About Your Team
Summer Millsaps
Certified Business Assistant
“Don’t forget to floss.”
My Mission
“To recognize and develop my strengths as a person, team player, and coworker. To find happiness, fulfillment, and value in my life.”
Professional Background
Summer has dedicated over 20 years to the healthcare industry, including nursing, management, and clinical operations. In the last year, she’s made a career change into the field of dentistry, with the motivation to learn new things. She graduated from Bryman College and Cape Girardeau Career & Technology Center.
Life and Hobbies
When she isn’t caring for patients, Summer loves spending quality time with her husband and two daughters, ages 15 and 20. They enjoy going to the beach, jet skiing, collecting shells, and just relaxing on the beautiful, white sand. One of Summer’s favorite vacation spots is the beautiful Pan Handle.
Marisa Koester
Registered Dental Hygienist
“Smiles are free, but they are worth a lot more!”
My Mission
“To improve the oral health of every person I treat and give the best information possible. Every day, I learn something new; I hope that never changes.”
Professional Background
In May of 2018, Marisa graduated Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Throughout her schooling, she temporarily worked at Dental Group of Carbondale.
Life and Hobbies
Most of Marisa’s home life consists of cats, playing video games, and playing tennis in the good weather months with her long-term boyfriend.
Anna LaValle-Pipkin
Registered Dental Hygienist
“You don’t have to brush all of your teeth… only the ones you want to keep!”
My Mission
“To educate patients on the importance of routine check-ups and prevention of oral cancer, gum disease, and decay. To be committed to excellence in all of our services to our patients, so that I can help them achieve the highest level of dental health.”
Professional Background
Anna has served the dental field for over 19 years. She attended Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri. She started with Cape Girardeau Dental Care in September of 2017 as a full-time hygienist.
Life and Hobbies
Anna was born and raised in New Madrid, Missouri. She has two kids, Jack and Sophie. When she isn’t caring for patients, Anna enjoys spending quality time with her kids, family and friends. Her family loves traveling when they can.
Heather Donner
Registered Dental Hygienist
“Be the reason someone smiles today.”
Professional Background
Heather attended Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri. She received her Associate of Dental Hygiene and Bachelor of Health Science.
Life and Hobbies
When she isn’t caring for her patients, Heather loves spending quality time with her family and friends. Her hobbies include camping, swimming, floating, and anything else outdoors. She has three kids: one son and two step-daughters. She enjoys taking road trips and going to the beach.
Claira Rhodes
Certified Dental Assistant
“Molar World” from Joe Dirt
My Mission
“To give everyone their best smile.”
Professional Background
Claira has been in the dental field since 2013, and she received her diploma in dental assisting from Anthem Medical School in Arnold, Missouri.
Life and Hobbies
When she isn’t caring for patients, Claira enjoys taking care of her beautiful daughter, being with friends and family, and just living the best life.
Cindy Gabler
Expanded Function Dental Assistant
“There’s no better feeling than helping a patient love his or her smile.”
My Mission
“To be the best dental assistant possible, while educating and treating my patients to the best of my capabilities.”
Education Background
Cindy graduated from Jackson High School in 1985.
Life and Hobbies
When she isn’t caring for patients, Cindy enjoys camping, scrapbooking, spending quality time with her family and friends, spoiling her dog, Bella, and quoting funny movie lines anytime, anywhere: “Mama said that alligators is ornery because they got all them teeth but no toothbrush!”
Kara Barrett
Dental Assistant
“Dentistry is not expensive, neglect is.”
My Mission
“Never stop learning, never stop growing. Growth and knowledge are things I want to bring to all patients to better their experiences and knowledge for treatment and at-home care.”
Professional Background
Kara received her dental assistant certification through Cape Girardeau Technology Center in 2010. She started her first job in dentistry the same year, and she’s been loving her dental career ever since.
Life and Hobbies
When she isn’t caring for patients, Kara enjoys DIY home projects, UTV riding with friends, hunting, hiking, and animals.