Meet Your Dental Family

Dr. Kennedy graduated from the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry in 1988. Prior to dental school, he served in the US Coast Guard as a hospital corpsman and attended the University of Florida for his undergraduate studies in microbiology.

Dr. Kennedy has been in private practice in Yuba City, California for 24 years, enjoying all facets of general dentistry and serving his patients from ages 2 to 99. His particular field of interest is advanced restorative techniques involving porcelain crowns and veneers. Cavity prevention through analysis of each patient’s unique risk factors, including bacterial “bio challenge”, is an important aspect of his treatment style.

Dr. Kennedy was past president and editor of the local Dental Society in California and received the California Dental Association Political and Grass Roots award for community water fluoridation, as well as the Distinguished Volunteer Award. Mike has enjoyed serving on a number of dental mission trips with his family, locally, as well as in Mexico and the Amazon Valley in Peru.

Dr. Kennedy’s wife, Pam, is originally from northern Virginia and they moved back home in 2015. They have three grown children. Mike and Pam enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, and running. He has completed over 30 marathons including the Boston Marathon on three occasions, and 2 ultra marathons around Lake Tahoe.

Lindsey grew up in Fishersville and started in the dental field in 2013. With over a decade of experience in the dental field, Lindsey has a deep understanding of patient care and administrative efficiency. Her great outgoing personality shines through in every interaction, making patients feel welcomed and valued from the moment they walk through our doors.

Primarily focusing on billing responsibilities, Lindsey also manages our schedule. Her organizational skills and attention to detail allow her to coordinate appointments seamlessly, ensuring that our patients receive the timely care they deserve. With a passion for customer service, she consistently strives to create a positive and efficient experience for everyone.

Outside of work, Lindsey enjoys spending time with her husband, Paul and their two kids, Colter and Sawyer.

Meg started working in dentistry in 2012 after completing the Dental Assistant program at Valley Vocational and Technical School in Fishersville. She grew up in Fishersville and graduated from Wilson Memorial High School. Meg and her husband Max are big sports fans, when football season is in they're cheering for JMU (GO DUKESS) and the Tennessee Vols! They have 2 little boys, Knox and Landry who keep them busy.

Meg's training and skills allows her to be multi functional in our office. Meg presents cases one on one with new and existing patients, works along side Brandy in our hygiene department, and oversees the administrative side of things. Meg handles these responsibilities with professionalism and great attention-to-detail. Meg along with the rest of the team make our office feel like home. Her warm demeanor and commitment to our practice enhances the overall experience of our patients.

Amber grew up in Waynesboro and started in the dental field in 2019. Prior to dental, she worked in Physical Therapy. Her desire for helping people is what makes her such a great additional to our team. She is passionate about getting to know each of our patients individually all while making sure they receive the quality service and attention from our front office.

Primarily focusing on insurance, Amber is dedicated to helping patients understand their benefits and providing them with the support they need to make informed financial decisions regarding their dental care.

Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband Ricky and their two daughters, Nickole and Karsyn.

Tara grew up in Fishersville and started working in the dental field in 2014 after completing the Dental Assistant program at Valley Vocational and Technical School in Fishersville. Tara married her high school sweetheart Tyler in 2016, they have a daughter, Audra who is 2 and will be welcoming their second child, a healthy baby boy in November 2025.

Tara's clinical experience and passion to help others achieve their oral health goals is what sets her apart. Tara works alongside both Dr. Wright and Dr. Kennedy. She also does all the ordering for implant and denture cases to ensure our providers have what they need for each case.

When she is not at the office she is spending time with her family and their German Shepherd, Rocko.

Brandy had an early interest in dentistry. She started working as a dental assistant in 2008. In 2011 she graduated from Wytheville Community College, earning her degree in dental hygiene and has been a dedicated dental hygienist ever since. In addition to her work in general dental practices, Brandy has experience in the specialty disciplines of pediatric, and periodontal dentistry.

At our practice, Brandy evaluates the oral health of our patients and educates them on ways that they can improve their oral hygiene. Her goal is to help each patient work toward maintaining their oral health. Of course she believes each of her patients should have a great smile as well. Outside of work, Brandy enjoys spending time with her husband, Jason, two young children, Annistyn and Kemper and two boxers, June and Zuri!

Dr. Michael P. Kennedy

Meg Nobles

Amber Cayton

Tara Kirby

Lindsey Moore

Brandy Shifflett, RDH

Dr. Wright and his team made my dental experience truly exceptional and stress-free.

I always leave with a brighter smile and confidence after my visits to Staunton Smiles.

★★★★★

★★★★★