Alafaya Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
Meet the Team
Dr. Gary Michaelson
“The most rewarding part of my job is when patients feel better about their smile and I had a part in helping them achieve that”
Dr. Michaelson was born and raised outside of Boston, Massachusetts. He completed his undergraduate studies in 1982 at Brandeis University. He then went on to study dentistry at the University Of Florida College Of Dentistry and graduated in 1986.
Dr. Michaelson has dedicated himself to the art and science of cosmetic and restorative dentistry in Orlando since 1990. Over the past 15 years, he has traveled the country and spent thousands of hours in seminars, study clubs, and other continuing education courses to stay current on advances in his field. Dr. Michaelson completed advanced courses at the following prestigious academies:
- South Beach Dental Institute
- Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies
- Pacific Aesthetic Continuum Live
- Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- American Dental Implant Association
In his free time Dr. Michaelson enjoys spending time at the beach with his family. His hobbies include skiing, tennis, and traveling. Although he has lived in central Florida for many years he remains a loyal Boston fan. At least once a year he visits his hometown and attends a Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, or Bruins game.
Deanna Halluska, Registered Dental Hygienist
“Our practice is ‘cutting-edge,’ which allows me to be part of an elite team.”
Deanna has been a dental hygienist with us for 10 years. She earned her Associates Degree in dental hygiene from Valencia Community College. She went on to achieve a Bachelors degree in dental hygiene from St. Petersburg College, graduating magna cum laude. She is a first-place recipient of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) Table Clinic and a member of the ADHA and the Florida Dental Hygienists’ Association. Deanna loves getting to know patients and considers her role in helping them attain oral health extremely rewarding. She has a very personal approach and takes pride in developing long lasting relationships with her patients. When working with patients it resembles two old friends catching up. Her genuine down to earth friendliness and care for people make her a tremendous asset to the practice.
Deanna and her family, participate in church activities. She loves to shop (especially for purses), work out, and spend quality time with her husband Chris and her two children.
Christina Michaelson, Registered Dental Hygienist
“I’m excited to make a difference in patients’ lives!”
Christina has been part of the practice since the beginning. She has worked closely with her husband Dr. Michaelson helping patients achieve their dental goals for 20 years. She started in dentistry as a clinical dental assistant while attending UCF. Once married, she decided to make dentistry her career and went on to dental hygiene school. She enjoys working all aspects of the practice and takes pleasure in working directly with patients. Christina comes to work smiling every day, thanks to the incredible patients and team she has the opportunity to work with.
When she isn’t busy at the office, Christina likes to volunteer, travel and spend time with her husband and their two daughters.
Michelle Figueroa, Certified Dental Assistant
“What I love the most about our practice is the professionalism displayed by all our team members.”
Michelle is our newest team member. She comes to us with 5 years of dental experience and is currently majoring in Biology at the University of Central Florida. Becoming a dentist is her ultimate goal. She looks at every day as an opportunity to expand on her knowledge and experience. Working with such a great team everyday is truly a blessing.
When she’s not at our office, Michelle enjoys shopping and loves spending time with friends and family.
Ivette Franco, Practice Administrator
“I enjoy the people I work with; they are all professionals!”
Always ready to greet you with a smile, Ivette brings 18 years of experience to her position. She loves working with our outstanding team of caring professionals. As well as running the business side of the practice she is also clinically trained and certified. She is very knowledgeable on all aspects of dentistry and very willing to help answer any questions patients may have.
Ivette enjoys painting, cooking, and spending time with her family.
