Staff Directory

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

Hello! My name is Yvette, and I am the Office Manager at Kates Orthodontics. I have worked in the Dental field for over 20 years, starting as an assistant and worked my way up to Management. In addition to being CPR certified, I also have the privilege of teaching for 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.

Erica Davis

Receptionist

Hey! My name is Erica. I have worked with Dr. Kates for 8 years. I love amusement parks, traveling, cooking and Zumba! I'm a devoted mother to a wonderful 18-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

Hi There, 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 since 2007. 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

Aloha! My name is Chari; my passions are cooking, traveling, smooth jazz and ORTHODONTICS! I have worked in the orthodontic field for the past 15 years. The last 3 1/2 years have been truly rewarding and fulfilling for me. I have been very fortunate to have become a member of the Kates Orthodontics team! I have acquired the position of Insurance Coordinator and front desk, it 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 am from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. I have been in the orthodontics business for 18 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. Recently became elected secretary of the board at San Lorenzo Family Club in Cleveland. I’m CPR certified, I love dancing and going to St. Michaels church. I definitely love working for Dr. Kates, and you will love becoming apart of our family at Kates’ Orthodontics because we do not just straighten teeth we change lives!

Nickisha Johnson

Receptionist

Welcome to our site! I’m Nickisha(Nickii)!
I enjoy being a part of Kates Orthodontics and absolutely love what our practice has to offer patients! I have a wonderful husband, Jeff, an ambitious 13 year old, Bre’yana and the newest addition to our family, a beautiful baby boy, Jayden! I love spending time with my family. Family means the most to me. I love to sing and dance and make everyone laugh! The most exciting moment for me at Kates Orthodontics would be the day that your braces are removed! It’s a life changing moment that you’ll always remember! I look forward to seeing you!

Ann Munro

Clinical Supervisor

Hello, 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. I’ve had the opportunity along with the doctors to create lasting and beautiful smiles. It’s wonderful to know that I had something to do with someone loving their new smile and helping with their self esteem. I am a mother of an awesome son who is now 17 and a wonderful husband of 8 years both of whom had braces with Dr. Kates and are very appreciative of having a great smile and I will always be grateful. Outside of Kates Orthodontics, I enjoy cooking, entertaining and traveling.

Angelique Hall

Orthodontic Assistant

Hi! My name is Angelique. I have been a dental assistant for 15 years. The last eleven 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.

Ciara Johnson

Orthodontic Assistant

My name is Ciara. I enjoy reading, writing, dancing and volunteering. I am a registered dental assistant. I enjoy working at Kates Orthodontics because of the warm family atmosphere. I love being an orthodontic assistant because it gives me the opportunity to bond with all of my patients and help them progress to their new beautiful smiles.

Shawna Barnes

Orthodontic Assistant

Hello There! My name is Shawna,
The girls here call me Little Bit because I am the shortest assistant amongst the other staff! I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and in my spare time I also enjoy working out and shopping! I was hired while attending Dental Assisting School at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center on early placement. I am now a certified Dental Assistant with my Radiology License as well. At Kates Orthodontics we are a family, and I couldn’t be happier to be apart of such a great, fun filled office and I love working here! I’m able to keep up the pace and feel that I contribute a lot to the practice and our patients. I’m very caring and helpful! The best part of it all is seeing the patients gorgeous smiles after their braces are removed and knowing that we helped change their lives for the better.

Lizzie Hurguy

Orthodontic Assistant

Hi! My Name is Lizzie;
I went to dental school at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center and I couldn’t be happier choosing Orthodontics. In Orthodontics you can be with the patients throughout their whole journey, from beginning to end! I am so proud to work where you help make a difference in someone’s life. Our office is so open and friendly and treats everyone like family. I love how modern our office is. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my fiancé, family and friends.

Quionni Simms

Orthodontic Assistant

Hey! My name is Quionni,
I am a mother of 2 beautiful girls, and I have been a Dental Assistant for over 6 years. I started off in General Dentistry, until I decided to branch off and get the experience of being an Orthodontic Assistant. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed each journey. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, spending time with my children, and dancing!

Lindsay Brown

Orthodontic Assistant

Hello.. My name is Lindsay,
I love shopping, cooking and spending time with my family and friends. What I enjoy the most about being an orthodontic assistant is being a team player and making a difference in people’s lives. The results of our patients beautiful life changing smiles is an experience that brings me much gratification!

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!