Enhance Your Orthodontic Journey with Our Adjunctive Services
Alignment Adjunctive Services
The Smile Portal Crew
Brianna
Treatment CoordinatorI am from Winston-Salem, NC, and graduated in May 2025 from UNC Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with Honors. Dentistry has been a special interest of mine, and I plan to pursue dental school with the goal of specializing in orthodontics. At the office, I serve as a Treatment Coordinator, where I enjoy welcoming patients, answering calls, and helping with scheduling to ensure every visit is a comfortable and positive experience. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, working out, and being involved in my faith. A fun fact about me is that I conducted research with yeast and defended my honors thesis during my time at UNC Charlotte.
Karen Gallegos
Front Desk CoordinatorI'm the Front Desk Coordinator at The Smile Portal Orthodontics. Born and raised in Charlotte, I love serving my community. I'm passionate about creating a welcoming environment and helping every patient leave with a brighter smile! :) Fun fact: My favorite color is pink, and in my free time I enjoy beach trips and family vacations.
Brenda
Lead Orthodontic AssistantI am the lead assistant at The Smile Portal Orthodontics. I was born in Mexico and raised in North Carolina since I was 1 year old. I am both fluent in Spanish and English . I have over 8 years of experience in dental assisting, including pedo and ortho. I aspire to provide everyone, no matter the age, a fun and comfortable experience. My goal everyday is for everyone to walk out with a big smile on their face after visiting me. While not in work mode, I enjoy spending my time exploring new restaurants with family and friends, traveling and working out. I also enjoy dancing all types of genres! Can’t wait to meet you!
The Artist
Dr. Starks' Journey
Dr. Sheilla Starks' journey to creating beautiful smiles began with a passion for art, health, and serving others, values instilled in her by her physician father and nurse mother. Even as a young entrepreneur, she owned a small business selling hand-beaded jewelry, artisanal candles, and oil paintings, showcasing her eye for creativity and detail. Dentistry, with its unique blend of science, art, and human connection, became her calling.
A lifelong learner with a thirst for adventure, Dr. Starks earned her first Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the prestigious Universidad Nacional de Colombia, where she placed first in her class, made the Dean's List every semester, and graduated as valedictorian. With a desire to broaden her horizons, she moved to the United States, mastering English and completing her second Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Her path then led to Jacksonville University, where she pursued advanced training in Clinical Orthodontics and earned a Master of Science in Dentistry and a Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics.
Today, Dr. Starks is proud to be a board-certified orthodontist, a distinction that reflects her dedication to excellence. This voluntary certification demonstrates her expertise, rigorous training, and ongoing commitment to providing the highest level of orthodontic care. She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Board of Orthodontics, and an active contributor to her local community through philanthropic efforts with The Glory Group, which supports children and families in need.
Why Patients Love Dr. StarksDr. Starks brings a unique combination of artistry, precision, and heartfelt compassion to her practice. Her strengths include:
- Attention to detail and creative problem-solving
- Honest, empathetic communication
- A gentle, charismatic, and fun-loving approach
She is obsessed with crafting smiles that reflect each patient's individuality and designing treatment plans that fit seamlessly into their lives.
When She's Not Perfecting SmilesOutside the office, you'll find Dr. Starks embracing life's joys, spending time with her family, juicing and discovering healthy hacks, running, practicing yoga, painting, and finding new ways to nurture mind, body and spitit.
