Meet The Crossville Dental Team
Shalena – Registered Dental Assistant and Licensed Practical Nurse
Shalena was raised in Graham, TX, before later relocating to the Crossville area. She graduated from North Central Texas College with honors and is an LPN. Shalena is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She has advanced training in N20 monitoring, ACLS certification, and is also cross-trained as an orthodontic assistant.
She’s been working in dentistry for nearly two decades, and during that time, Shalena has worn many hats, including:
- Dental assisting
- Front desk/receptionist
- Scheduling
- Insurance
- Claims and billing
- New patient coordinator
- Compliance coordinator for OSHA and HIPAA
- New hire training
Shalena’s love for dentistry started when she was in high school, working for her family dentist in the sterilization department, and she said her love for dentistry grew from there. She enjoys educating patients about oral health and believes that creating a healthy environment in your mouth leads to improved overall health.
When you meet Shalena, you’ll find that she’s energetic, passionate, an overcomer, persistent, and caring. She enjoys giving back to the community and participating in missions alongside her husband Dr. Donald Hooie. They’ve been involved with multiple mission trips to Mexico, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. When she isn’t at work, Shalena can usually be found enjoying the outdoors with her husband, hiking, kayaking/canoeing, all kinds of water activities, traveling, doing Scouting BSA, and volunteering with church activities.
Amber – Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Amber is a graduate of Greater Orlando Dental Assisting School and the Meharry Dental College. She’s been working hard in the dental field since 2010. At the office, Amber assists the doctor during treatments and procedures, ensuring everyone has what they need to get the job done comfortably. She’s skilled at sterilization of all instruments and dental tools. Amber also helps out in reception too by greeting patients, answering phones, and scheduling appointments whenever necessary.
When asked what she loves most about working at Hooie Dental, Amber says she loves knowing that everyone is providing quality dentistry while also making a real difference in someone’s life. Amber didn’t necessarily choose dentistry for herself, she says her mom thought it would be a good fit. (Turns out she was right!) When you have the pleasure of working with Amber, you’ll find that she’s curious, eager, receptive, collaborative, and genuine.
Outside of the office, Amber is busy raising two boys alongside her husband. She enjoys being with them, spending quality time, and making lasting memories. Amber also likes forcing her husband to go on new, exciting adventures.
Gabby – Registered Dental Assistant
Gabrielle ‘Gabby’ Bowman joined Hooie Dental in 2025, bringing her enthusiasm for patient care and her passion for dentistry to the team. A graduate of the Dental Staff School in Knoxville, TN, Gabby is highly skilled in IV certification, nitrous oxide, sealants, and coronal polishing. Her journey into dentistry began after spending seven years in orthodontic treatment, which sparked her fascination with oral health and the science behind dental procedures. She also holds an Associate of Science degree in Pre-Allied Health from Roane State, which she earned in 2019.
At Hooie Dental, Gabby’s responsibilities include sterilization, cleaning rooms, and office spaces, answering phones, and greeting patients, all within the practice’s warm and positive environment. Gabby is dedicated to treating each patient with care and compassion, ensuring they feel welcomed and valued during every visit.
Outside of work, Gabby loves spending time with her family—her husband, Nick, her 13-year-old stepdaughter, her 9-month-old son, and their dog, Conway Lynn. Whether hosting meals for neighbors and church family, enjoying new adventures, or cherishing quiet moments at home, Gabby is passionate about creating meaningful memories. Her guilty pleasure? Watching Hallmark movies all year long!
Gabby’s energy, compassion, and adventurous spirit make her a valued member of the Hooie Dental team, where she continues to provide exceptional care to every patient she meets.
Mary Ann – Registered Dental Hygienist
Mary Ann graduated from Roane State Community College with honors in 2005. She’s certified in the administration of both local anesthesia and nitrous oxide. Mary Ann has been involved in dentistry for well over a decade and has been with Hooie Dental since 2005. She started working for a dental office during her senior year of high school at the young age of 17. Today, she’s our beloved hygiene director, which gives her the opportunity to positively impact our patients’ smiles and their lives.
Mary Ann says she became interested in learning more about dentistry from an early age. She says it’s been a blessing to work in the community she grew up in and loves. Working in our office is a unique experience for Mary Ann because of our ability to help a patient get the smile they’ve always wanted with the effective options they deserve. Working with Mary Ann, you’ll quickly understand why our team members and patients love her. She’s friendly, attentive, considerate, adventurous, and resilient.
Mary Ann has completed volunteer dental work for the community, supported the Cumberland County Rescue Squad, raised money for the local Salvation Army, and collected donations for child burn survivors to attend Camp Hope. This is a charity that’s special to her because Mary Ann’s husband works in the fire service. When she’s not working, Mary Ann enjoys being with family and friends, horseback riding, motorcycling, camping, and traveling.
Natalie – Registered Dental Hygienist
Natalie Burns joined Hooie Dental in 2024, bringing her passion for patient care and a dedication to excellence in oral health. A graduate of Roane State Community College, Natalie is licensed in local anesthetic and nitrous oxide administration and is laser certified. She began her journey in dentistry in 2022 when she entered the dental hygiene program, earning accolades like the Colgate Star Award and the Golden Scaler Award along the way.
At Hooie Dental, Natalie provides comprehensive patient care, including education, assessments, treatment planning, and professional maintenance to support optimal oral health. She is proud to be part of a practice that prioritizes innovative dentistry, community relationships, and the highest standard of care.
Outside of work, Natalie’s life is centered around her family—her husband Jesse and their five children. She enjoys spending time on their farm, tending to animals, and embracing a hands-on lifestyle by baking, cooking, and creating homemade projects. A member of Homestead Baptist Church, Natalie is also active in her community, participating in 5k runs for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s awareness and contributing to church and local softball team projects.
Natalie’s thoughtful, hardworking, and reliable nature, combined with her love for dentistry, makes her an invaluable part of the Hooie Dental team.
A huge thank you to Dr. Hooie for his patience, kindness, and a great sense of humor during my recent dental procedure. My entire life, I’ve never had a dentist who could numb me enough so that I did not feel extreme pain while having dental work until I went to Dr. Hooie. I didn’t feel a thing! Great job and I cannot thank him enough. Imagine my surprise when I received a call from Dr. Hooie himself later that same day to make sure I was doing okay! Great care and a great staff!!!
Diana