Meet Your Orthodontics Team
Our Nashville orthodontic team focuses totally on you and your smile. Dr. Ruth assembled our team to ensure you receive quality service, personal attention, and warm smiles! We stay updated on the latest technologies to make sure we always give your family the best care we can.

April
Treatment Coordinator
I’m April born and raised here in the beautiful city of Nashville Tn. I attended Glencliff High school and Tennessee State University where I obtained my Bachelor of Science. Nashville will always be home. No plans on leaving because I love the people and the mixture of cultures. I like to listen to music, walk greenways and relax on my free time. I love to travel for scenery and try new foods. I especially love street tacos. I am a #boymom and I have a beautiful pit that I adore. I look forward to talking to you about everything braces.

Ronice
Front Desk Coordinator
Hi y'all, I'm Ronice! I am originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, I moved to Newport, Arkansas at the age of four, and then relocated to Nashville in 2013 with my mom and three siblings. I graduated from St. Cecilia Academy for high school and am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science degree at MTSU.
I discovered my passion for orthodontics after one of my lash clients, who had recently graduated from Meharry, encouraged me to explore the field. She believed I would excel, and after shadowing Dr. Ferguson, I was hooked. I quickly fell in love with dentistry, and even more so with orthodontics.
When I'm not working, you'll usually find me out with my 3lb Shichi, Sage, either walking through a park or strolling around the mall. Outside of that, I love taking wellness classes, including aerial yoga, step, and dance. If I’m home, I’m often reading, playing The Sims, or watching Vampire Diaries with my boyfriend.

Tammy
Business Development / Marketing
A native of Florence, Alabama, I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of North Alabama in Business Management and my MBA from the University of Phoenix. You are very likely to find me representing the practice in the dental community, local schools, or other events around Middle Tennessee. As a former Braces by Dr. Ruth adult patient back in 2000, what I love most about my position is encouraging and educating others about the benefits of investing in the healthy beautiful smile we deserve at any age. Outside the office, my husband, Pascal, and I own a Lab.

Budenia
Clinical Coordinator
Hello, I’m Budenia! I have worked in the orthodontic field for over 20 years. I became interested in working in orthodontics when I was a teenager and had braces myself. I love seeing how happy patients are when their braces are removed and smile for the first time.
I am thankful everyday that I have chosen this profession. Our team is also wonderful. Each team member works together to help our patients.
I have lived in Nashville my whole life. I have one son, Kyle. We enjoy different activities around town when he’s home from college. Also, I enjoy watching movies and trying to recreate the food I see while watching the Food Network channel.

Viviana
Lead Orthodontic Technician
I’m Viviana, I’m one of Dr. Ruth’s Orthodontic Technicians. I have been with Braces by Dr. Ruth since 2010 and I love doing orthodontics. I have worked in every other field of dentistry but never really enjoyed any of them as much as orthodontics. Dr. Ruth has given me the opportunity to be part of her team to learn and grow along with my coworkers. I enjoy being able to work one on one with every patient in our office to achieve a healthier and brighter smile.

Erica
Orthodontic Technician
Howdy! I’m Erica, originally from Minnesota but raised in Nashville. When I’m not at the office, you’ll likely find me playing the piano or guitar, or maybe working through a sudoku puzzle. I have two younger brothers, and my cat Leo who keeps things lively at home. I love spending time with family—whether it’s fishing with my dad or cooking Ecuadorian food with my mom. I’m always up for trying new things, exploring new places, and enjoying the little things. Looking forward to meeting you!

Leslie
Orthodontic Technician
Hello, I’m Leslie, I was born in Houston, Texas and raised in Nashville. I am an assistant here at BBDR. I graduated from Republic High School in 2019, from there, I attended South College. I had the opportunity to do my externship hours at BBDR and I’ve been here ever since. One of the many things I like about working here is being able to be a part of the reason why patients end up loving their smile. Fun fact: I am one of the youngest employees here at BBDR. When I’m not working here you can catch me working at chick-fil-a or enjoying time with my bestie listening to some Bad Bunny.

Brandy
Orthodontic Technician
I’m Brandy, and Orthodontic Assistant at Braces by Dr Ruth, with a passion for providing exceptional care to patients. Originally from Galveston, Texas, I joined the military in 2006 TN National Guard and has proudly served for 18 years, completing four overseas tours. My military background has instilled a strong work ethic, and a commitment to excellence.
I have 5 years of experience as a dental assistant specialized in orthodontics, supporting complex treatments and ensuring the highest level of patient care and comfort. I am dedicated to professional growth and I am always looking for ways to improve my skills in the dental field.
In my spare time, I enjoy traveling , reading. My hobbies also include cooking and baking. I also enjoy spending quality time with family and friends.

Lori
Financial Coordinator
Greetings, I’m Lori, the Financial Coordinator. I’ve been with the office since 2009, I wear many hats in the Front Office as well. I mainly take care of our patient’s Financial Needs. Before entering the Dental Field, I worked at Tennessee State University for the Dean of Colleges of Arts and Sciences. I love that I get to take part in creating new smiles and watching newfound self-confidence grow in every patient we see. It is a pleasure to work with a team that provides patients with a quality orthodontic experience at each visit.
I’m a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. I’m over the Youth Auxiliary as well as an Undergraduate Advisor for our Vanderbilt University Chapter. In my free time, I enjoy attending & watching football events, cooking, shopping, and traveling.