Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Reggio.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I graduated from Maryville College in 2002. Maryville College is a small liberal arts school that places a strong emphasis on service and community engagement, and that philosophy had a lasting impact on me. After graduating, I began volunteering in my community and eventually found my calling in the nonprofit world.
My journey with Trinity Dental Clinic began in 2010 when I started volunteering in the clinical department. Through that experience, I discovered how meaningful it was to help provide dental care to individuals who otherwise might not have access to it. I later became a Registered Dental Assistant and continued serving the clinic while also working in other nonprofit roles.
In 2016, I began working at New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center. As a survivor of child abuse myself, that role was deeply personal to me. Being able to support children and families during incredibly difficult times was both meaningful and fulfilling. While I loved the work at New Hope, Trinity Dental Clinic had always held a special place in my heart.
In 2024, when the Executive Director position at Trinity Dental Clinic became available, something told me it was time to take a leap of faith. I stepped into the role with a deep passion for the mission and a commitment to expanding access to care for our community. Today, I’m honored to lead an organization that has been serving uninsured adults and improving oral health in our region for nearly two decades.
Community involvement remains very important to me, and I continue to volunteer with several local organizations, including New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center, the Blount County K-9 Association, Rocky Top Veterans Foundation, The Gate – Gateway to Independence, United Way of Blount County, and Second Chance Prom. Giving back to the community that has given so much to me is something I will always be passionate about.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but the challenges have shaped me into the leader I am today. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that leadership requires both heart and wisdom. When you work in the nonprofit world, your heart is deeply connected to the mission and the people you serve. Early on, I had to learn that while compassion is essential, strong leadership also requires thoughtful decision-making, boundaries, and sometimes making difficult choices for the long-term health of the organization.
I’ve been very fortunate to have mentors who helped guide me along the way. One of the most influential leaders in my life has been Tabitha Damron, she was the Executive Director during my time at New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center. She showed me what it looks like to lead with strength, compassion, and integrity. Watching her lead taught me so much about how to support a team and advocate for those who need help the most.
Another mentor who has had a tremendous impact on me is Tom Coulter, the Board President of Trinity Dental Clinic. Tom has a wealth of wisdom and experience, and he has been incredibly supportive as I stepped into the Executive Director role. His guidance has helped me grow in confidence and leadership.
Working in the nonprofit world also comes with its own set of challenges. Resources are often limited, and the needs in the community are great. There are times when you wish you could do more for every person who walks through the door. But those challenges are also what make the work meaningful. They push us to be creative, resilient, and committed to our mission.
Through every challenge, I’ve been reminded that none of us lead alone. The mentors, board members, staff, volunteers, and community partners around me make this work possible, and I’m grateful to learn from them every day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Trinity Dental Clinic?
Trinity Dental Clinic is a nonprofit dental clinic dedicated to providing quality, affordable dental care to uninsured adults in Blount County and the surrounding communities. Our mission is simple but incredibly important: to ensure that individuals who lack dental insurance still have access to the care they need to live healthy, productive lives.
Since opening our doors in 2006, Trinity Dental Clinic has served thousands of patients who otherwise might not have access to dental services. We operate on a reduced fee schedule, allowing patients to receive essential treatments, such as exams, extractions, fillings, cleanings, and dentures, at a price they can afford.
One important part of our work is serving the Hispanic population in our community, many of whom face additional barriers to accessing healthcare. We strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where every patient feels respected and understood.
Collaboration is also a key part of what we do. We partner with several local nonprofits to better serve the needs of our community. Organizations such as True Purpose Ministries, Rocky Top Veteran’s Foundation, and the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation help us connect with individuals who need dental care but may not know where to turn. These partnerships allow us to extend our reach and ensure that more people receive the care they need.
What truly sets Trinity apart is our commitment to dignity and compassion. Every patient who walks through our doors is treated with respect and kindness. For many of our patients, we are their only option for dental care, and we take that responsibility very seriously.
What I’m most proud of, from a brand perspective, is the trust Trinity Dental Clinic has built in the community over the past two decades. We are known not only for providing dental care, but for truly caring about the people we serve. Our work is about more than teeth, it’s about restoring confidence, improving overall health, and helping people move forward in their lives.
Ultimately, what I want readers to know is that Trinity Dental Clinic exists because our community believes everyone deserves access to healthcare. We are proud to be part of a community that continues to support that mission.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
This year has been an especially meaningful one for Trinity Dental Clinic. We were honored to receive the Best of Blount Community Impact Award, which reflects the incredible support we’ve received from our community over the years. I was also deeply honored to receive the Governor’s Star Award, which recognizes individuals who have made an impact through volunteerism and community service. Both recognitions truly belong to the entire Trinity team and the many volunteers and supporters who help make our work possible.
We are also celebrating an exciting milestone as Trinity Dental Clinic approaches its 20th anniversary. For nearly two decades, the clinic has been dedicated to improving access to dental care for uninsured adults in our community. It’s inspiring to look back at how many lives have been impacted through the compassion and dedication of our staff, volunteer dentists, board members, and community partners.
On a personal level, I’m also honored to be part of the current Leadership Blount class, which has been an incredible opportunity to connect with other leaders in our community and learn more about the many organizations working to make Blount County a better place to live and serve.
One thing I would want readers to know is that the work of Trinity Dental Clinic is truly a community effort. From volunteers who give their time, to donors who support our mission, to the organizations we partner with, it takes a village to make this work possible.
As we look to the future, our goal is to continue expanding access to care and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to receive the dental care they need. We are incredibly grateful to be part of a community that believes in helping one another.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.trinitydentalclinic.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrinityDentalClinic865/
