Our Team
Heather T.
Registered Dental Hygienist
An Indiana native, Heather moved to Mount Juliet in 2008 after graduating from Indiana University in 2007. She joined Providence Dental Care in 2009 shortly after the new location was established. The most rewarding part of Heather’s work is seeing patients’ smiles transform as she helps put their dental fears at ease. She loves interacting with patients and truly getting to know them. When she is not working, she is cherishing her time with her husband Bobby and two young children, Brooks and Gwyn. She enjoys traveling, decorating, the outdoors, and cooking. She and her family are members of Victory Baptist Church in Mount Juliet.
Chris
Registered Dental Hygienist
Chris is originally from Evansville, Indiana and now resides in Hendersonville. She received her AS in Dental Hygiene from Indiana University and her BS in Dental Hygiene Education from the University of Southern Indiana. Chris has been a practicing hygienist for over 25 years. “The most rewarding thing about being a hygienist is the relationship and trust we build with our patients. The doctors and staff in this practice are the most compassionate people you will find in the dental profession.” She is married to Randy and together they have 4 children and 6 grandchildren. In her free time, Chris enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling and watching football.
Heather J.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Heather was raised in Mount Juliet where she attended Donelson Christian Academy. She then went on to attend Tennessee State University where she earned her Dental Hygiene Degree. Heather and her husband Donnie met in high school, later married, and have two children. In her free time, she enjoys being a busy mom and spending time with her family and friends. Heather says she feels blessed to be in a profession that allows her to provide care for, educate, and build lasting relationships with every patient she comes in contact with. She loves being a hygienist and is committed to providing the best care possible to all of her patients. Heather is very proud to work for Providence Dental Care and she looks forward to making your visit to our office a pleasant one.
Allison (Allie)
Registered Dental Hygienist
Allie grew up in Old Hickory and attended Donelson Christian Academy all 13 years! She used to work as an intern here, and even traveled with Dr. Lafever on a mission trip to Haiti to help with their dental needs. She graduated with a BS in Dental Hygiene from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN in 2016, which is also where she met her husband Justin. They have been married for 2 years, and recently moved back to Mount Juliet to be closer to family. In her free time she loves to spend time with her family, especially her five nieces and nephews! Traveling anywhere she can, and playing with her dog Tucker. Her favorite part about being a Dental Hygienist is helping transform smiles and spending one on one time with her patients. She feels very honored to work at such a wonderful and trusted dental practice and can’t wait to get to know you!
Jenna G.
Registered Dental Hygienist
Jenna was raised in Mount Juliet where she graduated from Mount Juliet High School. Jenna attended Western Kentucky University where she received her degree in Dental Hygiene and graduated at the top of her class with Summa Cum Laude honors. Jenna has worked many years in Memphis and Nashville as a full time hygienist but now enjoys being a stay at home mom. Jenna and Josh (aka Dr. Gunnels) met in high school and married in 2001. Aubrey Katherine, their 1st child, was born in Memphis in 2008 while Josh was finishing dental school. Addison Leigh was born March of 2010 in Nashville. Jenna does “fill in” for the practice and helps in the HR department. Jenna enjoys keeping active and helping with youth at her local church. Fun Fact: Jenna has an identical twin sister, Amy.
Patsy
Registered Dental Assistant
Patsy grew up in Madison, Tennessee, graduated from Madison High School, and attending TSU. Patsy has been Dr. LaFever’s main chair side assistant since 1993 and has been in the dental field since 1972. She is a natural when it comes to working with children as well as nervous adults. Patsy has soothed and relaxed many an anxious patient in her years of dental assisting. She has one daughter and 4 grandchildren. Patsy enjoys spending her time off with family and friends. Patsy states that “our staff is so friendly that our patients often say coming here is like spending a day with family.”
Kristi - EFDA
Registered Dental Assistant
Kristi joined the practice in May of 2008. She was born in Indiana but raised in Tennessee. Kristi graduated from Lebanon High School. After high school, she attended Remington College to pursue a career in Dental Assisting where she maintained a 4.0 average. Kristi enjoys working as a dental assistant and it is her goal to make your dental visit both a positive and pleasant experience. She says the best part of her job “is changing a patient’s smile and building their confidence.” When Kristi is not working, she enjoys spending time with her two sons and granddaughter. She also enjoys fishing, kayaking, and searching for waterfalls.
Stefanie - EFDA
Registered Dental Assistant
Stefanie was born and raised in Lebanon, Tennessee. She is married to Jared and they have three children, Bryson, Addy and Calissa. Even as a small child Stefanie was fascinated with the dental office. She knew eventually she would make a career in that field. Stefanie graduated from Volunteer State College in 1998 with her technical certificate and received her Registered Dental Assisting License in 1999. She loves everything about her job, her co workers, returning patients, and the new patients she meets every day. Stefanie is passionate about her role with Providence Dental Care and the satisfaction she gets in knowing that she helped make a difference in someone’s smile. She enjoys shopping, reading, chasing around her children and spending quality time with her family and friends.