Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Andrew MacDonald, who also likes to be called Dr. Andy, is our new leading Orthodontist here at Winning Smiles. After arriving to the WNY area in 1981, he decided to stay and pursue his career in dentistry due to friends he had made and quality of life here in Buffalo. He has had the privilege of caring for patients in the Northtowns for more than 25 years and is excited to start practicing in the Southtowns!

In 1985 he graduated with honors from St. Bonaventure University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology. He went on to graduate with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 1989. After graduating from Dental School he practiced general dentistry part time while attending the postgraduate program in Orthodontics at SUNY at Buffalo from 1989-1991. He then started his own practice in Tonawanda and Clarence.

Service to the community is an important part of his life. Besides serving in leadership positions in organized dentistry, he is a charter member of the Eastern Hills Sunrise Rotary Club which has afforded him in the opportunity to support local charities and give back. Dr. Andy has also coached House Soccer in Amherst for several years.

Outside of the office he enjoys family time, traveling and outdoor activities like hiking, biking and skiing with his wife and two children. It is important to him to provide a warm, friendly and caring atmosphere while providing his patients with an improved smile and better oral health.

Dr. Walker  received his DDS degree from SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, graduating Magna Cum laude in 2000 and received the Pierre Fauchard award for “Most Well-rounded”  student He continued his post doctoral studies with extensive training in implant placement and restoration, bone grafting, and full mouth rehabilitation for beauty as well as function.  A general dentist by education, his areas of interest and special focus include full mouth rehabilitation, implant placement and restoration, and cosmetic dentistry.  An avid student of all things dental, he attends continuing educational courses on a regular basis, keeping up with latest advances in order to provide the highest quality of care to his patients.

Dr. Walker enjoys working with people. He derives great satisfaction from helping patients with their dental needs while delivering care in a gentle, empathetic and comfortable manner. Both patients and team appreciate his open, honest approach while focusing on always doing what’s best for the patient.

When not working with patients, you can find Dr. Walker enjoying time with his wife and 5 children.  They enjoy camping, bike rides, yard work, attending the many sporting events of his children and travel. 

Dr. Ashley truly enjoys developing a unique relationship with her patients and their families throughout their treatment. She prides herself in treating each patient like family and ensuring that she understands their individual treatment needs. Her philosophy is to provide exceptional orthodontic treatment and personalized care in a friendly, comfortable environment.

A NYC native, Dr. Ashley graduated from Stony Brook University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She went on to receive her dental degree from the University of Connecticut and completed her specialty training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the University of Buffalo in 2017. During her residency, she became Invisalign certified, completed her master’s thesis in the field of 3D Imaging, and attended many continuing education courses where she learned the newest technologies and techniques in orthodontics.

Dr. Ashley is committed to lifelong learning in order to provide the highest standard of care to her patients and help them achieve beautiful smiles. Her research has been published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and she is an active member of several professional associations and organizations.

During her free time, Dr. Ashley enjoys traveling, skiing, and spending time with family, friends, and most importantly, her dog Wally. You can usually find her and Wally hiking on a local trail or strolling through a local park. After working in private practice in CT for the last 2 years, she is happy to be back in Buffalo and to be able to cheer on the Bills from home!

Education

• College: Stony Brook University
• Dental School: University of Connecticut
• Orthodontic Residency: University of Buffalo

Dr. Alison Wehde grew up in Sioux City, Iowa.  She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Kansas, and attended the University of Iowa College of Dentistry where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.  Dr. Alison then went on to serve in the United States Navy as a general dentist for 5 years.  While serving our country, she earned the President’s Volunteer Service Medal for her work with youth sports and community outreach.  During her time in the Navy Dr. Alison lived in Washington D.C., Iwakuni, Japan and San Diego, California. Upon completion of her service, she attended the Children’s Hospital Colorado where she graduated with a certificate in pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Alison has a passion for working with children, as well as individuals with special healthcare needs. This passion was inspired by her mother who has dedicated her life to teaching children with special needs. Dr. Alison prides herself on getting to know her patients and focuses on individualized care in hopes of leading to a more positive dental experience.

When Dr. Alison is not treating kids in the office, you can find her at a local coffee shop, fitness class, or spending time with her husband and dog.  She enjoys traveling and exploring WNY.

“There’s nothing more satisfying and worthwhile to me than having the ability to care for a child.”

Dr. Michael Foley has been a Doctor of Dental Surgery since 1998. He has advanced training in Pediatric Dentistry through Children’s National Medical Center. Dr. Foley is also board certified in Pediatric Dentistry.

Staying at the forefront of pediatric dentistry is a high priority for Dr. Foley. He attends numerous continuing education courses, which enable him to offer patients the latest advancements in pediatric dentistry.

Along with continuing education, Dr. Foley feels strongly about involvement in his career field. He is active in many establishments, such as those below:

• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• National Society of Dentistry for Children
• Western New York Society of Pediatric Dentists
• American Academy of Laser Dentistry
• O’Shei Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo
• 8^th District Dental Society
• Erie County Dental Society

Dr. Foley’s interest and expertise is taking “Special Care of Special Smiles,” including children with: special needs, sensory disorders and challenges, autism and autism spectrum, syndromes, high fear, social anxieties, multiple dental needs, failure to thrive due to tongue or lip tie, and dental surgery needs under general anesthesia in a hospital or outpatient setting.

When he’s not taking care of “his kids,” Dr. Foley enjoys being a dad to his three sons, and all things outdoors-y and athletic.

Click here to hear the Winning Smiles Pediatric Dentistry's Mission with Dr. Michael Foley.

Dr. Ashley truly enjoys developing a unique relationship with her patients and their families throughout their treatment. She prides herself in treating each patient like family and ensuring that she understands their individual treatment needs. Her philosophy is to provide exceptional orthodontic treatment and personalized care in a friendly, comfortable environment.

A NYC native, Dr. Ashley graduated from Stony Brook University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She went on to receive her dental degree from the University of Connecticut and completed her specialty training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the University of Buffalo in 2017. During her residency, she became Invisalign certified, completed her master’s thesis in the field of 3D Imaging, and attended many continuing education courses where she learned the newest technologies and techniques in orthodontics.

Dr. Ashley is committed to lifelong learning in order to provide the highest standard of care to her patients and help them achieve beautiful smiles. Her research has been published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and she is an active member of several professional associations and organizations.

During her free time, Dr. Ashley enjoys traveling, skiing, and spending time with family, friends, and most importantly, her dog Wally. You can usually find her and Wally hiking on a local trail or strolling through a local park. After working in private practice in CT for the last 2 years, she is happy to be back in Buffalo and to be able to cheer on the Bills from home!

Education

• College: Stony Brook University
• Dental School: University of Connecticut
• Orthodontic Residency: University of Buffalo

Dr. Onalee Sortino grew up in the Rochester area, completed her undergraduate studies at Allegheny college, and attended the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Dr. Onalee continued at UB to complete her post-doctoral training, specializing in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Onalee sits on the executive board for the UB Dental Alumni Association and is a member of the WNY HPV Vaccination Coalition. During dental school, Dr. Onalee served as the Buffalo ASDA Fundraising chair, ASDA District 2 Trustee, liaison for ADA CAAP, and a delegate for NYSDA. Dr. Onalee was the recipient of the Community and Pediatric Dentistry Department Award, as well as the Joseph A. Accardo Eighth District Dental Society award. 

When Dr. Onalee was 6 years old, she knew she wanted to be a dentist. What solidified her passion for pediatrics was serving as an Outreach Coordinator for the Buffalo Chapter of AADMD (American Academy of Developmental and Dentistry) all 4 years of dental school. Working with a population with special healthcare needs, she was committed to making appointments fun and enjoyable and taking the fear out of visiting the dentist. As she continued through her education, treating kids was where she felt most at home.

When. Dr. Onalee is not treating kids in the office, you can find her traveling, spending time outdoors rollerblading, skiing, hiking and even running the occasional marathon. She is also a flute player, minoring in Music Performance during her undergraduate studies. 

Dr. Kathleen Rusnak is a native of Buffalo, NY. She completed her undergraduate studies in biology at SUNY Geneseo and received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine where she graduated magna cum laude. Dr. Kathleen has a passion for serving the oral health needs of children and went on to complete a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry from the University at Buffalo. 

Dr. Kathleen is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. Dr. Kathleen is a board-certified pediatric dentist and is passionate about providing dental education to patients and parents. She believes that each child should have a positive dental experience. Outside the office, Dr. Kathleen and her husband have two cats and enjoy hiking and SCUBA diving. 

Dr. Edwin Jauch (also known as Dr. J) is an orthodontic specialist with over 20 years experience and past president of the Eighth District Orthodontic Academy and Greater Buffalo Association of Orthodontists. He has 3 kids of his own and lives in Orchard Park with his family. Dr. J enjoys fishing, camping, skiing and hiking with his family. A big believer in giving back to his community, he's active in many community organizations. We can't wait for you to meet him!

Dr. Andy and Dr. J are working together, reviewing cases and will be familiar with each and every one of you when you meet with them.

Anything else you’d like your patients to know about you?
Married- wife: Heide, 3 children (Emma, Mae, & Nicholas) and Samoyed dog named Blue. I enjoy fishing, camping and vacationing in Siesta Key with my family. I also enjoy trying to teach my son the game of golf.

What made you want to be an orthodontist?
I come from a long line of dentists starting with my grandfather who graduated from UB in 1928. I always had a great respect for how dentists helped their patients on such a personal level and formed bonds with families that last a lifetime. I still have people who recognize my last name tell me great stories about my grandfather.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or Sunday afternoon?
As like most families, I spend most weekends watching my kids sporting events. It's usually a mixture of basketball, soccer, volleyball or crew depending on the time of year. Despite all the running around, we still try to get as many of our family members together for Sunday dinner.
When the first Saturday in May comes around, you will likely find me walleye fishing on Oneida Lake.

What’s 1 thing you’d take with you on a deserted island?
My Boy Scouts pocket knife

Favorite breakfast? dessert?
My favorite breakfast is crepes with whip cream and strawberries.

There aren't many desserts I don't like but I am partial to chocolate ice cream.

Favorite sport team? 
Being born and raised in Buffalo means the Bills and Sabres are always on top my list but now that my daughter will be rowing at Marist College in the fall, I will include the Red Foxes on my list of favorite teams.

As far as the Stanley Cup goes, If the St. Louis Blues can do it then why not our Sabres.

What’s your favorite all time movie and why?
There are too many, but it's especially hard to pull away from a good Clint Eastwood flick.

Best childhood memory?
My aunt and uncle's farm in Darien. Riding horses, playing in the barns and sleeping out under the stars.

Favorite color?
I consider red, white and blue my favorite color(s).

Did you wear braces as a kid?
What was that like?
I certainly did and although I didn't like it at the time I will always be grateful for doing it.
And by the way, I still wear my retainers

“Dentistry allows me to help people using both my creative and scientific skills. It’s very rewarding putting a smile on my patient’s face, literally.” - Dr. Ehlers

Dr. Michael Ehlers attended UB School  of Dental Medicine, where he earned the title Doctor of Dental Surgery. He is also involved in Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association and New York State Dental Association.

An accomplished dentist and local dental leader and mentor, Dr. Ehlers brings over 35 years of experience to dentistry.  His areas of expertise include general dentistry, complex dental issues, restorative and prosthetic dentistry, dental implants, sedation and oral surgery. A true diehard Buffalo Bills fan, he’s held season tickets for more than 30 years.

“The latest techniques and technology are as important to our patients as a gentle, professional and comfortable visit- that’s my goal for each and every patient.”

Dr. Bethany Mattina- Chmiel achieved her BS in Biology at SUNY, Geneseo. She then went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery at UB School of Dental Medicine. Post-Doctoral Training came next, which she attended Roswell Park General Practice Residency Program to attain.

In addition to education, Dr. Mattina-Chmiel feels it is necessary to stay active in the American Dental Association, American Academy of General Dentistry and 8th District Dental Society. 

She enjoys helping people take care of their smiles in her native community of Orchard Park.   Focusing on Family and General Dentistry, she is especially gifted in creating beautiful and well- fitting dentures, crowns and bridges, while utilizing the latest technologies like digital “goop-less” impressions.   Dr. Bethany approaches each day with a positive and cheery attitude, understanding most people are anxious going to the dentist, and doing whatever she can to make her patients’ experiences comfortable and efficient.  In her spare time, Dr. Bethany is an avid baker, and likes spending time with her family, and her two dogs, Cooper and Rocky.

“There’s nothing more satisfying and worthwhile to me than having the ability to care for a child.”

Dr. Michael Foley has been a Doctor of Dental Surgery since 1998. He has advanced training in Pediatric Dentistry through Children’s National Medical Center. Dr. Foley is also board certified in Pediatric Dentistry.

Staying at the forefront of pediatric dentistry is a high priority for Dr. Foley. He attends numerous continuing education courses, which enable him to offer patients the latest advancements in pediatric dentistry.

Along with continuing education, Dr. Foley feels strongly about involvement in his career field. He is active in many establishments, such as those below:

• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• National Society of Dentistry for Children
• Western New York Society of Pediatric Dentists
• American Academy of Laser Dentistry
• O’Shei Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo
• 8^th District Dental Society
• Erie County Dental Society

Dr. Foley’s interest and expertise is taking “Special Care of Special Smiles,” including children with: special needs, sensory disorders and challenges, autism and autism spectrum, syndromes, high fear, social anxieties, multiple dental needs, failure to thrive due to tongue or lip tie, and dental surgery needs under general anesthesia in a hospital or outpatient setting.

When he’s not taking care of “his kids,” Dr. Foley enjoys being a dad to his three sons, and all things outdoors-y and athletic.

Click here to hear the Winning Smiles Pediatric Dentistry's Mission with Dr. Michael Foley.

Dr. Andrew MacDonald, who also likes to be called Dr. Andy, is our new leading Orthodontist here at Winning Smiles. After arriving to the WNY area in 1981, he decided to stay and pursue his career in dentistry due to friends he had made and quality of life here in Buffalo. He has had the privilege of caring for patients in the Northtowns for more than 25 years and is excited to start practicing in the Southtowns!

In 1985 he graduated with honors from St. Bonaventure University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology. He went on to graduate with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 1989. After graduating from Dental School he practiced general dentistry part time while attending the postgraduate program in Orthodontics at SUNY at Buffalo from 1989-1991. He then started his own practice in Tonawanda and Clarence.

Service to the community is an important part of his life. Besides serving in leadership positions in organized dentistry, he is a charter member of the Eastern Hills Sunrise Rotary Club which has afforded him in the opportunity to support local charities and give back. Dr. Andy has also coached House Soccer in Amherst for several years.

Outside of the office he enjoys family time, traveling and outdoor activities like hiking, biking and skiing with his wife and two children. It is important to him to provide a warm, friendly and caring atmosphere while providing his patients with an improved smile and better oral health.

Dr. Onalee Sortino grew up in the Rochester area, completed her undergraduate studies at Allegheny college, and attended the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Dr. Onalee continued at UB to complete her post-doctoral training, specializing in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Onalee sits on the executive board for the UB Dental Alumni Association and is a member of the WNY HPV Vaccination Coalition. During dental school, Dr. Onalee served as the Buffalo ASDA Fundraising chair, ASDA District 2 Trustee, liaison for ADA CAAP, and a delegate for NYSDA. Dr. Onalee was the recipient of the Community and Pediatric Dentistry Department Award, as well as the Joseph A. Accardo Eighth District Dental Society award. 

When Dr. Onalee was 6 years old, she knew she wanted to be a dentist. What solidified her passion for pediatrics was serving as an Outreach Coordinator for the Buffalo Chapter of AADMD (American Academy of Developmental and Dentistry) all 4 years of dental school. Working with a population with special healthcare needs, she was committed to making appointments fun and enjoyable and taking the fear out of visiting the dentist. As she continued through her education, treating kids was where she felt most at home.

When. Dr. Onalee is not treating kids in the office, you can find her traveling, spending time outdoors rollerblading, skiing, hiking and even running the occasional marathon. She is also a flute player, minoring in Music Performance during her undergraduate studies.