The Amazing And Caring Team At Lakeland Family Dentistry

Alisha Harnage – Scheduling 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.

Marie Keen – Treatment Coordinator

Marie has been working in the dental world for 9 years & joined our team in early 2018. Her knowledge and training in-patient treatment and scheduling has been a great asset to our team. Marie is great at loud speaking, so the hearing impaired should have no worries! She has two beautiful daughters, Renee and Lexie. Marie enjoys getting to know everyone she meets. When not at the front desk, Marie enjoys spending time with her family & friends.

Kristy Jackson – Administrative Coordinator & Registered Dental Hygienist

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 in Lanier County with her husband, Robert, twins Kylee & Kallen, & rescue dog Peanut Butter.

Angie Owens – 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 Emanuel – 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.

Cherie Hampton – Registered Dental Hygienist

Such a refreshing face of positivity, we were so glad to have Cherie join the team in 2021. Originally from Niceville, Florida, she began her career in the dental field as a Dental Assistant in 2014. Cherie then decided to further her career as a Dental Hygienist, graduating from Gulf Coast State College in 2019.

Cherie’s husband, Kris, serves in the USAF and they are stationed here in Valdosta with their two children, Callie and Kaiden, as well as, two rescue labs- Colt & Walker. When not treating patients with a smile, Cherie enjoys spending time with her family and staying active.

Madison Griffin – 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 Bennett – 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 Gustin – 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 Connally – 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.