Meet Our Team

We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive orthodontic care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience every time you visit our practice.

We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.


Jessica

Jessica

Administrative Assistant

I joined the Rankin & Fiume team in April, 2021 after teaching second grade in Craven County for 30 years. I am from Vanceboro, NC and currently live in New Bern with my husband and two children. I enjoy meeting new people at the front desk and especially enjoy seeing former students walk through the front door. When I’m not in the office, you can find me spending time with family or friends, travelling, playing with my fur babies, or watching the latest series on Netflix. 

Favorite Season: Fall and Spring
Favorite Movie: The Notebook
Favorite Bands: Fleetwood Mac & The Eagles
Favorite Hobby: Spending time with loved ones
Favorite Quote: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."; Maya Angelou

 


Laura

Laura

Administrative Assistant

For 29 years, I was a military spouse of an active-duty Marine. Over those 29 years, we moved 10 times and raised two incredible kids.  Our son Nick is in the Navy, and our daughter, Morgan, is an NC State graduate headed to the University of Alabama for graduate school.  I was a stay-at-home mom for 13 years and returned to school in 2010 to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, working in both VA and NC.  I subsequently decided to leave the medical field, served as a Family Readiness Officer for a Marine Squadron on Cherry Point, and then worked with military families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program.  After a brief break from the working force, I happily joined the Rankin and Fiume team where I once again get to engage with, and support families in and around the New Bern area.  Based on my experiences in 7 states and one overseas location, as well as those with several career changes throughout the years, I have found that working as a member of Dr. Rankin’s and Dr. Fiumes’ team has been among the most enjoyable I have had.  Not only do they treat their team like we are family, they treat every one of their patients as if they were family members. The staff is among the best of group of people with whom I have worked and they immediately made me feel like a contributing and valuable member of the team.  When I am not in the workplace, you will often find me pursuing outdoor adventure in the form of hiking, kayaking, or spending a day on the boat in the beautiful Eastern North Carolina waterways.

Favorite season :Fall and Summer
Favorite movie :Mamma Mia, Greese, Roadhouse and Bridesmaids
Favorite quote:See a Need Fill a Need, author anonymous
Favorite Bands/Artists:Eagles, Marcus King Band, Chris Stapleton, Alan Jackson and John Cash
Favorite Food:Any

 


 

Shelia

Shelia

Insurance Coordinator/ Practice Analytics

I have been part of the team since 2000 and now am blessed to  work remotely from my home in Charleston, SC.  I wear many hats but specialize in orthodontic insurance.   When I’m not working, you may find me and my husband anywhere in the world! From comedy clubs and concerts to the beach and mountains, just say “Let’s go!” I also love to run, practice yoga and most anything that gets me moving. 

Favorite Movie: “The Birdcage”
Favorite Band: Aerosmith
​Favorite Food: Thai
Favorite Quotes : “If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.” – Jim Valvano


Erin

Erin

Financial Coordinator/ Business Office

I have worked in the financial department at Rankin & Fiume Orthodontics since October 2015. I enjoy meeting new people and helping patients achieve beautiful smiles! I live in Dover, NC with my husband and our three dogs; yorkies Tito & Elliott and our black lab Boone. When I’m not working you can find me spending time with family and friends, cooking, catching up on my shows, working in my flower beds or boat riding. My favorite place to visit & relax is OBX!

Favorite Show: "The Masked Singer"
Favorite Band/Artist: Old Dominion & Morgan Wallen
Favorite Season: Fall & Spring
Favorite Food: Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl
Favorite Dog Breed: Yorkshire Terrier
Favorite Quote: “Offer solutions, not excuses”


Melanie

Marketing Coordinator/ Admin

I joined the practice in 1999 as a receptionist. Over the years I have had the opportunity to work in many different areas eventually ending in marketing. I enjoy educating the public about the new technologies in orthodontics, coming up with creative ways to market our office, planning social events, and finding ways to be involved with our local community through programs, festivals and schools.

I was born and raised in New Bern. I spend my free time with my family and friends. My favorite place in the world is the beach and I enjoy pretty much anything outdoors.

Favorite Movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life”
Favorite Band: Jennifer Nettles, Need To Breath
Favorite Actor/Actress: Joaquin Phoenix
​Favorite Season: Summer
Favorite Quotes: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Ralph Waldo Emerson


Kay

Kay

Treatment Coordinator

I have been a treatment coordinator with the practice since our family moved to New Bern in 2009.  Every day, I enjoy welcoming new patients to our practice and helping existing patients in their journey toward beautiful smiles!  I graduated from Penn State University in 1993 where I earned my BS in biology/physiology, and have worked in the orthodontic field since then.

When I’m not busy making people smile in our office, I enjoy spending time with my husband Tom and our four boys, who are now in college and beyond! In my free time, you will find me downtown or relaxing at the beach.


Favorite Band: Dave Matthews Band, Nathaniel Rateliff
Favorite Actress: Jennifer Aniston
​Favorite Food: Wings
Favorite Quote: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.... Live the life you have imagined.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson


Alyssa

Alyssa

Treatment Coordinator

I have been in the orthodontic profession for more 20 years, starting as a chairside assistant and recently transitioned into the role of treatment coordinator. I enjoy spending time with my two children and family dogs, Phin and Odin. In my spare time I enjoy refinishing furniture and bonfires with friends!

Favorite Movie: “Swiss Family Robinson”
Favorite Band: Tesla
Favorite Actor: Jason Statham
​Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Quote: “Peace begins with a smile.” – Mother Teresa


Pam

Pam

Lab Technician

I have been working with Rankin & Fiume Orthodontics for more than a dozen years. I started in 2004 as a dental assistant and now serve as a lab technician overseeing our on-site lab facility, where the majority of our retainers and appliances are made. I live in New Bern with my husband Rickey and together we have three children (Kenly, Kameron, and Chloe), and two fur babies that we rescued, Oaklee and Spike. I enjoy relaxing on the river on our boat or at the beach with family and friends or just listening to music by our bonfire.

Favorite Movie: “The Outsiders”
Favorite Band: Zac Brown Band
Favorite Actor: Adam Sandler and Kevin James
​Favorite Food: Pizza (NY style, of course)
Favorite Quote: “It is what it is.”


 

 


Kim

Kim

Lead Clinical Assistant

I have been with the Rankin & Fiume team since 2002 and the lead assistant for half a dozen years. I am an eastern North Carolina native. I am married and we have two wonderful boys. In my spare time, I enjoy being with my family, shopping, lying by the pool, and being at any field watching my son play baseball. I enjoy working with such an amazing team and doctors that have a great passion for their practice! 

Favorite Movies: “The Notebook,” “Steel Magnolias”
Favorite Band/singer: Carrie Underwood
Favorite Actor: Jimmy Fallon
​Favorite Food: Baked ziti and strawberries
Favorite Quote: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4


Angie

Angie

Clinical Assistant

I have been an orthodontic assistant since 1995 and joined the practice in 2001. I  have two boys and enjoy spending time with them and my dogs. Although I live close to an hour from New Bern, I don’t mind making the drive to work each day because I enjoy working with such a great team in a really fun environment!

Favorite Movie: “Pretty Woman”
Favorite Band: I don’t have a favorite
Favorite Actor/Actress: Mark Wahlberg/Cameron Diaz
​Favorite Food: Anything Japanese
Favorite Quotes: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11


Kaylee

Kaylee

Clinical Assistant

I started working with Dr. Rankin and Dr. Fiume in 2014 as an assistant. My favorite appointment for patients is by far the day they get their braces removed! I love seeing the patients’ expression when they see their smile for the first time without braces. I’m a native of eastern North Carolina. When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and fur baby, Zoe. In addition to spending time with family, I enjoy competitive distance running, relaxing at the beach, and crocheting.

Favorite Movie: “Grease”
Favorite Band: Most country bands
Favorite Actor/Actress: Don’t really have one
​Favorite Food: Tuna casserole
Favorite Quote: “Life is better when you’re laughing.”


 
 
Heather

Heather

Clinical Assistant

I have worked at Rankin & Fiume Orthodontics since 2014. I started as a sterilization tech before joining the clinical team as an assistant. I love working with paitents! Outside of work I'm usually spending time with friends, family and my Chocolate lab Milo or as I like to call him my little monster. My favorite place to be is Disney World, when I do get to go I never want to leave!

Favorite Movie: Sweet Home Alabama
Favorite Artist: Thomas Rhett
Favorite Actress: Jennifer Aniston
Favorite Food: Mexican food
Favorite Hobby: shopping or going to the beach
Favorite Quote: If it costs you your peace, it's too expensive

Brenda

Brenda

Clinical Assistant

I joined the Rankin & Fiume team in June 2016 as one of the sterilization technicians and an orthodontic assistant. I love seeing all the different faces around the office and getting to know each person that I meet. I get along great with everyone and love to smile.

Favorite Movie: “Grease”
Favorite Band: Charlie Puth
Favorite Actress: Rachel McAdams
Favorite Food: Ginataan
Favorite Quote: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”


Darlene

Darlene

Clinical Assistant

I graduated in 2017 at the top 10% of my class from Havelock High School. I am now part of the Rankin & Fiume team as the Clinical Assistant and am working toward my Associate in Science at Craven Community College. I hope to move on to university to pursue a career as an orthodontist. Although I am quiet, I’m easy to talk to and I enjoy making people smile. In my free time, I like to spend time with my daughter and my family and painting.

Favorite Actor/Actress: Robert Madden/Emilia Clarke
Favorite Movie: “The Phantom of the Opera”
Favorite Band/Artist: Sam Smith
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Quote: “The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.” – Ryan Pausch, The Last Lecture


Elizabeth

Elizabeth

Obs Coordinator

I came to Rankin & Fiume Orthodontics in 2018 for a treatment evaluation and ended up with braces AND a job! Two of the best decisions I’ve ever made :) As an observation coordinator, I enjoy getting to know our patients and their families as they begin their ortho journey.

I’m originally from Atlanta and have called New Bern home since 1989. I enjoy spending time with my husband and our four fur babies. My greatest passion is for animals and nature! In my free time, I enjoy walking, boating, hiking and gardening.

Favorite Movie: “The Sound of Music”
Favorite Band: Dave Matthews Band
Favorite Actor: Denzel Washington
Favorite Actress: Jennifer Aniston
Favorite Food: Mushroom chicken piccata
Favorite Quote: “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson


Amanda

Amanda

Clinical Assistant

I began my dental assisting career in general dentistry in 2019. As a previous patient of Rankin and Fiume Orthodontics, I loved the atmosphere and energy within the office and amongst the staff and Doctors. When given the opportunity, I was gracious to land a job working for this practice in April of 2021! Orthodontic assisting is full of challenges, but it is so fulfilling to help patients achieve the smile they’ve always dreamed of!
Outside of the office, I love trying new restaurants, spending time with family and friends and loving on my fur baby, Jewel. .

Favorite Movie: A Walk to Remember
Favorite Singer: Lee Brice
​Favorite Food: Japanese and Mexican are tied
Favorite Quote: Let all that you do be done in love-1 Corinthians 16:14 

 

Lexi

Lexi

Clinical Assistant

Growing up I always had an interest in teeth. I've had the privilege to be a part of the RFO team as a patient since about the age of 8. While attending school I had the opportunity to spend time @ ECU Dental School where I found my passion for orthodontics. Upon graduation I was welcomed as an employee at this great practice. If you would have told the little 8 year old me that I would one day work here, I may not have believed you (LOL). I've had the privilege to be treated by both of our great doctors and know first hand what an awesome job they do. I'm thankful for all the learning opportunities and experiences I've had along this journey and can't wait to see what the future holds. 

 

 


Amara

Amara

Lab Technician

 

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Gigi

Gigi

Clinical Assistant

I joined the Rankin and Fiume team in September 2021. As an active patient I always loved coming to my appointments and now I'm blessed to be a part of the crew! Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, playing with my fur babies and traveling.

Favorite Movie:Freedom Writers
Favorite past time:Watching sunsets and sunrises at the beach
Favorite Actor:Adam Sandler
​Favorite Food:Mexican and hot wings
Favorite Quote:Jeremiah 29:11

 

Cristal

Cristal

Lab Technician

I joined the Rankin and Fiume Ortho team as a Lab Technician in October 2021. I have a beautiful family of 7. Our five children are 14, 12, 8, 2 and an infant. I enjoy spending my free time with family and love the beach and parks.

 

 

Rosa

Rosa

LabTechnician

I joined the Rankin and Fiume orthodontic team in the beginning of February 2022. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to work as a sterilization technician in the practice. I am attending college at Craven Community College to get my basics and plan to transfer later to a four year university! I like to hang out with my friends and husband during the weekends.

Favorite Show:Boys over Flowers (Korean Drama Show)
Favorite Singer:Bad Bunny
Favorite Actor:Guillermo Del Toro
​Favorite Food:Chinese, Korean, Thai (Asian food)

 


 

Leanna

Clinical Assistant

I joined the practice in 2016 as a clinical assistant. I was born and raised in Jacksonvile, NC. I have a nine year old daughter who takes up all my free time. When I am not at work I like to spend time with family, shop, read and travel. I am blessed to be a part of the RFO family.

 

Favorite Movie: Bridesmaid
Favorite Actor: Charlie Hunnam
​Favorite Food: Chicken