Abby, Call Center Specialist
As a call center specialist, Abby answers patient phone calls, schedules appointments, and checks insurance coverage. She says being outgoing and hardworking makes her a great fit for the job. “I’m compassionate and I have great customer service skills!” she says.
A Groveport, OH, native, Abby says having family at the Hines Little Smiles practice made it a natural choice for her to join the team. She says she loves how compassionate and family oriented the practice is. “Everyone is very compassionate, loyal, professional and hardworking!”
When she’s not managing the phones, Abby is spending time traveling the world or hanging out with her family and fur babies, Lucy and Winston. She supports Meals on Wheels, Toys for Tots, and the Red Cross.
Amara, Treatment Coordinator, Marketing Team
As treatment coordinator at HLS, Amara is responsible for going over recommended treatments with patients and their parents, providing financial information, and scheduling their next visits. “I’m patient, detailed, and a people pleaser!” she says.
A Central Ohio native, Amara completed her dental assistant certification at Dental Assistant Pro, and followed up with certifications in radiology and BLS. She says she loved going to the dentist growing up and enjoys working at a practice that is focused on giving children the same great experiences she remembers having. “We’re a family here,” she says.
When she’s not educating children about good oral hygiene, Amara enjoys traveling with her dog and trying new restaurants. She says the charities she is most fond of are St. Jude’s, Make A Wish – Western Wishes, and Give Kids a Smile.
Andrea, Surgery Coordinator
As a Surgery Coordinator, Andrea reviews the treatment and explains the process to parents. Not only does she answer questions from parents daily, but she also works closely with referring offices and pediatricians to gather all the information needed.
Andrea earned her Associate’s degree in Horse Husbandry and Applied Animal Science from The Ohio State University. She enjoys working with horses in her spare time but decided to change her career path because the dental field is so rewarding. Andrea continues pursuing her passion for animals through The Shane Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship. The team at Hines Little Smiles is “just fantastic,” she says.
When she’s not at work, Andrea loves to spend time outdoors hiking and camping with her family and two Blue Heeler Australian Cattle dogs.
Ariana, Surgery Coordinator
Parents whose children schedule surgical treatment have various questions, and Ariana’s role is to answer them and make the process as easy as possible. Ariana works closely with the surgery center and submits pre-authorizations for the medical insurance companies.
Originally from Ashville, Ohio, Ariana is a licensed Cosmetologist. She enjoys getting to know the patients and loves all their personalities. Her mother has worked in the dental field for as long as she can remember, so she also decided to join a dental team.
Her family and friends keep her busy in her free time, but the light of her life is her golden doodle Zuko!
Ashley, EFDA
Ashley is an expanded function dental assistant. After she makes sure her patient is comfortable, she can perform a wide range of tasks including cleaning and polishing teeth, applying dental sealants, and placing fillings. “Being great with kids and good at what I do makes me a perfect fit for my job!”
Ashley hails from Springfield, OH, and now lives in Columbus, OH. She completed Stark States EFDA program, and now has over five years of experience under her belt. “My sisters are nurses, so I thought I’d be different and go into the dental field!” she says. “I love that everyone here works together and it feels like a family.”
When she’s not performing her expanded functions, Ashley can be typically found at home with her two sons. She loves to do nails, workout, and have family Sunday dinners.
Bethany, Front Desk Administrator
Bethany is one of the first people our patients see when they arrive. Between greeting patients and scanning documents, she maintains the schedule and keeps everything organized. “I’m a multi-tasker!” she says, adding, “I’m friendly and eager to help, but also have great time management and organizational skills.”
Originally from Springfield now living in Columbus, Bethany went to technical school to become a nursing assistant. She’s been at Hines Little Smiles since 2021 and says she loves that the job has many challenges and rewards as well as the opportunity for advancement.
When she isn’t welcoming patients to the office and keeping the practice wheels turning, Bethany is busy being a wife and the mother of four kids. She loves baking, crafting, traveling, and you can find her organizing on TikTok.
Betty, Sterile Processing Tech
Betty says she’s a perfect fit for her job because she loves cleaning instruments. She ensures every piece is properly sterilized and wrapped for the doctor to use, providing patient safety.
Originally from St. Louis, MO, Betty now lives in Whitehall, OH. She enjoys working in the dental industry, and says she focuses on getting the job done well and not missing days.
Betty says she loves working at HLS because everyone on staff gets along and has a good heart. “Everyone here is a people person, and they make the kids feel welcome!”
Chelsee, Office Manager
As the Office Manager at HLS, Chelsee’s job is to oversee the daily workflow of the entire team. She says being organized, able to keep a level head, and having close attention to detail make her great at her job. “It’s all about teamwork and creating a family atmosphere!”
Originally from Columbus, OH, Chelsee now lives in Reynoldsburg, OH. She says she joined HLS because a great opportunity became available, and she went for it.
When she’s not managing the office so every patient gets excellent care, Chelsee spends her time scrapbooking or raising awareness for autism. Chelsee is married and has four amazing children and two wonderful grandchildren.
Claudia, Front Desk Administrator
As a front desk administrator, Claudia wears many hats. She checks in patients and helps out wherever she is needed to keep things running smoothly on the reception side. “I love seeing the kids every day, and being a part of their positive experience at the dentist!” she says.
Claudia is from Pataskala, OH, and working at Hines Little Smiles has been her introduction to the dental field. “I would love to eventually go back to school for dental assisting,” she says, adding, “I love pushing myself and discovering new limits!”
When she’s not welcoming patients to the practice, Claudia loves hanging out with her fiancé, dog, and cat, painting, or playing video games. She supports Ronald McDonald House Charities, and regularly gives blood to the Red Cross.
Haley, Call Center Specialist
When someone calls Hines Little Smiles, odds are they’ll hear Haley’s cheerful voice on the other end of the line. “My great customer service skills make me the perfect fit for this job!” she says.
A Grove City, OH, native, Haley has been confidently handling incoming calls, scheduling patient appointments, and creating new patient accounts at Hines Little Smiles since 2021. “I love how everyone here works as a team,” she confides.
When she’s not handling the phones, Haley is either hanging out with her daughter or spending time shopping with her friends.
Herb, Practice Administrator
As the Practice Administrator for Hines Little Smiles, Herb is in charge of facility management, life safety, human resources, and any other tasks that might be required on the operational side of the practice.
Originally from Cleveland Heights, OH, Herb now lives in Galena, OH. He says he chose to join HLS for a new challenge, and that being willing and able to fill in the blanks and help where he is needed makes him a valuable addition to the team. “We have a unique family environment, and everyone is very compassionate and united by their desire to help children,” he says.
When Herb isn’t managing the facility and making sure team members have what they need at HLS, he can be found spending free time with his wife and children, or enjoying the outdoors while golfing, camping, or riding his Harley.
Iliesha, Dental Surgery Assistant
Iliesha’s role includes helping wherever it is needed, whether that’s assisting the doctors chairside or taking x-rays. She says she has two family members who work in the dental industry: “Seeing their passion for dentistry motivated me to do research and give it a try!”
Originally from Springfield, OH, Iliesha now lives in Columbus, OH. She attended dental assisting school and now has been part of the HLS team since 2021. “I love working with kids and being able to make them smile,” she says, adding, “It’s the little things that make a big difference. The office is kid friendly, and the staff are all team players!”
When she is at home, Iliesha spends her spare time with family and friends, or on one of her hobbies. She enjoys hiking, yoga, and travelling.
Jeannine, RDH
As a dental hygienist, Jeannine is passionate about good oral health. She performs cleanings, takes x-rays, and shows little hands how to brush and floss correctly. Working with children is a dream come true: “The kids are so sweet and funny! Every day is an adventure,” she says.
Hailing from Reynoldsburg, OH, Jeannine earned her Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene from Columbus State Community College. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Eastern Washington University. She’s been part of our team since 2021.
When she’s not educating others about good oral health, Jeannine says she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and going on walks with her Golden Retriever, Bella.
Jennifer, RDH, EFDA
As a Registered Dental Hygienist, Jennifer stays busy taking x-rays, scaling and polishing teeth, applying fluoride treatment and sealants, and teaching kids how to take care of their own teeth at home. She says the best part of her day is seeing children’s happy smiles!
Originally from Galion, Ohio, Jennifer now lives in Mansfield, Ohio. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and also completed her EFDA training at Ohio State University. Jennifer has been working in the dental industry for over four years now, and says she loves how the practice is its own little family.
When she’s not making children smile, Jennifer can be found spending time with family, friends, and her beloved pets, Joey and Diesel. She enjoys traveling and the great outdoors.
Jennifer, Treatment Coordinator
As a treatment coordinator, Jennifer helps facilitate treatment planning, pre-determinations, and treatment scheduling. She says being an outgoing people person has been invaluable to her tasks. “I enjoy educating people about their insurance, and helping them get the most out of their benefits!”
A Centerburg, OH, native, Jennifer completed Dental Assistant School and has been on our team since 2013. She says she loves working with a compassionate team that is like a family, serving their patients like they are family, too. “I wanted to have a career where I could make a difference in someone else’s life. We do that here every day!”
When she’s not working hard on her patients’ behalf, Jennifer can be found spending time with her husband, John, and her adult son. She enjoys board games, movies, cooking, and trying new restaurants. Jennifer supports the Make a Wish Foundation and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Krystal, Accounts Receivable Specialist, Administrative Manager
Krystal’s primary responsibility is to follow up directly with insurance companies regarding payment to our office. She facilitates communications through out the entire administrative team.
A Carroll, OH, native, Krystal says the dental field has always intrigued her, and she finds the innovations amazing. She is also a trained dental assistant, and says “I have a personable character, which you definitely need in this field!”
When she’s not working with kids and their parents, Krystal is spending time with her family, friends, and says she enjoys shopping and being outdoors with her dogs.
Lakken, EFDA
As a CODA accredited EFDA, Lakken went into dentistry because she had family and friends in the field, and discovered it was a beautiful match. She polishes teeth, places fillings and sealants, and assists the doctors with procedures to give each patient the most beautiful smile possible before educating them about good oral care.
Lakken lives in Zanesville, OH, and has been working with our team since 2021. She says she loves working with “the kiddos,” and describes herself as a big kid at heart herself, saying, “I’m kind, sweet, and compassionate. I dress with a smile and love coming to work – it’s so fun and upbeat! Everyone is positive and helpful, and you go home feeling like you weren’t even working!”
The self-described “baby of the family,” Lakken has an older brother and sister, and is the proud aunt of a niece and together they love visiting the pool. She likes being pampered and getting her nails done, and stays fit by walking and running… “Mostly walking!” she laughs.
Linda, Dental Assistant, Coronal Polisher
Linda’s job as a Dental Assistant means being able to transition quickly from task to task as she assists, takes x-rays, performs cleanings, and stocks rooms in between patients. “I enjoy working with families and children, and caring for teeth,” she says, adding “and I like having fun!”
Linda is originally from Frazeysburg, OH, but now lives in Newark, OH. Her education has included coursework in dental assisting, radiology, coronal polishing, and orthodontics. She says some of the best things about working at HLS is how organized the office is and how compassionate the staff are. “Everyone really cares about the patients!”
When she’s not educating little ones on the importance of flossing or taking pictures of emerging teeth, Linda can be found outdoors, walking, camping or exercising, or spending time with her family, She supports her church and her community.
Marissa, RDH
Marissa had dental issues of her own as a kid, making her even more empathetic with kids who come into our practice. Her tasks as a dental hygienist include cleaning and polishing teeth, taking x-rays, and applying sealants. “I have high energy and love having a good time,” she says, adding, “That makes coming in to work fun!”
A Baltimore, OH, native, Marissa earned her Associate’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and her Bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. She’s passionate about helping others and says her coworkers and patients are what she loves most about her job.
When she isn’t shining up little teeth, Marissa usually hangs out with friends and family, drinks coffee, and runs to burn off her excess energy. She loves to snow ski out west and says she is both a huge New Orleans Saints fan and a UC Bearcats fan.
Renada, Dental Assistant, Coronal Polisher
Renada is always busy, helping with patient care chair-side, charting, taking x-rays, or completing coronal polishing. “I have a fascination with teeth, and love seeing my patients get through their appointment and realize it was no big deal,” she says.
Renada is from Pataskala, OH, and has been with the Hines Little Smiles family since 2011. She has completed dental assisting school and may continue her education in the years to come. “I have a great boss, I love coming to work every day, I love the kids, and I’m so glad I work in such a happy place,” she says.
When she’s not making sure the kids have great smiles, Renada can be found enjoying her time away from the office with her husband and children.
Roderick, Dental Assistant, Coronal Polisher, Mechanical Lead
Rod says the best thing about Hines Little Smiles is the practice’s fast pace and the entire staff’s love for children. “I love the fun atmosphere we create for kids and their families,” he says, adding, “I enjoy working with kids of all ages, and helping them be comfortable at the dentist.”
A Columbus native, Rod has over a decade of experience in the profession and received his training to become a Dental Assistant from the Academy of Health Sciences, U.S. Army. During his time serving in the military, Rod was a Paratrooper.
In his spare time, Rod enjoys fishing, cooking, and spending time with family. Rod is a Freemason and volunteers with the organization See Kids Dream as well as being a blood donor for the Red Cross.
Sierra, Dental Assistant, Coronal Polisher
As a dental assistant and coronal polisher, Sierra takes x-rays, applies sealants, polishes teeth, and assists the doctors during exams.
A Lancaster, OH, native, Sierra attended the Fairfield Career Center for Dental Assisting. She’s been working at HLS since 2018 and says that the practice feels like a big family. “I love working with kids. They say the cutest and funniest things!”
Sierra says the first thing she notices about people is their smile, and she knew she always wanted to make people feel better about their smile. When she’s not hard at work to accomplish that goal, Sierra loves spending time out doors with her dog.
Susan, RDH
Registered Dental Hygienist Susan refers to herself humorously as a “brushing, flossing, tooth picker extraordinaire!” She says being a pop star didn’t work out, but that’s OK. “I graduated first in my class at Columbus State Dental Hygiene, so I had something to fall back on!” she laughs.
Originally from Greenville, North Carolina, Susan now lives in Columbus, Ohio, and has been working at Hines Little Smiles since 2019. “I love the team and atmosphere at the practice, but most importantly I love the kids,” she says, adding that her energy and teamwork skills make her a great fit for her job.
When she’s not making sure each child’s dental hygiene experience is the best it can be, Susan is spending time with her own kids or reading, exercising, playing sports, or other “outdoor stuff.” She supports the YMCA.
Tiffany, Accounts Receivable Specialist, Marketing Team
Tiffany wears “many hats” at Hines Little Smiles. Tiffany enters payments from insurance companies and calculates predeterminations in her Accounts Receivable role. She also works closely with the surgery team facilitating IV sedation. She is also part of the marketing team! Having been a part of the HLS since 2011, she has done quite a few things throughout the office. Her colleagues know she is always willing to help anywhere it is needed!
When Tiffany is not helping around the office, she enjoys real estate, traveling, and joining her husband in caring for their farm animals.