Meet Our Team
Keith Coombs, DDS
Dr. Keith Coombs loves teeth! His father is an orthodontist in Utah, his brother is a dentist in California, and his sister is a dental hygienist in Utah. Dr. Coombs began working in the orthodontic field for his father when he was just 13 years old. He enjoys helping all of his patients obtain the best smile that they can have.
Full Biography
Kurtis Lightheart, DMD
Dr. Lightheart attended Brigham Young University where he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology. He attended dental school at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. In order to facilitate the financial demands of dental school, Dr. Lightheart decided to utilize the Health Professions Scholarship through the United States Army.
Full Biography
Jenny Whitefield, Office Manager
Jenny has enjoyed being in the orthodontic field since 2007. She has helped build our Las Cruces Orthodontics family with Dr. Coombs since 2015 as his first employee. Starting as an orthodontic assistant, she has grown with our office and is now our Office Manager. She takes great pride in knowing that our office is providing the best possible service to our patients with a wonderful staff and amazing Doctor. Jenny graduated for Hatch Valley High School and has called Las Cruces her home since 2000.
Melissa Villalva, Treatment Coordinator
Melissa joined our team in February 2018. She graduated from the Dona Ana Community College Dental Assisting program in 2014 and has been in the orthodontic field ever since. She received her certification in Radiation Health and Safety in 2014 and later, received her Coronal Polish Certification. Melissa oversees the organizing of our Invisalign® cases, making her our “Invisa-Leader.”
Melissa has been an amazing addition to our Las Cruces Orthodontics team. She takes pride in educating patients and loves learning new skills. Melissa enjoys helping people gain confidence through orthodontics.
Erica Martinez, Clinic Assistant
Erica has 14 years of dental assisting experience but has a soft spot for orthodontics and pediatrics. She was trained on the job by an amazing mentor who specializes in pediatric dentistry and encouraged her to become not only a certified dental assistant but an Expanded function dental auxiliary. As part of the EFDA program Erica received extensive training in the placement and completion of dental restorations. However, she couldn’t stay away from braces for too long! She joined the LC Ortho team earlier this year and is thrilled to be part of such an AMAZING group.
Mary Hinojos, Clinic Assistant
Mary Hinojos has worked in the orthodontic field since 2010. She has worked as a records specialist, sterilization technician, laboratory assistant, and clinical assistant. Mary graduated from Hatch Valley High School and has lived in Las Cruces since 2002. She and her husband and two boys enjoying spending time with family.
Joemily (Emmy) Prieto, Clinic Assistant
Emmy has been in the dental assisting field since 2010. She was born and raised in Las Cruces, NM. Her work led her to Lubbock, Texas but returned to Las Cruces to be closer to her family. Emmy joined our team in 2016 where she has been cross trained as a treatment coordinator, clinic assistant, and now our front office coordinator. She enjoys giving our patients the knowledge and confidence they need when joining our office. She is passionate about maintaining OSHA standards and keeping the office organized.
Jennifer Castillo, Clinic Assistant
Jennifer Castillo has been in dentistry since 2000. She began her orthodontics career in sunny San Diego as a Registered Dental assistant, before coming home to the Land of Enchantment in 2007. Since being home, she has been in the General dentistry field. Jennifer joined our office in January 2018, returning to the field she loves. What she loves most about her job is the ability to get to know her patients on a personal level. She particularly loves creating beautiful, happy, and healthy smiles. Jennifer also enjoys the company of the people she works with and the beautiful office environment is a bonus too! In her spare time, you can find her with her fiancé at the softball fields watching their daughter play. She enjoys spending time with family and friends. Jennifer is the proud mommy of two daughters, and a dog named Duke.
Reyna Perez, Clinic Assistant
Reyna started with las Cruces Orthodontics in January 2020. She graduated from the Dental Assisting program at Dona Ana Community College in 2019. Reyna was born and raised in Las Cruces, NM. She enjoys experimenting with different make-up looks and is a huge Cubs fan. Reyna has been an asset to our team and connects well with patients and parents.
Jonece Thompson,, Clinic Assistant
Jonece has been in the dental field since 2017 and joined Las Cruces Orthodontics in 2021. She has lived in Las Cruces since 2011 and graduated from Oñate High School. She began as a dental assistant and naturally gravitated toward orthodontics. She loves her job! Helping others take back their confidence through their smile has motivated her to expand her abilities numerous times. Her goal for the future is to become an orthodontist.
When she’s not at work, Jonece enjoys relaxing, watching movies, and being with her family.
Yvonne Nunez, Clinic Assistant
Yvonne joined our team in September 2022. She graduated from Las Cruces High School and went on to college to pursue her dental career as a dental assistant. She has been a dental assistant for 8 years where she has worked with children, adolescents, and geriatrics. Yvonne was born and raised here in Las Cruces. "I am so grateful and blessed to be employed here at Las Cruces Orthodontics, where I can proudly say this is my home away from home."
Yessenia Flores, Front Desk Coordinator
Yessenia is our newest addition to our office. She joined our Las Cruces Orthodontics team in October 2020. Yessenia’s experience in customer service has been a great asset to our office. She was born and raised in Las Cruces, NM. Yessenia enjoys painting and sewing in her free time.