Meet the iHeart Dental Team!
Apollo Henry the 8th Perez
1 yr dental experience
Apollo was born Dec 8, 2018. He was born special, being the last (8th) born pup and one of the smallest in the litter. Over time, he grew bigger and bigger and his heart grew bigger and bigger as well. Surprisingly, he ended up being the biggest one out of the litter. Now at 150 lbs, he is a certified service dog, trained at helping people with anxiety during their dental appointments. He truly loves what he does and loves helping patients. Patients also request him for their dental appointments.
“Dogs leave paw prints on your heart.”
Brittney Black
Administrative Manager
10 years of experience
My journey into dentistry started ten years ago. I made the decision to go back to school due to uncertainties in life. While contemplating what field of study, I thought to myself the first thing I notice about a person is their smile and teeth. This is what made me decide to enter the field of dentistry as a Dentist Assistant. I wanted to help people be comfortable and have a reason to smile. What I love best about my job is the way a positive experience in the dental office can change someone’s life. From dental anxiety to confidence in their smile. I love that I can help people achieve this. Patients are number one to me! While not at work, I enjoy going to the beach, kayaking, fishing and spending time with my family, friends, and my husband, Clint with our precious fur babies.
“Be your own reason to smile.”
Lesley Grubbs
Chief Financial Coordinator
32 years of experience
I am a Daughter, Mom to one daughter, Grandmother to two, Sister, Aunt, Niece, Cousin, and friend.
I actually got into Dental on accident, I went to sign up for surgical technology and the class was full, I knew that if I sat out and waited 6 months my chances of going back to school right away were slim because I had a daughter to care for and just then one of the advisors suggested dental and I immediately gave her a look like WHAT?????? and who would have thought 32 years later I’m still here. I love what I do because I get to meet people of all colors, creeds, dominations, and professional backgrounds and we have at least one thing in common and that’s teeth. I must say that I have met some phenomenal people, and when we can turn a frown into a smile, calm fears and anxiety to relaxing and loving to come to the dentist because you feel at home, and some can go from being a shy person who doesn’t like to smile into the person that can’t stop smiling now that’s the best feeling ever!!! To know that you made a difference… Although some of our patients say “It’s the snack bar we offer!!” lol!!
After living life during and through a pandemic, things I used to value are not that important, the things that I valued the least are now the most important so I say “Dance like no one is watching and sing like no one is listening, Love like you’ve never been hurt and most of all live like heaven is right here on earth” Just Live!!
Ashleigh Atkins RDH
Registered Dental Hygienist
5 years of experience
I knew I wanted to be in dentistry during my senior year of high school. I was on homecoming court
and we had to write down our
future plans after high school for when we were announced in front of the school. My mother and I sat down and brainstormed and picked dental
hygiene. I took a chance and went for it and absolutely fell head over heels in love with this profession! Best decision I’ve ever made, besides marrying
Andy, my wonderful husband of course!
A smile is sometimes people’s first impression of a person, and my goal is to make everyone smile confidently and feel good about themselves.
I started my college journey at Savannah Technical College in Savannah GA in 2012 and graduated with an Associate in Dental Hygiene in 2017. I enjoy
spending time with friends and family, and getting out on the boat, and am a huge University of Kentucky Wildcats fan. I love discussing the importance of oral hygiene with my patients and putting a smile on their faces.
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” -Mother Teresa
Dalia Alonso
Dental Assistant
1 year of experience
My journey into dental has been a wild ride. I first got into the field when facing uncertainty in my educational path after high school. One day my stepbrother was telling me about his career path to be a dental hygienist and I saw the passion he had for his job. So I decided to follow in his footsteps but before I could commit, I figured I would first try small by taking a dental assistant course. Graduating late 2021 and starting my job I fell in love with making patients with dental anxiety feel at ease and take their first steps back into getting treatment as I had dental anxiety myself from a bad experience as a young girl. My goal has been to help people just like me and help patients fall in love with their smiles again. Outside of work I dedicated most of my time to my pet dog Rambo and spending time with family.
“There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.” ~ Mandy Hale
MaKenzie Kessler
Registered Dental Hygienist
2 years of experience
I first got into dental when my cousin became a hygienist and I came to her school clinic to let her clean my teeth. I was intrigued by all the hard work and dedication it takes to maintain someone’s oral /overall health. I asked a lot of questions and grew to love what the profession was all about. I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field and hygiene seemed like a stable career. I am also a people person, so it makes me happy knowing I can care for my patients while giving them the experience they wish to have.
“Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works, and give glory to your father who is in heaven”
Matthew 5:16
A Smile is the Key to Everybody’s Heart
We are dedicated to providing the highest-level dental care in a comfortable and relaxed setting while giving love, compassion, and respect for our patients and their dental needs leading to a healthier smile.
Monika Ward
Dental Assistant / Administration
21 years experience
I grew up in Irvine, California, and received a softball scholarship to Doane University in Nebraska. After receiving my Bachelor’s of Science degree in 1997, I wanted to pursue a career where I could help people. I began working in a dental office and loved what I was learning. I was amazed at what could be done to enhance someone’s smile. The absolute joy on a patient’s face and the increased confidence that came with their new smile, made going to work exciting. I have been working in the dental field since 1999, doing both front and back office. I met my amazing husband in 2007 while playing co-ed softball. We married in 2009 and we have two wonderful boys that keep me on my toes.
“Your life isn’t yours if you always care what others think.”
Erich Perez
6 years of dental experience
To me dentistry is fun and fulfilling in many ways. I got into dental the day I met my wife. I was fascinated with what dentistry entails and the wide range of specialties and niches to go into. I attended all the seminars and workshops that my wife attended such as the Hinman Dental Convention, Spear Education Seminars, and Dental Symposiums. I Immediately gravitated toward the lab side of dentistry because I love building and sculpting with my hands. I love the digital side of dentistry as well. I’m very tech savvy and digital dentistry is an exciting, innovative concept that many dental practices are not practicing because it may be too challenging or intimidating. I thoroughly enjoy and welcome it! I also enjoy doing marketing as well. I love the impact I have with my patients, changing their lives for the better one smile at a time.
“The only way evil prevails is for good men to do nothing.”
Andrea Sanchez
Insurance Coordinator
10 years of dental experience
I got my start in dentistry completely by chance! I was working at a bank and the office manager of another dental office was a regular customer of mine. One day, she offered me a job as her front desk associate and I have been hooked on the dental field ever since! My favorite thing about dentistry is how it literally changes people’s lives by changing their smiles. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Roger, and my two sons, Connor and Caden. What I love most about iHeart Dental is the compassion and love we give each and every single one of our patients. We want to be the reason you smile when you come to our office!!
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi