Meet Our Team

Dr. Rebekkah Merrell is a dedicated and compassionate dentist who brings both advanced training and a warm, patient-centered approach to Asheville Smiles Cosmetic & Family Dentistry. Originally from Rock Hill, South Carolina, Dr. Merrell moved to Asheville in 2019 to pursue her dream of owning a practice committed to delivering exceptional cosmetic and family dental care.

Dr. Merrell holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Bioengineering from Clemson University. She went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) with honors from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 2016. Following dental school, she completed a comprehensive General Practice Residency at Carolinas Medical Center (Atrium Health) in Charlotte, NC, where she gained advanced experience in all aspects of general and hospital-based dentistry.

Passionate about lifelong learning, Dr. Merrell has completed more than 1,500 hours of continuing education, furthering her expertise in cosmetic dentistry, implantology, Invisalign®, facial aesthetics, laser therapy, and more. She is committed to staying at the forefront of modern dentistry to provide her patients with the highest quality care.

Dr. Merrell’s commitment to dentistry extends beyond the operatory. She actively gives back through leadership in organized dentistry at the local, state, and national levels. She currently serves as President of the Buncombe County Dental Society, sits on the Council for Legislative and Governmental Affairs for the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and is involved with the North Carolina AGD and NC Dental Society’s Membership Council. Nationally, she served for six years on the AGD’s Membership Council. Dr. Merrell also enjoys mentoring future dental professionals as a member of the University of Pennsylvania Alumni Interview Committee, and she serves as President of the Western NC Clemson Club.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Merrell lives in Asheville with her husband, Tradd, and their two beloved dogs, Ollie and Fen. A proud Clemson Tiger, she and her husband even met while waiting in line for a Clemson National Championship game. Together, they love to travel, explore the outdoors, and enjoy all that Western North Carolina has to offer. In her free time, Dr. Merrell enjoys hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, skiing, golfing, working out, and dancing the Carolina shag — the official state dance of South Carolina. She also loves to cook and bake (even if it’s not always dentist-approved!).

Continuing Education & Professional Certifications

• Invisalign® Certified
• Dental Laser Certified
• Botox, Dermal Filler, PDO Threading, and Smooth Threading Certified
• Master Lip Certified

Professional Memberships

• American Dental Association
• Academy of General Dentistry (Fellowship Award Recipient)
• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
• American Academy of Implant Dentistry
• International Congress of Oral Implantologists (Fellow)
• American Academy of Facial Esthetics
• American Academy of Clear Aligners

Dr. Anna Crickman is a compassionate and skilled general dentist who brings a unique blend of scientific knowledge and artistic talent to patient care. A native of Darlington, South Carolina, Dr. Crickman earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Studio Art from the College of Charleston. Her early interest in both science and the visual arts naturally led her to discover a passion for dentistry — a field that perfectly combines precision, creativity, and the ability to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.

She went on to receive her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. Following dental school, Dr. Crickman completed a comprehensive General Practice Residency at the University of Louisville, where she gained advanced clinical experience in restorative dentistry, oral surgery, and medically complex patient care.

Dr. Crickman is committed to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in a welcoming and supportive environment. She is dedicated to continuing education and staying current with the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques to ensure the best outcomes for her patients.

Now proud to call Asheville home, Dr. Crickman lives with her rescue cat, Fern, who she adopted while living in Charleston. Outside the dental office, she enjoys an active lifestyle that includes yoga, Pilates, hiking, traveling, antique hunting, cooking, and spending time outdoors—especially at the beach. She is thrilled to be part of the Asheville Smiles team and looks forward to building long-lasting relationships with her patients and the community. 

Amanda has been working in the field of dentistry since 2001, starting her journey in a clinical role before steadily working her way into the leadership position she holds today. That firsthand experience shaped her understanding of patient care, team dynamics, and the day-to-day operations that make a dental practice truly successful. Over the years, Amanda’s passion for dentistry has evolved into a deep commitment to building strong teams, supporting exceptional patient experiences, and leading with purpose.

One of her proudest professional milestones is earning her Fellowship from the American Academy of Dental Office Managers (AADOM)—a recognition that reflects years of dedication, continuing education, and leadership within the field. Amanda believes that great leadership starts with empathy and action, and she works every day to cultivate a positive, empowering environment for both team members and patients.

Outside of the office, Amanda has been married to her high school sweetheart for over 20 years, and together they’ve built a life full of love, travel, and shared growth. Exploring new places is one of her favorite ways to recharge and stay inspired.

She’s also the proud dog mom to three spirited pups—Zack, Pepe, and Leela—who fill her home with energy, affection, and a little bit of mischief.

Whether she’s guiding a team, mentoring future leaders, or ensuring patients feel cared for and heard, Amanda brings heart, integrity, and a deep sense of purpose to every aspect of her work. Her mission is simple: to serve with excellence, lead with authenticity, and grow continuously—both personally and professionally.

Tracy is the friendly face who welcomes every patient as they walk through the door. As the patient liaison, she sets the tone for a positive experience with her warm smile, kind spirit, and compassionate heart. With a career in dentistry that began in 1994, Tracy brings decades of experience and a genuine love for helping people feel comfortable, cared for, and valued.

Outside the office, Tracy has been happily married to her husband, Jonathan, for 18 years. She’s a proud mom of two and a loving grandmother to two beautiful granddaughters. Tracy enjoys traveling and finds peace spending time at both the beach and the lake. At home, she shares her days with two adored French Bulldogs—Amorette and Dutch—who bring laughter, love, and a little mischief to everyday life.

Tracy’s combination of professionalism, empathy, and positivity makes her an essential part of the team and a comforting presence for every patient who walks through the door.

Traci has been a Registered Dental Hygienist since 1992 and has worked in our office with Dr. Tomlo for over 20 years. She is excited to continue caring for her current patients, as well as welcoming new ones alongside Dr. McMillan. Traci is passionate about taking care of her patients and educating them on the importance of oral health. She is dedicated to helping each individual achieve and maintain a healthy smile through both regular cleanings and personalized home care guidance.

Originally born in Florida, Traci moved to Hendersonville as a child and has proudly called it home ever since. She and her husband, Doug, have a grown daughter, son and daughter-in-law. Traci is also a proud grandmother to two wonderful grandsons, who bring extra joy to her life.

Outside of work, Traci enjoys cooking, spending time with her family and dogs, and being actively involved in her church community, which is an important part of her life.

Demi has been part of Dr. McMillan’s dental team since 2017, where she worked part-time while in school. She takes great pride in providing thoughtful, compassionate care to every patient she sees. Known for her giving heart, Demi treats each patient like family, creating a welcoming and supportive experience from the moment they walk through the door.

She has been happily married to her husband, Donovan, for two years. Donovan is a fifth-generation apple farmer, and together they share a strong appreciation for hard work, tradition, and community. Outside of the office, you can often find Demi helping her husband on the farm, spending time outdoors, riding horses, traveling together, or spending time with their beloved pup, Missi.

Demi is also a proud aunt to five nieces and one nephew, and treasures the close bond she shares with her family. Family is everything to her, and that value is reflected in the way she cares for her patients—with kindness, integrity, and personal attention.

Professional Certifications:

DANB Certified

Dental Radiology Certified

Nitrous Oxide Certified

Coronal Polishing Certified

CPR Certified

OSHA Certified

Cate has been in the dental field since 2017, beginning her career in pediatric dentistry where she developed a gentle touch and a deep appreciation for compassionate, patient-centered care. With a naturally warm and kind-hearted spirit, Cate is known for providing superb care and making every patient feel at ease and valued.

Originally from Florida, Cate grew up in a Disney-influenced household—both of her parents worked for the company—instilling in her a lifelong sense of wonder, joy, and creativity. An adventurous and free spirit, Cate is often found outdoors when she's not in the office. She loves kayaking, hiking, and soaking in the beauty of nature.

Cate is a self-described old soul, guided by love, light, and a deep connection to the people around her. She’s also deeply family-oriented, and those close to her know her as someone who leads with heart in everything she does—whether she’s supporting her team, caring for patients, or exploring the world around her.

Professional Certifications:

Dental Radiology Certified

Nitrous Oxide Certified

Coronal Polishing Certified

CPR Certified

OSHA Certified

Carly has been working in dentistry since 2022 and brings a warm, personal approach to patient care. She truly enjoys getting to know her patients one-on-one and treats everyone like family, creating a comfortable, supportive experience for all. Carly finds joy in helping people feel confident with their smiles and takes pride in being part of their journey to better oral health.

She is happily married to her husband, Casey, and together they share a fun-filled life with their 2-year-old son, Colt, and their adorable pup, Dixie. Family time is her favorite, and she loves spending her days off making memories with Casey and Colt.

In her free time, Carly is an avid bowler and also happens to be a twin, which adds a fun and unique element to her story. Her genuine care, cheerful spirit, and dedication to her patients make her a valued part of the team.

Professional Certifications:

Dental Radiology Certified

Nitrous Oxide Certified

Coronal Polishing Certified

CPR Certified

OSHA Certified