Meet the Team

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.

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. 

hen 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 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 joined the Liberty Hill Dental team in 2010.  She has over ten years of professional experience in the customer service industry.  Terra loves making our patients experience an amazing one.  She has a son who is the love of her life.  She and her boyfriend Sean share a passion for cooking and entertaining with friends and family while hosting UT Longhorns and Dallas Cowboy football parties. 

Jolee joined the Liberty Hill Dental team in January of 2010.  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 possible. 

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 recently founded Full Potential Health and Wellness Services, a community resource center that she hopes will soon serve Liberty Hill.  When she is not outside playing with her family, at boy scouts, ballet, or exercising, she is leading a ministry at church encouraging spiritual, emotional and physical health. 

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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.