Who We Are

Paula Miranda, DMD
Chief Resident

Hometown: San Juan, PR

School: University of Puerto Rico

Hobbies: playing with my dog, spending time with family, going to concerts

Why I Chose Nicklaus: "Nicklaus offers unparalleled clinical experience. The staff and attendings create a welcoming, supportive atmosphere. They truly become family."

Michelle Aliotti, DMD

Hometown: Deerfield Beach, FL

School: University of Florida

Hobbies: reading, spinning

Why I Chose Nicklaus: “I was looking for a well-rounded clinical and didactic experience. I wanted a program which would be fairly busy, similar to a private practice”

Kaitlyn Purcell, DDS

Hometown: Garden Grove, CA

School: University of Southern California

Hobbies: cooking, gardening

Why I Chose NCH: “I had some years of private practice experience before coming to NCH. I was searching for a program that offered many opportunities for me to learn how to treat complex cases as well as hospital dentistry training. NCH has what I was looking for!”

Celia Roman, DDS

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua

School: University of Connecticut and Universidad Americana, Nicaragua

Hobbies: dancing, reading, spending time with my family

Why I Chose Nicklaus: “I chose NCH for its great clinical experience, especially in the OR.”

Landon Sears, DMD

Hometown: Ardmore, PA

School: Medical University of South Carolina

Hobbies: bootcamp fitness classes, sports

Why I Chose Nicklaus: “The clinical training we get is exceptional. Amazing faculty to teach us. I felt like it would be a great residency to help prepare for private practice.”

Stephanie Brown, DDS

Hometown: Pontiac, MI

School: Meharry Medical College

Hobbies: scrapbooking

Why I Chose Nicklaus: “I wanted a well-rounded training experience where the patient load is great but not overwhelming. I knew this would be a great place to improve and increase my speed.”

Patricia Casey, DDS

Hometown: Chicago, IL

School: University of Illinois

Hobbies: spending time with family, friends, and my dog, exercising, traveling

Why I Chose Nicklaus: “I chose NCH because of the exposure to strong, diverse clinical experiences, the knowledgeable and supportive faculty, and for the opportunity to experience living in beautiful Miami!”

Arlisha Hicks, DDS

Hometown: Houston, TX

School: Meharry Medical College

Hobbies: family time, horseback riding, exploring new tacos

Why I Chose Nicklaus: “Being away from home can be difficult at times, but NCH has such a family vibe that it makes it easier. The attendings and staff are truly amazing and hands-on helpful. I knew I wanted to be in a place that would prepare me for practicing one day, and NCH is amazing for doing that and more.

Priya Vijapura, DMD

Hometown: Panama City Beach, FL

School: University of Pennsylvania

Hobbies: going to the beach, reading Harry Potter, Bollywood dancing, traveling

Why I Chose Nicklaus: “NCH is a great working and learning environment with great training, in a great city!”

Dixin Wang, DMD

Hometown: Toronto, CA

School: Roseman University of Health Sciences

Hobbies: explore new food, visit museums, enjoy the outdoors

Why I Chose Nicklaus: “I like the culture, diversity, friendly staff and supportive atmosphere. Everyone is very approachable and easy to get along.”