After a varied work life which included being a U.S. mail carrier, a home inspector and owning his own business as a handyman, Dr. Jacob Sheppard decided it was time to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a dentist. Leaving three jobs, he packed up his young family and relocated to Richmond, Virginia, where he attended Virginia Commonwealth University and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Dr. Sheppard earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the VCU School of Dentistry, where he served as class president and was recognized by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry for his excellence and skill.
Dr. Sheppard is committed to continuing education and takes many advanced courses each year to enhance his skills to better serve the dental care needs of his patients and provide them with a gentle and comfortable dental experience.
When he is not working, Dr. Sheppard resides in Chesterfield, VA with his wife Sharon, their two children, Jacob and Sabrina, and their dogs Mocha, Griffin, Trixie and Larry. He likes spending time outdoors with his family, woodworking, music, birding, and making cakes. He is very involved in his church and his childrens school and extracurricular activities. Even throughout the busy years in college and dental school, his dedication to volunteering never waned. He participated in the Mission of Mercy Projects that helped the underserved population of Virginia, not just by performing dentistry but also by contributing to its organization.
Dr. Jessup is a life-long Virginian, born in Radford Virginia to a family of three boys. His dad was a career Virginia State policeman and his mom, a school teacher. He spent much of his youth in Wythe and Chesterfield Counties, eventually settling in Swift Creek.Dr. Jessup graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelors of Science in chemistry. He then entered the School of Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery. He began his dental career in the Richmond area, opening his first practice in Henrico.
Today, he is excited to be part of the Midlothian Village area closer to his Swift Creek home.Dr. Jessup has been married for 38 years, has two children, and five grandchildren all living five minutes from his home. He is very involved in his church, and has done mission work in orphanages throughout Russia for many years. He enjoys reading, biking, traveling, boating, playing with his two dogs but most of all spending time with his grandkids.
Dr. Jessup knew he wanted to help others through a career in dentistry. It was always his answer when he was asked, 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' and nothing stood in his way of meeting that dream. Today, the dental profession has allowed Dr. Jessup the ability to serve his patients through building trusting relationships and helping people from age 2 to 99 to better their dental health, image, and confidence.
Our compassionate team loves to be active in our community and regularly participates in campaigns to raise the awareness of several causes including breast cancer, autism, down syndrome, and heart health.
Cindy has called the Richmond area home for 28 years now and after raising kids in the Mechanicsville area, she now resides in Midlothian. Cindy went back to school in her 30s and obtained her BS in dental hygiene at VCU along with her oldest daughter. Now that her children are grown, Cindy is working on an ever-growing bucket list which now includes time with her two young grandsons, Kaden and Liam. She enjoys time outdoors and is learning to play golf.
Cindy has been with the office for almost 9 years now and still enjoys seeing former patients of Dr. Leary and Dr. Jessups current patients. She also looks forward to new faces as Dr. Sheppard joins the team.
Carrie is a woman of the world as well as our Registered Dental Hygieneist. Carrie served our country in the U.S. Army and is a 'Desert Storm Veteran'. She 's lived all over the United States and spent several years in Germany while serving in the Army. Carrie has three beautiful daughters and son-in-laws and combined they have blessed her with 6 AMAZING grandchildren.
Carrie joined the dental field at the age of 38 when she graduated from Halifax College where she received her degree in Dental Hygiene. Carrie believes 'Knowledge is Power!', and will provide you with dental education as she is taking care of your teeth. Carrie currently lives in Courtland, VA and considers the drive in a blessing because she gets to do what she loves with a great group of people.
Carrie is happiest when she is spending time with her grands, crafting, working in the yard, and decorating her home. Carrie looks forward to taking care of you, she truly loves what she does as a dental hygienist.
Sara attended Chowan University and Halifax College where she received her degree in Dental Hygiene in 2013 and has been with Hopewell Family Dentistry since 2017.Currently Sara lives in Franklin, VA and drives an hour every Friday morning so she can enjoy her favorite part of being in dentistry, Helping patients keep their smile for a lifetime.
When not busy keeping up with your smile, Sara loves spending time with her 2 children, Kendall and Grady. Her favorite charities include St. Jude and the Ronald McDonald House. Saras personal motto? Life is short, smile while you still have teeth.
Juli is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana but has lived in Glen Allen, VA since 1996. Juli enjoys spending time with husband Dale, three dogs, two daughters and their husbands and grandson. Juli likes to spend time reading, camping, and cooking (when she is in the mood to).
Outside of the office, Shelby spends most of her time with her husband (Emanuel), her new baby (Autumn) and 2 dogs and has many hobbies that include: horseback riding, gardening, hiking, fishing and bow hunting.
Lyndell is a valuable member of our front desk staff and has been working in the dental field for over 13 years. His favorite part of working in dentistry is helping people. He is always willing to go above and beyond to make sure patients are happy. He is originally from Alexandria, VA but currently resides in Chesterfield. When Lyndell is not at the office, he enjoys watching his beloved Washington REDSKINS lose on Sundays and spending time with his wife (Sarah), son (Mason), their 3 dogs (Maggie, Gunner, Sadie), cats and chickens.
Rhonda is from Mechanicsville, VA and now resides in Louisa, VA where Rhonda and her husband John enjoy spending time with their 4 children, 2 granddaughters and 2 grandsons. Rhonda and her husband also enjoy kayaking, biking and taking beach trips. Rhonda also enjoys baking.
Sasha is from Russia! She worked as a translator on one of the mission trips in Russia in 2009 when she met Dr. Jessup and his son Hunter, her future husband. They have been married since 2012 and have two children. Sasha is very excited to be a part of our dental family.
Mary has been in the dental field and working in our Hopewell office since 1995. Her easy going and pleasant demeanor will set you at ease while you are getting your dental treatment. Mary grew up not too far from our office in Hopewell and goes to Church right up the road. She currently resides in Prince George with her husband and 2 sons. Mary stays busy cheering on her two sons in the various sports they participate in. When she is not at the ball field, she enjoys shopping and traveling
Denise is from Chesterfield, VA and now resides in Powhatan, VA. Denise has one daughter, Kaylie, that is a Junior in high school. Denise enjoys 80s music and concerts. She also enjoys the beach and spending time with her friends