Alisha Harnage – Insurance Coordinator
A lifelong Lanier County native, Alisha joined Lakeland Family Dentistry in 2017 and quickly became the office insurance whisperer. Whether it’s verifying benefits or decoding dental jargon, she’s here to make sure your coverage works for you—not against you.
Alisha spent nearly a decade in Virginia soaking up the mountains before moving back home for warmer weather and a close-knit community. She’s the proud mom of Austen and Drake, and recently added “LaLa” to her résumé—a title she wears with a proud (and slightly spoiled) grin. When not wrangling insurance policies, you’ll find her at a ballgame, with her dogs Rylie and Gunner, or enjoying time with her ever-growing family.
Kristy Jackson – Office Manager & Registered Dental Hygienist
Kristy is sorta like the glue that holds the circus together—and yes, we lovingly call her the “Ringleader.” She joined LFD in 2014 as a dental hygienist and eventually transitioned into administration, bringing order, laughs, eyerolls, and backup clinical help whenever needed.
A Lanier County native, Kristy lives on a farm with her husband, their twins, and a collection of animals that keeps mysteriously growing. She’s also actively involved in community leadership through the Lanier County Family Connections Board, Lakeland-Lanier County Chamber of Commerce Board, and Lanier County education committees. Whether she’s wrangling farm animals, family schedules, or front-desk drama—Kristy does it all with a smile and sugar-free Red Bull.
Angie Owens – Registered Dental Hygienist
Angie joined our team in 2006 as our very first full-time hygienist, and she’s been creating clean smiles and long-term patient relationships ever since. A graduate of Darton College, she’s a proud lifelong resident of Lanier County, where she lives with her husband, John.
Together they’ve raised two children—Hannah and Lyndon—and now enjoy spoiling their grandkids, Easton and Jett. Angie recharges best on the beach with a good book or on a boat with her pups, Chico and Emmie. At work, she’s focused, friendly, and exceptionally skilled… just don’t ask her to pose for a social media photo—she’s got ninja-level avoidance moves.
Shannon – Registered Dental Hygienist
Shannon’s LFD journey began in 2006 when she trained on-site as a dental assistant. She later graduated from Valdosta State University with her degree in Dental Hygiene and returned as a full-time hygienist with an eye for precision and a love of learning. Speaking of learning, Shannon has recently taken over the OSHA and safety precautions in the office, where she has earned the loving title of, “Sheriff.”
She lives in Lanier County with her husband Derek, daughter Hadley, and their cat Waylon—who may or may not believe he owns the house. Shannon is known for her sharp attention to detail and her habit of dropping random trivia mid-cleaning (you’ll leave with a sparkling smile and a fun fact). Outside of work, she enjoys crime podcasts, gym challenges, and relaxing with family.
Madison – Registered Dental Hygienist
Madison joined our team right after graduating from Valdosta State, and we quickly learned there’s nothing shy about her. With her dry humor and get-it-done attitude, she jumped in with both feet and never looked back.
She lives in Lowndes County with her Labradoodle, River, who definitely runs the house. Madison loves lake days, food-fueled road trips, and the sacred weekend nap. If Dr. Castor calls her “kid,” it’s only because she makes the rest of us feel older—and maybe just a little slower.
Mary Bennett – Dental Assistant
Mary was part of Lakeland Family Dentistry before the paint even dried—joining in 2006 when the practice first opened. She’s retired more times than we can count, but she is always showing back up to help us out of a bind. Patients adore her calming presence and uncanny ability to remember everything you’ve ever shared.
Together, Mary & Arel have two children, Summer & Tate. When she’s not at the office, Mary enjoys being “YaYa” to her three cherished grandchildren. Her heart is as big as her laugh, and her loyalty is the kind you build a practice around.
Stacie Castor – Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Stacie has been brightening smiles (& spirits) at LFD since 2014. Her dental roots trace back to the American Red Cross in Ramstein, Germany- yes, dentistry and jet lag do mix. Her favorite work is helping anxious patients feel calm, seen, and safe in the dental chair.
At home, Stacie & her husband, Dr. Eric Castor chase laughter with their four adventurous kids. Stacie loves music, connecting with nature, spiritual growth, and exploring the world with an open heart. Known for her warmth and resilience, she brings authenticity to all she does. Stacie believes true beauty shines in how a person chooses to grow- with heart, light, and the occasional good laugh.
Tammy – Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
After 15 years in the food industry, Tammy decided it was time for a career change—and dentistry was lucky to get her. Since earning her EFDA in 2016, she’s been making patients feel welcome, comfortable, and cared for (with her humorous little bits of sarcasm on the side).
She moved to South Georgia in 2021 and hasn’t looked back. Tammy loves anything outdoorsy: boating, fishing, gardening, riding motorcycles—basically, she’s got two speeds: full throttle and beach chair. She lives with her husband and kids, who are always up for the next adventure.
Sahil – Dental Assistant
Sahil may be soft-spoken, but don’t let that fool you—he’s got a master’s degree in Comparative Biomedical Sciences from UGA and a goal of becoming a dentist. Since 2021, he’s been shadowing Dr. Castor and mastering the ropes one patient at a time.
A Lakeland native, Sahil brings sharp intellect, a dry sense of humor, and an unshakable calm to the office. We’re all rooting for his future—and also kind of hoping he sticks around a while longer.
Ariel – Dental Assistant
Yes, she’s a redhead just like the Disney one, Ariel came to us with a thirst for dental knowledge and a desire to become a dental assistant. While training, Ariel learned the ropes of the front desk and now can jump into both areas of the office when needed.
At home, she juggles life with five kids and a menagerie of mini farm animals. Between frog gigging and fishing trips, she’s somehow always smiling.
Holly Mizell-Fitzgerald – Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Holly earned her EFDA from Southern Regional Technical College and joined LFD with a mission to make every patient feel safe, informed, and well cared for. Her humor keeps the mood light, even on the busiest days.
At home, she and her husband George are the proud parents of a growing chicken flock that keeps life interesting (and noisy). She also enjoys gardening, event planning, and hanging out with friends. In short, Holly is the kind of teammate who can fix a crown and plan a baby shower before lunch.
Sirena Watson – Registered Dental Hygienist
Sirena holds a degree in Dental Hygiene from Valdosta State University. Known for her calming presence and attention to detail, Sirena is committed to creating a welcoming environment for patients of all ages, including those with dental anxiety. She takes pride in helping each patient feel comfortable, informed, and empowered in their oral health journey.
When she’s not in the office, Sirena enjoys traveling, crafting, and spending time with her family. She’s married to Eric, and loves making memories with their son, Tyler. Whether she’s working with patients or creating something by hand, Sirena brings warmth, care, and creativity to everything she does.