Meet The Team

Originally from the UK, Dr Seema Manek relocated her practice to Coastal Orthodontics in 2012 after moving to Australia. Dr Manek is a passionate orthodontist that loves making beautiful smiles for her patients. Her relaxed personality is welcomed by her patients and helps her create a comfortable environment.

Growing up in Kent, England, Dr Manek lived and worked in London for over 11 years before moving to Australia. Studying at some of the best dental institutions in the UK she completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery at Guys, Kings and St Thomas’ School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2005. Whilst practicing in the UK, Dr Manek continued her studies completing a Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons, England (2007), a Master of Science in Orthodontics at Queen Mary’s & Westfield University (2010) and a Membership in Orthodontics at the Royal College of Surgeons (2011).

Dr Manek has in-depth knowledge in all aspects of dentistry with previous experience working in general dentistry, oral surgery, paediatric dentistry, special care dentistry, and orthodontics. Dr Manek has held positions in two of London’s busiest hospitals and trauma centres and trained under some of the world’s leading academics while conducting a controlled trial in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

As an orthodontist, Dr Manek has a special interest in facial growth and aesthetics. She is passionate about helping children and adolescents achieve a beautiful, healthy smile using the latest orthodontic treatments. Dr Manek’s ability to relate to her patients helps her fully understand their needs and wants when developing a customised treatment plan. She loves building lasting relationships with her patients and their families as they progress through their orthodontic journey.

When she is not practicing, Dr Manek is a professional snack holder, storyteller and chauffer to three energetic sons. She also enjoys ready good fiction novels and is passionate about cooking and all things food! Dr Manek loves adventure and has scaled the peaks of Patagonia, Mount Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp (although she has plans to reach the summit one day!).

Kelly Tander has practised as a dental hygienist at Coastal Orthodontics since 2008. Kelly obtained her dental hygienist qualifications in 1991 through Adelaide University and has since gone on to gain over 20 years' of extensive experience in general and specialist dentistry.  Since relocating her practice to Coastal Orthodontics she has also gone on to gain additional qualifications in the area of orthodontics.

Kelly is passionate about making a difference to her patients' lives through the gift of an amazing smile and thoroughly enjoys working in the field of orthodontics. When she isn't busy assisting her own patients, she enjoys volunteering at other clinics to help develop their dental hygiene programs and lecturing to her colleagues throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Away from her practice you'll find Kelly enjoying quality time with her family, particularly down at the beach while they surf.

Phoebe is a self-described ‘surfer girl’ living in Tweed Heads. Born with a cleft lip and a palate, she’s had plenty of dental work over her life and is eager to give back to the oral health of patients at Coastal Orthodontics.

Before starting Dental Assisting, Phoebe worked in retail, hospitality, content creation, surf instructing, and surf competition judging. She now enjoys working with a beautiful team of kind and supportive women with whom she can learn something new every day, all while helping patients achieve smiles they are proud of.

For Phoebe, starting a new braces journey with a patient is the first step closer to a new smile and something she finds particularly rewarding. Conversely, removing braces allows her to see the finished result after a long period of work. “It’s always nice to get a beautiful smile, and have another happy patient,” she says.

Outside the clinic, Phoebe loves to travel, surf, hit the gym, go to festivals, and spend time with friends and family.

Jackie McKenzie, currently pursuing a Cert III in Dental Assisting, brings a diverse background and a dynamic approach to her role at Coastal Orthodontics. With a broad professional history encompassing retail, hospitality, real estate, and banking, Jackie offers a unique perspective and set of skills to the dental field.

Jackie's clinical interests are rooted in her fascination with teeth and everything related to oral health. She is particularly intrigued by extractions and surgeries and is keen on learning all aspects of dental care. Her passion for oral health is evident in her enthusiasm for observing and understanding various dental procedures.

At work, what Jackie enjoys most is witnessing the transformation of smiles and the multifaceted nature of dental care. She takes pride in seeing the positive progression in patients' oral health and aesthetics.

In her personal life, Jackie treasures quality time with her wife, teenage son, and two beloved cats. Her interests are wide-ranging, from gaming on her PS5 to enjoying tranquil rainforest walks. An avid lover of music and movies, Jackie also enjoys binging TV shows, delving into new culinary experiences, and savouring coffee.