Meet Our Team

What we do and Why we care!

Our Dinosaur Dental team of doctors, hygienists, and other team members strive to provide you with the best care that there is for you child. Come in and meet our team of doctors who love working with kids and will be sure to give your child a great experience at the dentist!

Our Doctors

Dr. Clara Tzau

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Slavik Litvinenko

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Elena Ciciolla

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Brandon Freeland

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Nick Freda

Orthodontist

Dr. Tony Lin

Orthodontist

Dr. Jay Patel

Anesthesiologist

Dr. Mira Jarmak

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Joe DiBenedetto

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. David Sau

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Ayah Rashwan

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Shylon Mathew

Pediatric Dentist

Our Dental Hygienists

Jamie Augustine

Dental Hygienist

Jamie Matts

Dental Hygienist

Martina Browing

Dental Hygienist

Sarah-Anne Repsher

Dental Hygienist

Natalie Hill

Dental Hygienist

Madison Stanton

Dental Hygienist

Jenna Smith

Dental Hygienist

Jordan Kuzma

Dental Hygienist

Adam Secor

Dental Hygienist

Amy Norton

Dental Hygienist

Anna Summers

Dental Hygienist

Kristen Hewitt

Dental Hygienist

Katie Eaton

Dental Hygienist

Dr. Clara Tzau

Pediatric Dentistry Specialist “I love it when the children get their front teeth fixed and they run to the mirror to take a peek and they give that big smile of approval. I worked extremely hard for my specialty to be board certified in two countries (both American and Canadian boards) and I hope patients can appreciate that extra mile given we take to ensure we are recognized as experts in the field of pediatric dentistry.” Clara Tzau was born and raised in Toronto, Canada and graduated from the University of Toronto with a BSc, specializing in Toxicology. During her years of undergraduate university, she spent time volunteering at one of Canada’s most prestigious children’s hospital in Toronto, Sick Kids Hospital. To date, it is her most rewarding and memorable volunteer experience yet, sparking her true passion for providing care for children. Clara received her D.D.S. degree from New York University where she continued her outreach experiences at First Start and Ronald McDonald Charity House. She completed both her general practice residency and specialty pediatric dentistry training at NYU Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Clara has experience in teaching children piano and has applied these skills towards her pediatric dental career. Clara has two older siblings whom she remains tightly connected to, despite her family residing in Toronto. Whenever back in Toronto, she enjoys not only spending time with her family, nieces, and nephew, but also with her favorite pet parrot. Being born a Canadian has not made Clara excel in hockey, but she sure is a hockey fan when it comes to NHL season.

Dr. Slavik Litvinenko

Pediatric Dentist Dr. Slavik was born and raised in the southern part of Russia near the Black Sea. It is one of the very few areas of the country with warm summers, mild winters, and a very culturally/ethnically diverse population. During his childhood, he enjoyed spending time with his older brother, cousins, and often spent summers with his grandmother at her country home. After high school, he was accepted into the State University of Medicine and Dentistry, in Russia for dental education. In dental school, Dr. Slavik completed a comprehensive medical and dental education. Dr.Slavik began to find that he especially enjoyed spending time in the pediatric dental department, which was the beginning of his journey to becoming a pediatric dental specialist. After graduating from his dental school in Russia, he moved to the United States to further his education. Dr. Slavik applied and was accepted to the New York University College of Dentistry Advanced Standing Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program for internationally trained dentists seeking to practice dentistry in the US. After obtaining his second dental degree through NYU, Dr. Slavik sought to become a Pediatric Dentist. He applied and was accepted to the residency specialty training at NYU Langone Hospitals. This two-year training solely focused on providing care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs. Dr.Slavik loves working with children and their families! He always enjoys learning from his patients and especially focuses on making their dental visit a fun experience. With the support of his awesome team, Dr. Slavik uses compassion and empathy to help children get over their dental fears and anxiety. Dr. Slavik enjoys staying active, spending time with friends and family, and exploring coastal destinations.

Dr. Elena Ciciolla

Pediatric Dentistry Specialist Dr. Elena Ciciolla was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She earned a Bachelor's of Science degree from the University of Florida. Dr. Ciciolla continued her education at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine where she earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Dr. Ciciolla spent two years training in a general practice residency with New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital focusing on advance multidisciplinary cases for both adults and children. Immediately after, she obtained her specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry from NYU Langone at the Maryland site location. During this time, Dr. Ciciolla worked with Chesapeake Healthcare to serve the local eastern shore community. When Dr. Ciciolla is not working, she enjoys spending time with her friends and fiancé. Together they enjoy traveling, dining out, and spending time with family.

Dr. Brandon Freeland

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Brandon Freeland is a board-certified pediatric dentist. He grew up in the Southern Tier and graduated Valedictorian from Susquehanna Valley High School. He continued his education at the University at Buffalo and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Honors College, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Sciences with a Minor in Pharmacology and Toxicology. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, graduating with Cum Laude honors. Dr. Freeland completed his specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Children's Hospital of Michigan. Dr. Freeland is very passionate about providing dental care to children and patients with special needs. Creating a positive atmosphere while maintaining optimal oral health is one of Dr. Freeland's top priorities, and he is very proud to be part of a dental team that shares those values. Dr. Freeland had many visits to the dentist as a child due to a sports-related injury, so he can relate to his patients receiving dental care. His enthusiasm and friendly demeanor, combined with a sense of humor, helps ease anxiety of both patients and parents. Some of Dr. Freeland's interests and hobbies outside of dentistry include photography, ice hockey, soccer, golf, running, cycling, hiking, camping, backpacking, kayaking, and hunting. He is a big advocate for physical fitness, and enjoys working out regularly. He has run in multiple Tough Mudders and competed in Michigan's M22 Challenge (triathlon) three times. Dr. Freeland is glad to be in the Greater Binghamton area to serve the community.

Dr. Nick Freda

Orthodontist Dr. Nicolas Freda was born and raised in New Jersey before attending Lehigh University for a bachelor's in Biology. He continued his education at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA where he received aDoctorate in Dental Medicine. There he found his passion for research, education, and most importantly, working with patients of all ages. Dr. Freda continued his academic career at New York University College of Dentistry where he earned his certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Dr. Nick holds a clinical faculty position in the orthodontic department at NYU and well as within the Pre-Doctorate Invisalign program.

Dr. Lin

Orthodontist Chia-Hung Lin is an orthodontist serving the Southern Tier community in Upstate New York. He attended the University of Western Ontario, where he received his dental degree, and completed his residency in general practice at Faxton St. Luke's Healthcare. He further continued and completed his internship in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics at the Roseman University of Health Sciences. He also holds a certificate in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics from St. Barnabas Hospital. Dr. Lin received the Charley Schultz Award and the Schulich Dentistry Dean's Honour List. Dr. Lin believes in listening to each patient and creating a partnership to maintain and improve lifelong health.

Dr. Patel

Anesthesiologist

Dr. Jay Patel began his education in New Jersey at Rutgers University on an academic scholarship. From there, he understood his passion for the sciences and entered the healthcare field by pursuing dentistry. He enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh and was exposed to many specialties in the dental field, but none drew his interest as much as anesthesiology. He continued his post-graduate education at NYU Lutheran Medical Center and trained at a Level 1 trauma center in Brooklyn, NY. During this time, Dr. Patel completed over 1500 cases involving all levels of anesthesia and treated a broad spectrum of patients; including those with complex medical histories. Since completing his anesthesia residency, Dr. Patel has become Board-Certified by the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology. He is dedicated to upholding the highest standard of care in his field. Dr. Patel works with some of the top dentists in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania and is concentrated on delivering top quality and safe sedation services. Patients are screened preemptively to ensure that any potential complications can be anticipated and avoided. Dr. Patel hopes to usher in a new era of dentistry where fear can be eliminated from dental visits. He works with the pediatric population, special needs population, and severe dental phobics, where his skill set has proven invaluable. In his spare time, Dr. Patel is an avid movie-goer, sports enthusiast, and enjoys traveling to new destinations.

Dr. Mira Jarmak

Pediatric Dentist Dr. Jarmak was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. She obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Montreal in 2014. After working many years as a general dentist in San Diego, Dr. Jarmak decided to pursue her passion of working with children and obtained her certificate in pediatric dentistry at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn. During her training, she was appointed Chief Resident and received the ''Resident of the Year'' award. Prior to becoming a pediatric dentist, Dr. Jarmak was part of a selected team of dentists for the MLB Seattle Mariners during their annual Spring Training. She was also a clinical faculty for the NYU Langone San Diego AEGD program. Dr. Jarmak has participated in many dental missions trips in Mexico over the years where she treated underprivileged children and orphans. During her free time, Dr. Jarmak loves cooking, hiking, arts & crafts, and spending time with friends.

Dr. Joe DiBenedetto

Pediatric Dentist Dr. Joseph DiBenedetto "Dr. Joe" was born and raised on the west side of Binghamton, NY. He went to Binghamton High School where he played football, lacrosse and basketball. Dr. Joe earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame and continued his education at LECOM School of Dental Medicine in Florida where he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Immediately after, Dr. Joe obtained his specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry at NYU Langone at the Maryland site location. He worked in Easton, Maryland at a small private practice before returning home. Dr. Joe wishes to not only be a role model in the professional setting with children, but to also one day be a youth basketball and lacrosse coach. On his free time, Joe enjoys hanging out with his girlfriend, Meagan, their families, golfing, and watching sports.

Dr. David Sau

Pediatric Dentist Bio Coming Soon!

Dr. Ayah Rashwan

Dr. Ayah Rashwan was raised in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida with the dream of following her parents footsteps into a career in health care. Ayah grew up dancing and playing soccer, but it was through after school piano lessons when she learned that she liked working with her hands. As a University of Florida undergrad, Ayah volunteered with Streetlight, a palliative care hospital program that focused on children and adolescents with chronic illnesses. This experience helped Ayah realize that she wanted to align her career with pediatric populations and the preventative arm of dentistry. Ayah completed a Bachelor's degree in Biology, with a double major in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, as well as a minor in Business. She then completed her doctorate training at the University Of Kentucky College Of Dentistry. With dental school complete, she pivoted to the Big Apple to pursue her passion in pedodontics by entering an advanced training program at NYU Langone's Pediatric Dentistry program in Brooklyn, NY. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Rashwan can be found reading or doing hot yoga. Her hobbies also include traveling, nutrition, snowboarding, and appreciating the underwater beauty of the ocean when scuba diving.

Dr. Shylon Mathew

Pediatric Dentist

Bio coming soon!

Dr. Janis Pinto

Pediatric Dentistry Specialist Dr. Janis Pinto was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business administration from Politécnico Grancolombiano. Dr. Pinto moved permanently to Orlando, Florida 15 years ago and attended University of Central Florida to receive her second Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Microbiology. She obtained her dental training at University of Florida College Of Dentistry. Upon graduation, she continued her education and received a certificate in pediatric dentistry at NYU Lutheran Medical Center where she was appointed Chief Resident. Dr. Pinto enjoys running, music, traveling and spending time with family and friends; she is also a follower of college football …Go Gators!

Dr. Sonia Jefferies

“I love helping children (and their parents) become less fearful of the dentist while also helping them have beautiful, healthy smiles!” Dr. Ngandu Sonia Jefferies was born in Belgium but has spent most of her life in Alabama. Her parents are from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Growing up, Dr. Jefferies lived in many different places in Europe and the U.S. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry with a minor in French from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. Dr. Jefferies attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry and received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2011. After working as a general dentist for 3 years, she returned to school and earned her specialty certificate in Pediatric Dentistry in 2016. During her residency in pediatric dentistry, she was also appointed chief resident. Dr. Jefferies moved from Alabama to the Ithaca area in the fall of 2016 where her husband is studying at Cornell. At that time she also joined the Dinosaur Dental team. When Dr. Jefferies isn’t working, she enjoys cooking, trying new recipes, and eating food from around the world.

Dr. Cai Zhang

Pediatric Dentistry Specialist Dr. Cai Zhang was born in China and moved to the U.S. at the age of four. She was raised in San Diego, CA where she attended San Diego State and then obtained her D.D.S degree from University California San Francisco in 2013. She continued her studies with specialty training in pediatric dentistry at NYU-Lutheran Medical Center. During her residency she received extensive training treating children under different behavior management techniques (Nitrous oxide, Oral and I.V sedation and cases under general anesthesia). Her passion to travel and commitment to service led her to volunteer for many public health organizations and events. She educated children and parents in outreach programs teaching prevention practices and implementing hygiene programs throughout San Francisco where she did her dental training. Also, she has volunteered abroad in humanitarian trips teaching English in rural China and providing free dental care to underserved communities of Jamaica and Mexico. She plans to continue partaking in further outreach programs. When she isn’t at work, Dr. Cai enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, tennis, hiking, yoga and running.

Jamie Augustine

Dental Hygienist

Jamie Matts

Dental Hygienist

Martina Browing

Dental Hygienist

Sarah-Anne Repsher

Dental Hygienist

Natalie Hill

Dental Hygienist

Monica Olivieri

Dental Hygienist

Madison Stanton

Dental Hygienist

Jenna Smith

Dental Hygienist

Jordan Kuzma

Dental Hygienist

Dr. Mary John

Dr. Mary John was born in Kerala, India and spent most of her childhood in Nigeria until immigrating to the United States at the age of 12. Her family found a home in Queens, NY. Dr. John received her Bachelor of Science at SUNY Binghamton and graduated from the University of Buffalo with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2000. She completed her residency at Nassau University Medical Center, where she stayed for a second year as Chief Resident. After spending three years as an Associate Doctor at Valley Dental Group in Endicott, Dr. John joined her husband, Dr. Bob Lalor, at Lalor Family Dental in January 2006 where she continues to see patients on a part-time basis while also raising their three children.

Dr. Robert A. Lalor

Dr. Bob Lalor graduated cum laude from the University of Buffalo with a degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2000. He completed his residency at Nassau University Medical Center, before joining his father’s practice in 2001. In 2003, “Dr. Bob,” as his patients fondly call him, married his wife, Dr. Mary John, whom he met at Buffalo. They have three children together. In 2010, Dr. Bob took over ownership of the practice in preparation for his father’s retirement a year later. Dr. Bob’s enthusiasm for dentistry and his commitment to making the practice the best that it can be has been crucial in helping the office grow to what it is today.

Meet Our Team

What we do and Why we care!

Our Doctors

Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric Dentist

Orthodontist

Orthodontist

Anesthesiologist

Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric Dentist

Our Dental Hygienists

Jamie Augustine

Dental Hygienist

Jamie Matts

Dental Hygienist

Martina Browing

Dental Hygienist

Sarah-Anne Repsher

Dental Hygienist

Natalie Hill

Dental Hygienist

Madison Stanton

Dental Hygienist

Jenna Smith

Dental Hygienist

Jordan Kuzma

Dental Hygienist

Adam Secor

Dental Hygienist

Amy Norton

Dental Hygienist

Anna Summers

Dental Hygienist

Kristen Hewitt

Dental Hygienist

Katie Eaton

Dental Hygienist

Dr. Clara Tzau

Dr. Slavik Litvinenko

Dr. Elena Ciciolla

Dr. Brandon Freeland​

Dr. Nick Freda

Dr. Lin

Dr. Patel

Dr. Mira Jarmak

Dr. Joe DiBenedetto

Dr. David Sau

Dr. Ayah Rashwan

Dr. Shylon Mathew

Dr. Janis Pinto

Dr. Sonia Jefferies

Dr. Cai Zhang

Jamie Augustine

Jamie Matts

Martina Browing

Sarah-Anne Repsher

Natalie Hill

Monica Olivieri

Madison Stanton

Jenna Smith

Jordan Kuzma

Dr. Mary John

Dr. Robert A. Lalor

Dr. Brandon Freeland