Hermitage

Meet the Doctors

Dr. Douglas N. Smith, DMD, MDS

I love what I do. Perhaps it sounds cliche, but it’s true. Orthodontics is an incredibly rewarding career. It has allowed me to express my creativity, as I craft treatment plans to meet each specific patient’s needs, making a real difference in patient’s lives. Of course, it’s impossible to change someone else’s life without changing yours as well. My wonderful patients make me a better person every day.

I pride myself on energy, work ethic, and knowledge of biomechanics. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned our processes to make sure your experience is as effective and efficient as possible.

When I’m not at work, you’ll find me spending time with my wife, Deb, and our sons, Zack and Derek. I like to spend summer days on the patio listening to music or in my garage woodshop. Winter is for snowboarding, and during football season, you can always find me cheering for the Green Bay Packers.

Education

  • Bachelors of Science, University of Pittsburgh
  • Doctorate of Medical Dentistry, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
  • Master of Dental Science in Orthodontics, University of Pittsburgh Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Residency Program

Dr. Richard Ribarevski, DMD, MDS

I love orthodontics because I love watching how people and their smiles transform over time. As a child, I was fascinated by LEGOs and how they could transform from a collection of blocks into something more. That fascination with transformation has continued into my adult life as I watch my patients grow and change, acquiring a renewed sense of self-confidence, a new attitude, and a deep excitement at sharing their new smiles with the world.

When not at the office, you’ll find me with my family. My wife, Ugti, and I have been blessed with two wonderful daughters: Arti Anna and Anjuli. To my delight, Arti Anna was elected “best smile” when she graduated. I’m also an avid train collector (and have been interested in railroads for as long as I can remember). If I’m not traveling to photograph them, I’m collecting train memorabilia or building models.

Education

  • Bachelors of Science, University of Pittsburgh
  • Doctorate of Medical Dentistry, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
  • General Practice Residency, Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Cleveland, OH
  • Master of Dental Science in Orthodontics, University of Pittsburgh
  • Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Residency Program

Meet Our Team

Melissa

Orthodontic Assistant

I began my orthodontic journey in 2011 in central Florida. I started at SVO in 2021 under Dr. Ribarevski. I have worked in every area of the office but truly enjoy working one on one with our patients. Seeing their confidence grow throughout their treatment is the best feeling and the drive behind my dedication.

My family and I have moved here from Florida for my husband’s career. We have been married since 2013, and we have three kids, Matthew, Kara, and Courtney. When I am not at the office or taking care of the kids, I enjoy the sunshine, shopping, and traveling back to Florida as much as I can.
I began my orthodontic journey in 2011 in central Florida. I started at SVO in 2021 under Dr. Ribarevski. I have worked in every area of the office but truly enjoy working one on one with our patients. Seeing their confidence grow throughout their treatment is the best feeling and the drive behind my dedication.

My family and I have moved here from Florida for my husband’s career. We have been married since 2013, and we have three kids, Matthew, Kara, and Courtney. When I am not at the office or taking care of the kids, I enjoy the sunshine, shopping, and traveling back to Florida as much as I can.

Lisa

Orthodontic Assistant

I have been in the orthodontic field since 1992. Before starting at SVO, I worked under Dr. Mary Ann Palitti who has now retired. I was blessed to be able to join the SVO team and work alongside our three doctors and team. I love to work with our patients! Having fun, talking, and laughing with them brightens my day!

I have been married since 1984, and my husband and I have two children and five grandchildren. We also have two golden retrievers. In my free time, I love walking in Buhl Park and watching football. Go Steelers!
I have been in the orthodontic field since 1992. Before starting at SVO, I worked under Dr. Mary Ann Palitti who has now retired. I was blessed to be able to join the SVO team and work alongside our three doctors and team. I love to work with our patients! Having fun, talking, and laughing with them brightens my day!

I have been married since 1984, and my husband and I have two children and five grandchildren. We also have two golden retrievers. In my free time, I love walking in Buhl Park and watching football. Go Steelers!

Anita

Orthodontic Assistant

I’ve been an ortho assistant since 1995, and I worked for Dr. Mary Ann Palitti before joining Shenango Valley Orthodontics in October 2021. It’s been such a great experience learning all the new technology SVO has to offer. I enjoy talking and getting to know all the patients and seeing their beautiful smiles at the end of treatment. But most of all, gaining a new family at SVO has been amazing.

I’ve lived in West Middlesex, PA, with my husband since 1979. I have two children and four grandchildren that I love spending most of my free time with. I also enjoy biking, walking, baking, and watching my son coach high school football.
I’ve been an ortho assistant since 1995, and I worked for Dr. Mary Ann Palitti before joining Shenango Valley Orthodontics in October 2021. It’s been such a great experience learning all the new technology SVO has to offer. I enjoy talking and getting to know all the patients and seeing their beautiful smiles at the end of treatment. But most of all, gaining a new family at SVO has been amazing.

I’ve lived in West Middlesex, PA, with my husband since 1979. I have two children and four grandchildren that I love spending most of my free time with. I also enjoy biking, walking, baking, and watching my son coach high school football.

Beth

Treatment Coordinator

I graduated from the dental assistant program at Median School of Allied Health Careers in Pittsburgh long ago, and I joined Shenango Valley Orthodontics in 2005 as a dental assistant. I later became the billing coordinator, and recently, I have enjoyed making the shift to treatment coordinator. My primary duties include meeting the new patients for their first doctor evaluation, taking orthodontic records, checking insurance benefits, and presenting the treatment plan and financials devised by the doctor.

It is a pleasure to be in a positive, laid-back, and professional working environment. My hope is that our patients leave here knowing that Shenango Valley Orthodontics is where they will receive the best orthodontic care. The satisfaction in seeing those gorgeous, straight smiles at the end of patients’ treatment is undeniably fun. However, my passion and goal is educating our patients from the very start about proper oral hygiene. Healthy teeth are far more important than straight ones!

My husband and I have been married since 1990, and we have two adult children. Both are married with children of their own. They have given us two grandsons, and a third grandson is due to arrive in the summer of 2022. Being a grandma is even better than I could have imagined!
I graduated from the dental assistant program at Median School of Allied Health Careers in Pittsburgh long ago, and I joined Shenango Valley Orthodontics in 2005 as a dental assistant. I later became the billing coordinator, and recently, I have enjoyed making the shift to treatment coordinator. My primary duties include meeting the new patients for their first doctor evaluation, taking orthodontic records, checking insurance benefits, and presenting the treatment plan and financials devised by the doctor.

It is a pleasure to be in a positive, laid-back, and professional working environment. My hope is that our patients leave here knowing that Shenango Valley Orthodontics is where they will receive the best orthodontic care. The satisfaction in seeing those gorgeous, straight smiles at the end of patients’ treatment is undeniably fun. However, my passion and goal is educating our patients from the very start about proper oral hygiene. Healthy teeth are far more important than straight ones!

My husband and I have been married since 1990, and we have two adult children. Both are married with children of their own. They have given us two grandsons, and a third grandson is due to arrive in the summer of 2022. Being a grandma is even better than I could have imagined!

Jan

Office Coordinator & Insurance Billing Coordinator

Before joining SVO in 2013, I was an Orthodontic Assistant and Clinical Supervisor for 11 years. Before that, I graduated from the dental assistant program at the Ohio School of Dental Technology.

I enjoy people, so meeting and greeting patients is a natural fit for me. My duties also include marketing, scheduling, insurance billing, and financials. I especially love being part of a team that creates so many great smiles and helps improve people’s confidence!

I was raised in Hermitage and currently live in Sharpsville. I’ve been married since 1989 to my amazing husband, Pete. We have three beautiful children, Ryan, Kyle, and Rachel, and one precious grandchild, Julia. We are a family that spends a lot of time together enjoying motocross, supercross, bicycling, and beach vacations. In my free time, I enjoy cycling class, reading, shopping, and my trips to South Carolina to visit my daughter.
Before joining SVO in 2013, I was an Orthodontic Assistant and Clinical Supervisor for 11 years. Before that, I graduated from the dental assistant program at the Ohio School of Dental Technology.

I enjoy people, so meeting and greeting patients is a natural fit for me. My duties also include marketing, scheduling, insurance billing, and financials. I especially love being part of a team that creates so many great smiles and helps improve people’s confidence!

I was raised in Hermitage and currently live in Sharpsville. I’ve been married since 1989 to my amazing husband, Pete. We have three beautiful children, Ryan, Kyle, and Rachel, and one precious grandchild, Julia. We are a family that spends a lot of time together enjoying motocross, supercross, bicycling, and beach vacations. In my free time, I enjoy cycling class, reading, shopping, and my trips to South Carolina to visit my daughter.

Traci

Insurance Billing Coordinator & Orthodontic Assistant

My jobs here at Shenango Valley Orthodontics include many of the day to day operations at the office. If I am not submitting claims and billing insurance, I am assisting the doctors or helping answer phones. I have been here at SVO since graduating from Ross Medical Center in 2011. I love being able to come to work and know that we make a difference in people’s lives by creating confidence with beautiful smiles.

I married my husband, Jody, in 2000, and we live in Burghill, Ohio, with our two children, Ryan and Katie. I’m passionate about my family and making memories that will last a lifetime.
My jobs here at Shenango Valley Orthodontics include many of the day to day operations at the office. If I am not submitting claims and billing insurance, I am assisting the doctors or helping answer phones. I have been here at SVO since graduating from Ross Medical Center in 2011. I love being able to come to work and know that we make a difference in people’s lives by creating confidence with beautiful smiles.

I married my husband, Jody, in 2000, and we live in Burghill, Ohio, with our two children, Ryan and Katie. I’m passionate about my family and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Heather

Orthodontic Assistant

I’m one of Dr. Doug’s orthodontic assistants. My main duties are clinical assisting, sterilization, and taking new patient x-rays, photographs, and 3D intraoral scans. Before I became his assistant in 2007 after completing a dental assisting program at Great Lakes Institute of Technology, I was actually Dr. Doug’s patient! And my experience with my own braces is what made me fall in love with orthodontics. I want to help others experience the feeling I had when I emerged with a brand new smile.

I live in Conneaut Lake (where I was raised) with my husband, Richie, and our daughters Leah and Bryn
I’m one of Dr. Doug’s orthodontic assistants. My main duties are clinical assisting, sterilization, and taking new patient x-rays, photographs, and 3D intraoral scans. Before I became his assistant in 2007 after completing a dental assisting program at Great Lakes Institute of Technology, I was actually Dr. Doug’s patient! And my experience with my own braces is what made me fall in love with orthodontics. I want to help others experience the feeling I had when I emerged with a brand new smile.

I live in Conneaut Lake (where I was raised) with my husband, Richie, and our daughters Leah and Bryn

Deb

Office Manager

I graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Accounting. Here at the office, I am the behind-the-scenes person. I take care of the day-to-day operations as well as the accounting, employee management, and marketing. We take great pride in creating beautiful smiles and making our patients and their families feel like they are part of our family. We are truly blessed with an amazing staff.

In my off-work time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, trips to Disney, traveling, and skiing. Doug and I have been married since 1987 and we have two grown up sons, Zack and Derek. We enjoy spending time with them whenever we can.
I graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Accounting. Here at the office, I am the behind-the-scenes person. I take care of the day-to-day operations as well as the accounting, employee management, and marketing. We take great pride in creating beautiful smiles and making our patients and their families feel like they are part of our family. We are truly blessed with an amazing staff.

In my off-work time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, trips to Disney, traveling, and skiing. Doug and I have been married since 1987 and we have two grown up sons, Zack and Derek. We enjoy spending time with them whenever we can.

Ashley

Orthodontic Assistant

I began my orthodontic career with Dr. Doug in 2009. When I was a child, Dr. Doug transformed my smile, which in turn, transformed my life! The day I had my braces removed was the day I knew I wanted to help people, of every age, feel as confident with their smile as I did. It was life changing! At Dr. Doug’s, I am the New Patient Coordinator. I am the smiling face who will be helping Dr. Doug at your initial appointment. I work hand in hand with Brenda, our Treatment Coordinator, to take your new patient records. I love what I do and enjoy working with patients and their families to create beautiful smiles that will last a lifetime!

I am also an associate minister at United Faith Fellowship Church of God where she has been assisting her Pastor since 2018 by preaching, teaching, and fellowshipping with the Meadville and surrounding areas.

In my spare time, I love to spend time with my husband and our three dogs. I am an avid golfer, I play a lot of basketball, love to hunt, and tend to our garden!
I began my orthodontic career with Dr. Doug in 2009. When I was a child, Dr. Doug transformed my smile, which in turn, transformed my life! The day I had my braces removed was the day I knew I wanted to help people, of every age, feel as confident with their smile as I did. It was life changing! At Dr. Doug’s, I am the New Patient Coordinator. I am the smiling face who will be helping Dr. Doug at your initial appointment. I work hand in hand with Brenda, our Treatment Coordinator, to take your new patient records. I love what I do and enjoy working with patients and their families to create beautiful smiles that will last a lifetime!

I am also an associate minister at United Faith Fellowship Church of God where she has been assisting her Pastor since 2018 by preaching, teaching, and fellowshipping with the Meadville and surrounding areas.

In my spare time, I love to spend time with my husband and our three dogs. I am an avid golfer, I play a lot of basketball, love to hunt, and tend to our garden!

Office Tour