Dr. Niki Latiolais

Dentist

Dr. Niki Latiolais is the lead dentist at Piney Woods Family Dentistry, where she has been proudly serving patients since purchasing the practice in 2015. She completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Texas at Austin and earned her dental degree from the UT Health Science Center at Houston, graduating from dental school in 2008.

Dr. Latiolais is passionate about creating a joyful, welcoming environment for both patients and her team. She loves that laughter fills the office each day and believes that making people smile is the most rewarding part of her profession. Her dedication to teamwork and positivity helps create an experience where patients feel comfortable, cared for, and confident in their smiles.

Her journey into dentistry began during college, when she worked in a dental office and witnessed firsthand how transformative a new smile could be in someone’s life. That experience inspired her to pursue a career focused on improving both oral health and overall confidence.

Outside of the office, Dr. Latiolais enjoys reading, running, spending time at the lake, and traveling with her family. In the summer, she can often be found participating in one of her favorite hobbies: wakesurfing. A fun fact many don’t know: she grew up in upstate New York surrounded by apple orchards, and her favorite apple is the MacIntosh, a regional classic.

Dr. Rebecca Ball

Dentist

Dr. Rebecca Ball (Dr. Becca) is a skilled and compassionate dentist at Piney Woods Family Dentistry. She earned her undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University and completed her dental doctorate at Baylor College of Dentistry. Dr. Becca began her dental career in 2000, practicing in West Texas before returning to Mt. Pleasant in 2009. She recently joined the Piney Woods team, bringing years of experience and a passion for patient care.

Dr. Becca enjoys helping patients feel more confident and comfortable through improved oral health. She values teamwork and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of her patients.

Outside the office, Dr. Becca enjoys reading, traveling, and cooking. She also has a passion for painting, specializing in large modern abstract artwork. Music is another love. She has attended concerts across a wide variety of genres, embracing the energy and creativity of live performances.

With a focus on clinical excellence, patient comfort, and creative problem-solving, Dr. Becca combines expertise with a personable, approachable style to provide high-quality care to every patient she sees.

Taylor

Dental Hygienist

Taylor is a dental hygienist at Piney Woods Family Dentistry and has been practicing dental hygiene since 2014. She began seeing patients in this office in January 2019 and officially became part of the Piney Woods team in early 2026 when the two practices in the building merged.

Taylor completed her pre-requisites at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks and Northeast Texas Community College before earning her Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from NTCC in 2014. As a preventive health professional, she is dedicated to supporting both oral and overall health. Her responsibilities include removing plaque and tartar, preventing and treating gum disease, educating patients, and helping detect dental concerns early. She is passionate about reducing pain, infection, and long-term health risks through preventive care and patient education. Taylor firmly believes that a healthy mouth contributes to a healthier body and strives to help every patient understand and experience that connection.

One of Taylor’s favorite aspects of her career is building lasting relationships with her patients. She wants each person in her chair to know she does more than “clean teeth;” she genuinely cares about their health, confidence, and comfort. She is committed to making patients feel heard, valued, and empowered in their care.

Taylor was drawn to dentistry because she wanted a career where she could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. The connection between oral health and overall health, combined with the opportunity to work hands-on with patients, made dental hygiene the perfect fit.

Outside of the office, Taylor is a proud and busy mom of three children. She enjoys cheering on her son in his many sports and keeping up with her two energetic daughters. In her spare time, she loves traveling, especially to the mountains, exploring creative arts and crafts, and teaching Bible class to toddlers. A unique part of her life is that she and her husband own and operate a Wagyu beef cattle company. She has also traveled to Honduras nearly a dozen times for mission trips, a tradition that began when she was just 11 years old.

Heather

Dental Hygienist

Heather has been a dedicated dental hygienist since 2001 and has proudly served patients at Piney Woods Family Dentistry since 2007. A graduate of Tyler Junior College, Heather brings over two decades of experience and compassion to her role.

Heather’s goal is to make every patient feel comfortable and at ease from the moment they sit in her chair. She treats her patients like family and strives to create a welcoming, relaxed environment during every visit. She is passionate about educating patients on the importance of maintaining a healthy mouth and helping them feel confident and happy with their smiles.

Heather chose the dental field because of her love for helping people and teaching them how to care for their oral health. She finds joy in building long-term relationships with her patients and being part of a supportive team that shares the same commitment to quality care.

Outside of the office, Heather enjoys spending time outdoors soaking up the sunshine. She loves camping, swimming, and especially fishing with her family. 

Laura

Dental Hygienist

Laura is a dedicated and compassionate dental hygienist at Piney Woods Family Dentistry. She earned her Bachelor of Applied Science degree from The University of Mississippi in 2008 and completed her dental hygiene training at Northeast Texas Community College, receiving her license in 2013. Laura began her career working with Dr. Herbert Cross in June 2013 and has been an integral part of the team ever since.

Laura finds great fulfillment in helping patients feel comfortable, heard, and confident about their oral health. She particularly enjoys seeing anxious patients leave with relief and pride in their smiles. She also values the collaboration and trust within her dental team, working together to create a positive environment where everyone can perform at their best.

Outside the office, Laura enjoys reading, traveling, volunteering, and challenging herself with new and exciting experiences. She has a love for classic jazz, big band, and classical instrumental music, and she treasures her annual trips across the country with her sorority sisters. 

Kaley

Dental Hygienist

Kaley is one of the outstanding registered dental hygienists at Piney Woods Family Dentistry, and she’s helped patients achieve healthier, happier smiles since 2008. A graduate of Northeast Texas Community College, Kaley brings years of experience, skill, and heart to every appointment.

Her role goes far beyond cleanings. Kaley loves educating and encouraging patients so they feel confident taking care of their smiles at home, too. She’s a true team player and appreciates how everyone in the office jumps in to help one another. At Piney Woods, the team feels more like a big family that works hard, laughs often, and supports each other every day.

Kaley joined the Piney Woods Family in 2022, drawn to the family-friendly schedule that allows her to balance her career with life at home. That balance is something she truly values, and it shows in the care and attention she gives her patients.

When she’s not in the office, Kaley enjoys relaxing with a good book, tending to her garden, and cooking for the people she loves. She also has a creative side. She works with stained glass, a unique hobby that lets her unwind and express herself artistically.

Fun fact: Kaley loves a good challenge, so no matter where your teeth are starting, she’s always excited to help you get them feeling their best!

Kristina Hamilton, RDH

Office Manager

Kristina serves as the office manager at Piney Woods Family Dentistry, where she brings energy, leadership, and a true team-first mindset to the practice. Known as a “jack of all trades,” Kristina takes on a wide range of responsibilities, all with the goal of creating an environment where patients and team members feel understood, educated, appreciated, and empowered.

Kristina earned her Associate of Applied Science from Northeast Texas Community College in 2015 and began her career as a registered dental hygienist. She spent several years in clinical care before joining Piney Woods Family Dentistry in 2024 as the office manager. Her background in hygiene allows her to approach her role with a well-rounded perspective, supporting both patients and the clinical team with insight and experience.

What Kristina values most about her work is the strong sense of family within the practice. She is passionate about creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where patients feel at ease. She understands that dental visits can feel vulnerable for many people, and she strives to ensure each patient feels comfortable, heard, and supported throughout their experience.

Kristina chose the dental field to help others achieve better health, especially in an area that can often feel overwhelming or misunderstood. She finds fulfillment in educating patients, answering questions, and building meaningful connections every day.

Outside the office, Kristina enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. From relaxing by the pool or lake to cheering on her son at baseball games, she embraces every opportunity to stay active. She also loves UTV riding, hunting, camping, and unwinding on the back porch. Hosting and cooking for a crowd is one of her favorite pastimes, as she believes good food brings people together.

Originally from Wisconsin, Kristina proudly says, “Go Pack Go!”

Whitley

Patient Care Coordinator

Whitley is the patient care coordinator at Piney Woods Family Dentistry, where she has been serving patients since July 2020. She began her dental career in March 2019 on the administrative side of dentistry and earned her RDA during COVID in 2020. Although she has experience working both in the front and back office, Whitley ultimately found her passion in the administrative side of patient care.

In her role, Whitley wears many hats. She is responsible for scheduling, coordinating patient care with specialists, maintaining up-to-date patient information, and ensuring the doctors’ schedules remain productive and flow smoothly. As the first face patients see when they walk through the door, she understands the importance of first impressions and strives to make every patient feel welcomed, comfortable, and valued. She especially enjoys helping ease dental anxiety and guiding patients through their treatment journey with confidence and care.

Whitley’s path into dentistry was unexpected. After leaving a six-year administrative role at a machine shop, a friend encouraged her to apply for a front office position at a dental practice. With no prior dental experience, she learned quickly and discovered a career she truly loves. Seven years later, she is grateful that leap of faith led her to where she is today.

Outside of dentistry, Whitley stays busy as a full-time real estate agent. She also loves football and anything related to the sport. One of the most unique and special parts of her life is supporting her daughter’s cheerleading. Whitley and her husband built a 1,250-square-foot home tumbling gym complete with a 30-foot trampoline in their backyard. The family spends most of their week immersed in cheer activities, cherishing every moment together.

Misha

Treatment Coordinator

Misha is the friendly face you’ll be greeted by at the front office of Piney Woods Family Dentistry. With an Associate’s degree in Business and a passion for helping people feel comfortable and cared for, she plays a key role in making sure every patient’s visit gets off to a smooth, positive start.

Misha began her journey in the dental field working with Dr. Robert C. Sikes, DDS, and recently joined the Piney Woods Family, where she’s loved becoming part of a supportive, team-focused environment. She’s known for being approachable, organized, and always ready to help, whether that means coordinating appointments, answering questions, or simply welcoming patients with a smile.

What drew Misha to dentistry was the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s confidence, comfort, and overall well-being. She values the balance of patient interaction, attention to detail, and continuous learning that the field offers, and she takes pride in supporting both patients and her teammates every day.

When she’s not at the office, you’ll likely find Misha curled up with a good book and a hot cup of coffee, gaming with her husband, or dreaming about her next European adventure.

If you’re visiting Piney Woods Family Dentistry, chances are Misha will be one of the first people to make you feel right at home. 

Rosa

Insurance Coordinator

Rosa is a valued team member at Piney Woods Family Dentistry, where she is responsible for checking patients in and out and reviewing insurance information with them. She helps ensure each patient understands their benefits and feels confident about their care from start to finish.

Rosa began her career in dentistry in 2016 and worked as a registered dental assistant for seven years before transitioning to the front office. She joined Piney Woods Family Dentistry in 2023 and brings both clinical knowledge and administrative experience to her role.

Her favorite part of working in dentistry is helping patients and building meaningful connections with them. Rosa enjoys getting to know each patient personally and believes that when patients feel recognized and welcomed, they truly feel cared for. She takes pride in creating a warm, friendly environment where patients feel comfortable and valued.

Rosa joined the dental field without knowing exactly what to expect, but she quickly discovered a passion for helping others through patient care.

Outside of the office, Rosa loves baking treats for her kids and family. She enjoys spending time outdoors, watching her children play and bond together. A fun fact about Rosa is that her favorite color is brown.

Lakken

Dental Assistant

Lakken began her career in dentistry in 2019 and is now entering her seventh year in the dental field. After working under an exceptional dentist for six years, she is excited to be part of the Piney Woods Family Dentistry team and continue growing in her passion for patient care.

Lakken earned her dental assisting certificate through UT Health San Antonio and received hands-on, in-office training during her first year as a registered dental assistant. She is committed to continuing education and regularly attends annual dental conferences to stay up to date with the latest advancements, ensuring she provides patients with the highest quality care and information.

As a registered dental assistant, Lakken’s presence plays an important role in shaping each patient’s experience. She strives to reduce anxiety by creating a calm and friendly environment from the moment a patient enters the operatory. Through compassion and clear communication, she helps patients feel confident, informed, safe, and understood. In addition to supporting patients emotionally, she provides strong clinical chairside support to the dentist.

Her favorite part of dentistry is building trust and rapport with patients. She values the team-driven nature of the profession and feels grateful for the mentors and lasting friendships she has gained throughout her career.

Lakken’s journey into dentistry happened unexpectedly after spending four years as a stay-at-home mom. When offered the opportunity to join a successful dental practice, she quickly discovered a natural passion for helping others and an appreciation for the artistry of dentistry.

Outside of the office, Lakken enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, working out, traveling, attending concerts and professional sporting events, and most importantly, being her children’s biggest supporter in their extracurricular activities. A unique passion of hers is writing fiction and non-fiction stories. She hopes to write a book in the near future. A fun fact about Lakken is that she is also a licensed esthetician with a fascination for skincare and facial anatomy.

Nyssa

Dental Assistant

Nyssa is a dental assistant at Piney Woods Family Dentistry. She began her career in dentistry in 2017 and joined the Piney Woods team in 2023. Nyssa received her education and training in Longview and brings years of hands-on experience to her role.

As a dentist assistant, Nyssa is responsible for seating patients, taking x-rays, charting, and assisting the doctor during treatment. She takes pride in helping procedures run smoothly while ensuring patients feel comfortable and cared for throughout their visit.

Nyssa’s favorite part of working in dentistry is getting to know her patients and building relationships with them. She enjoys the social aspect of her role and values being part of a supportive team environment. She was drawn to the dental field because of the consistent hours and the opportunity to work closely with people.

Outside of the office, Nyssa loves photography and cooking. She has a creative eye behind the camera and enjoys capturing special moments. A fun fact about Nyssa is that she truly loves to cook and is always excited to try new recipes in her spare time.

Naomi

Dental Assistant

Naomi is a dental assistant at Piney Woods Family Dentistry. She began her career in dentistry in 2023 and is excited to continue growing and serving patients as part of the Piney Woods team.

Naomi received her education and training at Advanced Dental Assisting School in Naples, Texas. In her role, she helps create a safe, welcoming environment where patients feel seen, heard, and comfortable. She values strong teamwork and communication, which help the office run smoothly and ensure patients receive the best possible care.

Her favorite part of working in dentistry is helping patients feel at ease and cared for during their visits. Naomi is passionate about building confidence through healthy smiles and enjoys being part of a team that works efficiently and supports one another.

Outside of the office, Naomi loves reading books, watching movies, and going on late-night drives. She has a creative side and enjoys making flower bouquets out of pipe cleaners. A fun fact about Naomi is that she has a big collection of Disney’s Stitch and proudly considers herself a true fan.

Kassi Thompson

Dental Assistant

Kassi is a registered dental assistant at Piney Woods Family Dentistry, where she plays an essential role in delivering efficient, patient-focused care. She works chairside during a variety of dental procedures and specializes in designing and creating CEREC crowns for same-day treatment, helping patients restore their teeth in a single visit.

Kassi began her career in dentistry in 2011 and joined the Piney Woods Family Dentistry team in May 2017. She completed her dental assisting training through Weatherford College and Tyler Junior College, building a strong foundation that supports her clinical skills and attention to detail.

Her passion for dentistry stems from a long-standing fascination with smiles. Kassi believes a smile is often the first thing people notice, and she enjoys helping patients restore and improve theirs. She finds it especially rewarding to be part of a patient’s journey toward achieving a healthier, more complete smile.

Kassi values the connections she builds with patients and enjoys being part of a team that works together to provide supportive and attentive care. She strives to create a comfortable environment where patients feel at ease throughout their treatment.

Outside the practice, Kassi enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring new experiences. She loves relaxing at the beach, hiking, visiting ATV parks, and attending baseball games. Traveling, visiting wineries, and exploring museums are also among her favorite activities.

Kassi has a creative side and enjoys various arts and crafts, including drawing, painting, and making pottery. Originally from Granbury, Texas, she moved to East Texas in 2014 and has been proud to serve the local community ever since.