Allow Us to Introduce Ourselves
Here at Sawgrass Orthodontics, we know each one of our patients is unique. You deserve orthodontic care that reflects your individual needs. That's why we put together a talented team that truly cares about each person who walks through our doors.
We're passionate about providing you and your family with a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience every time you visit our practice. Plus, many of us are fluent in Spanish, and we all love to have fun at our office!
We hope you can get to know us through our bios, and we look forward to meeting you, too.
Dr. Kristen
Dr. Kristen Igualada-Heine is a native of Miami, grew up in South Florida, and graduated from FAU. She attended dental school at NSU and earned her DMD while graduating in the top 1% of her class. Following dental school, Dr. Kristen was chosen for a Craniofacial fellowship, and then completed her orthodontic training at NSU. She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and is an Invisalign® specialist.
Dr. Kristen is also very active in her church, likes to work out, and enjoys spending time with her husband and three beautiful children. She is committed to doing what is best for every patient and has adopted a conservative treatment style, allowing her patients to get exactly what they need during every visit.
Dr. Penny
Dr. Penelope Reingowsky, known as Dr. Penny by her patients, believes that orthodontic treatment should be tailor-made for each individual. Because of this, her patients receive the best, most personalized experience available. Born in Lima, Peru, Dr. Penny speaks fluent Spanish and moved to South Florida when she was seven years old.
She completed her undergraduate degree at UF and earned her DMD from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania. She also earned an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) certificate from UF, and then completed her orthodontic training at NSU. Additionally, Dr. Penny is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and is an Invisalign® specialist.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching TV marathons, and spending time with her husband and two gorgeous children.
Laura Rodriguez
Front Desk Coordinator
Laura has been with Sawgrass Orthodontics since we opened our doors. She has been in just about every position imaginable, as assistant, to front desk, to scheduling coordinator, to her current position as Treatment Coordinator. She is in charge of making sure our patients have the best experience possible as members of our Sawgrass Ortho family. She will review the treatment recommendations with the patients and explain all procedures in detail. She helps coordinate treatment with various dentists and dental specialists. We are so lucky to have such a genuinely caring and happy person in such an important position.
Laura is happily married to her sidekick Alex for 5 years. They met at a Dave Matthew’s concert. They have 2 adorable baby boys, Joshua and Matthew. In what spare time she has – with a toddler, an infant, and a full time job, she has very little spare time! – Laura loves to travel, especially to Disney, and her favorite activity is eating, particularly Mexican food.
Millie Acevedo
Financial Coordinator, Insurance Specialist
Millie is in charge of all the money at our office. If you ever have questions or concerns about billing or insurance, Millie is our expert and is always ready to help. Millie has been in the orthodontic industry for over 20 years and has experience with the clinical as well as administrative duties. She is also “fluent-ish” in Spanish.
In addition to her job here at Sawgrass Orthodontics, Millie is a proud mom to Alex and Alexis, both in their 20s. A new man has entered her life and is demanding she visit him on Fridays, so on those days, you can find Millie cuddling with her baby grandson, Brendon.
Gaby Martinez-Pineda
Orthodontic Assistant
Gaby has been working with Drs. Penny and Kristen to create beautiful, healthy smiles for almost a decade! She is originally from Mexico and is fluent in Spanish. Gaby is not only a highly skilled chairside orthodontic assistant, but she is also great in the lab at making retainers. Her gentle ways and sweet demeanor help her connect with her patients. Gaby has received a certificate in Orthodontic Expanded Functions. Gaby is happily married to her husband Leo and they are proud parents to a beautiful baby girl named Leah and a Terrier named Nina. On her free time, Gaby loves spending time with her family, and she loves dancing!
Andrea
Chairside Assistant
Another one of our amazing assistants in our clinic is Andrea. She is one of the most outgoing staff members in our office. You can catch her singing and dancing along to the tunes we play in our clinic. Andrea also earned her Certificate in Orthodontic Expanded Duties. She is from Venezuela and speaks fluent Spanish. Andrea lives with her man Danny (who was once our patient) and their baby Duke, an American Bulldog. When she isn’t in the office, she enjoys going to her Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes and doing lots of outdoors activities.
Andrea’s creative input as a member of the marketing team is also invaluable! When you see our clever contests, beautiful gift baskets, and fun games, you can be sure that Andrea had something to do with it. Andrea also speaks fluent Spanish!
Julian Gutierrez
Orthodontic Assistant
Julian is the “Man of the House” at Sawgrass Orthodontics! He comes to us from Colombia, where he was a general dentist. His expertise in oral care translates easily to orthodontics. As an assistant, Julian is an expert in scanning, x-rays, impressions and making retainers. His charm and great sense of humor has allowed him to build a large fan-base. Julian is fluent in Spanish and also has a certificate in Orthodontic Expanded Functions. On time away from work, you can find Julian at the beach enjoying the Florida sunshine. Additionally, Julian loves going to the Rodeo, traveling, and spending time with friends. He is a soccer fanatic!