About Us

Carla has been with our practice for 27 years and has served for 21 years with Dr. Jakiela. A native of Grand Junction, CO and Costilla, NM, she moved to Taos in 1981 to raise her sons. Carla is a UNM graduate with extensive experience in insurance, billing, and financial arrangements. Her goal is to welcome patients and give them the best customer service experience possible. Carla lives with her husband Gary and three busy sons. Carla now has a grandson who is the apple of her eye. Taos County awarded Carla “Best Customer Service,” and we think you’ll agree.

Krystal has been a receptionist on Dr. Jakiela’s staff three and a half years. Born and raised in Taos, NM, Krystal does much more than schedule appointments and file insurance claims; she’s cross-trained as a dental assistant, and you may see her in the front and back of the office. In either role, it’s Krystal’s goal to make our customers feel welcome and provide superior customer service. Krystal lives with her husband Daniel and two daughters.

Lenore has worked in this practice for 27 years and has served for 21 with Dr. Jakiela. A Native American raised on the Taos Pueblo, Lenore is a certified dental assistant. She attended dental assisting school in Albuquerque and continues to keep up to date with the dental field’s ever-changing technology. Lenore lives with her husband Sam and has two children and seven grandchildren. She enjoys getting to know patients and establishing long-term relationships – in fact, she’s now working on some third-generation clients.

Sonya has been working in this practice for six years. A native of Taos, she attended Pima Medical Institute in Albuquerque and is a certified dental assistant. Sonya’s goal is to ensure that you have the best dental experience possible; to that end, she regularly attends classes to keep up with developments in dental materials and techniques. She enjoys spending all her free time with her husband Gerald and son.

Kathy has been with our practice since 2005. She’s from Angel Fire, NM, and she joined our team after graduating from San Juan College. Laser-certified for non-surgical periodontal treatment, and licensed for local anesthesia, Kathy’s goal is to provide the best oral care possible through personalized treatment plans. She lives with her husband Jason and three active young children.

Santana joined our practice in October after graduating from UNM in May, 2008. Born and raised in Taos, Santana grew up around the office while her mother worked with Dr. Jakiela for 11 years. She is laser-certified for non-surgical periodontal treatment and licensed for local anesthesia.
She lives with her fiance Milo and 4 year old son.