Meet the Teams at Our Locations

Kara Maggard, EFDA

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

Kara grew up always wanting to be a dental assistant.  She graduated from the Dental Assisting Program at Midwest Technical Institute.  Kara loves having fun at work and working as a team.  The favorite thing about her job is being able to help kids not be afraid of going to a dental visit.  Kara loves collecting turquoise jewelry.  When she's not at work, Kara loves being outdoors.  She enjoys kayaking, camping, fishing, hunting and spending time at the creek or lake.  

Amber Wright, EFDA

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

As Lead Dental Assistant, Amber is responsible for overseeing the daily schedule, ordering supplies and and filling in where needed.  Amber graduated the Dental Assisting Program at Vatterott College in 2015.  Her favorite part of working at Children's Smile Center is providing a friendly, safe environment for all.  She also loves that she helps create smiles that last a lifetime.  Amber is known around the office for her artistic abilities and perfect handwriting.  Amber has 2 kids that she loves taking road trips with.  She is also loves spending time outdoors, especially if it includes hiking or fishing.  
 

Hilary Gronvold, RDH

Sandy Thompson

Community Relations Director

As Community Relations Director, Sandy is responsible for public relations, special
events, grant writing, and serves as the agency’s primary liaison with school districts.
Sandy’s background includes experience in sales and finance, and she holds a
bachelor's degree in Mass Communication/Journalism from Texas State University.
Sandy’s favorite part about her job is seeing the compassion shown by the staff when
interacting with patients and the extra care they take to make sure the children have a
wonderful experience. She also loves being a voice in the community to share our
mission of providing access to quality dental care for children.
Sandy is a native of Texas and lives in Ozark with her husband, Jeff, and their three
kids. She is an active community volunteer and member of Ozark Rotary Club. In her
spare time, Sandy enjoys watching sports, family game nights, and working on her
flower beds.

RDH Christy Boyce-Adair, RDH

Clinic Manager

Christy brings 17 years of dental expertise to her role as Clinic Manager at Children's Smile Center. She began her journey with our practice in 2017 as a dental hygienist and returned in 2025 to lead our clinical operations. Christy earned her Dental Hygiene Degree from Ozarks Technical Community College and has dedicated her career to pediatric oral health.

What sets Christy apart is her passion for connecting with young patients and their families. She loves finding creative, fun ways to motivate children to improve their oral health, making each visit both educational and enjoyable. Her enthusiasm for Children's Smile Center's values and mission shines through in everything she does.

When she's not at the clinic, Christy enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking and camping with her husband. She's also involved in spreading joy by painting rocks to hide in parks as part of a nationwide act of kindness project. At home, Christy and her husband open their hearts to foster kittens for a local rescue, demonstrating the same nurturing spirit she brings to her work with children.

Maurisa Gordon

Dental Assistant

Maurisa joined the Children's Smile Center team in 2025 as a dental assistant after graduating from Missouri Technical Institute. Her journey into dentistry began in an unexpected way—she was once terrified of dental visits herself. However, the more she experienced dental care, the more she grew to love the field and wanted to help others have positive experiences too.

Maurisa is passionate about encouraging patients to have confidence in themselves and their smiles. She finds great joy in watching kids grow and develop, making her a perfect fit for our pediatric practice. Her personal experience with dental anxiety gives her a unique ability to connect with nervous patients and help them feel comfortable during their visits.

When she's not helping create beautiful smiles, Maurisa enjoys shopping and traveling, always looking for her next adventure.

Jackie Barger

Executive Director

As executive director, Jackie Barger’s primary responsibility is promoting the mission, vision, and core values of Children’s Smile Center (CSC). His experience in the non-profit sector dates back to 1985, two years after he earned his bachelor’s in communication and business Administration from Drury University. In 1987, he earned his Master of Business Administration and joined CSC in 2010.

His favorite thing is to greet patients and their families in the lobby daily and visit them about their dental experiences. Driven by a desire to make a positive difference for those who need it most, Jackie explores ways to improve our dental services. But the part of the job he loves is sharing stories about the impact dentistry can have on children’s lives.

When not at Children’s Smile Center, Jackie is very active in his local church. He also appreciates walking, reading, and the simple joys of yard work and mowing the lawn. One of his passions is live music. Having played the tuba in college, Jackie has been involved with numerous bands, including classic rock and country western. He now enjoys performing easy listening standards for receptions, private events, and restaurant venues.

Carrie Burke, FAADOM

Administrator

Carrie Burke is a veteran in the dental industry, with 24 years of experience and 19 years with Children’s Smile Center. Her overarching mission is to ensure daily operations go smoothly and to be a leader who makes her teammates feel like they are integral to the vision and mission. She graduated from Ozark High School in 1993 (Go Tigers!) and earned advanced degrees from Ozarks Technical Community College and Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, MO.

She finds fulfillment in her job on several levels. Her favorite thing about working with the team is seeing them in their element and experiencing their talent every day. When working with patients, she values fostering positive relationships from when they arrive to when they leave and all the moments in between.

Carrie loves being a part of a mission and vision that helps children. She has always been passionate about children and supports numerous children-focused causes. Carrie is a member of the Christian County Kiwanis Club, Cosmopolitan Club of Ozark, and the American Association of Dental Office Managers.

During her spare time, Carrie enjoys traveling, camping, photography, and mowing.  Carrie also likes working on her family’s land, dining out, and especially celebrating various holidays. At Christmas, she decorates 25 different trees in her house. But one detail few people expect about Carrie is that she used to drive a racecar.

Kenzie Amy

Dental Assistant

Kenzie graduated from the Dental Assisting Program at Midwest Technical Institute in Springfield, MO, and loves working with patients of all ages. You'll also find her helping out with our dental screenings at local schools.

What Kenzie enjoys most about her job is helping people get over their fear of the dentist. She absolutely loves it when kids tell her "That's not so bad!" or "That wasn't scary!" after their treatment. Those moments make her day every time.

Dentistry runs in Kenzie's family, which is how she first got interested in the field. Before becoming a dental assistant, she worked at a veterinary office and fostered cats - she's always been drawn to helping and caring for others.

When she's not at work, you can find Kenzie outdoors, out on the water, or planning her next trip somewhere new. She brings that same easygoing, caring personality to everything she does, making patients feel comfortable and at ease during their visits.

Brock Buzbee, DDS

Dentist

Bobbi Davidson , RDH

Registered Dental Hygienist

Bobbi graduated from Ozarks Technical Community College in 2019 and received her dental hygiene certification in 2022. She works between all three Children's Smile Center locations, Ozark, Aurora, and Branson West. She loves the variety and being able to support the mission by providing dental hygiene services, such as taking x-rays and polishing teeth and even helping out with school screenings.

Bobbi finds working at Children's Smile Center rewarding every day because of the opportunity to treat children who need it most. They are indeed the life of the practice and make it a joy to come to work. Our team is also amazing and more like family than coworkers. The best part of her job is that it's unpredictable and never dull.

As a child, Bobbi's dental hygienist was extraordinary. She focused on treating patients as people rather than pristine oral hygiene. Bobbie had always wanted to work in healthcare, and her experience helped her decide that dentistry was the way to go.

Bobbi enjoys antiquing, thrifting, reading, and running when not working. During summers, she loves going to the lake with her two crusty white dogs, Diesel and Shelbi, who also love going on walks. Though not a pro, you can occasionally find Bobbie bouldering at Zenith.

Eliza Davis, EFCDA

Expanded Functions Certified Dental Assistant

Eliza began working in dentistry in 2017 and has spent her career with the Children’s Smile Center. She earned her expanded function dental assistant certification from Ozarks Technical Community College, which enables her to provide extra dental services. But her main job is to assist our dentists, support patient care and provide oral hygiene education.

What Eliza loves about her job is helping children understand the importance of their teeth and being there to help them feel calm and secure during appointments. In addition, she enjoys her teammates and how they use humor to lighten the mood when needed.

Her interests outside work include growing flowers, but Eliza also enjoys blowing glass.

Gary Dollens, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Gary Dollens has over three decades of experience as a general dentist and has served patients with the Children's Smile Center since 2014. He earned his credentials from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry, inspired by a love of science and an understanding of how the human body works.

As a dentist, Dr. Dollens especially enjoys seeing the smiles on the patients and staff each day because of how fulfilling it is to work with children. He loves watching his patients grow into young adults and helping them face the challenges they face today.

In his spare time, Dr. Dollens is an avid gardener, landscaper, and also an enthusiastic reader.

Carrie Dye

Administrative Assistant

Carrie Dye brings health care experience to her job, receiving dental assistant schooling at Vatterott and phlebotomist training in Joplin. This background makes her adept at managing appointments, working with insurance, answering phones and questions about treatments, and numerous other office roles.

Her favorite thing about her job is seeing the kid's bright smiles after they've been treated. She appreciates her team and supports the Children's Smile Center's mission and purpose. She likes how she can serve patients while maintaining a work-life balance.

Outside the clinic, she enjoys time with her husband, singing karaoke, playing games, and doing outdoor activities like riding their side-by-side, kayaking, and fishing. A travel enthusiast, she and her husband once visited thirty states in under two years.

Chelsey Flenniken, EFDA

Clinical Manager

Chelsey is one of Children's Smile Center's longest tenured employees.  As Clinical Manager, Chelsey wears many hats including overseeing clinical operations, supply ordering, as well as assisting the dentist during general anesthesia cases.  Chelsey is the primary contact for parents/guardians who have a child being seen under general anesthesia at an ambulatory/hospital setting.  The favorite part about her job is helping kids get to the point of a healthy, pain-free smile.

When Chelsey isn't working, she enjoys traveling, hiking & reading.  Chelsey can also be found fishing at the lake on many summer weekends.   She is married and has 3 boys that keep her busy.  She enjoys watching her husband, Mikey, and 11 year old son, Boone, play hockey.   Her middle child, Eddie, born in fall of 2023, also enjoys spending time at the hockey rink watching dad and big brother score goals.  Chelsey and her husband Mikey welcomed another boy June of 2025.

Janis Garner, EFDA

Expanded Functions Lead Dental Assistant

In 2010 after graduating from Vatterott College, Janis began working as a dental assistant and has been with Children's Smile Center since 2015. Her main concern is assisting our dentists and providing patient care and education.

Janis has always been interested in dentistry since when she was a child. Because she genuinely enjoys her own dental visits, she brings that enthusiasm to each child we treat. One thing she loves about working with children is talking with them; you never know what hilarious things they will say. In addition, being part of a hardworking team where everyone is willing to help whenever needed makes her job a joy every day.

In her personal time, Janis enjoys being outside, planting flowers, kayaking, and riding motorcycles. One unique hobby she has is making soap.

Donna Gravitt

Operations Manager

As Operations Manager, it's Donna's job to make sure each day runs as smooth as possible.  Donna is in her 12th year working in the dental field.  When Donna isn't at work, you might find her on a hiking trail, having dinner with friends, traveling and experiencing new adventures.  Donna is the proud mom of 4 kids,  Amanda, Matthew, Ashley and Elisabeth.  

An interesting fact about Donna is that she was on The Ellen Show as a guest audience member.  

Donna's favorite things about working at Children's Smile Center are the fun working environment, working with kids and making a difference.

Danielle Groerich

Dental Assistant

Danielle Groerich has ten years of dentistry experience and has been with Children’s Smile Center since 2017. She earned her qualifications as an expanded function dental assistant from Ozark Technical Community College. Her job is to assist our Branson West dentists with procedures like applying sealants and placing fillings.

Danielle was inspired to join the dental field because she always had a positive experience with her childhood dentist and admired her dental hygienist. She especially enjoys treating children because it allows her to transform a child afraid of dentistry into one who loves visiting our dental office.

When not serving patients, Danielle can be found spending time on the lake water skiing but also enjoys
quilting, as well as hanging with her nine nieces and nephews.

Kendra Hahn, EFDA

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

Matt Kufahl, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Matthew Kufahl has been in dentistry since 2010 and has served patients at Children’s Smile Center for over a decade. He aims to provide comprehensive dental care and help children keep their teeth healthy. He earned his undergraduate degree from Pittsburg State University and his dental credentials from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry.

Inspired by a family member who is also a dentist, Dr. Kufahl loves facing new daily challenges that keep him sharp and on his toes. He thoroughly enjoys working with his dental team, who are engaged in good quality care and strive to do well. He especially loves when a patient has a great experience and wants to share that with our team.

In his personal time, he enjoys working with his hands and has spent many years remodeling homes. He is a dedicated DIY-er and appreciates learning new skills, not out of distrust of others but because he’s genuinely fascinated by how things work.

Jasmine Lopez

Dental Assistant

Jasmine Lopez started with Children’s Smile Center in 2022 after finishing the dental assistant program at Midwest Technical Institution. Her responsibilities include assisting our dentists during treatments and teaching patients and their parents the importance of home care.

As a child, Jasmine always loved her teeth cleanings and was herself a patient at Children’s Smile Center. She always felt welcome here and wants to extend that welcoming experience to our current patients. One benefit she really enjoys is seeing all the cute babies.

Jasmine is an avid outdoor enthusiast and loves spending time with her pets as well as playing tennis. She also is self-described as having an obsession with buying shoes.

Brandi Carter

Administrative Assistant

Brandi may be the first smiling face you see at Children’s Smile Center. Her job is managing appointments, answering the phone, filing insurance claims, and performing whatever office function the clinic requires.

She has served patients for just under a year and really enjoys meeting new people, making new friends, and helping things fun smoothly in any way she can. Brandi appreciates our tight-knit team and working in a friendly environment.

Her interests outside of dentistry include exploring flea markets, traveling, and indulging in casinos. She also enjoys restoring old furniture and has visited eight countries outside the U.S. and looks forward to seeing more.

Christine Cowin

Dental Assistant/Administrative Assistant

Christine started working at Children's Smile Center in 2012, left for a bit and returned in 2023.  You will find her at the Ozark and Branson West clinics, helping at the front desk or sometimes assisting in the clinical area.  Christine received her upper level education from Sanford Brown College and Florrisant Valley Community College and has a 15 year history in the dental field.  Some of Christine's hobbies include reading, spending time on the lake and kickboxing.  When Christine isn't spending time with her 2 sons, you might find her volunteering at her local diaper bank.  

Christine's favorite thing about working at Children's Smile Center is working with children each day as part of a team.

Anna Novario, DMD

Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Anna Novario is a Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine graduate, earning her doctorate and then her pediatric certificate from New York University-Langone. As a pediatric dentist, she promotes children’s oral health from infancy to their teenage years. Her primary responsibility is caring for their teeth, gums, and mouth, addressing each challenge during the various stages of childhood. She also is trained to treat young children, patients with dental anxiety, and patients with special health care needs.

What Dr. Novario loves about her job is the opportunity to interact with kids all day! She finds children hilarious, honest, and a joy to be around. She finds it especially rewarding when an anxious patient becomes more comfortable through open communication. She also values her excellent team, who understand how specific behavior methods result in a positive experience. When a young patient leaves the office smiling. Dr. Novario shares that smile with them.

As a dentist, she values the opportunity to provide care for people in need, to help underserved children, and to make an impact in the community.

Away from the dental office, Dr. Novario loves traveling, being outdoors, cooking, baking, reading, and playing with her dogs. She is also a certified scuba diver and suggests that if she weren’t a dentist, she would have gone to culinary school and become a chef.

Krissy Oliver, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Oliver is originally from Parsons, KS. After high school, Krissy attended Labette Community College where she played volleyball and softball for a year while she earned her Associate's Degree. She then transferred to the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk!) where she received a Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology. A few years after graduating from KU, Krissy attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry where she graduated with her Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree in 2013.

Dr. Oliver relocated to Southwest Missouri promptly after graduation and began her dental career at the Children's Smile Center in Ozark, MO and still continues working part-time here.  Dr. Oliver spent a few years practicing part time at the Fordland Clinic in Fordland and at Clear Creek Family Dental in Strafford and Ash Grove. In 2017, Clear Creek Family Dental opened a location in Clever, MO, where Dr. Oliver has been the sole provider. At the end of 2020, Dr. Oliver became the owner of the practice now named Clever Family Dental.

Her son, Sutton, plays basketball from the time he wakes up until the time he goes to bed! Dr. Oliver enjoys spending time with her family in Kansas and Oklahoma and attending continuing education courses in her free time.

Thomas Quinn, DDS

Dentist

Sam Prater

Dental Assistant

Paige Reed

Dental Assistant

Paula Ruth, RDH

Registered Dental Hygienist

Paula Ruth received her associate degree in dental hygiene from Ozarks Technical College in 2007. She started working here part-time and committed to Children's Smile Center. That was 16 years ago, and she's just as excited as she was when she began.

Paula's most important duty is helping children become comfortable with their dental visits. She is qualified to take dental x-rays and perform teeth cleanings even with challenging patients. Next, she helps put children at ease by explaining procedures and how our equipment and instruments help. Her next most crucial responsibility is education. She often includes parents in their child's appointments so that they can understand their responsibilities with home care and follow-up appointments.

As a team member, Paula enjoys counseling the kids and educating them on keeping their teeth healthy for the rest of their lives. At Children's Smile Center, she values how every staff member helps each other with daily responsibilities and challenging patients.

In her personal time, Paula loves searching antique stores for great mid-century modern furniture in bad condition and then refinishing them to their original beauty. She also enjoys training her new Wheaton Terrier puppy to compete in agility competitions. As a junior in high school, Paula spent four weeks in England and met an actual princess – Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth's sister.

Janie Salas, RDH

Registered Dental Hygienist

Shanna Slone, RDH

Registered Dental Hygienist

Shanna Slone is proud to be the only full-time hygienist with Children’s Smile Center who serves all three locations. She provides optimal patient-oriented care by taking diagnostic x-rays, performing cleanings with hand instrumentation/ultrasonic scaling, and administering local anesthesia when necessary. She also helps educate patients on a proper homecare oral hygiene routine.

After completing both dental degrees at Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield, she became a Certified Dental Assistant in 2012. This credential was a stepping stone to attaining her qualifications as a Registered Dental Hygienist in 2014. Shanna finished her bachelor’s degree in health services two years later through Missouri State University.

Shanna enjoys building exceptional relationships with all the staff members at each location and supporting their unique skills. During her schooling, she aspired to work with kids and is so grateful to work exclusively with children.

Shanna works on her hobby farm in Marshfield with her husband in her spare time, training her three horses. As an avid rider, she shows and trains with Missouri Fox Trotters. A fun fact about her is that she enjoys playing card games with family and friends, including Pitch and Nertz.