Toothtalks July, 2020 Newsletter
Kayla Glidewell is a treatment coordinator for Allen Family Dentistry. She coordinates what the dentists would like for our clients when we say we are giving you “the smile of a lifetime”. Kayla has previously served the community of East Texas for a decade in the business and emergency room side of healthcare.
In previous employment, Kayla’s employer awarded her Miss Hospitality (otherwise known as Employee of the Year). She was also nominated by her Director of Nursing because of her impeccable performance and determination to help others in their time of emergent need. Kayla was also recently nominated to JetBlue as a Healthcare Hero and awarded a travel voucher. Kayla has spent numerous hours volunteering at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital (Dallas) growing up, and also locally with the East Texas Crisis Center annually.
You can always expect 100% transparency in the treatment coordinating process with Kayla. She takes great pride in knowing that all of our clients have a exceptional visit each time.
Kayla is a member of the First Baptist Church of Murchison. When she isn’t traveling she enjoys spending time with her family near and far, playing golf or eating way too much Mexican food. Otherwise, she’s always looking for ways to help and serve others. Kayla believes strong relationships with every client here at Allen Family Dentistry will set the foundation of everything she will be doing.
Hi I’m Halyn Willis. I’m from Frankston, TX. I graduated from TJC with my Associates of General Studies and Tyler Dental Assistant School with my RDA license. My birthday is December 30th. I am a member of First Baptist Church in Frankston.
In my free time, I enjoy taking photographs for my photography business, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. I have two fur babies Pistol & Pearl which are both miniature Aussies. My favorite sports team is the Dallas Cowboys. My favorite color is purple. Tex Mex is my “go to” food. My favorite bible verse is “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10”
I am so thankful and excited to be a part of the Allen Family Dentistry team! Remember, smiles are free, but they are worth a lot! 🦷
Faith is everything to Rene Jenkins. She is in charge of the nursery at her church, 3:16 Non-Denominational Church. Rene is passionate about learning and living a more spiritual life.
Rene enjoys reading, making Shutterfly books, refinishing furniture, and she also wants to learn to paint. She used to ride and show hunter/jumper horses with her daughters.
Here are some of Rene’s favorite things:
Quote – “My mission in life is not merely to strive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.” – Mary Angelou
Sports – any baseball, softball, football, basketball and soccer team that her grand kids are on!
Memory – horse showing, riding, and training horses with her daughters
Colors – blue, aqua and turquoise
Food – chocolate
Drink – coffee
Allison Mathews is a Registered Dental Hygienist. She is an east Texas native growing up around Nacogdoches and is a graduate from Chireno High School. Alli went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Texas Woman’s University, and Magna Cum Laude from Tyler Junior College in 2019. She was honored to be awarded as the ‘Outstanding Dental Hygiene Student’ of her 2019 class.
Alli’s biggest passions are continuing education and helping others. For her, being a dental hygienist allows her to combine these two in educating patients about their oral health and providing them with care to achieve a healthy smile.
She is a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association as well as the Texas Dental Hygienists’ Association. She is a current resident in Tyler, Texas with two cats she rescued, Kitty and Bubba. Alli enjoys golfing on weekends, traveling, days spent at the lake, and visiting her family in East Texas.
My name is Tracy Moore. I was born and raised in Palestine. I have been married for 20 years and have 2 kids. I love spending time with my family, being outside, and I LOVE to shop!!
Shelly Lynn Agnew is a resident of Bullard, Texas and has been happily married to her husband, Larry, for 34 years.
They have two children, Whitney and Cameron, and four grandchildren, Cooper, Sawyer, Harper and Avery. They love spending time with their children, grandchildren, and their Shih-tzu named Snickers.
When she is not with her family, Shelly enjoys helping out with AABOM as a member, and also volunteers at the Bullard Methodist Mission House. She is a member of First Baptist Church, Bullard, and considers her faith an integral part of her life.
Here are some of Shelly’s favorites:
Sports teams – Baylor University Bears and the Texas Rangers
Memory – the birth of her grandchildren
Colors – olive, purple, red and blue
Angie Lust lives in Tenessee Colony near Palestine, TX. She has a wonderful family including her children, Jessican and Eli, two Persion cats, three dogs of various breeds, and her husband David. Angie is a registered dental hygienist (RDH) with an associate’s degree in applied science.
Angie enjoys traveling, especially wintertime skiing and summertime cruises. Angie also loves spending time with her family (including her horses) and working with stained glass when she has time. She was very active in her chilren’s booster clubs and PTA’s, but is now just enjoying life!
Most importantly, Angie has a very strong faith and is passionate about missions work and giving back to her community.
Here are some of Angie’s favorites:
Quotes – “Faith is taking the 1st step, even when you can’t see the entire staircase” – Anonymous
“Never forget that kindness and manners are free!” – Anonymous
Sports Teams – Texas A&M Aggies, Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers
Color – Purple
Food – Angie loves all food EXCEPT seafood and crawfish!
This employee’s bio will be available shortly!
Best wishes from Allen Family Dentistry!
Samantha has been a dental assistant for 13 years and a member reuniting our team since 2020. Her positive attitude and warm smile brightens everyone’s day!
Outside of work, Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys. She loves just about anything outdoors.
Hello, my name is Samantha Beltran, most people call me Sam. Originally from Palestine I have lived in Athens for 6 years. I joined the Allen Family Dentistry family 4 years ago to help my own family of 5. Married for 10 years to my husband Oliver we have 3 kids Emma, Ava, and Evan. They are our fierce soccer players and as such i am spending most of my spare time being soccer mom.
As I am not typically artistic, I am crafty when it comes to crafts, crochet, and baking! We love to keep our family active and with a history of owning a gym and personal training we enjoy educating our kids on healthy living along with being active in the community and family.
I am blessed to have a work family with similar values on community, faith, and family. Starting out in the front office and moving to Dental Assistant with this business has been a tremendous blessing to me and my little family. Thank you for choosing our office to serve your families as well.
My name is Kim Paroline (Kimmy to my 5 grandkids, Alexis, Kadence, Abby, Reese and Pierce).
I have lived in Athens all my life. I have been in dentistry since 1996 and for the past 15 years I have been a registered dental assistant at Allen Family Dentistry. I love working with our patients & seeing the difference I’m making in people’s lives. It fills me with joy to see people smile and know that I put the effort into that smile. I am certified in CPR, Nitrous Oxide Monitoring, and Zoom. I enjoy learning about the latest advances in dental technology that our office offers, like digital CEREC cad-cam design and iTero element scanner.
I am a very family oriented individual. When I’m not with my work family I am enjoying time with my husband Robbie, and my 4 wonderful children and their families. One of my favorite family traditions is our yearly vacation to the beach.
I also spend my time working out with Camp Gladiator, & being involved at my church in the youth department and the women’s ministry. When I’m relaxing at home I enjoy watching Hallmark movies and reading mystery romance novels.
My favorite bible verse is Proverbs 3 5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
I joined Allen Family Dentistry in 2017. I have worked in Orthodontics office and now I’m in general dentistry, which I love. I love making patients feel comfortable and explaining treatment to them.
My favorite thing about working at Allen Family Dentistry is that as an office we pray for one another and give each day and our talent to the Lord.
When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with my son Milo and my family. I love to travel, shop, and socialize.
Birthday: 01/03/1990
Hometown: Athens, Tx
Church I attend: St. Edwards Catholic Church
Favorite Food: Tacos
Quotes: Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened. -Dr. Seuss
My name is Lindy Billings and I am married with 2 boys and a darn good Dental Assistant. I have been working as an assistant for about 22 years. I have been at Allen Family Dentistry for about 7 of those years and haven’t felt more at home anywhere else.
I enjoy my work family as much as my family. When I’m not at work I love being outside, playing with my boys, and doing family activities. I’m also a Christian which is the biggest impact on my life and I strive to lead by example. God Bless!
Hello, my name is Adela Castillo and I am a resident of Jacksonville, Tx where I’ve lived the past 30 years. I am happily married and have two beautiful daughters, ages 8 and 13. I received my Associate’s degree in dental hygiene from Tyler Junior College in 2017 and my Bachelor’s degree from Texas Woman’s University in 2018.
My family and I are members of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Jacksonville where God has called us to serve in different areas. Soccer is a big part of my family. My husband is a volunteer soccer coach for both of our girl’s team. I really enjoy watching my girls play soccer and spending time with our soccer and church families. A couple of years back my husband and I took a mission trip to Guatemala where a group of us provided free dental services at a school and orphanage. That experience has really changed my prospective in life. It taught me to be appreciative of what God has blessed me with and to trust His plan.
I live in Bullard with my husband and bonus daughter who is 12. I’ve lived in east Texas my whole life. I love animals and like to be outside enjoying nice weather days. I like to watch tv, decorate, remodel our home, bake, take my dog for a walk.
Interesting fact about me: I grew up on a peach farm and helped my parents with that produce business for most of my life. I love to be around people who make me smile and laugh. My favorite color is teal and love pizza, Mexican food, and sweet wines. I love my job because I enjoy dentistry and the ability to connect with patients on a level that involves a sense of community and compassion.
Kassie is an East Texas Native, growing up and graduating from Eustace. Kassie has a passion for helping people. She started in dentistry at the age of 18 and spent 13 years as a Registered Dental Assistant before deciding to further her career and become a Registered Dental Hygienist. Kassie graduated in the top 5 of her class at Concorde Career College and was awarded the Colgate Preventative Dentistry Award.
Kassie currently resides in Mabank with her fiancé and their 4 boys. She enjoys attending her children’s sport and school events. They also spend a lot of time outdoors and enjoy fishing and mule rides with her crew.
My name is Erica Micheal Gurley. Growing up, family and friends call me Eri or by my maiden name, Crabtree. Now days, I go by Erica, Momma or Aunt Erwika. I was born in Athens on December 10th and graduated high school in 2007. I began taking college courses at Trinity Valley Community College as a junior in high school, but I completed both degrees at Tyler Junior College; the first degree in 2011 with an Associates in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene and the second in 2018 with a Bachelor’s in Science in Dental Hygiene. Both degrees bring great joy caring for the health of others as a dental hygienist and helping teach dental hygiene students as a part-time/sub instructor.
Thankfully, I have had my supportive husband and our families by my side through these experiences. My senior year in high school, I met my other half, Brandon, and we married a couple years later. Our seven year old son, Bennet, and fourteen month old daughter, Harlynn, are total energizer bunnies. Those two keep us on our feet and I love every minute of it. My hobbies includes anything that has to do with family, being a momma, outdoors, animals and rubber boots. I have three dogs that think they are human; ten year old black lab named Jade, two year old English shepherd named Dot and five month old rat terrier named Tiny. Our ranger utv is usually packed down with my husband and I, children and our furbabies so we can ride to our land to feed the cattle and horse, go to a pond to fish, or just ride around and enjoy God’s beautiful creation. Also, hunting has always been a big deal and when I get the chance, I like to join Brandon and Bennet.
We live out in the country and our church, China Grove Baptist Church, is literally a stroll down our road. I am proud to be a Christian, a sinner saved by God’s grace. There are times I struggle because I am human, but I try to be the best role model for my children and others who may need encouragement in their daily walk of life. I not only enjoy spending quality time with my little family, but also with Brandon’s and my parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Our families are huge! Making memories is what life is all about.
There are a few things that I would put under my “favorites” list. I like all bright colors, but purple stands out the most. I almost always choose purple, so I will say that is my favorite color! I will try nearly all foods and I’m not a very picky person, but if I get the choice, it will be seafood, and crab legs are my favorite. Anything chocolate is my go to dessert/candy. My favorite memories as a child: livestock show, outdoor family time at grandparents’ river house and traveling to rodeos for drill team. My favorite memories as an adult: marriage ceremony, seeing/holding my children for the first time, family vacations and graduation ceremonies. In the Bible, I love so many verses, but one of my favorite chapters is on the characteristics of love, 1 Corinthians 13.
When I’m not with family, I’m at Allen Family Dentistry with the greatest work family a dental hygienist can ask for. I take pride in being a part of a team that has a goal in providing the best comprehensive oral health care services for the community.
Heather Harvey. I began working at Allen Family Dentistry Bullard in October of 2015. As your Insurance Coordinator, I am here to assist you through explaining and discussing your insurance benefits and processing dental claims. I enjoy helping you understand the financial aspects of your dental needs. I have also served as secretary on the board of the East Texas chapter of the American Association of Dental Office Managers since its founding.
I love helping patients, providing great service, and seeing how happy our clients are with the results of their treatment. I am extremely proud to be a member of such an amazing team in our Bullard office. I was born and raised in East Texas, originally from Palestine. I live in Tyler with my husband of 11 years and our two beautiful dogs. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, spending time outside, and relaxing with family.
Hello, I am Susan Zacharias. I am part of the Allen Family Dentistry family in the Athens, TX location. I am the Hygiene Coordinator/Business Assistant. I am originally from Southern California. My husband, Michael and I moved to Texas about a year and a half ago. To be near our family, since the kids and grandbabies moved out here.
Graduating from Dental Assisting in 1988, and then moving into the front office position in 2004, I have been helping patients with their dental needs for over 30 years. In this time, I also received my Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Certificate in Colorado, when I lived there for 4 years. I really enjoy working with all of the patients and helping with their dental goals to achieve their Forever Smile.
I have been married for 30 years and have 2 amazing children, my son and my daughter, and 3 wonderful grandchildren, who always have my heart. They always laugh because I love football, baseball, hockey and NASCAR. Chores are always done around these events.
Hello! My name is Emma. I am sweet, fun loving and down to earth. the things that make me the happiest in my life are my husband, children, helping others and making them smile! My hobbies include hanging out with family, listening to music and cooking out.
Hi I’m Sally (Mustang Sally). I moved from Dallas to Athens in 1976. I went to Athens High School and HCJC… a long time ago. I was born on March 15 also a long time ago. I have three grown children and six grandchildren. All of my children are refusing me more grand babies.
I started in dentistry in 1985 at an orthodontic office in Athens. I have always loved getting to know our patients, meeting new people and catching up with old friends.
Weekends you will find me traveling to new places and trying new foods, Tex-Mex is my favorite. The Tuxedo Cats are a Tyler band that I love to follow. I can dance for hours as long as I can freestyle. Downtime is for old romantic comedies, backyard games with friends and Bible studies. I belong to Living for the Brand Cowboy Church. My favorite scriptures are Romans 8:28, 38-39. They SAY IT ALL!
Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart. Winnie the Pooh
Heather Newman, the second Heather to be employed by Allen Family Dentistry in Bullard, joined our team over a year ago. Heather has been in dentistry for over 15 years and is better known by “Newman” among coworkers. She is ecstatic that she found her dental home working with The Allen’s, Dr. Morgan Copeland and Bullard staff.
After hours, Heather enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Matt, daughter, Libby, 3 bonus kids and 3 grandkids. Snuggling with her beagle, Petey, and watching college football are a couple of her favorite things. A Georgia native, she is a die hardGeorgia Bulldog fan! She loves the rivalry that college football brings and looks forward to each upcoming season.
Heather is the first smiling face that you will see upon arrival at our Bullard Allen Family Dentistry location. She is always available to help with any dental call, treatment, insurance or financials with a smile on her face.
My name is Stefanie Echols. I am the office manager at Allen Family Dentistry in Athens TX. I have worked in Dentistry for almost 27 years after completing dental assisting school in Dallas. I started as a dental assistant and moved my way around to the front office and eventually became an office manager of an amazing team of people I love and respect. I am also married (for 26 years) and we have two amazing kids that are grown and married.
Due to my years in dental, I am able to connect with patients on a personal level when I am discussing their treatment, money or any issues they may have and/or need. Dentistry is ever changing and I love that I am constantly learning something new through continuing education and new experiences. I have been blessed to be a part of a new group that is designed specifically for Dental Office Managers (AADOM) to make my job a little easier every day.
I cannot imagine working anywhere else other than the dental field. I love being with the patients, the Allen Family team and the amazing Doctors.
I really enjoy the blog post.Really looking forward to read more.