MHPMP Mentors and Mentee

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Following dental school Dr. Middleton completed an oral cancer fellowship at Stanford University and a Hospital Dentistry Residency at the VA Medical Center in Palo Alto, California.

Dr. Middleton has been in private practice for over thirty years and has actively contributed to the community by assisting young people and engaging in humanitarian work worldwide. He has participated in medical missions to the Philippines, Cuba, and Belize and various programs throughout Northern California. 

A member of the California Dental Association, Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Middleton served as the president of the Sacramento Chapter of the National Dental Association for nearly a decade and continues to offer his advice to young and upcoming dental professionals in Northern California. 

Dr. Middleton owns A Beautiful Smile Dental Office, which has existed since 1932 and continues to see young and old patients, some of whom have been coming to the practice for three generations. 

Dr. Middleton’s dedication to providing quality dental care and community involvement is unwavering. This motivation drives him to help others while maintaining his thriving dental practice. 

Dr. Middleton enjoys attending NHRA and NASCAR events at the Sonoma Raceway, college and professional football, and all types of music. 

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Mimms has provided psychotherapy, coaching, teaching, supervision, and consulting across diverse settings, including hospitals, schools, universities, nonprofit organizations, and private practice. Her expertise spans trauma, intimate partner violence, racial oppression, and the psychological well-being of African American women and girls. As a speaker and trainer, she is sought after by educational institutions, corporations, and community groups for her dynamic presentations on topics like mental health and wellness, trauma-informed care, diversity and inclusion, and self-care.

Dr. Mimms has researched domestic violence homicide, the experiences of Black students on predominantly White campuses, and the impact of social support on mental health. She has served as clinical faculty at California Northstate University and as a supervisor for the Los Rios Community College District's mental health training program. Through her coaching and therapy practice, she helps high-achieving women of color navigate work-life balance, burnout, and other challenges, empowering them to align their actions with their values and goals.

Originally from Southern California, Dr. Mimms now resides in Sacramento with her husband, three children, and their energetic dog, Butter. In her downtime, she enjoys gardening, cheering on her kids at sporting and theater events, and organizing her home (She’s a certified professional organizer, too!).

Through the Minority Health Professions Mentor Program (MHPMP), Gianna has had the invaluable opportunity to witness medical professionals who look like her, reinforcing the belief that representation matters. This exposure has solidified her understanding that no dream is too far-fetched and has fueled her ambition to break barriers in the medical field.

Alongside her aspirations in healthcare, Gianna is a talented performer with a vibrant stage presence. As an active Celebration of Arts Theater member, she has showcased her diverse acting skills in various roles. In 2024, Gianna captivated audiences as Cherry in Tinker the Toy Maker and Ermina in Crumbs From the Table of Joy. Her previous roles have included a mermaid sister and a princess in The Little Mermaid, a daring pirate in Peter and the Starcatcher, and colorful underwater creatures in Rainbow Fish. Gianna’s regal charm shone as Ester in The Emperor’s New Clothes. She brings an infectious enthusiasm and a whirlwind of brilliance with every role, making her a standout talent in every performance.

Gianna Bennett’s passion for medicine and the arts reflects her well-rounded personality. She is determined to continue breaking boundaries in both fields. As she works towards her dream of becoming a trauma surgeon, her journey is a powerful reminder that with perseverance, dedication, and the right mentorship, no dream is too distant to achieve.