Meet the Five Points Family Dental Team
Merissa Nelms, DDS, CCA
Dr. Merissa Nelms enjoys helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles through preventive, restorative, and esthetic dentistry. She believes great dental care starts with listening, building trust, and creating treatment plans tailored to each patient’s goals, values, and lifestyle. Her treatment philosophy emphasizes prevention, conservative dentistry, and helping patients make informed decisions that support long-term oral health.
At Five Points Family Dental, Dr. Nelms combines modern technology and evidence-based treatment with the personalized, relationship-centered approach that has served generations of Athens families. Much of her practice focuses on prosthodontic and rehabilitative dentistry, restoring function, comfort, and confidence through thoughtful restorative care. She also works with a local dental anesthesiologist to provide safe and comfortable treatment for pediatric patients, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and patients with significant dental anxiety.
Dr. Nelms graduated at the top of her class from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry, earning awards in prosthodontics and induction into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society. Before dentistry, she earned a degree in Studio Art from the University of Pittsburgh, where she was recognized for her sculptural work. This artistic background continues to shape her approach to esthetic and restorative care.
That blend of art and science also led her to become a board-certified clinical anaplastologist (CCA), specializing in prosthetic rehabilitation for patients with absent or malformed facial structures. She trained through the James J. Peters VA Medical Center and Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and earned her certification while working in UCSF’s Department of Prosthodontics.
Outside the office, Dr. Nelms is committed to service and mentorship. She has worked in nonprofit dentistry, helped establish a school-based dental clinic for underserved children, and currently volunteers with Athens Wellness Clinic, where she is helping expand access to care through a digital denture initiative. She continues to mentor pre-dental and dental students, stays active in continuing education and local study clubs, and serves on the board of the Board for Certification in Clinical Anaplastology.
Originally from New York, Dr. Nelms met her husband, Brad, a professor of plant biology and genetics at the University of Georgia, while both were completing their education in Northern California. They chose Athens as home, where they are raising their two young children and enjoying the community’s vibrant food, art, music, and outdoor culture.
Alyson
Registered Dental Hygienist
Alyson is a Georgia state board licensed and registered dental hygienist. She has been practicing for over five years, joining our team in June 2021. She received her associate’s degree in applied science in dental hygiene at Central Georgia Technical College in Macon, Georgia in 2018. Alyson loves getting to know her patients and educating them on oral health. She has additional experience in pediatric dentistry as well as periodontics.
She grew up in Madison, GA but now resides in Bishop, Georgia with her husband Connor and their two daughters, Lilly and Lucy. Alyson enjoys hunting, spending time with family and friends, and playing with her two dogs!
Macy
Registered Dental Hygienist
Macy is a Georgia state board licensed and registered dental hygienist and a 2022 graduate of Lanier Technical College. During her time in school, she proudly served as Class President and was honored with the Beacon Award in recognition of her leadership, professionalism, and dedication to excellence. Macy is passionate about patient education and periodontal therapy, and she enjoys helping patients understand the connection between oral health and overall wellness. She is committed to creating a comfortable, welcoming environment where patients of all ages feel at ease and genuinely cared for.
Outside of the office, Macy enjoys spending time with her husband, Austin, and their two young sons, Jeremiah and James. In her free time, she loves crocheting, baking, gardening, traveling, and making meaningful memories with her family. Guided by her Christian faith, Macy values compassion, kindness, and serving others both in and out of the dental office.
Brandi
Lead Dental Assistant & Clinical Coordinator
Brandi is our chairside dental assistant and calls the charming town of Gillsville, Georgia her home. With 24 years of experience as a dental assistant, her career has been dedicated to the dental field, where she has found immense joy in providing exceptional care to patients. Brandi graduated from Lanier Technical College in 2000 with an expanded functions dental assistant diploma, which has been the foundation of her ongoing commitment to advancing in the dental profession.
Brandi brings a wealth of experience and energy to the team, shaped by years of working alongside a variety of doctors in multiple practice settings. Her dedication to continuing education keeps her current with the latest technologies, systems, and patient care philosophies, allowing her to bring fresh perspective and refined expertise to the practice. Known for her strong professional network and well-rounded knowledge of the dental field, Brandi plays an essential role in supporting a seamless, high-quality patient experience.
She loves ATV riding, camping, cooking and cherishes these moments spent with family and friends. At home, Brandi is greeted by her husband Dustin and two beloved dogs, Winston, and Zara, who add joy and companionship to her life. She has two grown children, two young grandkids and a heart for adventure!
Beckie
Front Office and Financial Coordinator
Outside the office, Beckie is happily married to her husband, Derek, and is a proud mom to their three sons. Life is full and lively with four dogs and even a flock of chickens at home. When she’s not at the ball field, you’ll likely find her at the lake or unwinding on her back porch. She’s an avid sports fan, loves traveling, fishing, reading, and is always up for great Mexican food!
Paige
Registered Dental Assistant
Paige has been part of the dental field for over a decade, bringing a steady, patient-centered approach to every visit. With her background in dental assisting, she focuses on creating a comfortable, efficient experience while supporting both the clinical team and the patients she serves.
Originally from Plattsmouth, Nebraska, Paige moved to Georgia in a military family and has considered Athens home since middle school. She completed her dental assisting training at Athens Technical College and the Dental Careers Institute in Marietta, and has spent much of her career caring for patients in the Five Points community. After a brief time on the North Carolina coast, she’s happy to be back in the Classic City.
Outside of work, Paige enjoys music, the arts, and cheering on UGA football. She stays busy keeping up with her two kids—one a trumpet-playing high schooler and the other a ballet-loving fourth grader. In her downtime, she’s usually on the hunt for great tacos or a really good cup of coffee.
Lisa
Registered Dental Assistant
Lisa brings over 25 years of experience in dentistry, with a background that spans both chairside assisting and office management. Her depth of knowledge, paired with strong organizational skills, makes her an invaluable part of our team and a steady presence in patient care.
She is certified in General Chairside Assisting and holds credentials from the Dental Assisting National Board in Radiation Health and Safety and Infection Control. Lisa is committed to continuing education and staying current with best practices, always prioritizing safety, precision, and patient comfort.
Outside the office, Lisa enjoys time with her family and dogs, along with expressing her creativity through jewelry design. Her favorite part of dentistry is helping patients feel confident in their smiles—a value that shows in every interaction she has.
