Get to know Us
Our people set us apart. We’re passionate, friendly, and dedicated. Every member of our team is focused on ensuring you receive clear and compassionate care, and making sure you feel at home.
Sylvia Smith
office manager
I have been in the dental field for over 25 years. I started my career as a dental assistant, then completed my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Since completing my degree, I have been an office manager. In my spare time I love spending time with my family, gardening, and traveling.
Toni Lafferty
CFO
I grew up all over, but mostly in California. I have worked in the financial industry since 1999, doing anything from data entry, bookkeeping, payroll, and investment portfolio reconciliations. I have worked in dental since 2018, and am happy to say I can speak the language. I graduated from UCMT in 2001 and have completed additional massage and bodywork courses over the years. I’ve been singing since I learned to talk, I can play the piano, marimba, and most percussion instruments, and am often absently whistling some random tune without thinking (mostly disney, showtunes or oldies). As a mother of 6 adventurous kids, life is rarely without an anecdote. I am quirky, witty, helpful, and hard working. I love my family, words, puns, a good belly laugh and think hugs are better than food. I genuinely love people and believe that friends are just family members that we are blessed to choose to have in our lives.
Cyrena Atencio
Business Assistant
I’m a native New Mexican who has been in the dental field for 8 years. I started as an assistant & now enjoy working as a business assistant. I love spending time with my family at sports events & on the lake.
Alexa Acosta
Business Assistant
I’m fairly new to dental & really love helping people. I am a native New Mexican & love curling up with a good book!
Mariah McAdams
Business Assistant
I’m originally from northern California & really love my cats Mr. Burger & Milkshake!!! In my spare time I enjoy writing acoustic music, hiking Sandia peak & frolicking in the forest!
Nate Duran
Registered Dental Hygienist
My name is Nate, I graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene here at the University of New Mexico. I have enjoyed working with ABQ Gentle Dentistry and helping patients over these past years. I always strive to provide my patients with a friendly and positive dental experience. In my spare time, I love doing anything outdoors ranging from hunting, mountain biking, and snowboarding with my wife, son, and our four-legged pal, Chevy.
Leah Mowrer
Registered Dental Hygienist
I have been in the dental field since 2005. I was a dental assistant first and then chose to continue my education in dental hygiene. I am a mother of four amazing children. I have a set of twins. I enjoy the outdoors, cooking, traveling and being with my family.
Alleah Candelaria
Registered Dental Hygienist
I’m a UNM graduate and native New Mexican who enjoys our wonderful local cuisine & spending time outdoors with my family.
Caressa Goodman
Dental Assistant
My name is Caressa. I am originally from Durango, CO. I have worked in the dental industry for over 20 years and love helping people overcome their fears and have fun coming to see us. I love spending time with my family, volunteer work, traveling the world, camping in my teepee and snorkeling.
JuliSa Villa
Dental Assistant
I love working in dental. I really enjoy helping people achieve their dental goals! I love my family & enjoy working out & spending time with loved ones!
Katrina Lucero
Dental Assistant
Hi, my name is Katrina Lucero. I am from San Felipe Pueblo, and was born & raised here in New Mexico. I have been in the Navy Reserves for four years and been on one deployment and hope to go on more. I have specialized in dental assisting for the past two years and I have been working at ABQ Gentle Dentistry since 2022. I have two dogs, named Harley and Inosuke. In my spare time I love to go to concerts, & travel in the USA (hopefully world wide one day!)
Jessica Horn-McElwayne
Dental Assistant
I have been in the dental field for 23 years. I’m originally from Florida, and have 2 kids, 3 dogs, & a cat. I love to garden & camping with my family. Annnnd I LOVE tacos!!
Yesenia Saiz
Dental Assistant
My name is Yesenia Saiz, and I have been a dental assistant for 11 years. Being a dental assistant is my passion! Seeing people’s happy tears after changing their smile is the reason I do what I do. Seeing people gain confidence makes me happy. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where I earned my dental assisting degree. I like adventure, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures. For this reason, five years ago, I moved to Fairbanks, Alaska for one year. After that, I moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, I live lived for another year. I met my spouse in Denver and we ended up moving to beautiful New Mexico, where I have resided for three years. I have a 19-year-old son, a 16-year-old stepson, and the newest member of our family, my beautiful granddaughter born in August 2024. We like to spend our free time traveling, going to concerts, going to football games and baseball games. I also love being in the water, so we try to spend our summers at the river and lakes.