715-845-3200
Paul Szmanda, DDS
Dr. Paul Szmanda has been a local dentist and practicing general family dentistry in Rib Mountain and the surrounding areas for over thirty years! Paul was born and raised in Antigo, Wisconsin.
After graduating high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. Paul received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from Marquette University in January of 1984.
Paul and his wife Jeanne have four children. He enjoys spending time with his family, camping, hiking, and playing guitar.
Dr. Paul is a member of the Marathon County Dental Society, the Wisconsin Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. He also has the privilege of being affiliated with the Aspirus Hospital – Emergency Department.
Thomas Nichols, DMD
For Dr. Tom Nichols, dentistry is all about family, both inside the practice and at home. As a Central Wisconsin native, Dr. Tom loves treating patients of all ages at Szmanda Dental Center with the same gentle care he gives his own family.
Dr. Tom specializes in restoring both the function and confidence of your smile. From standard preventive care to advanced implant placement and clear aligner orthodontics, he utilizes modern techniques to deliver efficient, personalized results.
Dr. Tom’s favorite title is “Dad.” He and his wife, Jacqui, are currently enjoying life as a family of four after welcoming their newest baby girl, Isla, to the team alongside big sister Millie! His downtime is filled with family outdoor adventures like hiking and skiing, plus a healthy dose of Wisconsin sports. Go Pack Go!
Aaron Pavelski, DDS
Dr. Pavelski is a Stevens Point native and is excited to be back in central Wisconsin. Dr. Pavelski completed his undergraduate studies at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he earned his degree in Biochemistry. He then went on to continue his education at Marquette University School of Dentistry where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2019.
Dr. Pavelski is passionate about continuing education to develop his professional skills so he can provide his patients the best possible care. His professional affiliations include memberships in the Wisconsin Dental Association, the American Dental Association® and the Academy of General Dentistry.
In his free time he enjoys traveling, hiking, biking and playing table tennis. Dr. Pavelski is an avid Wisconsin sports fan and he enjoys watching the Packers, Badgers, Brewers and the Bucks.
Please call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Pavelski!
Kate Collelo, DDS
Check back soon to meet Dr. Collelo!Â
Meet Our Team
When you visit Szmanda Dental, our caring team put your interests first, providing quality care for you and your family in a warm, welcoming environment, and making sure that your treatments are efficient and tailored to meet your needs. We love being your dental advocates, and make sure that you are comfortable and have the knowledge you need to make decisions about your dental health. We invite you to call 715-845-3200 today to make your appointment with our dentists in Wausau, Wisconsin. We look forward to meeting you!
Administration
Patti B. – Administration/Finance
Patti has worked for Szmanda Dental Center for 25+ years. When she is not working she enjoys, walking, biking and relaxing around a campfire with a nice glass of wine.
David W. – COO
David has been a patient of Szmanda Dental Center for over 30 years. He moved to Wausau in 1986 after receiving his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
He and his wife, Stacy, share a love of animals, the outdoors, comedy, and live music performances.
David is the proud father of three successful, happy, independent adult children and has three beautiful grandchildren.
Emilie F. – Administrative Assistant
Emilie, Dr. Paul’s daughter, recently moved back to the Wausau area with her husband, Nick, daughters, Isabelle and Amelia, and son, George! She loves spending time with her family, friends and pets, gardening and having fun up north at her family’s cabin.
Abby W. – Patient Care Coordinator
Abby is trained in both clinical and patient services making her a versatile part of our team. She loves spending time outdoors or just curled up with a good book. Her true passion is her family. She and her husband have 4 children and 2 dogs. A die-hard Packers fan, she is a true Wisconsinite.
Kim R. – Patient Care Coordinator
Kim is a Wausau native. She is married and has two sons. Kim has worked in the dental industry for 25 years. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and doing house and craft projects. She loves watching HGTV and DIY programs AND of course the Green Bay Packers.
Robyn K. – Patient Care Coordinator
Robyn moved from Eau Claire to Wausau in 2015 and comes to us with over 27 years of dental experience. Robyn has a real passion for working closely with our doctors and patients on our more complex treatment plans and helping navigate the process. When Robyn is not at work, she enjoys being on the water or traveling to tropical destinations. She has a 3-year-old tuxedo cat named Bella.
Justine G. – Patient Care Coordinator
Justine grew up in Shantytown, WI and has been living in Wausau for 6 years. She has a 3-year-old French Bulldog named Loki, AKA, Mr. Pig. She graduated from Rosholt High School and has been working in the dental field for 4.5 years starting in 2022. She has been working for Szmanda Dental Center for 3 years as a Patient Care Coordinator, Dr. Szmanda’s Dental Assistant, Insurance Coordinator, and many other positions. She enjoys the flexibility of working in many positions day to day and expanding her knowledge from assisting all of our doctors, filling in at our other locations and learning more about the insurance and financial world. She also enjoys being able to jump into clinical patient care when needed to assist patients in getting the help they need in a timely manner.
Outside of work, Justine enjoys spending time with her good friends, the outdoors, and taking spontaneous trips whether it be to golf or try a new restaurant.
Jill H. – Patient Care Coordinator
Jill is a Merrill native who brings over 40 years of dental experience to Szmanda Dental Center. She is known for going the extra mile when it comes to helping people navigate their insurance benefits and managing the ever-changing schedule. Jill and her husband have 2 children, 2 grandchildren, a dog and 6 cats, all of which keep her on the go! She enjoys baking, spending time with her precious grandchildren, celebrating special occasions with her family, and an occasional old-fashioned after work.
Bryn B. – Patient Care Coordinator
Meet Bryn! She welcomes everyone to Szmanda Dental Center with a cheery greeting and helpful attitude. Whether she’s checking you in for an appointment or letting you know about your account, you can count on Bryn to take care of you. When she isn’t at the front desk, Bryn enjoys spending time with her fiancé, two cats, and family and friends. She knows the best places to dine, has a great eye for treasures while thrifting, and enjoys different car events around the Midwest.
Jen M. – Patient Care Coordinator
Jen has bachelors’ degrees in Social Work and Sociology, and a master’s degree in Social Work. She enjoys talking with people and helping them achieve their goals. When she isn’t at Szmanda Dental Center, you can catch her doing just about anything outside. She especially enjoys kayaking, hiking, and camping and is always looking for recommendations for places to explore. She’s also a self-proclaimed floss fanatic and enjoys discussing the finer points of flossing products!
Hygienists
Jaime R. – Head of Hygiene/OSHA Coordinator
Jaime is married with two children, Dalton and Vivian. She spends her free time enjoying bowling, snowmobling, hunting, fishing and relaxing at their cottage.
Colette W. – Hygienist
Colette is a #1 hygienist and a #1 mom. She fully enjoys her family and in her ‘me time’ Colette is an avid runner. Not sure she will admit to loving running, but she’s got us convinced!
Dawn H. – Hygienist
Dawn has a great personality and is a real go-getter. She loves activities with her family – especially ones that involve the outdoors. She plays golf and enjoys watching football. #GOPACKGO
Amy N. – Hygienist
Amy grew up in Rib Mountain and graduated with a Registered Dental Hygienist degree from NTC. She has 3 children and a Golden Retriever, which she enjoys spending her free time with. Amy has enjoyed working as a Dental Hygienist at Szmanda Dental for 23 years.
Claudette N. – Hygienist
Claudette lives in Mosinee with her husband Terry and her two daughters Halle and Hanna. Her favorite thing to do is travel all over to watch both her girls play volleyball all year round!!
Kathy L. – Hygienist
Kathy L. is a dental hygienist working with our Szmanda Dental Team since January 2018. She has been in the hygiene field for over 30 years and enjoys meeting and working with new people. She lives in Weston with her husband, Roy. They have one daughter that lives in the Twin Cities. In her free time Kathy enjoys sewing, hiking, golfing and gardening. She looks forward to meeting you in one of our offices soon.
Katie D. – Hygienist
Katie has lived in the Wausau area for her whole life. She is married to her husband, Mike, and has three adult kids. She enjoys any time spent at their cottage in Sayner, Wisconsin, or out on their boat fishing and tubing. She also enjoys the bowling league they have been on for several years.
Brianna B. – Hygienist
Brianna has been working part time in the Rib Mountain office as a dental hygienist since 2020. When Brianna isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and pets at home. She also loves traveling, gardening, canning, and making sourdough breads.
Laura G. – Hygienist
As a dedicated dental hygienist, Laura is passionate about helping patients achieve and maintain healthy, confident smiles. She strives to create a comfortable, positive experience for every patient through personalized care and education. Building lasting relationships with her patients and helping them feel at ease is one of the most rewarding parts of her career. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and making the most of every opportunity to explore and experience new places.
Ale T. – Hygienist
Originally from Mexico, Ale holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and is also a Certified Health Care Interpreter. She later graduated from Northcentral Technical College in Wausau as a Dental Hygienist, passionate about patient care and enjoys connecting with and helping people from diverse backgrounds. Outside of work, she loves traveling, exploring different cultures, visiting museums, making crafts, and spending time with family and friends. A devoted cat lover and self-proclaimed foodie, she is always excited to discover new restaurants and culinary experiences.
Hannah T. – Hygienist
Check back soon to meet Hannah!
Kristen – Hygienist
Kristen graduated from Northcentral Technical College as a Dental Hygienist in 2016. Her favorite part of her job is making connections with her patient and being able to teach them how to properly care for their oral health. Kristen is married and has 2 children, Elsie and Blake. She has a hobby farm just outside of Marathon. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her family, bowling, and crafting.
Dental Assistants
Jess H. – Dental Assistant
You’ll know Jess when she calls your name from the waiting room. With her signature hat and warm welcome, Jess’s 20 years of dental field experience will put you at ease as she assists with your dental treatment. On her off days, Jess enjoys relaxing at home with her husband, two adult children, and her black lab. She is also known for playing golf and playing cards with her family and friends.
Chloe A. – Dental Assistant
Whether you’re here for dental treatment or need imaging and x-rays, you can count on Chloe! Chloe brings almost two years of experience to Szmanda Dental Center and assists the dentists during procedures. Outside of work, Chloe enjoys skiing, singing, art, dining out, riding in her side-by-side and enjoying time with her family. You can also find Chloe playing video games and snuggling with her cats.
Cassy K. – Dental Assistant
Although Cassy is new to the dental field, it’s clear that this is where she belongs! While her long-term goal is to be a dental hygienist, she is gaining crucial experience by helping patients have a positive experience during their dental treatment as an assistant. Outside of work, Cassy and her fiancé have been busy planning a wedding and renovating their first house. Together with their Irish Setter, Cassy and her fiancé enjoy camping and fishing in the summer. In the winter, Cassy enjoys downhill skiing and spending time with her family.
Ashley D. – Dental Assistant
Ashley grew up in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and relocated to the area in August 2025. She enjoys helping patients feel comfortable and confident during their dental visits and takes pride in being part of a team dedicated to exceptional patient care. Outside the office, Ashley enjoys staying active through running, spending time outdoors, and bass fishing. She also loves spending time with her Doberman, Lambeau, who keeps life entertaining and is a big part of her daily adventures.
Nadia – Clinical Assistant
Originally from the Marathon area, Nadia spent her high school years in Florida before returning to Wisconsin, where she feels most at home. Outside of work, she enjoys crocheting, playing video and board games, and caring for her farm animals. She also loves spending time with her pets, including her pomsky, Bandit, and her quaker parrot, Fiji. She values staying connected to her community and enjoys building meaningful relationships with those around her.