Lacey McKay

Business Team Leader (& Founding Team Member)

Meet Lacey - Founding Heart & Front Office Rock 

Lacey McKay has been with Children’s Dentistry since day one—literally. Before we even had a physical building, Lacey was helping schedule patient appointments from the couch in my living room. Since 2008, she’s been a steady, compassionate presence and a true cornerstone of our team.

From the very beginning, Lacey’s strength has been helping people through difficult situations with patience and empathy. It’s something she shared in her very first interview—and something she’s exemplified every single day since. Whether she’s supporting our team or guiding a family through a tough moment, Lacey brings wisdom, grace, and unwavering kindness to all she does.

Outside the office, Lacey enjoys relaxing with her husband, Dennis, whether they’re at home or enjoying time at the lake. She’s a proud mom of two grown sons who share a love for the outdoors.

Lacey’s loyalty, calm presence, and heartfelt care continue to shape the heart of our practice—and we’re beyond grateful for her.

Chelsie Ferris

Patient Care Coordinator

Meet Chelsie – Front Desk Extraordinaire

No matter how your day is going, you’ll feel instantly at ease when you're greeted by Chelsie’s warm smile. As the friendly face at our front desk, she’ll check you in and confirm your information faster than you can say “toothbrush!” Chelsie keeps our office running smoothly with her expert multitasking skills—and we truly don’t know what we’d do without her.

Outside the office, Chelsie loves getting lost in a good book and spending quality time with her husband and daughter—often on relaxing and picturesque getaways.

Pro Tip: Ask if her adorable mini-Aussie, Charlie, came along for the ride. He’s just as charming as she is!

Kim Downey

Patient Care Coordinator

Karlee Cooper

Patient Care Coordinator/Marketing Director

Karlee – The Experience Guru & Hype Queen

Karlee has been in the dental field since 2015 and became a vital part of our Children's Dentistry team in 2018. As our Patient Care and Marketing Coordinator, she shines at creating welcoming, positive experiences for our patients while also leading our outreach and community engagement efforts with creativity and heart.

When she’s not spreading smiles at work, Karlee loves diving into a good book or watching a great movie. She’s passionate about travel and cherishes making new memories with her daughter, Ella. Family game nights are a favorite in their household—and their cat, Oscar, adds a little extra joy (and entertainment!) to the mix.

Karlee’s enthusiasm, both in and out of the office, brings a vibrant, personal touch to our team.

Megan St. Romain

Patient Care Coordinator

Meet Megan – The Organization Queen & Office Ray of Sunshine

Megan St. Romain joined Children’s Dentistry in 2022 and quickly became a bright, steady presence at the front of our office. As an administrative assistant, she brings warmth, positivity, and a wonderfully organized touch to everything she does—helping families feel welcome and cared for from the moment they walk through the door.

Outside the office, Megan is a busy and devoted mom to three energetic boys. Whether they’re exploring trails on their side-by-side or stargazing together under the night sky, she cherishes every moment spent with her family. Megan also loves the thrill of thrift shopping and the joy of discovering unique finds. And when she’s in the kitchen, you can count on her to whip up delicious baked treats that bring smiles to everyone around her.

Megan’s dedication, enthusiasm, and upbeat energy make her a true joy to work with—and we’re so lucky to have her on our team.

Clarissa Linck, RDH

Registered Dental Hygienist

Raquel Trahan, RDH

Registered Dental Hygienist

Meet Raquel – The Heartfelt Hygienist Who Helped Build It All

Raquel Trahan holds a deeply special place in the heart of our practice. She was the very first dental hygienist to ever work in our practice—just a couple of years after we opened—and having her join the team made it feel like we were truly becoming a proper dental practice. Raquel brought not only experience and skill, but a presence that helped shape who we are today.

Over the years, Raquel and I have shared more than just a professional journey—we’ve shared memories, challenges, and even adventures, like attending dental conferences together and a cross-country horse show (even though horses and dirt weren’t quite her thing, she showed up with her full support and spirit). After spending several years working in Houston, Raquel returned to Children’s Dentistry last year—and having her back feels like everything is just as it should be.

Raquel is the definition of a team player and a truly exceptional pediatric dental hygienist. She’s gentle and compassionate with kids, incredibly supportive with her teammates, and communicates beautifully with parents—always making sure they feel informed and reassured.

Outside of work, Raquel is a loving mother of two and a proud grandmother. Her eldest son is married with a son and daughter of his own, and although Raquel's daughter left this world far too soon, her memory lives on through her son, Raquel’s second grandson. Through life’s highs and heartbreaks, Raquel brings grace, resilience, and love into every space she touches.

She’s more than a team member—she’s family. And we are endlessly grateful to have her heart and healing presence back in our practice.

Antonia Tobar, RDA

Ms. Fixes Everything!

Meet Antonia – Director of Doing It All (aka “Miss Fix-It”!)

Since joining our practice in 2014, Antonia Tobar has been the heart and hands of our daily operations. With a career in dentistry that began in 2001, Antonia has worn just about every hat in a dental office—and wears them all with grace and expertise. As a Registered Dental Assistant and our in-house Logistics Coordinator, she ensures every tiny detail gets the attention it deserves. Fondly known as “Miss Fix-It,” Antonia is our go-to when something needs troubleshooting—chances are, she’ll have it working again before anyone else even notices it’s broken. Her dedication to our patients and our team is unmatched, and simply put, the office just isn’t the same without her.

When she's not keeping the practice running like a well-oiled machine, Antonia loves traveling, curling up with a good book, or indulging in some well-earned retail therapy. She’s the proud mom of two adult sons and a daughter, and cherishes every moment of the adventures they share together. Her professionalism, passion, and precision make her truly irreplaceable.

Krysta Buchanan, RDA

Clinical Team Leader

Meet Krysta – Chief Chaos Coordinator & Lead Dental Dynamo

As our Lead Dental Assistant, Krysta Buchanan is the engine that keeps our clinical team running at full speed—and somehow, she makes it look effortless. Known for her natural leadership and laser-focused multitasking (which she jokingly credits to ADHD, but we’re pretty sure it’s a superpower), Krysta ensures every patient visit flows seamlessly and every team member feels supported. Her journey into pediatric dentistry started after bringing her own child to our office, and whether or not her story is 100% literal, we know we’re the lucky ones. Krysta is a cornerstone of our team: calm in the chaos, fiercely hardworking, and a true motivator for those around her.

Outside the office, Krysta is a proud and devoted boy mom who thrives on nurturing her sons' unique gifts. Her free time is filled with loud, competitive family game nights, quiet moments with a good book, and high-energy live concerts with her partner. She brings the same passion to her personal life that she does to her work—110% every single day. We truly couldn’t ask for a more capable, compassionate, and committed leader.

Jackie White, RDA

Registered Dental Assistant

Jackie – The Smile-Smoothing Super Assistant

Since 2015, Jackie has been a valued part of our children’s dentistry team, combining skill, compassion, and a gentle touch in every patient interaction. As a registered dental assistant, she helps ensure each visit runs smoothly and every smile gets the high-quality care it deserves.

When she’s not brightening smiles at the office, Jackie loves shopping, traveling, and making lasting memories with her family. She’s a proud mom of three amazing kids—whose smiles are her greatest joy!

Jackie’s dedication to both her profession and her family makes her an irreplaceable part of our team.

Ariely Rojas, RDA

Registered Dental Assistant

Meet Ariely – The Comfort Creator & Bilingual Smile Guide

Ariely Rojas joined Children’s Dentistry in 2023 and has quickly become a valued part of our clinical team. As a Registered Dental Assistant, she is dedicated to delivering excellent care and creating a warm, positive environment for every patient she sees. Her enthusiasm and bright energy help put children at ease—and her ability to connect with families is truly special.

Ariely is also one of our bilingual team members, offering essential support to our Spanish-speaking families and helping ensure they feel fully informed and comfortable every step of the way.

Outside of the office, Ariely enjoys collecting makeup and sneakers, and she’s a proud supporter of both the Houston Astros and the Texans—you’ll often find her cheering them on at games! Most of all, she cherishes time with her kids and is always making the most of every opportunity to create lasting memories with them.

Ariely’s mix of professionalism, dedication, and vibrant personal passions makes her a wonderful and unique asset to our practice.

Tianna Brister, RDA

Registered Dental Assistant

Meet Tianna – The Gentle Care Giver with a Golden Voice

Tianna joined the Children's Dentistry team in 2023, bringing her dedication, bright personality, and compassionate care to every patient she meets. As a registered dental assistant, she helps make each visit smooth, comfortable, and full of smiles.

Outside the office, Tianna is deeply involved in her local church, where she’s a proud member of the choir and an active part of the community. She treasures spending time with her family—especially her four nieces and three nephews, who keep her life joyful and full of laughter.

Whether she’s contributing at church or creating special moments with loved ones, Tianna brings warmth and heart to everything she does—and we’re so lucky to have her on our team.

Kylie Castaneda, RDA

Registered Dental Assistant

Meet Kylie – The Hustle Queen & Smile Machine

Kylie Castaneda joined our team in 2022, and from day one, she’s brought nonstop energy, quick thinking, and a can-do attitude to every task. As a Registered Dental Assistant, Kylie is always ready to jump in, learn fast, and give her best—making both her team and our patients feel supported and cared for.

At home, Kylie is a proud and devoted mom to two young daughters who are just as spirited as she is (and just as fun!). Whether she's cheering from the sidelines at the softball field or spending time with friends and family, she embraces life with heart and humor.

Kylie also has a passion for makeup, fashion, and exploring new foods—she’s always up for trying something new and stylish. Her bold energy, caring nature, and team-first attitude make her a vibrant and valued part of our dental family.

Ava Penner

Sterilization Tech

Meet Ava – Future World-Changer & Clinical Support Extraordinaire

Ava’s journey with our practice began in the dental chair as a patient, but it wasn’t long before she found herself on the other side—first as an observer considering a career in healthcare, and soon after as an invaluable part of our team. What started as a part-time role quickly blossomed into something more, and now, every time Ava returns on breaks from college, the entire office lights up. Her warm smile, sharp attention to detail, and unshakable work ethic make her a joy to work with and a true asset to the clinical team.

We’re all convinced Ava is destined for greatness far beyond our walls, but while we have her, we’re endlessly grateful. She brings heart, energy, and positivity to every task, and we’re lucky to be part of her journey—just as she’s been a part of ours.

Kelly Cody

Director of Operations

Meet Kelly – The Architect of Awesome & Director of Operations

Before a single patient sat in a chair, Kelly Cody was already shaping the heart of our practice. As a seasoned dental consultant with her own successful firm, Kelly was the expert we brought in to help build our pediatric dental office from the ground up—designing workflows, refining schedules, and guiding critical early decisions. What began as a few consulting visits quickly evolved into an essential partnership, and over time, we were fortunate enough to bring Kelly on full-time as our Director of Operations. Since then, she’s been the steady hand behind the scenes, helping us expand into multiple thriving locations with her strategic insight, tireless dedication, and uncanny ability to make the impossible look easy.

Kelly’s leadership lifts a huge weight off the clinical team, allowing us to focus on patient care while she expertly manages everything else. Outside of work, she’s a proud mom to two amazing adult children (no favorites… but there is a grandbaby involved), and an animal lover through and through. She shares her life with dogs, cats, and horses—and when she’s not running the office, you’ll likely find her in the saddle, training or competing with her horses. Kelly is an irreplaceable part of our journey, and her passion, experience, and calm confidence continue to shape our practice every day.

Smitty

Dental Health Ambassador

Meet Smitty – Chief Smile Ambassador & Full-Time Tooth Defender

Smitty isn’t just our mascot—he’s the oversized, ever-smiling heart of our practice! Inspired by the horse in our logo and brought to life with an extra helping of charm, Smitty stands tall (literally!) as a symbol of fun, friendliness, and fearless dental care. Whether he’s joining team members on school visits, popping up at local fun runs, or striking a pose in office photos, Smitty is always ready to make kids smile and remind them that taking care of their teeth can be exciting.

He’s got a soft spot for carrots, a big love for laughter, and a herd of real-life horse friends—Leo, Stella, Phoenix, and Layla—who belong to Dr. McQuade and keep his equine heart happy. With his playful presence and passion for dental health, Smitty brings a joyful, approachable spirit that helps kids feel confident and excited about visiting the dentist. Around here, we like to say: every smile is a little brighter when Smitty’s in the room!