Cristal -Front Desk/Hygiene Coordinator

Cristal has been with us since 2002. You will definitely notice her because of her beautiful pearly whites. You can’t help but smile back. She admits she is a Texan from Kansas and is truly proud of it. She is our biggest football fan! Kansas State and the Dallas Cowboys are her two favorite teams she loves to watch. We think we could convert her to a Texan fan if they would start winning!

Cristal has been married to her husband, Barry, for 8 years now and is learning the joys of buying there first home together. They are extremely proud of their handsome boys James and Jaron. With both boys active in soccer and basketball, they keep mom busy. Their pride and joy is the newest addition to the family a cavapo named Tommy.

Dana-Office Manager

Originally from Ohio but proclaims herself a southern.Dana has been with Dr.Stephens and Gatewood since 1998 . We all know why she’s office manager because nobody wants her position. She is the rock that keeps this ship sailing.

She has been married 4 years now to funny husband, Garreth, who is from Ireland. We all love it when she tries to impersonate him. We are also jealous because they get to visit his homeland of Ireland for much needed vacations. Garreth and Dana have enjoyed playing pool together for many years now, and are quite good. They have two adorable Yorkies, Bailey & Gracie. They are their babies for the time being. We all are praying for a handsome little Garreth or beautiful little D.

Dana has an expensive hobby that most of us only could dream of having. When she was a young child she fell in love with horses. Garreth would probably agree that it is more of an obsession. She currently owns a Friesian gelding named Zee who traveled a short distance from Holland to the U.S.!! She spends many hours training Zee in “Dressage” which is her life’s passion.

Brenda-Registered Dental Assistant

Brenda has been Dr.Stephens assistant since 1993, and is a true joy to work with. A native Houstonian, Brenda and her hubby, John, have almost made the 25 year marker in their marriage. Their best accomplishments are obliviously their 3 children, Andrew, Ashlee, and John Paul. With two of them off in college and the youngest starting High School, Brenda is already dreading the empty nest syndrome. But for now, no one could be prouder than her for the fact that all children are exceptional students and over achievers, very much like their parents.

Besides spending time with her enormous family she reserves a strong tie with her faith and church. I believe she comes from a family of 8 whom are mostly married with numerous children. (Imagine the holidays at her house) She is a wonderful cook, enjoys gardening, and mostly watching Notre Dame Football! I just have to add that she makes the best Pecan pie I have ever tasted!!

Bridget – Registered Dental Assistant

Dr.Stephens brought Bridget to the  practice in 2003. She brings with her a special kind of class and charisma. She was born in Kansas City, Kansas, but moved to Houston as a child, so she considers herself a native. She grew up in the Spring, Klein area and lived here since the age of 3. A few years back she made the big move to the downtown area and has been enjoying the city life. Our attempts to get her on this side of town seemed to fail but we are determined to charm her into the suburban life style. In her spare time she enjoys playing golf and spending time with family and friends. Bridget has been happily married now for over a year to her husband Rodrigo.

Darla-Front Office

She compliments the front office perfectly. When Darla came aboard in 2001, it was as if she had been here all along. We consider her the perfect fit to our puzzle. She is our jokester around here and loves to play pranks, so you have to keep an eye on her. She is extremely witty and will have you laughing up a storm, in no time at all.

A true blue Texas girl with no desire to move away anytime soon, nor will we let her. Her pride and joy is her only son Sammy. She has left the birthing to the rest of the family that provided the other 8 nieces and nephews. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and family. Darla also loves doing crafty things and making flower arrangements.

Deana – Registered Dental Assistant

She has been with us two times now. She started working here years ago, left for some time to be with her growing family and now working with Dr. Gatewood since 2005.

Deana has 4 children, Kristen, Mason, Dane, and Rachel. As you can see she is very busy woman. She loves to spend time with her family and is very involved in her children’s busy lives. She runs back and forth from cheerleading competitions to her son’s baseball games. When she gets spare time, she enjoys rollerblading and riding her bike.

Gina Gates – Registered Dental Assistant

“Ms. Bossy” around here. If you know her it is far from the truth, she keeps us laughing all day long. She is full of laughs and energy at all times and as witty as they come. She has been with us for many years as Dr.Stephens’ assistant, left for a short time, and now is back assisting with Dr. Gatewood. She likes a little variety in her life.

Gina was raised in Woodlands, TX. She is happily married to her honey, Mike and they are raising a 15 year old, typical male teenager, Gage. She also has a house full of exotic animals. An African Grey, named Honk, a blue and gold Macaw named Sly, the two main birds – her babies, along with others types. She also has a boxer named Sriker and a cat named Matilda. I think she likes animals if you can tell.

In her spare time she loves to spend time with her family and all her animals. Mike and her also enjoy taking trips when they get the chance. We just love her. She is a joy to work with and if you have ever had her as your assistant you could never forget her!

Kimberly-Account/Insurance Coordinator

A secret employee that no one really sees, hears, or knows, unless you owe money. Her nickname is “Moneeeey Lady” around here.Kimberly graced us with our presence in 2003 and we could not have survived without her. Kimberly is a native Texan with which we take pride in. She moved to Tyler for a few years before making it back to Houston and bringing that sweet, East Texas accent with her. She wouldn’t be our Kimberly without that accent!

On a serious side she has been married for the last 13 years to a cute cowboy named Kenny. More seriously they are raising 3year old rambunctious twin boys. They are absolutely adorable!! They keep them quite busy as you could imagine. Of course sometimes there can be a little brotherly fitting, which mom does a good job as referee! In a couple of years we all know Kimberly will be the one on the field to be an experienced referee!

She has a strong connection to her church and she also knows the ups and downs of our National Champions –ASTROS-, country dancing with her cowboy, CHOCOLATE, and relaxing with family and friends.

Mandy-Registered Dental Hygienist

Mandy has been with out practice since 2000. Just think Mandy if Val would retire today it would only take you 10 years to catch her record. That’s if Val ever retires. Mandy is a college graduated from Lamar University in 1999. She briefly held a job in Beaumont but migrated towards Houston and was swiped away by our office.

If there is chocolate around we know Mandy will sniff it out. A slight sweet tooth but that’s only one of the many great qualities of her personalities. Mandy met her husband, Chase, at a dental convention in San Antonio. About 2 years later we had the opportunity to give her away on her special day. What a beautiful bride she was. They have their hands full with two adorable and challenging boys Hunter, age 8 and Colin, age 3. Favorite vacations are spent with family and friends at Galveston or Schlitterbahn to ride the rides or enjoy a slow float down the Guadalupe. She also enjoys bike riding. Hunter encourages her to go jogging with him, which she totally enjoys, ha-ha! Scrapbooking helps her to keep her sanity. She also tries cooking when she can make everyone sit together for dinner-still practicing on that one! Originally from Beaumont, Texas but found her way to Houston to our side of town and we couldn’t be happier.

Marla Edwards-Registered Dental Hygienist

We brought Marla to the practice in 2004, and what a wonder addtion she is. Marla brings a knowledgeable experience to our practice. She was first a dental assistant for over 11 years, had an opportunity to go back to College while she was residing in Corpus Christi, TX, where she obtained her license as a Registered Dental Hygienist, at DelMar College six years ago.

She was born in Houston and now resides in Spring, TX. She took her vows some 10 years ago to her soul mate Matt. Together they have two amazing children Max and Addison who keep them going. In her spare time she enjoys the outdoors with her children, scrapbooking, gardening and baking mass quantities of chocolate chip cookies. To which the office has not yet tasted.

Michelle-Registered Dental Hygienist

Michelle is our newest addition to the family, she came in 2005, and we were extremely excited to have her. She already had all the experience needed to be a part of the team, which made the transition easy for all. Michelle is originally from Nederland, but after a few years in Kansas City and Austin, she and her husband Phillip settled nicely in The Woodlands. She has been married to Philip for 13 years and has 3 beautiful children, Aren, Sean, and Tess. They also have a dog, Barkley, and a cat, Meyer. No chaos in this family!

Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, reading and running. Running has been her passion for the last 2 years. She has endured shine splints, a bruised heal, running instead of eating and we are admiring her for that. Haven’t quite yet been inspired to join her nonetheless, but we admire. She has ran many 10K races, 2 half marathons and is currently training for a full marathon coming up soon!! Good Luck! We will continue to support from the sidelines!!

Tara-Registered Dental Assistant

Tara came to our practice in 1996. She brings to our office a wealth of knowledge, experience and commitment in her field that allows her to stand out in her professions. She recently celebrated her 10-year anniversary with our office! It was a special night of toasting and roasting her.

Tara grew up in the Land of Lincoln (aka-Illinois). She is a Cubbies fan. She has to be otherwise she wouldn’t be allowed back to Streator. Home is where she spends the least amount of time because her children keep her on the move. Tara and her husband Scott of 11 years don’t mind chauffeuring Kirbi to soccer and softball events. She is a dedicated and loving mother of two beautiful girls. Kirbi is 8 years old. She is tender hearted, has a sweet disposition and a very cute giggle when she laughs. Kasidi age 2 is adorable, extremely funny, opinioned, and strong-willed. Good thing she is so cute and has the prettiest red lips you will ever see! Gets her out of trouble all the time.

She is passionate about her family and friends. She loves to travel and has competitive nature when it comes to most sports. Tara is an outdoor enthusiast and hopes to add scuba diving and jumping from a plane to her list of activities. If you have the opportunity to have Tara as your assistant, take note of the beautiful photographs in her room, she loves the art of photography and she has natural gift for it. Lastly, Tara is a little like both of her daughters, she is so caring, loving and tender hearted but don’t get her upset! (Ha Ha!).

Valerie-Registered Dental Hygienist

Valerie, AKA Val, is a Registered Dental Hygienist who attended college in Wisconsin, where she obtained her license to practice in 1985. Currently she is employed here with Dr. Stephens and Dr. Gatewood. She would say that she has had the unique privelage of working with Dr.Stephens since 1989. We just say she is afraid of change.

She is happily married to her best friend, Bill, for the last 21 years. Together they have a strong relationship with the Lord and are active members at their church. Bill and Val moved to Texas in 1988 and Val has been trying to get back to Wisconsin ever since. They currently have a 14-month-old Giant Schnauzer, Riesen, which they consider their “baby”. Her other interests are downhill skiing, yoga, playing cribbage and backgammon, reading and traveling. Just a few things she likes to do. Valerie has stated that what she loves most about working here is that she has the ability to develop relationships with her patients, which allows her to take care of them with the highest level of care. If Val has ever seen you, then you know it is true.

Miranda- Registered Dental Assistant

Miranda-Registered Dental Assistant. We would like to introduce our most recent edition to our family. A native Texan, she is currently residing in Conroe area. She has been a patient for as long as we can remember. her family started coming to our office about 10 years ago. Miranda decided to go to dental assisting school because of Dr.Stephens and Dr.Gatewood's office and really wanted to do her internship with us. Everyone was so amazed by her ability to learn quickly and her outgoing personality, that we decided not to let her slip away.

Miranda is married to her firefighter-husband, Michael, and they have an adorable son, Cooper. He is 14 months old with jet black hair, olive skin, and the most beautiful eyes you have ever seen. Miranda enjoys spending time with her precious baby boy and her husband, playing games and watching movies. Miranda is not only an asset to us, but we would like to encourage you come meet her. We know you will be charmed by her sweet smile and contagious laughter.