Meet the Maverick Smiles Team
Dr. Mary Alice Hughes:
Dr. Mary Alice grew up right here in Mauldin, SC and is a proud graduate of Mauldin High School. After leaving Mauldin, she made a stop in Columbia, SC to receive her Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of South Carolina, and in Charleston, SC to obtain a Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina.
During college and dental school Dr. Mary Alice served in many leadership roles including Class President of her dental school class all four years. After dental school, Dr. Mary Alice worked as a general dentist treating children, working in a free clinic, delivering dental care abroad, and spending time in the Florida Dept of Health before making the decision to return to school to specialize in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Mary Alice completed her pediatric dentistry residency in Bronx, NY at Montefiore Medical Center where she did a one-year fellowship before completing a two year residency and served as Chief Resident during her last year in the Bronx.
When Dr. Mary Alice isn’t busy taking care of children and their dental needs she enjoys spending time with her family including her husband, Adam Hardin and their precious rescue dog, Marvin, running outside, relaxing at the beach, cheering for Braves baseball and unconditionally supporting her beloved South Carolina Gamecocks!
Dr. Mary Alice has traveled around the world providing dental care to underserved populations and has received many leadership and clinical excellence awards throughout her education, including the Grace H. Lim Award for Academic and Clinical Excellence and the Earl B. Higgins Student Leadership in Diversity Award.
Dr. Mary Alice is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, also known as a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist. She is so excited to bring her knowledge and clinical skills back to Mauldin to serve her hometown and she cannot wait to meet you!
Professional Memberships:
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association
Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry
South Carolina Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
American Dental Association
Greenville County Dental Society
South Carolina Dental Association
Center for Developmental Services, Board Member
Dr. Adam Hardin:
Dr. Hardin developed his interest in orthodontics from a young age. His father was an orthodontist, and he loved going to the office and watching his dad form meaningful relationships with his patients and contribute positively to the community. Following in his father’s footsteps, he enjoys joking around with his patients, getting to know their interests and hobbies, and making a positive impact in their lives.
Dr. Hardin grew up Anderson, SC and graduated from Clemson University with honors. He then received his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. After MUSC, Dr. Hardin completed his orthodontic training at Saint Louis University.
Dr. Hardin loves spending time with his wife (Dr. Mary Alice) and their little seven pound rescue dog, Marvin. Dr. Hardin LOVES everything Clemson, Braves baseball, going to the beach, and spending time with his family and friends.
Dr. Adam is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, also known as a Board Certified Orthodontist. He is so excited to meet you and help you on your smile journey!
Professional Memberships:
American Association of Orthodontists
American Dental Association
Orthodontic Education and Research Foundation
American Board of Orthodontics
South Carolina Association of Orthodontists
Southern Association of Orthodontists
Meet the Team
Susan
Dr. Mary Alice’s Mom/Administrative Manager
Susan is not only in charge of our day-to-day administrative operations, she also happens to be Dr. Mary Alice’s mom! Susan is a graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Nursing. She worked as a Registered Nurse for over 40 years with her final nursing job as the Nurse Manager for the Pre-Op and PACU Departments at Greenville Memorial Hospital. We are super excited to have Susan with us and, bonus, she can tell you all the fun stories about Dr. MA, just ask her when you’re in for a visit!
Hometown – Murfreesboro, TN
Favorite Color – Pink
Favorite Movie – Beauty and the Beast
Favorite Thing About Being Part of the Maverick Smiles Team – Watching Dr. Mary Alice live her dream of serving children in the Mauldin community.
Fun Fact – I get up at 530am to Jazzercise before spending my day at Maverick Smiles!
Hayley
Dr. Mary Alice’s Second Brain/Dental Assistant
Hayley has a degree from Converse College in Elementary Education. With a background in caring for patients with special health care needs, Hayley is phenomenal at making any child’s first visit a great one! Hayley keeps us organized in many aspects of our day, always with a spreadsheet or twelve! We would be lost without her, and we feel very lucky to have Hayley on our team!
Hometown – Gaffney, SC
Favorite Color – Tiffany Blue
Favorite Movie – Beauty and the Beast
Favorite Thing About Being Part of the Maverick Smiles Team – I love working with some of the coolest kids around and helping encourage them to take care of their awesome smiles in a fun environment. I love the women I get to work with and how well they serve our little Mavericks!
Fun Fact – I spend my free time updating my pets’ Instagram accounts (Chewy, Dallas and Scout)!
Stephanie
Dr. Mary Alice’s Left Hand/Dental Assistant
Stephanie is an amazing dental assistant and always has a smile on her face! Stephanie is fantastic with kids of all ages and is always ready to help in any way possible. Stephanie is also one of our hospital assistants and she is great at keeping Dr. MA organized and prepared to care for our little Mavericks every day. We are very excited Stephanie is part of our team!
Hometown – Greenville, SC
Favorite Color – Blue
Favorite Movie – Luca
Favorite Thing About Being Part of the Maverick Smiles Team – I love working with patients of all ages and helping them overcome their fear of the dentist while having a great time!
Fun Fact – I love spending time on the lake and taking family vacations!
Lelia
Master Multi-Tasker/Dental Assistant
Lelia does a lot of jobs for us including keeping us clean and running on time! She also helps solve insurance mysteries and other administrative tasks. We appreciate all Lelia does to help us and always with a positive attitude! We are very glad to have Lelia on our team!
Hometown – Greenville, SC
Favorite Color – Purple
Favorite Movie – The Princess Bride
Favorite Thing About Being Part of the Maverick Smiles Team – I love all the sweet, smiling faces and being instrumental in the good dental health of all our little Mavericks!
Fun Fact – I like to design and stitch my own cross-stitches, especially for my daughter!
Kylauren
Calmer of Chaos/Administrative Assistant
Kylauren has several years of dental experience and has already helped us organize and complete many administrative tasks. Kylauren is very detail-oriented and can double as a dental assistant when we need some extra hands in the back! Kylauren has brought some fresh ideas and has jumped right in as an integral part of our team! We are thrilled to have Kylauren as part of our Maverick Smiles family!
Hometown – Greenville, SC but Kailua, HI has my heart
Favorite Color – Pink
Favorite Movie – Aladdin and The Devil Wears Prada
Favorite Thing About Being Part of the Maverick Smiles Team – Dr. MA is a fantastic boss and doctor creating the best environment for us and our little Mavericks!
Fun Fact – I have completed four marathons so far!
Ari
Our Amazing All Around Ari/Dental Assistant
Ari is a phenomenal dental assistant with years of pediatric experience! Ari is always ready to jump in and you’ll catch her doing many different things during the week, including rocking Ortho! She is one of a kind and we are so lucky to have her!
Hometown – Fresno, CA
Favorite Color – Light Blue/Blush Pink/Jade Green
Favorite Movie – Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Favorite Thing About Being Part of the Maverick Smiles Team – I love feeling like the work we do is making a difference in our patients’ lives!
Fun Fact – My kids and I love to have Taylor Swift dance parties!
Melinda
Hygiene Hero/Dental Assistant
Melinda has over 20 years of experience and brings with her all the teeth tips and tricks. She is wonderful with kids of all ages, and has a way of connecting with all patients to make them feel at ease! We are so glad she is a part of the Maverick Smiles Team!
Hometown – Bennettsville, SC
Favorite Color – Navy Blue
Favorite Movie – A Walk to Remember
Favorite Thing About Being Part of the Maverick Smiles Team – I’m thankful to be a part of a team that is supportive at work and outside of work.
Fun Fact – I love doing crafts with my granddaughter, Harper!
Lauren
Sweet as Sugar Scheduler/Administrative Assistant
Lauren’s smile is contagious, and likely the first one you’ll see at Maverick Smiles! Lauren jumps in as needed, from scheduling appointments to helping turn over rooms. She doesn’t meet a stranger and has the kindest heart! Lauren also has some serious crafting skills. We are so lucky to have her!
Hometown – Anderson, SC
Favorite Color – Blue
Favorite Movie – The Blind Side
Favorite Thing About Being Part of the Maverick Smiles Team – I love getting to work with an amazing team in such a fun environment!
Fun Fact – I spend my free time with my family and trips to the lake!
Natalie
Sterile Ninja One/Sterilization Tech
Natalie is often pulled in many directions, and does it all with a bright smile! Natalie handles it all, from sterilizing instruments to setting up rooms and everything in between! We are so thankful for her and her ability to juggle all the tasks!
Hometown – Boiling Springs, SC
Favorite Color – Iris Blue
Favorite Movie – How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Favorite Thing About Being Part of the Maverick Smiles Team – Being a part of a team that genuinely cares for their coworkers and patients!
Fun Fact – I enjoy mission trips. Guatemala has been my favorite!
Emma
Sterile Ninja Two/Sterilization Tech
Emma has experience working with children and always has the best attitude! You’ll find her lending a helping hand wherever needed in the back, from restocking to flipping rooms. She is always down for a laugh and is one in a million! We love having her on our team!
Hometown – Simpsonville, SC
Favorite Color – Red and Royal Blue
Favorite Movie – Mamma Mia!
Favorite Thing About Being Part of the Maverick Smiles Team – I am thankful to be a part of an amazing team that helps me learn new things everyday!
Fun Fact – I drive a truck and I played volleyball for 13 years.
Office Tour
