The Amazing And Caring Team At Lakeland Family Dentistry

Alisha – Insurance Coordinator

Being one of the first smiling faces you will see when entering our office, Alisha is a lifelong resident of Lanier County.  Alisha enjoys the mountains and cooler weather and even lived in Virginia for 9 years before deciding to return to her hometown with her sons, Austen & Drake. If she is not in the football stands, basketball gym, or baseball parks cheering on Drake- Alisha loves to spend time with her family and friends.  Alisha joined Lakeland Family Dentistry in 2017, as our Scheduling Coordinator. Alisha enjoys helping patients figure out the complexity of their insurance policies, and is excited to be a part of our team.

Kristy – Administrative Coordinator

Kristy is a lifelong resident of Lanier County. She moved away once but was quick to return. Kristy received her degree in Dental Hygiene from Darton College in May of 2010. She joined our team at Lakeland Family Dentistry in 2014 as a dental hygienist. Since then, Kristy has become our Administrative Coordinator- or our Circus Ringleader as we are sure she says some days. Though she is in her office most days, making sure the billing is in order- you still occasionally find her jumping in to see patients when one of our hygienists or assistants need a hand. Kristy enjoys learning new dental technology and strives to always make sure each patient stepping foot into our office has a pleasant experience. She resides on their family farm with her husband, Robert, their twins Kylee & Kallen, dogs Peanut & Betty and any other farm animals she can accumulate.

Angie – Registered Dental Hygienist

Angie Owens

Angie joined our team in 2006 as our first full time Registered Dental Hygienist. She graduated from Darton College a degree in Dental Hygiene. Angie is a lifelong resident of Lanier County where she resides with her husband John. She and John have two children, Hannah & Lyndon, and one grandchild, Easton. When not at work- you may find Angie on the beach with a good book, traveling, or on a boat somewhere. While at work- and not with the many patients she has gotten to know so well- you will find Angie attempting to dodge any social media photos.

Shannon – Registered Dental Hygienist

Shannon Emanuel

Shannon joined our team and was trained on-site as a Dental Assistant in November of 2006. She later graduated from Valdosta State University in 2012 with a degree in Dental Hygiene and became one of our full-time hygienists. Shannon is a long-time resident of Lanier County where she currently resides with her husband Derek, daughter Hadley, and their spoiled feline, Cooper. Shannon is a great asset to our team, and always strives to pay close attention to detail and loves sharing random news facts with the team. When Shannon is away from the office, she enjoys fitness challenges, crime podcasts, and spending time with her family.

Madison – Registered Dental Hygienist

Madison graduated from Valdosta State University with her degree in dental hygiene and immediately began her career here at LFD. We thought Madison was going to come in as a shy ‘newbie’- but she quickly proved herself as one of the team with her jokes and willingness to JUMP IN. You may hear Dr. Castor calling her “kid” every so often, we think because she reminds him he’s not one anymore.

Madison grew up in Lowndes County where she still resides with her Labradoodle, River, who is easily the highlight of her life. In her free time away from the office, Madison enjoys going to the lake, traveling (especially anywhere with great food), and catching up on her sleep.

Mary – Dental Assistant

Mary has been with Lakeland Family Dentistry since the doors first opened in 2006. Mary tries to retire daily, but she keeps coming back because she misses us too much! Her warm smile and comforting personality makes her perfect for making patients feel right at home. We joke that Mary has the memory of an elephant and never forgets anything you tell her. In her spare time she enjoys shopping, the beach, and most of all spending time with her family. Mary’s favorite thing in life is being a “YaYa” to her precious grand-daughter.

Stacie – Expanded-Functions Dental Assistant

Stacie Gustin

Stacie began her dental assisting training in 2011 with the Red Cross at Ramstein Dental Clinic, Ramstein AFB, Germany. In 2014, Stacie joined our team. She loves a challenge, getting to know patients and difficult dental cases. Stacie may be found running around the office, as she thrives when busy. Stacie has one child, Tyson. When away from Lakeland Family Dentistry, Stacie enjoys spending as much time as possible just being an amazing mother.

Tammy – Expanded-Functions Dental Assistant

Tammy was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. After graduation, Tammy worked in the food industry for 15 years until she decided to pursue her dream of working in the dental field. She received her EFDA certification in 2016 and has been a dental advocate since then. Tammy loves to see the smile on patient’s faces after they get the smile they want and deserve.

Tammy moved to South Georgia in 2021 and states it is one of the best decisions of her life. When not at work, Tammy enjoys spending time with her husband & children be it- fishing, boating, riding motorcycles, or gardening. Tammy is a ‘go getter’ and her sarcasm keeps the team laughing and on their toes.

Ashley – Treatment Coordinator

Ashley jumpstarted her dental career with us years ago as a Certified Dental Assistant. After taking a tumble resulting in a minor injury, Dr. Castor asked Ashley to help at the front desk while she healed. And she excelled in that position, rapidly gaining knowledge on the computer systems and insurance benefits. Then… she moved away. Ashley has been in the dental world just shy of 10 years now, and was excited to rejoin our team when she found herself back in the area. Her background as a Certified Dental Assistant makes her perfect for the Treatment Coordinator position, as she is able to explain treatment and ease anxiety while scheduling the next steps.

When away from our front desk, Ashley enjoys traveling, snuggling up with a good book, and most importantly spending time with her daughter, Brinley.

Sahil – Dental Assistant

Sahil lifelong resident of Lakeland, GA, with a clear goal of becoming a dentist in the near future. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Augusta University and furthered his education with a Master’s degree in Comparative Biomedical Sciences from the University of Georgia. This strong academic foundation has given him a deep understanding of the science behind dentistry but it is Sahil’s quick wit and straight face- that keeps us smiling.

Since the summer of 2021, Sahil has been shadowing Dr. Castor, an experience that has greatly expanded his practical knowledge and reinforced his passion for the field. Each day in the practice has strengthened his commitment to providing exceptional patient care and refining the skills necessary for a successful career in dentistry.

As he works towards his goal, Sahil is excited to merge his academic achievements with hands-on experience, aiming to make a significant impact in the dental profession and in the lives of his future patients.

Kenyana – Registered Dental Hygienist

Meet Kenyana, a dental hygiene dynamo who graduated from Central Georgia Technical College and kick-started her career at Lakeland Family Dentistry. She’s kind, eager, and dedicated and we are so happy to have her positive energy on the team.

Originally from Hinesville, GA, Kenyana has had quite the adventure, living in various states as a dedicated military wife. Her husband, Mitchell, serves in the USAF, and together they’re based in Valdosta with their two children, Londyn and Major. When she’s not busy brightening smiles, Kenyana loves working out, traveling, and making the most of family time.

Ariel – Receptionist

The first face you will meet coming into the office is Ariel! With red hair, just like the mermaid, Ariel’s desire to learn about the dental office lead her us. When not welcoming you into our office with a warm smile, you may find her alongside one of our amazing dentists, as she is currently studying to become a dental assistant.

Ariel has 5 children ranging from adult teens to toddlers- and being with her family is what makes her happy. Together they love to go fishing, frog gigging, and keep their mini farm animals thriving.