
Barkley Pediatric Dentistry
Smile Bright
At Barkley Pediatric Dentistry, our priority is caring for the smiles of children in Southwest Florida. Since 1975, we have created a warm, family-friendly environment for kids of all ages to receive the professional and experienced dental care they need. Our dentists appreciate the uniqueness of each child and meet them at their level, so each dental experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
We also understand the challenges of helping your child learn to care for and maintain their dental health – and we’re here for you! At each appointment, we’ll answer any questions you have and give you valuable tips to help your child develop healthy habits. We’re in this together.
We are proud that what started as a small office over 47 years ago has grown into an incredible team of attentive, welcoming staff dedicated to serving children and their families. Soon, we are excited to welcome our patients to our new home in the FineMark National Bank & Trust Plaza off Winkler Road and College Parkway. We can’t wait to meet you!
Get to Know the
Barkley Pediatric Dentistry Team
Our enthusiastic and caring team loves children, and we are grateful to serve and care for our community. We look forward to getting to know you. In the meantime, here’s a bit about us.

Anissa Ahmadi D.M.D.
Anissa Ahmadi D.M.D.
Dr. Anissa Ahmadi was born in Gainesville, Florida, home of the Gators. She obtained her Bachelors Degree in Nutrition with Honors at the University of Florida in 2000. In 2003, Dr. Anissa obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree with High Honors from the University of Florida. Staying true to her gator spirit, she completed her pediatric dental residency at the University of Florida in 2005. Dr. Anissa is a diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She decided to return to her roots and now resides in Fort Myers with her husband and three children. In her "free" time, Dr. Anissa enjoys spending time in nature, doing yoga with her cat Gucci and driving fast cars.
Affiliations
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Florida Dental Association
- Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- Lee County Dental Society
- Cleft Lip and Palate Team
- Golisano Children’s Hospital (privileges)
- Pedo Gators: University of Florida College of Dentistry Alumni and Friends Association

Hope E. McDowell D.M.D.
Hope E. McDowell D.M.D.
Dr. Hope McDowell was born and raised in Greensburg, PA, graduating high school in 1995. She pursued and received her Bachelors Degree in Biology from Penn State University in 1999. Dr. Hope received her Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree in 2003 from the University of Pittsburgh. She pursued her pediatric dental residency at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, completing this residency in 2005. Doctor Hope is a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. The lure of a warmer climate caused her to relocate to Ft. Myers, and join Barkley Circle Dentistry for Children. She resides in Ft. Myers with her husband and three children. Dr. Hope's hobbies include working out, reading big books, and chauffeuring her three kids around town so they can live their best lives.
Affiliations
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Florida Dental Association
- Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- Lee County Dental Society
- UF College of Dentistry
- Cleft Lip and Palate Team
- Golisano Children’s Hospital (privileges)
- Pedo Gators: University of Florida College of Dentistry Alumni and Friends Association

Emily Foster D.M.D.
Emily Foster D.M.D.
Dr. Emily Foster was born and raised in Fort Myers and is a graduate of Fort Myers Senior High School. She studied Health Science at the University of Florida where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree. In 2014, Dr. Emily obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree from the University of Florida. Additionally, she completed a two-year pediatric dental residency program at NYU Lutheran Medical Center in Princess Anne, Maryland. Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Emily is excited to be back in her hometown. She enjoys playing tennis, cheering for the Gators, and spending time with her family who reside in the area.
Affiliations
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Florida Dental Association
- Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry
- Lee County Dental Society
- Cleft Lip and Palate Team
- Golisano Children’s Hospital (privileges)
- Pedo Gators: University of Florida College of Dentistry Alumni and Friends Association

Teresa Pfannenstiel D.M.D., Orthodontist for Children & Adults
Teresa Pfannenstiel D.M.D., Orthodontist for Children & Adults
Dr. Teresa Pfannenstiel (Terri) was born and raised in the “wicked awesome” city of Boston, Massachusetts. She attended Boston Latin School, followed by Boston University, where she graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. While attending Boston University, Dr. Terri was president of the Figure Skating Club and served as college mascot, “Terri the Terrier.” She went on to attend Boston University Dental School, graduating 5th in her class. On a quest to be part of something bigger, Dr. Terri joined the U.S. Army as a Captain and was stationed all around the world.
Also, she completed two residencies: Advanced Education in General Dentistry and Orthodontics at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. While being stationed in San Antonio, she taught “orthodontics in orthognathic surgery” to the oral surgery residents at Brooke Army Medical Center. In addition to serving as a dentist and orthodontist for 10 years in the U.S. Army, Dr. Terri has many years of private practice experience as well. She now enjoys living in sunny paradise with her family.
Affiliations
- Invisalign provider
- 3M Clarity provider
- Pedo Gators: University of Florida College of Dentistry Alumni and Friends Association
Associations
- American Dental Association
- American Association or Orthodontists
- Southern Association of Orthodontists
- Florida Association of Orthodontists

Ashley
Ashley
Ashley joined our team in 2013. While her primary role is slaying decay alongside Dr. Hope, she carries the title of customer-relations specialist, master organizer, and office-party decorator. Let’s just say that she is an Ashley-of-all-trades. She spends her weekends outdoors with her son, husband, and English Bulldog, Lucy.

Jackie
Jackie
Who’s Dr. Anissa’s right-hand woman? That’s Jackie. She is dedicated, even coming in on her days off. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that there are seven Starbucks locations on her way to the office… Anyway, every day she’s hustling. And when she’s not, she enjoys downtime with her two dogs and hubby.

Julie
Julie
Julie, a 1986 addition to the Barkley team, does a super job helping us keep our many ducks in a row. Her bossing skills are only part of what she brings to the table - her laugh can fill a room, and her delicious cakes can fill a belly.

Juanita
Juanita
Always smiling, always thankful…That’s Juanita. Killing cavities with kindness is her motto. She’s Dr. Emily’s chairside assistant, personal translator, and German shepherd whisperer. She enjoys long drives and spending time with her family.

Michelle
Michelle
Trying to beat the record for longest Barkley employee is Michelle. She has been with the Barkley team for over 35 years! Her job description is too long to list as she is a multitasking workaholic. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and going to the beach.

Lacey
Lacey
Lacey joined us in 2005 when her dreams of building a zoo sadly failed. She chose the next best option - to work at a pediatric dental office. You can hear Lacey laughing at our front desk, always putting a smile on everyone’s face. Lacey is also our orthodontic customer-relations specialist.

Megan
Megan
Megan is one of the first smiling faces you see when you enter our building. She’s spent years perfecting her princess voice when answering and making office phone calls. She enjoys spending time with her family, daughter, and two dogs, Kevin and Bean.

Jen
Jen
Jen was hired straight from her internship and hasn’t left since. She spends her weekends, weeknights, and any free time on the sports fields with her boys. Jen takes the term “boy-mom” to a whole new level.

Ann
Ann
With her many years in pediatric dentistry, Ann is a child whisperer. She exudes lavender and loves HGTV. Outside the office, Ann spends time with her grandkids or redecorating her house.

Tiffany
Tiffany
Tiffany is our in-office movie critic. She works extremely hard and will even serenade your child while cleaning their teeth. Her days off consist of spending time with her family and hitting up Bath and Body Works sales.

Rebecca
Rebecca
Rebecca takes our love of dogs to another level. With her many pups and adorable children, she is always keeping busy! When not in the office, she is cooking new yummy recipes and making travel plans.

Cecilia
Cecelia
Cecilia has a way with children. As the oldest of five kids and a new mom, she has an easy time relating to patients of all ages. In her free time, Ceci enjoys movie nights with her younger siblings.

Emily
Emily
Emily joined us in the summer of 2022, straight out of her internship. She’s taken the ortho world by storm. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and her pitbull Draco. If she looks familiar, she may have delivered your pizza.

Alexis
Alexis
Our newest addition to the farm, Alexis enjoys horseback riding and playing with her dog Remi. Having previously worked in daycare, she has tons of experience with children.

Larry
Larry
Larry, a.k.a., Larry Christmas, will be sure to greet you with his tail wagging. Hugs and snuggles are his game. Kids love him and he loves them.