Meet Our Team


Biography

Irene “Renie” Diodato


Office Manager


I have been working at Champagne Smiles since 2007 and in that time I have worked at the front desk alongside Lisa, chair side with Dr. Champagne and Dr. Bichara, and most recently as the hygiene coordinator with Inga and Jane. I pride myself on really listening to our patients so that their experience in our office is the most comfortable it can be. What I love about our practice is that everyone goes above and beyond to treat our patients well. It’s great to be a part of a wonderful dental team here at Champagne Smiles.


Biography

Denise Ossimina


Clinical Coordinator


I joined Champagne Smiles in January 2012. I make sure that sterilization and supplies are taken care of. I am proud to be a part of the team and continue to learn from them everyday. It is great to work with a team that you consider friends and not just co-workers.

I have been with my husband Erik for 21 years and we have been blessed with three children. Our oldest son Erik and twins Brooke and Mark. They keep me very busy and I love every minute of it.


Biography

Lisa Palasciano


Financial Coordinator


One of the things that I discovered early in my 25 years in the dental profession is that there is no such thing as a boring day. Since I consider myself a “People Person” interacting with such wonderful patients and co-workers on a daily basis is a blessing. I love to attend continuing education courses and recently completed a 3-day workshop in Arizona on Practice Building and
was happy to share the skills I acquired with my co-workers.

My husband Gary and I have a favorite expression which is “Life is not a dress rehearsal” which is why we try to live our lives to the fullest. We love traveling, Friday Night Happy Hour and long walks on the beach with our puppy, Prudence. Being a very active person I am very fortunate to live close to the Jersey Shoreline. My mornings consist of either taking a jog or riding my bike into Sandy Hook during sunrise; in the early evenings I enjoy kayaking on the Navesink River to watch the sunset.

I also have an E-commerce store on Amazon and I volunteer at the Monmouth County SPCA where I spend much of my spare time walking dogs that are waiting for their forever home.


Biography

Marzena


Insurance Coordinator


I started working in the dental field as a front desk receptionist about 8 years ago. I learned how to assisted the doctors and obtained my x-ray license shortly after. I believe knowing the steps in any procedure and why it is being completed helps me better inform a patient when discussing treatment options and insurance coverage. Insurance companies are not always easy to work with, but I enjoy filing claims, sending appeals, and making sure our patients claims are paid for in a timely manner.

When I am not working, I spend my time in fulfilling and relaxing pursuits such as cooking, finishing DIY’s around the house, and going on motorcycle rides.


Biography

Nomir Alkhier


Lab Technician


I am committed to providing the best quality service quickly and efficiently. I treat every patient as if he/she were my own family member. I want my patients to feel comfortable and happy with the results. I also make sure that I am up to date on what’s new in the dental community. I graduated from Dentistry School as a Dental Lab Technician in 1996. I have many years of experience, and I also took many different courses afterward (online and live courses) to advance my knowledge and continue to improve my techniques.

My areas of expertise include performing all porcelain work and dentures. I am an expert on all dental lab operations. I have worked for years alongside dentists to provide patients with the excellent service they deserve. I am very excited that I joined the Champagne Smiles family in 2015 and I look forward to many great years providing the best care to our patients.

On a personal note, I am blessed to have a wonderful wife and three sons. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family. I love to travel the world, and I have visited over 70 countries so far.


Biography

Vilma Bankauskas


Registered Dental Hygienist


I completed my dental hygiene education at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ in 2005. Prior becoming a dental hygienist, I attended the University of Vilnius, Lithuania, and graduated with Bachelor’s Degree in Economics.

I pride myself in the ability to develop a close and strong rapport with patients giving them all attention and individual care they deserve. I joined Champagne Smiles in November 2013 and feel very fortunate and honored to be a part of such an amazing team of dental professionals.

When I am not treating patients, I enjoy taking yoga classes, reading and going to church. My husband and I are proud parents of two children, our daughter Vita and son Adas.


Biography

Amy Sandsjo


Dental Assistant


I began my career as a dental assistant in 1996. I furthered my education to achieve an RDA in 2000. I maintain continuing education on a regular basis to maintain my licensing and to stay up to date on what dentistry has to offer. I have seen many changes and developments since my career began. I joined the Champagne Smiles team in October 2012. It gives me great pleasure to work with such a caring and dedicated team. We have helped so many wonderful patients and I look forward to helping more.

The light of my life, Callie, was born in 2007. We are very active and I enjoy watching the world through her eyes. A lot can be learned through the eyes of a child. She is inquisitive and curious to try new things, so she keeps me on my toes!


Biography

Alla Kasman


Front Desk Coordinator


I have been a dental front desk administrator for over 20 years.  My favorite part of the job is being able to form relationships with patients.  I love seeing our patients walk out with a smile!

I am married with two beautiful daughters.  I love spending time with my family and my dog Pixie. They are my biggest joy.


Biography

Nicoletta Catherine


Dental Assistant


I began my career as a dental assistant in 2017. I joined the Champagne Smiles team in March 2021. I love working with such a caring and dedicated team. I’m also in school studying to become an RDA and am loving my new position as the hygiene assistant to Valerie, Veronica, and Vilma. When I am not at work you will find me spending time with my family, boyfriend, and our puppy Louie.