From left to right: Ally Richardson (’17), Corbin Mann (’23), Dr. Justin Mitchell (’13), Selina Klem (’13), and Michelle Mitchell (’90) represent multiple generations of Florida College alumni serving together at McIlwain Dentistry.
Extending Community Beyond Graduation: Florida College Alumni Bring Shared Values And Lasting Friendship Into Patient Care At McIlwain Dentistry
July 21, 2026 | 2 min read
At Florida College, relationships often extend far beyond graduation. For several alumni now working together at McIlwain Dentistry in Tampa, those shared experiences have shaped not only their careers but also the culture of their workplace.
For dentist Dr. Justin Mitchell, the influence of Florida College was never limited to academics. He credits the environment of being surrounded by other young Christians as one of the most formative parts of his education.
“At the most pivotal time in my life, Florida College offered me encouragement, edification, and strength,” Mitchell said.
That foundation, built through lifelong friendships and shared faith, continues to shape his daily work, where multiple alumni approach both challenges and successes from a common perspective.
That shared faith becomes especially meaningful in a profession that often carries stress and anxiety. Patients frequently arrive nervous about procedures, creating a tense environment. Mitchell believes the qualities emphasized in Christian living, like patience, kindness, gentleness, and positivity, help transform those moments. Together, the team works to create a calming experience, demonstrating care that extends beyond technical expertise. Their attitudes, he notes, are often noticed by patients who sense something different about the atmosphere.
Dental hygienist Ally Richardson says working alongside coworkers who share her faith brings reassurance and purpose to each day.
“There is a sense of peace that comes with knowing just a few steps away is someone whose hope and reassurance is beyond this life and day to day responsibilities,” she said. “We have a greater purpose.”
That shared foundation strengthens relationships and encourages accountability, as team members model kindness and compassion in both patient care and interactions with one another.
The sense of community also shapes how the team supports each other through life’s challenges. Coworkers pray together during times of illness or loss, gather for voluntary lunchtime Bible studies, and begin meetings with prayer. Richardson reflected on a particularly difficult season when the office lost a beloved doctor after a short battle with cancer.
“I think what everybody was looking for was a hope much deeper than something of this world,” she said. “We were able to show the confidence in our Lord, even through the hardest trials.”
Ultimately, Mitchell sees the greatest impact not just in patient care, but in the daily opportunities to model Christ-like character. Coworkers observe one another closely, and trust is built through consistent actions over time. Small moments of kindness and encouragement often lead to deeper conversations and meaningful support.
For this group of Florida College alumni, working together has become more than a professional collaboration—it is an extension of the Christian community, now influencing both their workplace and the broader Tampa community.