Meet the Team
Dr. Lee Ann Lenz, DDS
Dr. Lee Ann Lenz is a dedicated general and cosmetic dentist. She received her dental training at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry where she earned her DDS degree in 1994 and has been in practice ever since. Dr. Lenz is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and continuously participates in innovative courses and seminars in order to stay on top of the current developments in dentistry. Since 1994, she has worked at Fort Gordon, GA while her husband was active duty with the ARMY. She served on several dental mission trips to Haiti, Nicaragua, and Honduras. She spent most of her career in Clinton, Iowa in private practice.
Dr. Lenz moved to Ooltewah, TN in 2017 with her husband Dr. Wade Lenz, MD and their three children Sam, Jack, and Ellie. They serve at Freedom Church and in their spare time they love to travel. They also spend time kayaking, fishing, hiking and love trying new restaurants.
Dr. Jesse Pollom, DDS
A Chattanooga native, I graduated from the University of Tennessee of Chattanooga where I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology.
I later felt a true calling to a career in dentistry from witnessing a patient gain renewed confidence after he lost all of his teeth due to substance abuse and received implant-supported dentures. I received my DDS degree from Loma Linda School of Dentistry located in California. I proudly graduated with a clinical ranking of #1 out of 137. I am so excited to be a part of Hixson Dental Group!
I am deeply committed to attending Continuing Education seminars and lectures all over the world in order to best care for the ever-evolving needs of my patients. I have also learned so much from my mentor, Dr. Larry Mullinax, who is a pioneer in the field.
I reside in St. Elmo with my wife Stacey, and son Jad. I love to be outdoors with my family, whether it be hiking, or camping. I also enjoy recording music and leading worship at my local church.
Steffanie Ackerman, RDH
I have proudly been practicing dental hygiene for over 25 years, 20 of those years having been right here in Chattanooga! I love what I do and strive to make each patient’s visit a pleasant experience. Outside of work, I enjoy going to my son’s sporting events and visiting the beach as often as possible.
Deana Burelle, Patient Coordinator
I have enjoyed working with Hixson Dental Group since August 2020. I have over 25 years of experience working in the front office of dental practices. I enjoy building relationships with patients and helping them anyway that I can. When I am not at the office, I love spending time with my family and traveling. I also enjoy hand lettering and watercolor painting.
Theresa Gasaway, RDA
While I have traveled around most of my life, I am thrilled to now call Chattanooga home. I graduated from Chattanooga State in 1997 with my certification in dental assisting and have been with Hixson Dental Group for the last 21 years! I have four children and two grandbabies whom I love spending time with. In my free time, I love to craft, camp, and spend time with my family.
Kat Journiette,
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
I started my dental career in 2002 as a Sterile Technician. After 2 months I started as a dental assistant and fell in love with the job. In 2013 I attended UT of Memphis and received my Restorative Functions certification. I take great care in ensuring patients have a comfortable dental experience and love helping change smiles for the better. I live in Chattanooga with my husband, Ken and our four legged son, Kojii. I love to travel and try new foods as well as shopping and going to concerts. I adore spending time with loved ones and anything miniature!
Allie Watts ,
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
I entered the dental world in 2018 after graduating from Chattanooga College and in 2022, I attended UT of Memphis to receive my Restorative Functions certification. I love helping patients understand dental treatment and assisting with all dental surgeries such as implants. I currently reside in Georgia with my husband and 2 fur babies. I love live music, trying out new foods and all things mermaid. In addition, I love to rock climb, be outdoors and spend time with friends and family.
Christen Chastain, Treatment Coordinator
I am our treatment coordinator and I have resided in Chattanooga since 2001. In 2019, my friend Kat Journiette, introduced me to the exciting world of dentistry. My husband and I married in October of 2014 and love taking our two dogs, Frankie and Tucker, camping and hiking outdoors. I love the beach and trying new foods! I also have a love for trying to find a way to make Dentistry affordable for all!
Samantha Pieper, Registered Dental Hygienist
I started in the dental world as a dental assistant and three years later in 2010, graduated from the Dental Hygiene Program at Chattanooga State. I love having the opportunity to meet new people every day and building relationships with my patients. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three children. One of my biggest passions besides being a mother, is music and singing at my church and other community events.
Tricia Newman, Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
I was born and raised in Chattanooga, TN and graduated in 2015 with my Associates Degree in Applied Science and in 2022 received my Expanded Functions of Auxiliary for Restorations. My mission is to ensure my patients have a comfortable and fun experience while receiving quality care. My favorite part of dentistry is building relationships with my patients and to see them enjoy their new smiles. My favorite thing to do in my free time is spend time with my husband and two children. I am a big foodie, reader, and a long distance runner.
Jennifer Reading, RDH
I am a graduate from Tennessee Tech University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, I later went on to pursue a degree in Dental Hygiene from Chattanooga State. I am a native of Chattanooga and have been practicing dental hygiene for over 20 years! I have two children and love to travel in my free time!
Mia Pastor, Patient Services
Mia is a New York City native and moved to Tennessee in 2018. She attended Cleveland State Community College where she completed her major in Accounting in 2022. Mia is new to the Chattanooga area and loves Tennessee Autumns. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her closest friends, being out in nature or doing anything artsy. Mia says seeing new faces and beautiful smiles everyday is her favorite part of working for HDG!
Donna Abercrombie, Patient Coordinator
I have been in the dental field over 36 years. I started my career in Dallas, Texas. From there I moved to Atlanta, GA and then I was introduced to a friend from high school and we have been married since 2011. It has been my pleasure to help patients find their smiles and make great friendships along the way.
When I am not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Matthew, friends and family, especially my grandchildren. I traveled to Italy this past spring and I am counting the days to return. I love playing with my dogs Loretta Lynn and Cash, and cheering for the Texas Longhorns all year long!
Rebecca Ward, RDA
Rebecca is born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee and now resides in Red Bank. She went to Miller Motte Technical College for dental.
Practicing dentistry since 2014, Rebecca has done over 500 clinical hours helping people around the world reach their smile goals. She has two years experience doing Oral Surgery. This knowledge has helped her gain the confidence to help people smile again.
When not at work you will find Rebecca hiking, cooking and road tripping.
Cristina Thomas, Patient Coordinator
Cristina graduated from Dental Assisting School in Virginia in 2013 and loved it, but decided her passion was truly with the patients and building connections with them, so she transitioned into the front office and Patient Coordinating.
When she is not at work you can find her spending time with her grandson, reading a good book, discovering nature by hiking, and getting crafty with her crochet hooks!
Sierra Bowman, Registered Dental Assistant
I started my dental career after graduating from Chattanooga State Dental Assistant Program in 2012. I genuinely love helping people regain their confidence by helping them with their smiles. I love building relationships with our patients and I love the city of Chattanooga and all that it has to offer. In my free time, I love to do all things outdoors.
