Meet Our
Compassionate Dental Team
Our team at Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry is comprised of some of the most enthusiastic and caring dental professionals that you will ever meet! Our staff genuinely loves working with young patients, from the ones who are just getting their first teeth to the teens who come in frequently for orthodontic appointments. Pediatric dentistry is a passion for all of us, something that most families notice right away when they visit us for the first time. On behalf of the entire Tots to Teens family, we want to welcome you and your family to our practice!
Joanna Ayala, DMD – Pediatric Dentist
Board Certified Specialist
Dr. Ayala was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. She earned her Associate of Science degree from Blinn College in Brenham, TX and her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She continued her studies by attending dental school at Boston University, where she served as class president and graduated cum laude. Passionate about helping children, Dr. Ayala continued her education at Miami Children’s Hospital and earned her specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry. Her training included many aspects of pediatric dentistry, like sedation and hospital dentistry. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Ayala is currently a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Dental Association. Her practice is limited to infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents. Dr. Ayala provides excellent service in all aspects of pediatric dentistry in a caring, professional and personal manner.
Aashna Handa, DDS – Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Handa earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in 2009 in her home country of India. Upon completing her bachelor’s degree, she moved to the United States and attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where she completed a professional program for international dentists. During her time in dental school, she was involved in various pediatric, patient-centered activities including working with the Infant Oral Health Care Club and the Craniofacial Center at Ronald Reagan Hospital, UCLA. Her dedication and passion for children prompted her to earn a specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry at Nova Southeastern University, where she served as the chief resident. Her training included the full spectrum of behavior management, basic and advanced, and sedation and hospital dentistry. She excelled in working with children with autism at the Mailman Segal Center for Human Development as part of her residency. In her personal life, she loves art and enjoys spending time with her husband, who is working as a general dentist in San Antonio, and her two-year-old daughter, Areesha.
Tina Puchimada, DDS, MS – Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Tina Puchimada earned her master’s degree in Orofacial pain from Rutgers University and is American Board certified in Orofacial Pain. Dr. Puchimada then went on to complete her pediatric dentistry certification from the University of Michigan, and she is board eligible with the American Board of Pediatric dentistry.
Dr. Puchimada is a multi-linguist, as she is proficient in 7 languages. She loves working with kids and enjoys telling stories and talking to them. Her hobbies include reading, listening to music, and traveling. She unwinds by taking her dog, Casper, on long walks.
Christina Mueller, DDS – Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Mueller is a sixth generation Texan, born and raised in San Antonio, TX. She attended undergrad at Southern Methodist University on a full athletic scholarship, threw the discus for the track and field team at SMU, and graduated with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Biology. Her dream was to become an Olympic athlete but when she did not make it to the 2008 Olympic Trials, (she was only 0.02 meters away from making the mark) she decided it was time to turn her focus on becoming a dentist. She got her masters in public health with a focus in dentistry at the University of Texas School of Public Health – San Antonio before entering dental school here in San Antonio. Dr. Mueller graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio in 2015 and went and practiced at a pediatric office in Corpus Christi, TX, where she found her true passion for pediatric dentistry. She attended her pediatric dental residency in San Antonio as well and just finished in 2020. She is married with a baby boy and two dogs, a shiba inu named Prim and an alusky (Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute mix) named Rodi. During her free time she likes to spend time with her husband in Austin, where he is a PhD student at the University of Texas, go for walks, and play board games.
Jennifer Hole, DDS – General Dentist
Dr. Jennifer Hole is a San Antonio native, born and raised in the Alamo Heights area. She attended the honors program at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she double majored in biology and chemistry. Upon being awarded the Bush-Jones Sprenger Scholarship for Leadership and Academic Excellence, she attended the Baylor College of Dentistry, where she graduated with her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2012. During her time at Baylor, Dr. Hole was involved in many leadership positions, including student council class representative, philanthropy chair, student consultant for Admissions Committee, and mentor for the summer pre-enrichment program for prospective students. She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and enjoys volunteering at community events.
Dr. Hole lives in the neighborhood where she grew up with her husband, Dr. Steven Hole, who is a Captain in the United States Army. They have two children together, a daughter, Riley, who is two years old and a son, Everett, who turned one this past May. While life with two kids can get busy, in her free time she enjoys cooking, crafting, and running!
Dr. Megan O’Connell – Board Certified Orthodontist
Dr. O’Connell is a native of Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Business. She continued her education at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, where she attended dental school. During dental school, Dr. O’Connell was awarded a Health Professions Scholarship with the Army. After graduating from dental school, Dr. O’Connell completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at Fort Benning, GA. During this year, Dr. O’Connell specialized in all aspects of dentistry and garnered a strong dental foundation. Dr. O’Connell continued to practice general dentistry at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, followed by a deployment providing dental care to soldiers in Iraq. Dr. O’Connell went on to attend the University of Louisville for her orthodontic residency, graduating with a master’s degree in dentistry and a certificate in orthodontics. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a member of the American Association of Orthodontists. She is currently stationed at Fort Sam Houston, providing Soldiers with orthodontic care. Dr. O’Connell enjoys working with patients to create beautiful smiles and finds gratification in seeing the confidence a beautiful smile creates. She and her husband, Derek, a dentist in the US Army, enjoy spending time with their daughter, Claire, traveling, and cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers, Louisville Cardinals, and Green Bay Packers.
