Meet The Shallowford Team

Dr. Emily O'Hara

Associate Dentist

Dr. Emily O’Hara became a dentist because it combines many things she loves: artistry, science, and the ability to help other people. Each day is an exciting new opportunity to work with both new and returning patients, building relationships that Dr. Emily views as a second family. She enjoys creating treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs to help them achieve the best result possible and obtain their optimal smile and oral health. Dr. Emily attended Whitworth University in Spokane, WA where she received a bachelor’s degree in biology. She then completed her dental education at the University of Washington School of Dentistry in Seattle, WA. Moving from one corner of the country to another, she attended the University of Florida St. Petersburg Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency. This program gave Dr. Emily advanced training in procedures such as surgical extractions, molar root canals, and guided implant placement. Deciding to settle somewhere in the middle, she moved to Tennessee to be closer to her nieces and nephew. She loves the beautiful scenery that Tennessee has to offer. Outside of the office, Dr. Emily enjoys reading (fun fact: She once read 4 books/month as a new year resolution), baking, and spending time outdoors. She hopes to adopt a furry companion this year. Dr. Emily looks forward to providing you with the highest standard of dental care and getting to welcome you into our dental family!

Professional Affiliations

American Dental Association
Tennessee Dental Association
Chattanooga Area Dental Society

Tracie Shanks

Insurance Coordinator

Tracie began her dental career 21 years ago as a dental assistant. She later transitioned to office manager and insurance coordinator. Tracie loves our patients and is passionate about making sure they receive quality service and attention from our front office. She takes pride in helping our patients with any questions they may have regarding their treatment plan, insurance, or financial needs. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her immediate family and friends. Tracie looks forward to meeting you and assisting you with all aspects of your dental visit!

Whitney White

Dental Assistant

Whitney has been with Winn Smiles since October of 2020 and has seamlessly fit into both the culture and overall mission of the practice: taking care of people. Whitney works mostly with our wonderful Dr. Emily as her left hand, since Whitney is a lefty. Whitney is most passionate about creating a comfortable experience for her patients and really loves helping our most anxious patients have a great experience that allows them to leave with a smile on their face.

Dr. J. Tyler

Dentist

Dr. J. Tyler Lunsford received his Bachelor of Science in biology from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his Master of Science in global medicine from USC before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2018 from USC. He practiced in the Bakersfield area for over three years before moving back home to Dalton and Chattanooga and joining the Winn Smiles Team. Dr. Lunsford is proud to be continuing the family tradition, pursuing dentistry like his mother and uncle before him. In his free time, Dr. Lunsford enjoys golfing and was a high school state champion. In addition, he enjoys spending time with his two furry companions, Isis and Hadlee.

Kim Lollar

Hygiene Coordinator

Kim enjoys helping patients maintain their oral health by assisting them in the scheduling process and ensuring they make the time regularly for their routine cleanings. Her thirty plus years in the dental industry gives her a broad understanding of the patient experience and the avenues for care to best assist both our patients and the team as they endeavor to deliver the best care possible! Kim is beloved by our patients and team members!

Jenna Hayes

Dental Hygienist

Jenna is a proud Chattanooga native and earned her Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene in 2012. Jenna is extremelhy patient-focused and great at alleviating dental fears while providing the best care for her patients. Jenna enjoys the time with her patients where she can get to know them a little more and works to build trust and relationships with them as they work to achieve their best all around oral health. In her free time, she enjoys spending time on the lake, being outdoors, and traveling with her husband, Brent.

Emily Elliot

Dental Hygienist

Emily has been in the dental field for the past 13 years. She started out as a dental assistant and then in 2011 continued her education by obtaining her Applied Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. Emily has experience in pediatric dentistry that creates a gentle approach within general dentistry. In her free time, Emily and her husband Brett enjoy traveling, seeing local bands, hiking, and playing with their two dogs.

Maggie Haddock

Dental Hygienist

Maggie is a native of Chattanooga and graduated from Chattanooga State’s dental hygiene program in 2018. Her main goal as a dental hygienist is to help people overcome their dental fears and anxiety while helping them to achieve optimal health and maintain a healthy, confident smile. Maggie is sweet, caring, compassionate, and genuinely strives to create a positive experience for each of her patients. In her spare time, Maggie enjoys spending time with family, her boyfriend and their two dogs, being outdoors, exercising, gardening, and cooking.

Lavada Talley

Dental Hygienist

Lavada graduated from East Tennessee State University’s hygiene program in 1980 and also earned her bachelor’s degree from the same University in Public Health Education. She has been working in dentistry for over 40 years as a hygienist. Lavada says the best thing about her job is being able to form wonderful friendships. She enjoys developing a great rapport with her patients that has led to them trusting her with their treatment. Lavada finds it rewarding to see the positive impact she has on dental health of her patients over the years that has allowed them to maintain their teeth, function, and health. Lavada is a mother to three awesome grown children and considers them her greatest accomplishments! In her free time, she enjoys riding Harley Davidson motorcycles, traveling to new places, spending time with loved ones, watching Netflix, and the beach.

April Saine

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant/Registered Dental Assistant

April has been in the dental field for 24 years. She is very passionate about her work and loves the relationships she develops with her patients. In her free time, April loves to spend time with her boys, Brayden, Bryson, and Brody! She stays busy with her boys sporting events, loves to travel, spending the rest of her free time with all of her family and last but not least, her two fur babies, Chanel and Dior!

Vanessa Zimmerman

Dental Assistant

Vanessa is a Chattanooga native. She earned her degree in Dental Assisting from Chattanooga State Community College. She feels very lucky to work with such a great, fun loving team that works together amazingly to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys spending time with her husband, Justin, and their two children, Greyson and Alexa.

Kenisha Smith

Administrative Associate

Kenisha feels very fortunate to work in such a fun and caring environment where core values drive the team to ensure patients are being treated like family members when they enter our front door. To see patients leave with their winning smile is always rewarding and Kenisha is honored to be part of their journey in finding their confidence.