Meet Our Team
We recognize that all of 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.
Front Desk
Daneen Smitherman
FINANCIAL COORDINATORDaneen graduated from the University of South Alabama in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She has been in the orthodontic field for more than 18 years as both an assistant and a financial coordinator. She has been employed with Drs. Hicks and McMurphy since February 2005. Daneen loves working with the patients and parents to help make their financial investment in orthodontics as carefree and easy as possible.
Daneen was born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, but grew up in the Mobile area. She has been married to her husband Wendel for 20 years and they have two boys, Caleb and Ethan and a dog, mixed terrier, named Max. The most important thing she loves to do outside of the office is to spend as much time as possible with her family. She also enjoys boating, fishing, yard work and all outdoor activities.
Treatment Coordinators
Tara Agnell
TREATMENT COORDINATORTara entered the dental field in 2008; she joined our practice in 2010 as an orthodontic assistant. In 2012 she became one of our treatment coordinators, where she enjoys working with patients in the beginning phases of orthodontics, introducing them to our office and presenting our different treatment options.
Tara is married to Jacob, and they have one son, Grady and one daughter, Tenley. She enjoys being a mom and watching them grow. She also has a chocolate Labradoodle named Sophie who loves to chase squirrels. When not at the office she enjoys spending time with family and outdoor activities.
Cheryle Jacobs
TREATMENT COORDINATORCheryle has been with our office since 1997 and has worked as an orthodontic assistant and a treatment coordinator for more than 35 years. She is a certified orthodontic assistant through DANB. She will introduce you to our Doctors and assist in making the arrangements to begin orthodontic treatment.
Cheryle is married with 2 children and has an adorable new grandson named Noah. She loves camping, gardening and going to the beach. She has 2 dogs, Holly and Freckles and 3 cats named Binks, Pickles and Punkin.
Clinical
Toni Farnell
CLINICAL COORDINATOR/ORTHODONTIC ASSISTANTToni has worked in orthodontics since 1997 and joined the Hicks and McMurphy team in August of 2014. She has lots of experience in making patients feel comfortable and giving them the best orthodontic experience possible. She loves to see the confidence gained by her patients at the end of treatment.
Toni married her high school sweetheart Donnie in 1997, and has two children, Dylan and Ashton. She enjoys spending time with her family, whether she’s cheering her kids on in their activities or the family is watching University of Alabama sports. She loves living in the Mobile area and being close to the water.
Amelia Favier
ORTHODONTIC ASSISTANTIn 1989, Amelia started working with a general dentist in Michigan who also did orthodontics. When she moved to Alabama, she decided to continue in the orthodontic field because of the amazing changes it makes in people’s lives. Amelia is the one who initially sees new patients and takes clinical records to determine treatment plans. She also helps with all lab work when needed and assists in handling surgical cases and sleep apnea patients. Amelia is a “people person” and talking with different people of all ages all day is her favorite thing about working here!
Amelia and her husband have three wonderful children who are either finishing up their college degrees or have finished college. She welcomed her first grandchild in 2015 who adds to her blessed life! Amelia’s favorite leisure in life is reading, reading, and more reading!
Heather Hodge
ORTHODONTIC ASSISTANT/DENTAL HYGIENISTHeather is an orthodontic assistant/dental hygienist, so she can be found doing direct patient care, as well as OSHA coordination. She has a degree from Faulkner State Community College in dental assisting, and is board certified as a Dental Hygienist in the state of Alabama. Heather has worked for Drs. Hicks and McMurphy since 2004, and she loves being a part of creating beautiful smiles.
Heather is married to a Mobile police officer who works long hours to ensure the safety of our city. They have one son, Grayson who keeps them on their toes! The family is rounded out by a mini dachshund named Narwhal and a cockatiel who loves to sing the Andy Griffith theme song!
Edna Leyble
ORTHODONTIC ASSISTANTEdna is one of our orthodontic assistants. She has more than 23 years of experience in the field and has been with us since 2014. Edna cares for our Suresmile patients, conducts wire changes and also assists with records and taking photos. Her greatest achievement is helping patients see how their teeth are aligning so they can be excited about their end result, which is a beautiful smile!
Edna is married to Buddy, an aircraft specialist, and they have one son, named Jeriel who is a Rubix Cube fantatic. Enda enjoys painting, hiking, traveling with her family and trying different food cusines from around the world.
Jamie Thomas
LAB TECH/ORTHODONTIC ASSISTANTJamie entered the orthodontic field in 1999 and became a part of our team in 2009. She has a dual role here at McMurphy Orthodontics, serving as both a lab technician and orthodontic assistant. Her work in the lab entails pouring and mounting models, making retainers, and preparing braces to be placed accurately, though she likes to think of them as “arts and crafts” projects!
Jamie has been married since 1994 to a local firefighter—both are native Mobilians. They have four children—the oldest is in college and the youngest is a toddler. When she’s not chasing her toddler around, she enjoys scrapbooking and gardening; however, most of her time is spent seeking out new playgrounds.
Melinda Hamilton
MARKETINGMelinda worked as a dental office manager for 14 years before joining our team in 2015. She is responsible for developing and managing office contests, promotions, social media, website and referral marketing.
Melinda enjoys spending time with her family and enjoying the great outdoors. She loves being involved with her church and helping out others whenever possible.