Meet the Team

Gary Michaelson, DMD

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 aesthetic 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:

Arif Zaman, DMD

Dr. Zaman limits his scope of practice to endodontics, implantology, and oral surgery. In 1993, he earned his BS in Molecular Biology and Microbiology, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He went on to graduate second in his class from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 1998, obtaining his DMD. Since then, he has provided implant surgery, endodontic therapy, CEREC dentistry, laser dentistry, and oral surgery for 10 dental offices.

Dr. Zaman mentors dentists, privately teaching root canal treatments, oral surgery, and dental implant placement. Dr. Zaman holds the following memberships and certifications:

2006 Fellow of International Congress of Oral Implantologists
2006 CT Scanning – ICAT Training. NewTom CT Scan Trained
2006 Bone Biology, Harvesting, Grafting, Sinus Lift
2006 Puros Block Allograft Certified
2005 Imtec Implant Certified

Steven Perelmuter, DMD

Dr. Perelmuter earned his dental degree from the University of Florida in 1989. He completed his periodontics residency at the University of Florida in 1991 and then attended the annual Periodontics Association Convention for Continuing Education.

Dr. Perelmuter is an active member of the following associations:

American Dental Association (ADA)
Florida Dental association (FDA)
Central Florida Dental Society

Christina Michaelson, Dental Hygienist/Practice Manager

“I’m excited to make a difference in patients’ lives!”
Part of the practice since the beginning, Christina works with her husband, Dr. Michaelson, to renew patients’ confidence through smile reconstruction. In addition to her management responsibilities, she holds a degree from dental hygiene school so she can work directly with patients. Christina comes to work smiling every day, thanks to the incredible team she works with.

When she isn’t busy at the office, Christina likes to shop, travel, and spend time with her husband and their two daughters.

Skye Holmes, Practice Administrator

“We have the best patients!”
For the past seven years, Skye has helped keep our practice running smoothly and efficiently. Skye graduated from the Indian River Community College in 1998 and continues to take classes at Seminole Community College. She is currently completing coursework to become a registered nurse. Skye considers her co-workers friends and loves coming to work to hang out with them.

She spends her free time shopping, going to the gym, or having fun at beach.

Deanna Halluska, 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 5 years. She earned her associates degree in dental hygiene from Valencia Community College. She went on to achieve a BS 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.

Deanna and her husband, Chris, participate in church activities. She loves to shop (especially for purses), work out, and spend quality time with her family and three dogs.

Emma Figueora, Clinical Dental Assistant

"Beautiful office; great team!"

With 14 years of experience, 10 with Dr. Michaelson, Emma appreciates the priority that Alafaya Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry places on patient education. She believes that a healthy smile takes teamwork between dental healthcare professionals and the patient. Chairside, Emma helps Dr. Michaelson with many important procedures, and she also trains patients in effective, efficient, and easy oral healthcare procedures.

Watching patients' lives change with increased confidence and a more aesthteic appearance brings a smile to Emma's face every time. At home, Emma enjoys spending time with her family and dancing.

Ivette Franco, Clinical Dental Assistant/Receptionist

“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 and making patients smile.

In her spare time, Ivette enjoys painting, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Erin Barrs, Sterilization Technician

“I love coming to work to help keep patients happy, comfortable, and smiling.”
For the past four years, Erin has been involved in sterilization and infection control, an important part of our daily regimen. She attended Valencia Community College and loves the opportunity to learn new things on the job. Erin likes being part of a close-knit staff that enjoys being together and helping each other out.

Outside of work, Erin enjoys knitting, scrap booking, and spending time with her husband, Matthew, and their son, Wyatt.

Ralph McMiller, Dental Technician

“I love the sincere, down-to-earth approach of this practice.”
Ralph brings 30 years of professional experience to his current position, 15 of those years with this practice. He attended dental technician training and earned a neuromuscular excellence award.

In his free time, Ralph likes to study foreign languages, including Arabic, Spanish, Mandarin, and Japanese.

Desiree Franklin, Dental Hygienist

"I'm thrilled to join a team with such dedicated patient care."
Desiree, our newest addition to the practice, has been caring for patients and their dental needs for over 7 years. A graduate from Valencia Community College's Dental Hygiene Program in 2000, she also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Central Florida. She's actively involved with community service, continuing education and currently holds the position of Vice President for the Greater Orlando Dental Hygiene Association. Desiree enjoys helping patients achieve optimal oral health and is delighted to work with the progressive dental technologies at our office.

Outside the office, Desiree loves baking, scuba diving, snow-skiing, and traveling with her husband, Tommy.