Terrific, Tremendous, Talented
Anisha K. – Registered Dental Assistant
A graduate of Houston Dental School, Anisha is highly skilled in helping our doctors keep smiles healthy and happy. While working chairside, Anisha is responsible for caring for patients and making them feel comfortable, preparing for procedures, educating patients, applying preventive dental materials, and taking digital x-rays. Anisha loves our patients and takes great pride in watching them mature and grow to enjoy caring for their teeth. She says Growing Great Grins is unique because the office has the right mix of love and care for every single patient. One of the reasons Anisha loves our dental family is because family means so much to her. She loves spending time with her husband and their three busy kids. Together, they’re an active and amazing party of five.
Kim M. – Practice Coordinator
When Kim’s not soaking up the sun at one of her favorite “happy places,” aka the beach, you’ll find her hard at work at her other happy place – the office! Kim brings over two decades of dental expertise to the team, and she has experience as both a chairside dental assistant and in her current administrative role. Kim will tell you that she loves working with her fellow team members to take great care of our patients and their parents. She goes out of her way to make sure the office is running smoothly and efficiently so that we can continue to provide the compassionate, caring dentistry that Growing Great Grins is known for.
Outside of work, Kim’s greatest joy is her family. After being married to her husband for over three decades, she now delights in her role as a grandmother. Her world lights up when she’s spending time with her adorable grandbabies, who she adores beyond measure. Kim cherishes every moment with her children and her son and daughter-in-law. Whether it’s family gatherings, playing with her grandchildren, or enjoying quiet moments with her loving husband, Kim’s life is filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of family connections.
Kathie B. – Registered Dental Hygienist
Kathie has worked for various doctors within The Woodlands Dental Group for over 25 years, but has just recently started working with the Growing Great Grins team. She has experience both as a dental assistant and a dental hygienist through her education from Sam Houston State University and Wharton Junior College. This combination of roles makes her a dynamo in the exam rooms, prepared for any and all possible problems while gently educating our little patients and keeping them calm. She loves the people that she works with and all the precious children that she gets to see every day, but she especially loves the fact that something that she does on a daily basis makes a real impact in the lifetime of someone’s healthy smile. She also loves Dr. Blackburn, and says she’s “a combination of unicorns and rainbows!”
Outside of work, Kathie and her husband have two grown boys. She loves reading, hunting, fishing, archery, running, working out and cooking.
Kattie S. – Registered Dental Hygienist
Kattie is a proud graduate of both Houston Community College as well as the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry. She joined our team in 2020, but has already had 10 years of experience in the front office, as well as 5 years of experience chairside as a hygienist. She’s also laser certified and certified in the application of nitrous oxide sedation. She loves taking care of our patients and being a part of setting the foundation for great dental health. She also loves to volunteer, working with both Give Kids a Smile and Give Vets a Smile, as well as volunteer events with the greater Houston Dental Hygiene Association.
Outside of work, and when she’s not volunteering, Kattie mentors for FEI/Endurance athletes locally. Her husband is a dentist, Dr. Azam Shah, and together they love to discover restaurants with clean and delicious foods, like EAD Vietnamese in Shenandoah.
Kayla E. – Dental Assistant
Kayla joined our team after graduating from the University of Texas Health San Antonio. One of the things that she enjoys the most about her job is the rewarding feeling of making an anxious / nervous patient feel safe and secure while they’re getting their treatment. She feels that the connection between oral health and overall health is something that is overlooked by a lot of people, so starting the children off with a proper education on it’s importance is key to a lifetime of good health.
When Kayla was asked about her life outside of work, she gleefully told us, “I love breakfast food…. A LOT!” So you might see her out for breakfast at the Toasted Yolk, or out enjoying new dinner spots with friends. She also loves sand volleyball and softball, and occasionally volunteers for charity events at her local Chick-fil-A.
Abrielle G. – Treatment Coordinator
Abrielle is a recent addition to the Growing Great Grins family, bringing four months of experience as a Treatment Coordinator. She received her training at New Orleans Dental Center and is passionate about helping new patients and their families navigate the dental experience. Abrielle’s responsibilities include check-ins, scheduling appointments, insurance verifications, and billing, all while providing a comforting presence to patients and parents alike. She loves being part of a practice where Dr. Blackburn’s heartfelt care for patients, especially through the special needs program, sets the standard for compassion and excellence.
Outside of work, Abrielle is a creative powerhouse. She is a self-taught artist and three-time self-published author who enjoys painting, sketching, crocheting, and designing home décor like tables, blankets, and pillows. Her adventurous and artistic spirit also leads her to volunteer, mentor, plan events, travel, and explore museums. Abrielle’s artistic talents and love for helping others make her a cherished member of the Growing Great Grins team.
Brooke P. – Registered Dental Hygienist
Brooke joined the Growing Great Grins team in December 2022 and brings a wealth of experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist. She graduated from Madison Area Technical College in Madison, WI, and has been working in dentistry since 2018. Her responsibilities include taking vitals, X-rays, cleanings, applying sealants, and educating patients about oral health. Brooke is passionate about helping children overcome their fears of dental visits, transforming their anxiety into excitement, and fostering positive dental experiences. She loves the playful atmosphere at Growing Great Grins and values her work family, especially the leadership and support of Dr. Blackburn.
Outside of work, Brooke enjoys staying active and engaged. She loves playing pickleball, swimming in the summer, traveling (especially to Disney), and running a side business where she participates in local vendor events. She’s also committed to giving back, supporting St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. With her laser and nitrous certifications and role on the leadership team, Brooke is a vital part of the Growing Great Grins family.
Monishae F. – Pediatric Dental Assistant
Monishae has been a dedicated member of the Growing Great Grins team for eight years, bringing 12 years of dental experience to her role as a Dental Assistant. A graduate of Remington College, she is nitrous, sealant, and sedation certified, ensuring she is well-equipped to support patients and provide a calming, compassionate experience. Monishae loves working with children, helping them overcome dental anxieties, and preparing them to see Dr. Blackburn. She finds joy in the loving and tender environment that Dr. Blackburn fosters for both the staff and patients.
Outside of work, Monishae is a creative and dynamic individual. She writes and produces music, with three songs released to the world, and enjoys playing tennis and basketball, walking, and staying active. She is also a tax preparer for Jackson Hewitt and has run multiple businesses over the years. Monishae’s favorite local spots include Lupe Tortilla and Benihana, where she loves to unwind and enjoy great meals. Her optimism, talent, and creativity make her an invaluable part of the Growing Great Grins family.
Paige H. – Treatment Coordinator
Paige joined the Growing Great Grins team in September 2024 as a Treatment Coordinator, bringing a passion for helping people and ensuring patients have a positive experience. Since starting her dental career in 2022, she has embraced her responsibilities, which include checking out patients, reviewing treatment plans, answering phones, handling insurance claims, and scheduling appointments. Paige loves being around kids all day, witnessing their excitement in the fun environment at Growing Great Grins, and seeing the remarkable progress made by special needs children. She is inspired by the team’s shared dedication to making dental visits enjoyable for every child.
Outside of work, Paige enjoys spending time with her three-year-old yellow lab, Guff, and immersing herself in a good book. She is accepting, funny, and bubbly, bringing warmth and positivity to every interaction. Paige dreams of one day traveling the world as a flight attendant but feels she’s found the perfect place at Growing Great Grins, where she makes a real difference in the lives of children and their families.
Yanoriz M. – Pediatric Dental Assistant
Yanoriz joined the Growing Great Grins team six months ago as a Registered Dental Assistant, bringing enthusiasm and a passion for working with children. After graduating from Eisenhower Senior High School and completing training at the Houston Dental Assistance School, she began her dental career with a focus on helping young patients feel comfortable during procedures. Yanoriz values the opportunity to grow professionally, learning something new every day, and helping children overcome their dental anxieties. She loves the fun, positive environment at Growing Great Grins and feels inspired by Dr. Blackburn and her supportive colleagues.
Outside of work, Yanoriz enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, going shopping (her version of therapy!), creating TikToks, and indulging in all things girly like makeup. Her hobbies also include school, hitting the gym, and spending time at parks. Yanoriz describes herself as funny, easy-going, positive, humble, and hardworking, making her a delightful and dependable member of the Growing Great Grins team.
