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.

Dr. Dale A. Kates

First of all, I love what I do! My belief in helping my fellow man and a strong belief in family have always been the foundation for most of my decisions. I am competitive but I also know how to lose graciously. I have been married over 15 years and love spending time with my wife, two children and our Great Dane. I have been doing orthodontics for almost 20 years and feel that this is the best career a person could ever have. Not only do we help young adults and older adults reach their full potential, we gain some life-long friends along the way.

Dr. Lauren Lockhart

My name is Dr. Lauren Lockhart. Away from the office I enjoy friendly competition. That may include who can finish a book the fastest; watch the most movies in a given time, or even a friendly workout challenge. I received my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Meharry Medical College, followed by a two-year residency program specializing in orthodontics at Jacksonville University. Becoming a member of the Kates Orthodontics team has been wonderful. The staff is extraordinary. We take pride in extending that positive energy with the treatment we provide to our patients.

Yvette Kemp Office Manager

My name is Yvette, and I am the Office Manager at Kates & Associates. I have worked in the orthodontic field for over 20 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 orthodontic 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!

Erica Davis Receptionist

My name is Erica. I have worked with Dr. Kates for six years. I'm a devoted mother to a wonderful 15-year-old young man who is a straight A, honor student. 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!

Gail Horhn Receptionist

I am Gail; just a few of my favorite things to do are line dancing, cooking and spending time with my family and friends. I have worked in the field of orthodontics for two years. I enjoy the challenge of problem solving, enabling all to meet their orthodontic needs. The best part about this job is knowing that I contribute to an atmosphere already designed to offer the best care possible.

Chari DiFranco Receptionist

My name is Chari; my passions are cooking, traveling and orthodontics! I have worked in the orthodontic field for the past 12 years. The last 18 months have been truly rewarding and fulfilling for me. I have been very fortunate to have become a member of the Kates Orthodontics team! My position at the front desk is so gratifying. I have the opportunity to meet our new patients, parents and family at their complimentary consultations. I see their progress throughout the treatment, and then their final result of a beautiful healthy smile. Dr. Kates and his staff will welcome you into the family atmosphere, and your treatment will be unforgettable! Today is a gift! Have fun!

Miriam Martin Receptionist

: Hi, my name is Miriam; I have been in the orthodontics business for 14 years. I am the mother of three very handsome boys and I'm also a grandmother. I love working the front desk. I meet wonderful people everyday. I love dancing and going to church. I definitely love working for Dr. Kates.

Ann Munro Clinical Supervisor

My name is Ann; I was originally born on the island of Grenada. I grew up in London, England. I’ve been an orthodontic assistant for over 20 years. Working in the field has been a very fulfilling and rewarding experience. Outside of Kates Orthodontics, I am a mother to a very wonderful young man, and I enjoy cooking, entertaining and traveling.

Angelique Hall Orthodontic Assistant

My name is Angelique. I have been a dental assistant for 13 years. The last nine years I have been working with Dr. Kates. My job is very rewarding because I make a difference in people’s lives. I am a mother of three, and in my spare time I enjoy reading, shopping and spending time, with family and close friends.

Desiree Graves Orthodontic Assistant

My name is Desiree. I am the very proud mother of two daughters and a son. I went to dental assisting school in Beachwood. My teacher there offered me an interview at Kates Orthodontics, and I have been there ever since! I love the freedom I have in orthodontics, working on the patients myself and helping change their lives and smiles for the better.

Sara McGovern Orthodontic Assistant

My name is "Princess" Sara. I am a mother of two beautiful and intelligent children and I love photography and writing! I graduated from Dental Assisting School and worked in general dentistry for a short time before finding my home in orthodontics. This office is my second home and my extended family. In orthodontics we not only bring a smile to peoples faces, we enhance that smile! Our patients love the caring treatment they experience here, and I love to spend time with each and every one of my patients.

Tiffany Holston Orthodontic Assistant

My name is Tiffany; I am a proud mother of one. I have been assisting for 12 years and have been certified for the past seven years. I love working at Kates Orthodontics because we build lasting relationships with our patients. We watch their children grow as well as their self-esteem from the work that we do here.

Limaris Franco Orthodontic Assistant

My name is Limaris. I am a mother of a very handsome and active son. I enjoy going to the gym and traveling. I worked for Dr. Kates a few years ago and decided to return because I missed the family-like environment. I love working in this office and interacting with all of my patients.

Ciara Johnson Orthodontic Assistant

My name is Ciara. I enjoy reading, writing, dancing and volunteering. I started out working in nursing and then became a registered dental assistant this year. I enjoy working at Kates & Associates because of the warm family environment. I love being an orthodontic assistant because it gives me the opportunity to bond with all of my patients as they progress to their new beautiful smiles.

Barbara Finley Hygienist

My name is Barbara; I have been a practicing registered dental hygienist for 29 years. Published in the 2007 Modern Hygienist Magazine, I continue to teach oral hygiene in the Bush area of Kenya. Presently, I am pursuing my Master of Education degree at Baldwin Wallace College. One great advantage of working with Dr. Kates is his support in educating the public on proper hygiene. He recognizes that the most important skill of a hygienist is to teach. When I am cleaning teeth, my patients will learn a lesson and have a few good laughs!