lifetime. Both a general dentist and orthodontic specialist are important for oral health, but orthodontic treatment should be overseen by an orthodontic specialist. Dr. Byrd has continuing education in orthodontics which means he can offer advanced treatment options, which could shorten treatment time. He provides the highest standard of care using his skilled training in the latest advances in dental technology.
Dr. Byrd is the past president of the Virginia Orthodontic Association, a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Orthodontic Association, American Dental Association, an active member of Peter B. Ramsey Dental Society, the Virginia Dental Association, and is an active member of the Orthodontic Study Club of Richmond. He and his wife have been blessed with three children. Outside the office, he has strong church and community ties and loves sports cars and keeping fit. One final fun fact: Dr. Byrd loves pancakes! There is a reason people keep coming to Dr. Byrd. His fun attitude, care, and concern for patients have brightened thousands of smiles for more than 17 years! We look forward to brightening yours!
Celeste has been in the dental field since 2011. Celeste joined our practice May 2019. She graduated from Thomas Nelson Community College in Williamsburg with a degree in Dental Hygiene. Celeste is very passionate about dentistry and loves the one-on-one time she gets with her patients, whether she is educating them about oral care, explaining the newest treatments and procedures, or catching-up on all the new and exciting events in her patients' lives. She enjoys working with teenagers and young adults at her church, leading worship and spending time with her husband and two children.
Dr. Christofakis graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He then attended graduate school at Virginia Commonwealth University and earned his Master of Science in Physiology with a thesis in head and neck cancer research. After obtaining his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the New York University’s College of Dentistry, he completed a 2-year general practice residency at Virginia Commonwealth University and the Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. There he developed skills of surgical technique in the fields of Periodontics, Implant Placement, and Endodontics, as well as earned his certification in Anesthesia. He has recently relocated back to Richmond, VA to be closer to family, where he enjoys an active lifestyle including playing sports, instruments, and traveling.
Colleen joined Midlothian Family Dentistry in 2009 and has been in dentistry for over 26 years. She was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in 1998 while earning her undergraduate degree from John Tyler Community College in Chester, VA. She then went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene from Virginia Commonwealth University, graduating Cum Laude in 2001. Colleen is committed to her patient’s oral health and believes oral health is the window to great general health. She uses her commitment to MFD as an educator and advocate for patients in their personal journey to gain excellent dental health. Colleen’s passions are career and family. She enjoys the Virginia summers by the pool, excursions to the beach, working in her yard, and taking on home improvement projects. She is the proud mom of two wonderful children, two rescue dogs, and of course, a hamster!
Dr. Mark E. Crocker has a passion for the most up-to-date clinical and technological developments, and is excited to provide the patients of Midlothian Family Dentistry with the highest quality care. Dr. Crocker always puts patient comfort first and knows that trust is the foundation of a successful dental experience.
Dr. Crocker earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He grew up in Poughkeepsie, New York, and graduated from St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire. Dr. Crocker and his wife, Katherine, a lawyer, are excited to settle in the Richmond area with their two dogs, Burdick and Dolley.
Dr. Crocker strives for excellence in all aspects of dentistry. He is especially interested in the consequences of snoring and sleep apnea and the dental treatment of these sleep disorders. Recognizing many patients cannot tolerate traditional CPAP (face masks) therapy, Dr. Crocker focuses on using oral appliance therapy to increase patient comfort when managing sleep apnea.
His professional affiliations and continuing education reflect these interests and include:
Denise has been a dedicated and passionate dental hygienist since 2006. In practicing her profession, Denise has learned that she values her relationship with each and every patient! Developing long standing and trusted relationships greatly improve her ability to provide the best dental care and advice for preventative treatments.
Denise also has passion for comfortable and beneficial dental care, which compels her to remain up to date on the latest research and patient education.
Denise is blessed to share her life with her amazing husband Cameron, their two beautiful young children Lincoln and Vail, and their beloved dogs. Outside of work, Denise enjoys traveling, skiing, hiking, exercise, taking walks, good food, and spending time with great friends and family.
When it comes to providing patients with high quality service and experience, Dr. Nickolas Felten performs his job with sincerity and care. Dr. Felten's compassion and dedication for dentistry truly represent the core values of Midlothian Family Dentistry. His experience and qualifications speak for themselves, and he takes pride in making sure every patient of his leaves the chair with a smile.
Dr. Felten received his B.S. in Environmental Science at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. He moved on to complete his M.S. in Biomedical Sciences at Barry University. While he worked toward his DDS at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, he served as the class president. Dr. Felten also completed a one-year AEGD program with NYU Langone at Valley Health in Huntingdon, WV. Being the only resident at this location gave Dr. Felten a huge amount of first-hand experience in the field. His areas of expertise include surgical extractions, endodontics, periodontal therapy and surgery, restorations, crown and bridge implants, pediatric preventative dentistry, and pediatric sedation. When he's not providing exemplary dental service to his patients, he enjoys fishing and disc golf.
Dr. Matthew C. Graham grew up in Smithfield, Virginia. He completed his undergraduate studies graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. He then went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Dr. Graham understands that the field of dentistry is ever-changing and in order to provide the best for his patients, he is constantly advancing his skills through attending many continuing education courses. While in dental school, Dr. Graham participated in research projects working alongside some prominent members in the fields of periodontics and oral surgery in hopes to determine the best bone grafting methods for successful implant placement.
Dr. Graham loves connecting with his patients in order to make them feel comfortable in the dental office. He also takes pride in giving back to others. He has participated in numerous outreach programs, such as Mission of Mercy, Christian Dental Society, and free clinics in rural areas of Virginia.
In his free time, Dr. Graham enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife, Brooke, and their two goldendoodles, Oliver and Winston. His hobbies include playing guitar, surfing, and fly fishing.
His professional affiliations include:
Originally from Louisiana and having been raised as part of a military family, Jennifer traveled extensively throughout her childhood. At age 17 she joined the Army, and upon her Honorable Discharge, subsequently served 7 years in the Virginia Army National Guard. Jennifer has served Midlothian Family Dentistry as a Dental Hygienist since 2010 after graduating Virginia Commonwealth University that same year, where she served as Class President for two years while earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene. Since her graduation, Jennifer has been active in the Virginia Dental Hygienist Association, serving as President, Vice President and Trustee for the VDHA’s Greater Richmond Component. In addition to her passion of dental hygiene, she loves helping patients achieve better overall and oral health through education and prevention. Jennifer is married to Dan S., a Chesterfield County firefighter. Together they have beautiful twins, Norah and Wyatt, who keep them very busy! Jennifer enjoys working out and spending time with her family, trying new restaurants, attending festivals, and touring wineries.
Dr. Vinny Karia began her dental career when she received her Bachelors in Dental Surgery (BDS) from India. She worked as a Lecturer in Restorative Dentistry and as an Associate Dentist for several years before deciding to broaden her horizons and obtained her Doctorate in Dental Surgery (DDS) from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where she was the recipient of the AD Williams Student Research Fellowship.
Dr. Karia believes that the wants, needs, and goals of each patient are different and there are no cookie-cutter treatment options in her playbook. She holds this belief strongly, right next to providing her patients with top-notch care and comfort.
Dr. Karia has a wide range of experience in the different areas of dentistry. Among these, she is especially passionate about esthetic dentistry and has been published in two dental journals within the field. Her other passion is pediatric care and working closely with children to ensure they have as pleasant an experience as possible.
Outside of the office, Dr. Karia is also an active member of the American Dental Association and the Virginia Dental Association, most recently presenting at the American Dental Association’s (ADA) National Conference in Los Angeles.
She resides with her husband, a management consultant, and their son in Glen Allen, VA.
Kathryn began her dental career working chair-side as an Orthodontic Assistant for seven years before attending Virginia Commonwealth University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene in 2015. She strives to provide her patients with exceptional patient care, making them feel welcomed and relaxed while educating them on the connection of oral health to excellent overall health.
Kathryn shares a great passion for serving the greater Richmond area through community service. She is also a member of the American Dental Hygienists' Association and the Greater Richmond Dental Hygienists' Association. In her spare time you can find her at the river, on the beach, or exploring Richmond with her dog, Dakota.
As a Richmond native, it was only natural for Katlyn to gain a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene at Virginia Commonwealth University. In addition, Katlyn has gained credentials in the administration of local anesthesia, nitrous-oxide sedation, and laser therapy.
Katlyn began her career in dentistry as a dental assistant in 2015 where she then continually expanded her experience and education into the field of dental hygiene. As an RDH, she's found her true passion in providing preventative dental care.
Outside of dentistry, Katlyn enjoys live music, traveling, being in nature and simply spending time with her pup Lucky.
Dr. Virginia Lucas completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia before pursuing post-baccalaureate studies at the University of South Alabama. She then earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Alabama before becoming a resident at the Hunter McGuire Holmes VA Center, where she focused on performing general dental practices, including exams, diagnoses, treatment plans, fillings, prosthodontics, extractions, and oral education. Additionally, she diagnosed, developed treatment plans, and treated periodontal disease with scaling and root planning and surgical intervention.
Outside of practicing dentistry, Dr. Lucas has participated in leadership and volunteer opportunities for a number of organizations, including:
Macey joined our team in 2020 and is super energetic and fun, but takes her job very seriously! She graduated from Halifax Community College in North Carolina in 2015 and has been practicing in Virginia ever since! She served as class Secretary in hygiene school. Macey absolutely adores her patients, and she strives to make sure they are understood, respected and given the best care possible. Macey's interests include spending time with loved ones, comedy, and cinema. When Macey isn't talking about teeth, she's talking about her beloved dog, Roxanne.
With a passion for excellence, Dr. William R. Monacell continues to wow patients with a comfortable and rewarding dental experience.
Dr. Monacell was recognized as one of the "Top 40 Under 40" recently by the Virginia Dental Journal. He has a particular passion for cosmetic dentistry utilizing porcelain veneers, Zoom® whitening, Invisalign®, and Six Month Smiles®. Dr. Monacell takes pride in striving for perfection in all areas of dentistry. He’s great with children, and many families have chosen him to provide for all their dental needs because of his caring and compassionate approach.
Dr. Monacell completed his undergraduate studies with a BS in Biology from the University of Virginia. He then went on to Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and was awarded his DDS in 2005. He has numerous professional memberships including:
He has taken hours and hours of continuing education in areas such as cosmetics, short-term orthodontics, sedation, and dental implants, and he takes pride in keeping up with cutting edge dental technologies.
"I look forward to providing you and your family a comfortable and rewarding dental experience. It is my goal to guide you on your path to better oral health with the use of painless, anxiety-free, state-of-the-art dentistry."
Morgan started her career as an orthodontic assistant in 2009, where she realized her passion for working with people and improving smiles. Morgan was a member of the orthodontic practice for six years before pursuing her career as a dental hygienist. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and graduated with a bachelor’s degree cum laude. VCU provided Morgan with ample experience chair side at the school and within her community educating patients on oral health and making them feel calm and comfortable in the dental setting.
Morgan's other interest include cooking, taking the boat out, trying new restaurants, spending time with loved ones, and DIY projects.
Nicole is a dedicated and driven dental hygienist who has been with the practice since 2009. She graduated from Virginia Western Community College and served as class Vice President for two years. Nicole is an active member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and the Greater Richmond Dental Hygienists' Association. She enjoys meeting new patients and educating others on the importance of dental heath.
Patricia completed her Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene degree in 2014 at Fayetteville Technical Community College while being a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. As class secretary, she enjoyed coordinating non-profit fundraisers such as “ToothFairy” and “MOMs”. Patricia truly loves her work in dentistry and has a heart for every patient she treats. She enjoys when she can help nervous patients and make their dental experience comfortable and happy. Patricia is happily married with two children. Her son, Avery, is majoring at VCU for chemical engineering and her daughter, Autumn, is majoring in business at VCU. She loves her yorkies Bentley, Cody, and Ty. In her free time, she loves to travel the world, cook amazing food and enjoy family time.
Dr. Christopher Ricker, DMD, is dedicated to providing each of his patients with exceptional care and reflects the values of Midlothian Family Dentistry by combining a passion for dentistry with a compassionate approach to dentistry. He takes pride in connecting with his patients and ensuring each receives the highest quality of care as if they were a family member.
After receiving his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from The Medical University of South Carolina in 2016, he then completed his General Practice Residency at Palmetto Health Hospital in Columbia, SC. There he continued his training in dental implants and dental surgery setting up the foundation for his career as an outstanding dentist. He continues to further his education by staying up to date on the latest technology and dental procedures and by completing additional educational courses.
Outside of work, Dr. Ricker enjoys spending time with his wife Becca and his daughter. He is also an avid musician, playing guitar and drums, and enjoys spending time outdoors as much as possible.
Dr. Robert A. Sorenson completed his undergraduate studies at Texas A&M, then went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1984 from Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia. He comes from a proud military family; his father, Capt. Adrian E. Sorenson, was a dentist in the US Navy and served 43 years, completing tours of duty in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. His mother also served with the Navy for three years. Captain Sorenson inspired Dr. Sorenson to follow in his footsteps, beginning his dental career serving the American Red Cross for three-and-a-half years with the Naval Health Clinic - Corpus Christi, TX.
Dr. Sorenson continues to remain active through organizations and societies including:
Sydney has been working in the dental field since 2013 and joined Midlothian Family Dentistry’s team in 2019. She earned her bachelors degree in dental hygiene from Virgina Commonwealth University, graduating cum laude. While earning her degree, Sydney served as class treasurer, and held student chair positions for admissions and curriculum committees. Sydney has a passion for educating patients about their oral health and providing tips and tricks for improvement. In her free time, Sydney enjoys hosting game nights, experimenting with new recipes, and spending quality time with her family.