But that is not what called me to do what I do with such a great a love. I treat and care for a little person and I become an important part of that little persons healthy, confident smile. It is an honor to help grow a patient who one day leaves me and enters the adult world!

My one true passion is children. Before I even knew that I wanted to be a dentist, I knew that I wanted to work with children. Kids just make me happy! Waking up every day and being able to come to work to help my little ones is the best!

I have been practicing pediatric dentistry for 15 years and not a day goes by where I am not grateful for this calling. It may be obvious to say that I love all the cute little words and stories that come out of my patients mouths. The talkative little personalities that come in are so entertaining! But the honest truth is that I equally love my shy little ones where I am able to help them overcome fears and build their confidence. And I also love a challenging, complex child who gets me thinking in new ways, too!

I attended the University of Texas Pan American for my Bachelor of Science degree. Moving to San Antonio, I obtained my Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) and my Pediatric Dental Specialty training at the University of Texas Health Science Center here in town.

Since completing my pediatric dentistry residency, I have continually sought additional educational opportunities. Continuing education is required for my licensure and, as a board-certified pediatric dentist, I am required to complete additional hours of courses and training in my specialty. Every year I exceed the minimum required hours, because I want to provide my patients with the best care possible!

Continuing education keeps me updated with the latest research, products, techniques, and trends in the specialty. I believe constant learning is so important that Dr. Nelly and I take time each month to hold a lunch and learn here in the office, keeping our team up-to-date with the latest developments. The more we can teach our team, the better informed our patients are: our team is an extension of us, so they need to keep up with the latest information just as much as we do!

My husband Mario and I have been married for 15 years. I have three children: Giana and Lina who are twins and were born on my birthday and Elena who was born on Marios birthday, as well as three grown step-kids: Christopher, Lauren, and Jessica. They are all amazing!

We currently have an au pair from Columbia, Luisa, living with us. We usually host an au pair from a different country every 1-2 years who helps us to care for the girls. This allows us to experience a new culture, learn a new language, and taste new food from their area. Our girls love it!

If Im not working, youll find me with family. Weekends have us enjoying our favorite activity, making the most of our pool! Think a little rain will keep the Ochoas from getting in the water? Think again! We can be caught dancing, skipping, and swimming in the rain!

Both Mario and I teach the middle school youth at our church. Since being around children is a passion of mine, and our girls are getting bigger, we are able to give back and share our faith with those around us. Volunteering our time, love, and talents with others is important for our community, but we are also teaching our own children the importance of serving and giving to others. We know they learn best by following our example.

I have been blessed to have dentistry as part of my life for the past 16 years. There is no doubt it has come with ups and downs, and many significant crossroads that have influenced me to become the person and dentist I am today.

It is an honor to contribute to the wellbeing of kids. Beyond guiding them to develop good dental habits, I am able to help instill confidence in those who are nervous, to support little folksin their dreams, and to show they that they are important and matter.

I have been a dentist for 12 years and a pediatric dentist for 4years. Practicing as a general dentist allowed me to explore different aspects of the field and I quickly learned that pediatric dentistry is what I was drawn to.

In 2015 I knew it was time to pursue what I was truly passionate about and I started my residency in pediatric dentistry. I wanted to be able to provide the best possible dental care and experiences for kidsand impact their overall health in a positive way.

I attended the University of Texas Health Science Center for my Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS), which was awarded in 2009, and then returned for my Pediatric Dentistry Residency, which I completed in 2017.

One of the most exciting aspects of dentistry, and the pediatric specialty, in particular, is the constant development of new treatment options, techniques, and technology. I actively pursue continuing education opportunities in order to learn and acquire new skills that I can apply to the treatment of my patients. This allows me to be the best pediatric dentist I can be as I take care of your Little Folks!

Throughout the year, these organizations offer numerous opportunities for me to learn. In addition to meetings, seminars, and lectures, I also complete online trainings and courses, and study the latest journals and other publications.

Dr. Ochoa and I love working with each other and were constantly growing and learning together. We also love to share our knowledge with the rest of our team. From the front office to the back office, we learn together and work as one.

I treasure time with friends and loved ones above all else. I am extremely close to my family, and even though they still live in Brownsville, we talk every day and visit each other as often as we can. I do not have kids of my own, but I have wonderful nieces and nephews who I adore!

We recognize that all of our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.

Monica has more than 20 years of experience working in administrative positions for general and pediatric dental office. She is responsible for financial coordination, auditing, submitting pre-authorizations, appealing, and posting claim payments, and helping our little folks parents or guardians with all their billing needs.

As a mother of three little ones, much of Sarahs life revolves around her children. She is also attending college and pursuing a career in education. When she has time, she enjoys traveling, attending live concerts, being with friends, and taking evening walks.

Cristal started in the dental field in 2018, though she had worked in the medical field 11 years prior. She joined Dentistry for Little Folks in 2021 and spends her days at our front desk, where she greets families and checks in the patients and checks them out when finished. She also handles insurance and treatment planning.

Born and raised in San Antonio, Cristal has an amazing husband, three beautiful children, and a Yorkie named Bobbie Jo. The family loves to travel and be together, whether theyre enjoying painting nights, movie nights in their backyard, or watching the kids play basketball and football. Theyre also active members of City Church.

Mari started in the dental field in 2009 and joined Dentistry for Little Folks in 2021. She is warm and friendly, always making sure patients and parents feel welcome. Working at our front desk, she greets everyone, checks patients in, and when theyre finished with their visit, she checks them out.

When not of the office, Mari spends much of her time with her husband and three kids. Theirs is a huge baseball family: they love attending baseball games and spending weekends at the ball fields watching their oldest son play.

Liz started in the dental field in 1997, joined us in 2008, and is a Registered Dental Assistant. She holds certifications in radiology, nitrous oxide, sealant, and coronal polishing. Working with the doctors and patients, Liz both provides hands-on care and lots of patient and parent education.

Beyond the office, Liz enjoys time with her husband Ray and their two dogs, Harley and Rossedale. The couple has three grown children and are grandparents to their beautiful granddaughter, Marisela. Among her many interests, Liz enjoys baking and DIY projects.

Amanda joined our team in 2020, bringing with her almost ten years of experience as a Registered Dental Assistant. In addition to her general training, she has earned certifications in several advanced procedures, which make her a great asset to our team! Most importantly, her gentle demeanor and friendly smile make all our little folks feel comfortable!

Katie has worked in the dental field since 2017, earning her Dental Assisting certificate while working in the front office of another practice, and joined us in 2020. She has an Associate degree in Biology and is a semester away from completing a Bachelor degree in Biology-Health Sciences. At Dentistry for Little Folks, Katie loves being part of a team that has the joy of creating a safe, loving, and fun environment for children. She provides patient/parent education, cleans sweet smiles, and assists the doctors with treatment.

Most of Katies free time is spent with her small family: her new spouse, who is a San Antonio native, and their two pets, an extra-large pup named Cash and his sidekick, a cat named Roy. She keeps busy studying for her loaded class schedule and serving in her church community.

Katelynn, a Registered Dental Assistant, started in the field in 2019 and joined the Dentistry for Little Folks team in 2021. She takes X-rays, provides excellent oral hygiene instructions, and assists the doctors in providing the best possible dental experiences for the children.

Leonela is one of our fabulous RDAs, having joined the DFLF team in 2021. We are lucky to have such a motivated, helpful person to assist our doctors in making our patients dental experienceand their oral healthas good as possible.

Dr. Jennifer Ochoa, Dr. Nelly Gonzalez, and our team believe it is an honor to care for growing smiles. We care for each of our young patients as family: with warmth, kindness, compassion, and patience.

The minute you walk through our doors and we greet your little one, and you, by name, youll know youre in the right place. Ours is a welcoming and friendly office, with an upbeat and laughter-filled atmosphere.