Meet our Doctors In Ann Arbor, Michigan

Dr. Christopher Marzonie, DDS is a Texas native who received his BSE in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1976. Graduating from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1981, he has been a partner in this practice since 1983. An impressive ability to successfully execute complex and detailed dental procedures makes Dr. Marzonie an outstanding clinician. He specializes in a stimulating mixture of orthodontics, restorative care, prostheses, periodontal surgery, oral sedation, extractions, and implant services. He and his wife, Sheryl, enjoy international travel, mission work in underserved countries, a quiet life in the country, and working within the local parish of Christ the King. He enjoys spending time and traveling with his three adult children and grandchildren when possible! He is an accomplished musician and long distance runner. Dr. Marzonie has even performed at the University of Michigan’s 37 Bell Carillon at Burton Memorial Tower.

Dr. Steven Gray, DDS is a Sterling Heights native who received his BSE in chemical engineering in 1998 from the University of Michigan. Dr. Gray graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 2002, becoming a partner at Ann Arbor Smiles in 2005. With his primary focus of restorative dentistry, he expanded his practice to include comprehensive cosmetic work, computerized dentistry, endondontics, conscious sedation, dentures, and sleep medicine. His passion for helping others improve oral health and function as conservatively as possible makes him a top clinician. Dr. Gray brings a strong clinical science background to the practice as the most rigorously trained biological scientist and is a past researcher with Parke Davis, Pfizer and Esperion. He looks at his practice as an extension of his faith to bring healing and compassion to his fellow humankind. He enjoys mission work in Latin America and leadership in New Life Church, playing and coaching soccer, working on his family’s new home, and vacationing with his wife, Emily, and their four adorable children.

Dr. Emily Kennedy, DDS a native of Ann Arbor, graduated from the University of Michigan in 2007 with a concentration in the History of Art, and again in 2013 from the U of M School of Dentistry. Her dental interests include aligning teeth, prevention, education and empowerment with patients and the public, learning and sharing information about sleeping, airway patency, and nasal breathing–how that all connects to teeth and jaw development, and improving smiles and overall health. Her greatest professional joy is improving the lives of others by sharing all findings during an exam with patients so they feel supported, understood, and able to achieve their dental goals. She is a member of several professional organizations that encourage active learning and evidence-based-research to help her patients succeed. Spending time with her daughter, June (2), her husband (Dr. Alex Marlow–also a dentist here), and their two french bulldogs, Barry Sanders and Indiana Jones, is her favorite thing to do. Other interests include public health, civil rights, gardening, painting, cooking, and reading about food, art and flowers. Dr. Emily can’t wait to meet you; every person is welcome in her practice.

Dr. Daniela Garcia received her dental degree in 2008 in her home town Caracas, Venezuela. She moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan in 2009 to pursue further education in dental materials and advanced dental aesthetics. In 2012 Dr Garcia earned a postdoctoral training Master of Science from The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, and worked as a full time Clinical Assistant Professor from 2012 until 2018 at the department of Cariology Restorative Science and Endodontics with a clinical focus on both undergraduate and graduate students.

Having the opportunity to be a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan was an amazing experience, both in the didactic portion and at the faculty clinic. At the beginning of 2020, Dr. Garcia decided she wanted to join Ann Arbor Smiles to pursue her dream of making an impact in her community and on her patients’ lives. At the same time she’s an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor. She believes this way she can help more patients achieve their dental goals and to provide the adequate function and aesthetics they deserve combining the clinical and academic portion of dentistry.

Dr. Garcia has called Michigan home for the last 10 years where she enjoys spending time and having a healthy lifestyle with her family; husband Juan, son Santiago (4 y/o), daughter Anabella (2 y/o) and dog Gala. She loves to swim, practice yoga, run and spend time outside doing fun things with her family.

Dr. Garcia is a member of the ADA (American Dental Association), MDA (Michigan Dental Association) and Washtenaw Dental Society

Dr. Alexander Marlow is an Iowa native who is excited to join Ann Arbor Smiles and practice alongside his wife, Dr. Emily Kennedy Marlow, and father in law, Dr. Dan Kennedy. Dr. Marlow graduated in 2009 with his bachelor of Science in Cell and Developmental Biology and Minors in Chemistry and Sociology from the University of Iowa. In May 2013, he graduated with his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland Ohio and has been practicing in Southeast Michigan ever since. Dr. Marlow’s areas of expertise include CERECs, Endodontics, Extractions, Implants, Bone Grafting, and Veneers. He volunteers with Dentistry from the Heart and is a member of the American Dental Association. In his free time, Dr. Marlow is an avid Iowa Hawkeye football fan. He loves woodworking, as well as spending time with his lovely wife and his two dogs, Barry Sanders and Indiana Jones. 

Dr. Liane Racelis, DDS , is an Ann Arbor native who completed her undergraduate studies in Neuroscience at the University of Michigan before achieving her doctorate from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. With a background in portrait photography, our patients describe her as being in the “business of smiles.” Combining artistry, attention to detail, and fine motor skills, Dr. Racelis works with each patient to achieve their dental esthetic and functional goals while ensuring they feel comfortable in her care. Continually focused on fostering open communication, she’s earned a reputation for committing herself to helping patients of all ages and oral health conditions feel understood and empowered throughout their dental journey.
Actively engaged in community service through the Ann Arbor Rotary Club, Dr. Racelis prioritizes “service above self” in all she does. When she’s not caring for smiles, she enjoys quality time with her family, dog, chickens, and goats on her farm.

Dr. Justin Distelrath, DDS is a St. Clair, Michigan native who received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Siena Heights University in 2013 and master’s degree in biomedical science from Barry University in 2014. Dr. Distelrath has been practicing in the Ann Arbor area following graduation from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 2019. Dr. Distelrath enjoys getting to know his patients and is excited to be their oral health advocate. He strives to make each appointment a stress-free experience and takes time answering questions ensuring his patient’s voices are heard. Dr. Distelrath is an active member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association and Washtenaw District Dental Society. He enjoys going to U of M football games, playing basketball, golf and spending time with his wife, Rachel and daughter Marjorie.

Dr. Robert Ault, DDS, grew up in Lansing and earned his doctorate from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, but his dental journey began long before dental school. His experiences in orthodontics and in treatment for genetic tooth abnormalities fascinated Dr. Ault. He felt so much joy going through the process that made him happy with his smile. Dr. Ault loves the meticulous nature of dentistry and the pure art form of teeth.

While attending dental school, Dr. Ault fell in love with our community. He considers it a privilege to be part of the comradery, overall helpfulness, and support everyone has for each other. This love of our community and even his love of dentistry itself is ultimately because of the people. Dr. Ault finds that the ability to interact with his family of patients is the best part of his day. Helping you not only see, but also feel the benefits of a healthy, functional smile brings him great joy, but witnessing how happy it makes you feel is his greatest reward. Dr. Ault knows that most people don’t enjoy going to the dentist and his aim is to change that. He hopes to develop trusting relationships where you enjoy your visits and even look forward to them because you know how important they are to your overall health and the beauty of your smile.

In his free time Dr. Ault enjoys spending time with his wife Janet, who is also a dentist and is working towards her specialty certification in periodontics. Dr. Ault loves to spend time outdoors. Landscaping, mowing the lawn, fishing, and being outside helps him keep life in perspective. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, trail riding, or four wheeling.

Dr. Stevon Sykes, DDS is originally from Algonac, MI, and graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2013 and from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 2017. Before coming to Smiles, Dr. Sykes spent 4 years working in the Army Dental Corp as well as 2 years in private practice with a focus on treating sleep apnea patients. His specialties include obstructive sleep apnea and airway dentistry. Dr. Sykes lives in Ann Arbor with his wife, Zahra, who is a physician at CS Mott Children’s Hospital, and their daughter. When not taking care of patients, he enjoys golf, skiing, being on the water, and attending U-M football games.

Dr. Friend is a native of Frankenmuth, Michigan. She received her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2016 and graduated from Dental School at the University of Detroit Mercy in June 2020. Dr. Friend has taken continuing education courses with the American Academy of Facial Esthetics and the Academy of Dental and Medical Anesthesia to treat patients with dental anxiety. She loves traveling, reading, crafting, hiking, and rooting for her beloved Wolverines. Go Blue! Dr. Friend met her husband, Gabriel, after graduation while practicing in Madison, WI. They love spending time with their two dogs and are always looking for new local food recommendations.