Jenny has had several roles at Uptown Dental Associates, including Insurance Coordinator, Front Office Receptionist, Account Manager, and Office Manager. She now serves as Dr. Shepherd’s right hand and oversees all of his offices. Those patients who have come to know Jenny over time are familiar with her witty sense of humor and keen mastery of sarcasm. Jenny is one of our main team jokesters. Her infectious good attitude and ability to see the bright side of every situation is a critical part of our practice. She also happens to be Dr. Shepherd’s youngest sister! When not juggling her 10,001 responsibilities as Regional Manager, Jenny spends her time raising 6 awesome children with her husband of over 20 years, Troy, and spoiling their granddaughter.

Samantha graduated from Dental Assisting school in 2015 and joined our Uptown office in 2016, where her dynamic personality fit seamlessly into our team. If you haven’t had a chance to get to know Samantha, you’ll love her when you do. Samantha started in our office as a Hygiene Assistant, then one of Dr. Shepherd’s personal assistants. We eventually moved her to the front office, and now she’s our Office Manager! Next year, she just might become the dentist. When she isn’t multi-tasking at work, she’s multi-tasking at home, running in circles with her three children, Daniel Jr. and her twin daughters. Samantha and Daniel Sr. have been married since 2014. Together they love spending time outdoors and with their family.

Jolene has been working in dentistry since 2015. As both a dental assistant and a front office specialist, her skills cover the gamut of just about anything we may need in the office! She currently serves as our Treatment Coordinator, and as such, she’s the one that will help you understand anything the doctor has prescribed for you – and help you work out the financials. She and her fiancée, Gilbert, have been together for 7 years and have a beautiful 2 year old daughter. Jolene, despite her glamorous exterior, also loves to spend her time outdoors, enjoying everything from fishing and camping to bow hunting and shooting.

Sarah Armstrong hails from the great state of Montana, but relocated to NM around the turn of the century. She graduated from Hygiene School in 2006 and has been a wonderful hygienist ever since. Her patients love her for the personal interest she takes in them and for just how quickly she can do a thorough cleaning! Sarah and her husband have two children and two awesome grandchildren. When she isn’t at work or busy being “YaYa” (that’s grandma in child-speak), Sarah loves being ACTIVE. In fact, it’s hard to get her to sit still. She loves all sports and fitness, and has been coaching girls’ basketball for over 15 years.

Annabel joined our team full-time in 2015, but she first worked with us in 2009 as a part-time hygienist. After twisting her arm, we finally convinced her to make a permanent move to become part of our family. She is an impeccable hygienist. Annabel earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Hygiene from UNM, where she just happened to be in training with two of our other hygienists, Doria and Jaime! Annabel loves people and especially enjoys caring for our wonderful patients at Uptown Dental Associates. In addition to caring for our patients, Annabel and her husband, Manny, also take care of their adorable, curley-haired grandson, Seth. When not at work, Annabel enjoys cooking, traveling and playing golf, as well as spending time with her husband, Manny, her three children, and her beautiful grandchildren!

Diana Gonzalez was born and raised in Hobbs, NM. She graduated from PIMA with an Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene in 2020 and joined our team right out of school. She loves taking care of her patients and learning about them as she works each day. In her spare time, Diana loves spending time with friends and family and enjoys anything outdoors, traveling and EATING. She also speaks fluent Español.

Alleah Candelaria graduated from PIMA in 2016 and has been working as a dental assistant ever since, although her long term plan is to become a hygienist! In fact, she’s already earned her Associate’s degree and is attending UNM, where she is waiting for acceptance into the coveted hygiene program. At work, Alleah spends her time assisting Dr. Romeo. When she’s not at work, she enjoys hiking, working out and running – all to support her other hobby: eating!

Ciera Bobadilla joined our office in 2020 and we’re so glad she did! She has been working as a dental assistant since 2016 and loves working with Dr. Romeo. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, though she hasn’t gotten enough of that lately. She also enjoys spending time exploring the great outdoors and refining her skills in the kitchen.