Dr. Kylee Rider is a native of the West Georgia area. She was born and raised in Douglasville and is a 2011 graduate of Douglas County High School. After completing a Bachelor's degree from the University of West Georgia as a biology and chemistry major, she enrolled at Liberty University to earn her Master's degree in Biomedical Science. Dr. Rider then went on to The Dental College of Georgia in Augusta as part of the 2021 alumni class.
While in dental school, she gained an appreciation for organized dentistry and the dental community. Her interest to get involved landed her an officer position for her class, as well as a leadership position in ASDA (American Student Dental Association), SPEA (Student professionalism and Ethics Association), and AAPHD (American Association of Public Health Dentistry). Dr. Rider plans to continue her involvement in organized dentistry and exploring all the opportunities her career has to offer.
For now, Dr. Rider is just happy to return home after a decade of schooling to be close to family and friends again and practice dentistry in her hometown. She says having the chance to be a dentist in her hometown with the privilege to serve the community that built her is a dream come true.
Outside of the field of dentistry, Dr. Rider has had some exciting changes in her personal life. In May of 2021, she married her now husband, Hunter, who is also native to the area. The two have big plans for building their home and family, but in the meantime are just enjoying their life together. They enjoy camping, hiking, playing on the lake and taking weekend road trips. Above all else, the two love spending time with the people who mean the most to them.
Carol joined West Georgia Family Dentistry in 2013 and was part-time until August 2018. Carol worked in a dental lab for 20 years prior to graduating Hygiene School in 2009. Carol had 6 years of employment with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta where she specialized in the care of medically compromised patients.
Patti joined West Georgia Family Dentistry in 2021 but has been in the dental field since 2008. Patti graduated from Valdosta State University and enjoys helping her patients maintain a beautiful smile for life.
Olivia is a native of West Georgia. She obtained her Dental Hygiene degree form West Central Technical College in 2008. She likes taking care of her patients and helping them maintain their beautiful smiles. Olivia says she is thankful to be apart of such a fantastic dental team.
Wendy joined West Georgia Family Dentistry in 2020. She grew up in Austell and graduated from West Georgia Technical College in 2008. During Wendy's career, she has had the opportunity to work with the military, geriatrics, pediatrics and medically compromised patients.
Terri joined West Georgia Family Dentistry in 1997. She has more than 30 years experience in the dental field. Terri is certified in dental radiology and expanded duties. Terri is a Douglasville native and enjoys working with the community in which she grew up. Terri is the Dental Assistant for Dr Watts, and currently works two days a week.
Terri married her high school sweetheart, Kerry in 1989. They have three children, two sons and a daughter. Working part time allows Terri to spend more time with her grandchildren. She enjoys traveling, crafts and wood working. Quality time with family and friends is very important to Terri.
Melissa joined West Georgia Family Dentistry in 2015 as Hygiene Coordinator. She is currently certified in dental radiology and expanded duties of dental assisting. She enjoys assisting Dr. Leithner and working closely with our patients to help with their dental needs and settling any fears and concerns they may have.
Melissa resides locally, with her husband and three children. When she is not busy with her children's various school and sporting events, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends and new puppy.
Jennifer joined our team in July 2007. She is the lead assistant for Dr. Leithner. As lead assistant, Jennifer has many responsibilities including overseeing the doctor's schedule. Jennifer is certified in dental radiology and expanded duties for dental assisting. She works well with children and helps put their fears at ease.
Joann Soto joined West Georgia Family Dentistry in 1988. She became the Office Manager in 2017. She believes West Georgia Family Dentistry has one of the best dental teams around. She enjoys all aspects of dentistry and couldn't ask for a better team.
Angie has been with our practice for more than 34 years. She started as CDA then moved to Orthodontics and TMD treatment before assuming her current position. Today she enjoys helping patients understand their treatment and payment options to achieve their best smile. She is proud of the long legacy of exceptional dental care our patients have known and she strives to carry on this excellence for future generations.
Angie is a graduate of Douglas County High School, a life-long resident and enjoys working in her hometown. In her spare time, she enjoys the beach, lake and gardening but one look at her office walls and it's evident her children and grandchildren are her greatest joy.
Luanne joined West Georgia Family Dentistry in April 2013 as a full time Patient Care Coordinator. Luanne has worked in the dental field for more than 18 years. She enjoys establishing a meaningful relationship with our patients and is also willing to help in any way possible.
When Luanne is not working, she enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and outdoor activities. She and her husband, Stephen enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, especially their first grandson Lee.
Erin is from Georgetown, IL and moved to Georgia in 1998 where she resides with her husband Ron. In her spare time Erin enjoys anything outdoors, attending Atlanta Falcons football games and spending time with her family and of course her pets.
Donna joined West Georgia Family Dentistry January 11, 1999. Donna has more than 20 years in the dental field. Donna started out as a Hygiene Coordinator, in 2002 she became the Insurance Coordinator. She enjoys helping our patients get the most out of their insurance benefits.
Donna has a BS in Early Childhood Education and her Masters in Biblical Studies. She was a primary school teacher from 1977 to 1995, the occupational change was a surprise but one that she finds very satisfying. In her spare time Donna enjoys Bible study, music and singing with her family; she also enjoys crafts and reading. Donna is single and her extended family brings great joy to her life.
Shelly started with West Georgia Family Dentistry in 2020. She's excited to be a part of this team. It's important to her to develop relationships with patients during the time she spends on the phone and in person.
Shelly is in a relationship, has two children, a grandchild, and lives in Carrolton. Shelly loves Jesus, watching SEC football (GO, DAWGS!), enjoys traveling, cooking, visiting wineries, working on their cabin in the mountains, and spending quality time with family, friends and her fur babies.