About the Office
Dr. Thad Gillespie, F.A.G.D
Raised in Wichita Falls, Texas, Dr. Gillespie graduated from Midwestern State University and attended the University Dental Branch in Houston, graduating in 1980. After dental school, he had the honor to serve in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Wiesbaden Regional Medical Center from 1980 to1984. During that time, he received several honors, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for work identifying the Marines who died in 1983’s Beirut bombing. He also served on the team that examined and treated hostages who were released from Tehran.
Dr. Gillespie returned to Texas in 1984 to work as an associate with Dr. Maury Hafernik. In 1985, he started his own practice in northwest Austin. A new chapter began in 2001, when he opened a practice in Liberty Hill (40 minutes northwest of Austin). At ease treating patients of all ages, Dr. Gillespie enjoys working with people to develop oral health plans that will serve them well in the long-term.
A member and Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Gillespie is a mentor with the Kois Center and was a teaching associate with the Hornbrook Group. He also serves as the dental director for Samaritan Health Ministries in Cedar Park, Texas. This organization treats indigent patients or those who do not have medical coverage. Dr. Gillespie also runs and is owner of the Dental Genius Assisting School which teaches interested students how to become successful dental assistants. Active in the community, Dr. Gillespie sponsors many sports teams, as well as assists with the Headstart Program in Liberty Hill, Leander, and Georgetown, providing exams, treatment, and classroom education.
Dr. Gillespie and his wife, Kerstin, live with their children in Liberty Hill, on a 30 acre ranch. They are involved with their children in the area schools, sports, FFA, and the Liberty Hill Marching Band. The Gillespie Family enjoys camping, fishing, cooking, and free time together. Kerstin, a Registered Nurse, and Dr. Gillespie shared the vision to bring a state of the art practice to Liberty Hill. Kerstin served as office manager and helped Dr. Gillespie build the practice after it first opened. She looks forward to working with Dr. Gillespie on the building project for a new, larger Liberty Hill practice in the near future.
Dr. Hailey M Patton
Dr. Hailey M. Patton was born and raised in the small community of Bulverde, Texas, just north of San Antonio. Dr. Patton graduated early with a Bachelors in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M University and received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health and Science Center at San Antonio. While in dental school, Dr. Patton was the community service chair for her student dental organization and orchestrated several activities benefiting children of underprivileged schools. In addition to taking above and beyond the required continuing education for her license, Dr. Patton is a student of The Dawson Academy and is working toward a fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. She is also a member of the Capital Area Dental Society, Texas Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. She is Certified in Invisalign and Oral Sedation.
With an emphasis on patient education, Dr. Patton practices a conservative dental philosophy with high esthetic standards. Dr. Patton intensely listens to her patient’s concerns and expectations and always takes time to discuss treatment options.
When Dr. Patton is not immersed in teeth, she enjoys participating in local societies like the Young Woman’s Alliance, balancing her chi with yoga and cooking gourmet dinners with her husband Jason.
Mary Jo Patschke, RDH - Registered Dental Hygienist
Mary Jo joined the Liberty Hill Dental team in 2009. She has 25 years of experience as a dental hygienist. She believes it’s important to build a relationship with her patients. A resident of Georgetown, Mary Jo loves spending time with her family, watching her sons play sports, camping, and going to the beach.
Terra Dow - Hygiene Coordinator
Terra joined the Liberty Hill Dental team in 2010. She has over 10 years of professional experience in the customer service industry and 2 years of dental experience. Terra loves making our patients experience an amazing one. She has a son who is the love of her life. She and her fiance Sean share a passion for cooking and entertaining with friends and family while hosting UT Longhorns and Dallas Cowboy football parties.
Jolee Cox - RDA- Registered Dental Hygienist
Jolee joined the Liberty Hill Dental team in January of 2010. Jolee has 16 years of dental experience. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene from the University of Wyoming. She is licensed in four states to practice hygiene and is also certified in Nitrous Oxide. Along with her passion for dentistry and love for people, she enjoys reading, boating, watching sports and spending as much time with her daughter as she possibly can.
Ryan Perry- RDA-Registered Dental Assistant
Ryan joined Liberty Hill Dental in October 2011. Ryan has 3 years of dental experience. Her favorite thing about dentistry is helping patients better understand the importance of their dental health and seeing the changes that can occur in their lives through proper oral care. Ryan currently lives in Marble Falls, TX. In her spare time she enjoys hanging out with her boyfriend and friends, fishing, camping, and working out.
Allie Kheang - Front Desk Receptionist
Allie joined the Liberty Hill Dental team in June 2011. Allie has over 14 years of customer service experience. In 2006, Allie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Penn State University, where she studied social and behavioral science. Compassionate and friendly by nature, she ensures our patients receive excellent care and service. Allie and her husband Vung reside in Liberty Hill with their two dogs, Blue and Stanley. When she's not working, Allie enjoys reading, barbecuing, sitting in the sun, exercising and spending time with her family and friends.
Valerie Zapien, M.Ed. -Public Relations Director
Valerie joined the Liberty Hill Dental team in November 2010 after working with Dr. Gillespie in various community events and organizations. She earned a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of North Texas in 1998. In 2003, she earned a Master’s in Education from Loyola University. She has 15 years of professional experience as a social worker, mental health counselor, education and prevention services coordinator. She enjoys being outside, spending time with her family and friends and exercising.
Our Services
When patients visit Liberty Hill Dental, we want them to feel welcome and at ease. Our team members spend quality time with each patient so that we can establish a long-term relationship based on respect, understanding, and trust. Dr. Gillespie’s gentle, compassionate manner allows patients to relax before, during, and after treatment. We look forward to making you feel right at home, too.
Because we believe that technology and peace-of-mind go hand in hand, Dr. Gillespie has selected advanced tools that enable us to work more efficiently and less intrusively. Dr. Gillespie carefully evaluates the latest research and stays up-to-date on current techniques so that we can deliver the best possible care to our patients. For added comfort, we supply blankets, headphones, and TV access in each operatory. Sedation dentistry is available to enhance our patients’ time with us.
Our Technology
- Air Abrasion
- DIAGNOdent
- Intraoral Cameras
- Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA)
- Soft Tissue Laser
- T-Scan
You are never too young or too old to enjoy a fantastic smile. Our entire team provides compassionate, thorough dental care for patients of all ages. Call our office today to schedule an appointment. Patients from Liberty Hill, Georgetown, Leander, Round Rock, Cedar Park and the surrounding areas visit our practice.