Staff Directory
We are especially interested in making all our patients feel right at home! We put your needs first to achieve efficient and comprehensive treatment. Our staff is trained and skilled, and we strive to provide fun-loving and gentle service to each patient.
Our treatment team is radiology and CPR certified, and our office staff has years of experience in treating patients with the highest level of care. We strive to stay abreast of the very latest in technology and advances by regularly attending continuing education courses and seminars.
Angelique Hall
Orthodontic Assistant
I have had the honor to have worked all my seven years in Orthodontics with Dr. Kates. There is consistency in this field of work. The interaction with patients, getting to know their families and seeing them go home at the end of treatment with a wonderful smile is the best. It feels good to know we accomplished what the patient wanted. For everyone considering braces… Do It! It is the best gift you can give to your children and to yourself. Having a bright, uplifting smile can take you as far as you want to go.
Ann Munro
Clinical Supervisor
I first began my education in Orthodontics back in 1985 at the Cleveland Institute of Medical & Dental Assisting. For the next 25 years, I practiced assisting in Orthodontics and have been with Dr. Kates for the last four years. I hold my Dental Assistant Radiographer’s License and have completed the Dental Radiology Health and Safety Course.
My interest in Orthodontics began with observing the way a patient’s feelings change as they go through treatment. We get to see a boost in confidence and a positive change in overall outlook. It is so rewarding to know I had a part in that. Dr. Kates is such a pleasure to work for. He has always appreciated his staff for working hard for him and for our patients.
I remember the way having braces changed me and I plan to continue being able to help others love their new smiles too.
April Campbell
Orthodontic Assistant
I have been working in the field of Orthodontics for 10 years. I am a certified Orthodontic Assistant and have been with Kates Orthodontics for six and a half years. I was first drawn to this field of work because having braces can really change someone’s life. The best part of working for Dr. Kates is the family oriented environment. The staff cares about their patients and they care about each other. If I could encourage someone considering braces, I would have to say, Dr. Kates really makes it a painless process and a positive experience. The feeling a patient has when those braces finally come off and their teeth are perfect – Priceless!
Erica Davis
Office Coordinator
I have spent the last four years in Orthodontics with Dr. Kates. I have always worked in the medical field and knew I wanted to continue helping people somehow. People today are very aware of their appearance and your smile is where it all starts. The whole atmosphere of the office, starting with the greeting when you walk in the door, to the family-like feeling that is throughout the office is what we pride ourselves on. Teamwork is the key. There is no “I” in Team!
Your smile is the opening statement to everything you do with your life. Take the time to invest in yourself and make it the best it can be!
Jillian Perelka
Administrative Coordinator
I began working with Dr. Kates almost one year ago and it has been a great year! My position is at the front desk and while we don’t actually work on the patients, we get to know them just as well. I want to be that smiling face that makes the difference in your day.
For the staff, Kates Orthodontics is like a “home away from home.” We enjoy our work and it shows. It is very exciting to see a child go through treatment and be so proud of the results. But when that child’s parent decides to get treatment as well, we realize what an impression our success makes in the lives of so many. Orthodontics is not just for kids anymore!
I have realized that when it comes to appearance, nothing is as important as a beautiful, sparkling smile. It is an investment that will bring rewards for many years to come.
Melissa Griffith-Liu
Orthodontic Assistant
My Orthodontic experience extends back almost three years - and I have chosen to be at Kates Orthodontics for all three. After meeting Dr. Kates and Yvette, the Office Manager, I knew I had to work with the best in the business. They make every person feel so comfortable and at ease. I really enjoy seeing my patients grow and mature and knowing I had a part in the confidence they leave our office with is all the reward I need. It makes working hard worth every minute!
Having had my own braces done by Dr. Kates, I can tell you firsthand that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. My time in treatment was great and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Consider Kates Orthodontics for yourself… but only if you, like me, want to be treated by the best!
Yvette Kemp
Office Manager
I have worked in the Orthodontic field for over 18 years. In addition to being CPR certified, I also have the privilege of teaching Dental Assisting.
I have worked for Dr. Kates for over 10 years and coming to work here was the best decision I ever made. When you work in the Orthodontics field it is completely different from general dentistry. We work with children and adults and we watch them grow and change in appearance and in maturity.
There are so many great things about working here. First and foremost, we work for a great doctor that genuinely cares about the staff and the patients. Secondly, we are all one big, happy family and we work well together to provide the best customer service possible. And last, but NOT least, I love taking care of our patients! They are the best!
Your first visit to our office is completely free of charge. Being able to go into an office and see a doctor and not have to pay is definitely a rarity. We try to make your Orthodontic treatment efficient and affordable because we truly care about your well-being.
We look forward to seeing you in the office!
Karen Rife
Orthodontic Assistant
I have been privileged to practice orthodontics for over 22 years. My certifications include Dental Assisting National Board, Certified Orthodontic Assistant and my Dental Radiographer’s License.
As a child, I did not feel artistic and that led to my motivation for being in orthodontics. I wanted to be creative and give people something they could enjoy their whole lives. A beautiful smile never goes out of style.
Working at Kates Orthodontics makes fulfilling my dreams even better because of the teamwork and mutual respect. A smile can change someone’s day or their whole life. It is the universal language of the world and is the best gift you can give yourself!
Desiree Goodman
Orthodontic Assistant
I recently joined the staff of Kates Orthodontics and I am already reaping the rewards. Orthodontics seemed like a very exciting career choice for me. I have always liked my smile and I wanted to help other people feel the same way about themselves.
Without a doubt, the best part of working at Kates Orthodontics is the staff. They are helpful and we have great teamwork. I am proud to be part of the team!
My advice on Orthodontic treatment is to never second guess the decision to get braces. The cost is so worth it and you can’t put a price tag on a beautiful smile!
Gail Horhn
Financial Advisor
I am happy to be a new addition to the Kates Orthodontics Family. I started here because the staff was warm and open and I knew being a part of this office would be rewarding. As a self-motivated individual I appreciate a challenge and the inter-personal relationships cultivated each day with our patients and within our own staff.
The best part about this job is knowing that I contribute to an atmosphere already designed to offer the best care possible.
