Welcome To Avon Dental

Debbie Dodson

Practice Director

Debbie has been in the dental field for 25 years. She was a Registered Dental Hygienist for 10 years, before moving to the administrative side of the dental team. She has taken extensive courses in dental insurance utilization and customized treatment planning. She has received certification in Dentrix and SoftDent. Her knowledge of dental insurance and her true desire to help each patient maximize their benefits make Debbie an invaluable member of Castle Peak Dental’s team.

Amy Meryhew

Registered Dental Hygienist

Amy is exceptional at educating patients on whole health and wellness, which includes customized plans for each patient’s oral health. She has extensive training in periodontal disease and utilizing diode lasers to improve healing. Amy maintains her continuing education by attending over 30 hours of coursework every year. She has been in hygiene for over 20 years and maintains her passion for helping people attain oral health and the beautiful smile they deserve!

Kylee Montoya

Registered Dental Hygienist

Kylee was born and raised in Grand Junction, Colorado. She obtained her bachelor's degree in health and exercise science at Colorado State University which is where she also met her husband Ben. She then got her license in Dental hygiene at Community College of Denver and moved back to the valley to begin practicing. She has been working in the dental field since 2013 and has gone through extensive training in periodontal disease and utilizing diode lasers to improve healing.

Julie Parker

Treatment Coordinator, Universal Trainer

Julie started her career as a dental assistant. She then graduated with her Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene degree. She moved to the administrative side of the field where she can shine to the patients without being in their mouths. Julie enjoys seeing her patients and hopes to bring a smile to each individual who comes into the office.

Melissa Rodriquez

Administrative Assistant

Melissa Rodriquez has been a local of the Eagle Valley since 1994. She graduated from Eagle Valley High School in 2010. Melissa has worked as a Front Office Supervisor at the Best Western Eagle Lodge & Suites and now use that skill set to facilitate business operations for Vail Valley Dental Assisting School, DA Schools Delivered, Castle Peak Dental, and Avon Dental.

Melissa and her husband, Juan, love spending their summers being adventurous with their two kids, Austin who is five, and Laylah who is one. One of their favorite things to do at the lake is pack a picnic and jump on the paddleboards. Melissa is excited to be a part of the team and grow within the company.

Lessa Kovacik

Registered Dental Hygienist

Lessa Kovacik has been a dental hygienist in the valley for over 20 years and has extensive training in all aspects of dentistry. She is a member of the American Dental Hygienists' Association and continues her education yearly with numerous hours of coursework. She is committed to building relationships with her patients by putting them at ease with compassion and education. She was beyond excited that an opportunity became available to work at Avon Dental with what she says "is the greatest work environment with the most glorious coworkers"

Brittany Lopez

Dental Assistant, Invisalign Lead Assistant

Brittany is a local to the Vail Valley and has been a team member with Avon Dental since 2014. She graduated from Battle Mountain High School in 2008 and from Intellitec Medical Institute in Colorado Springs, as a certified dental assistant in 2010. She has extensive training in Invisalign clear aligner therapy, Trios scanning, as well as many continuing education hours to further her expertise in the field of dentistry. Brittany enjoys building relationships with the team and patients at Avon Dental and is exceptional at assisting in pediatric procedures.

Delsey Lopez

Scheduling and Treatment Coordinator

Delsey has lived in Colorado for 19 years and absolutely loves it here. Delsey graduated from Eagle Valley High School and attended Colorado Mountain College where she received her certificate as a CNA. When Delsey began working for Dr.David she realized how much she really enjoyed her job. She’s a really friendly individual and loves people overall. She enjoys working with others just as much as she enjoys her job. She has two beautiful children, Jordan and Sophia with her high school sweetheart whom she has been married to for 2 years. Family means everything to her! When she is not at work, she’s out exploring the world with her beautiful family.

Krista Butters

Scheduling and Treatment Coordinator

Krista grew up in Eagle, CO after her family moved to the area from Albuquerque, NM, where she was born. From there she moved to Colorado Springs to attend UCCS, where she graduated with a B.S. in Communications. After college, she found herself back in the mountains pursuing a career in management.

Krista and her husband Jason have 3 children, Teagan, Kinsley, and Cooper, as well as their Aussiedoodle, Tucker. As a family they enjoy camping, skiing, snowboarding, fishing and spending time with family and friends. Krista, though new to the dental field, has a passion for helping our patients feel comfortable and at ease to ensure they have the best dental experience. She is excited to be a part of our team and looks forward to serving our patients.

Andrea Owens

Executive Assistant

Andrea has been an Executive Assistant for Dr. Kassmel since 2018. She helps facilitate business operations for Castle Peak Dental, Avon Dental, Vail Valley Dental Assisting School, and DA Schools Delivered.

She has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing from the University of North Texas. Andrea moved from Texas to the Vail Valley in 2007. She and her husband, Jeff, have two young children, Ella and Easton. Andrea enjoys hiking, camping, days at the lake, and going on adventures with her family.

Racheal Richards

Dental Assistant, Lead Lab Technician

Racheal has lived in the Vail Valley most of her life. She graduated from the Vail Valley Dental Assisting School in 2015 and since then has received extensive training in Invisalign® aligner therapy and Trios scanning technology. She has taken numerous hours of continuing education hours in order to better serve patients. Racheal is an exceptional assistant in multiple procedures, and truly enjoys making patients feel comfortable during their visit.

Sarah Love

Insurance and Billing Coordinator

Sarah moved here from Texas with her husband, Cagan to be closer to her family. They have two boys, Lincoln and Griffin. She enjoys being outdoors and spending time with family and friends. Some of her hobbies include arts and crafts, camping, and floating the river with her family.

She began her career in dentistry several years before as a dental assistant, and since has moved to the administrative side of the field. She has received countless hours of continuing education training in improving the customer service experience as well as extensive training in dental insurance and utilization. Sarah is excited to be part of the team at Avon Dental!

Allison Puppe

Insurance Coordinator

Allison grew up on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska and enjoyed a childhood of fishing, boating, hiking and camping with her family. She attended the University of Alaska Anchorage to complete her general credits then headed to Fargo, North Dakota with her sisters, to attend North Dakota State University. She graduated with a BS Degree in Business Administration, with a focus on Human Resources and after graduation headed back to the Mountains but in Colorado this time! After a couple of years in Colorado Springs she moved to the Vail Valley in 2004 and her and her husband Brian have made Eagle their home. They have two boys, August and Benjamin and as a family enjoy all of the outdoor activities Colorado has to offer. Allison is new to the Dental Field but is excited to be able to offer her Insurance knowledge to Avon Dental!

Jillian Jugert

Administrative Assistant

Jillian has been in the dentistry field for over 5 years where she has a successful track record with marketing and administrative work. She is excited to be on the team and make an impact with Vail Valley Dental Assisting School, DA Schools Delivered, Avon Dental, and Castle Peak Dental.

Jillian is from Colorado and enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, tap dancing, singing, traveling, and trying out new restaurants.

Amanda Heersink

Administrative Assistant

Amanda is a Colorado native and enjoys helping people in any capacity that they need. She attended the University of Colorado and received a BA in Communications, with a focus on Public Relations. She enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews as well as taking care of her 15-year-old miniature Dachshund, Roxy. She is new to the dental field and is excited to bring her more than 10 years of customer support experience to the team.

Katie Stockdale

Administrative Assistant

Katie has worked in Healthcare Administration with the U.S. Air Force Reserves for over 10 years and now helps facilitate business operations as an administrative assistant for Castle Peak Dental, Avon Dental, Vail Valley Dental Assisting School, and DA Schools Delivered. She has an MBA from the University of Denver and moved to Eagle County in 2017.

Katie and her husband, Dean, live in Eagle, Colorado with their daughter, Georgia, and they love hiking, traveling, and spending time with family. Katie is an avid reader whose favorite authors include Wally Lamb, Emily Giffin, Kristin Hannah, and Ann Patchett. On warm days she can be found outside running on the Eagle Valley Trail or walking her 10-year-old dachshund.

Isabelle Rodgers

Dental Assistant

Isabelle has been a dental assistant for 3 years and is excited to be on the team. Even though she is still somewhat new to the dental field, she knows that this is her passion and it shows when she interacts with patients and the team.

Isabelle is originally from Oklahoma and recently moved to the mountains! She is also a proud Hawaiian!

When she is not at work she enjoys spending time being outdoors or doing activities with her 1-year-old and Husband. When not outdoors, they enjoy relaxing and watching a movie on the couch.

Victoria Lindsey

Victoria has provided high-level support to entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses since 2012 and has proven successful in a variety of industries. She assists Dr. Kassmel in numerous ventures and looks forward to growing alongside Castle Peak Dental, Avon Dental, Vail Valley Dental Assisting School, DA Schools Delivered in their quest to provide a “WOW” experience to every patient, doctor, and student. Victoria obtained her Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from the University of Colorado - Boulder and spent time studying abroad in both New Zealand and France. A Front Range local for over ten years, she lives in beautiful Longmont with her husband and two dogs. She enjoys being active with hiking, triathlons, skiing, yoga, and weightlifting, and is also an avid baker, live music aficionado, and travel lover.

Digital X-Rays

Our digital X-rays emit less radiation, take images faster without any need for processing, and allow us to optimize the images so we can provide a more precise diagnosis.

Intraoral Camera

This innovative handheld camera allows us to examine your mouth in greater detail. We use this diagnostic tool to zoom in closely on specific teeth, providing a high-quality image of your teeth. The images are displayed on a screen for you and our dentist to review, giving you a better understanding of your diagnosis and treatment.

iTero Digital Scanner

Our office uses digital scanners to create a highly detailed 3D model of your teeth. The resulting 3D surface model is the virtual, time efficient, and safe alternative to traditional plaster models.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Known as CBCT, this advanced imaging technique uses a cone-shaped X-ray beam. The cone beam rotates around your head to create a highly detailed 3D image of your mouth to help us accurately design your treatment plan.

CEREC

The CEREC system takes the normal, multi-visit traditional dental crown procedure and cuts it down. You’ll receive your permanent, natural-looking restoration faster than ever!