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.

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!

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.