Alpine Family Dentistry
3096 W. M-32 Hwy
Gaylord, MI 49735
Alpinefamilydentistry1@gmail.com
Meet Our team
Dr. Rebekah K. Sheppard has spent over 15 years helping patients feel at ease in the dental chair, combining clinical expertise with a naturally calm and welcoming presence. After earning her Bachelor of Science from Eastern Michigan University, she continued her education at the University of Michigan, where she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery. Her early career included serving as an Administrative Quality Control Director, ensuring high standards across dental practices.
What inspires Dr. Sheppard most is the chance to restore smiles — and with them, confidence. Patients appreciate her laid‑back approach, gentle communication, and genuine care for their comfort.
Originally from Clinton, Dr. Sheppard moved to Gaylord to establish her practice and create a home for her family. She and her husband stay busy with their three daughters — Ryann, Emma, and Nora — and spend much of their free time outdoors. Whether boating, golfing, swimming, camping, or simply enjoying family time, she loves the Northern Michigan lifestyle.
Rebekah Sheppard D.D.S.
Practice Owner
Dr. Pamela M. Braund—known to patients and team members as Dr. B—is an Associate Dentist with a lifelong passion for helping people feel comfortable and confident in their oral health. A northern Michigan native, she grew up in Indian River and knew from an early age that dentistry was her calling. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Developmental Psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy before completing her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Illinois. During her time there, she served as president of the American Association of Women Dentists, leading the organization to receive the Student Wellness Promotion Award. Dr. B has special interests in implants and pediatric dentistry, and she loves transforming the dental experience—guiding patients from feeling anxious or intimidated to feeling informed, relaxed, and empowered. Her care philosophy is patient‑centered and comprehensive, encouraging every patient to take an active role in their oral health. Outside the office, Dr. B enjoys walking her dogs, reading, and baking. She and her husband, Andrew—her high‑school sweetheart—share their home with two beloved pups, Cinnamon and Lainey. If she hadn’t become a dentist, she’s certain she would have pursued a career as a veterinarian.
Pamela Braund D. M. D.
Dr. David Shammas, DDS, is a dedicated general dentist originally from Carmel, Indiana. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Utah School of Dentistry after completing an undergraduate major in healthcare and business with a minor in chemistry at Butler University. He brings advanced training in TMD and sleep apnea treatment in general dentistry to his practice, allowing him to care for patients with a wide range of needs.
Dr. Shammas is drawn to dentistry because it blends science, engineering, and art—a combination that continually inspires him. He loves the depth of knowledge in the field and the constant opportunity to learn, refine his skills, and stay at the forefront of patient care.
What truly motivates him, though, is patient connection. Dr. Shammas values getting to know the people he treats, building trust, and creating a comfortable, supportive environment. He finds great fulfillment in helping patients regain confidence, especially those who may have lost it due to dental issues. Restoring a smile—and the self‑assurance that comes with it—is one of the most meaningful parts of his work.
After completing his education, Dr. Shammas moved to Northern Michigan to establish his career. He is known for his warm, patient‑centered approach and his genuine commitment to making every visit a positive experience.
Outside the office, Dr. Shammas enjoys hiking, fishing, kayaking, traveling, and exploring the outdoors. His beloved dog Astro joins him on daily walks and many of his adventures, adding a personal touch that patients appreciate and connect with.
David Shammas D.D.S
Clinical Team
Hygienist
Say hello to the heartbeat of our practice — our highly trained, genuinely caring, and always‑smiling hygiene team. These are the pros who make your cleanings feel comfortable, your visits feel personal, and your oral health feel like a true partnership.
Each hygienist brings a unique blend of expertise, compassion, and personality to the chair. Whether they’re helping you master flossing, cheering on your progress, or easing your nerves with a light‑hearted joke, their goal is simple: to give every patient a positive, stress‑free experience.
Our hygiene team is passionate about prevention, education, and building real connections. They love getting to know you, celebrating your wins, and helping you feel confident about your smile.
Sarah Pierz
R.D.H.
Sarah Pierz has been a dedicated dental hygienist for 16 years, with the last 12 proudly spent serving patients at Alpine Family Dentistry. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and her associate degree in Applied Dental Hygiene from Ferris State University.
Known for her gentle, compassionate approach, Sarah loves working with children and strives to make every patient feel comfortable and cared for. She is committed to ongoing education and providing high‑quality, personalized care that helps each patient leave with a healthier smile.
Outside the office, Sarah enjoys spending time outdoors and cheering on her twins at their sporting events.
Jodi Jenkins
R.D.H.
Jodi brings more than 25 years of full‑time dental hygiene experience to Alpine Family Dentistry. She joined the practice in 2022 after spending 16 years with a Bellaire dental office and 4 years in an Endodontic Specialty Practice.
She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Ferris State University.
A lifelong Gaylord resident, Jodi is deeply rooted in the community. She’s a proud mother of two and enjoys staying active—golfing in the summer and bowling in the winter. Her calm, friendly approach helps patients feel comfortable and cared for at every visit.
Kim Curtis
R.D.H.
Kimberly “Kim” Curtis, RDH, BS, is a Registered Dental Hygienist with 18 years of clinical experience. She earned her Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from Mott Community College and her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Michigan. Kim is also licensed in local anesthesia and nitrous oxide administration.
Known for her gentle, calm, and judgment-free approach, Kim provides care that is both thorough and efficient while striving to make every patient feel comfortable and confident. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, staying active, and being outdoors.
Dental Assistants
Our dental assistants are the friendly, skilled problem‑solvers who keep our clinical world running smoothly and our patients feeling at ease. With a blend of technical expertise, compassion, and upbeat energy, they support every part of your visit — from calming nerves to assisting in advanced procedures. They love connecting with patients, jumping in wherever needed, and making each appointment feel a little brighter. Together, our team brings the perfect mix of professionalism and personality to help create a comfortable, positive experience for every person who walks through our doors.
Jessica Mason
RDA, Team Lead
Jessica brings a warm smile, strong clinical skills, and a leadership mindset to our team. She spent twelve years in orthodontics as both a Certified Dental Assistant and Certified Orthodontic Assistant before deciding to further her education. After completing her degree at Washtenaw Community College, she became a Registered Dental Assistant and now serves as our Team Lead.
For the past five years, Jessica has been an essential part of our office, offering advanced dental assisting skills and a calm, reassuring presence that patients appreciate.
Jessica has been married to her high school sweetheart, Sean, for over twenty eight years. They have two daughters, Lillian and Adalynn, and a pair of beloved dogs who keep the Mason household lively.
Outside the office, Jessica enjoys camping, fishing, and hiking, making the most of Michigan’s beautiful outdoors with her family.
Seara Snider
Dental Assistant
Seara J. Snider is our resident ray of sunshine and Dental Assistant (CST, CPT, CNA). With 13 years of dental experience, she’s basically a walking, talking Swiss Army knife of patient care — skilled, versatile, and always ready to jump in with a smile.
Seara has a special love for same‑day crowns, oral surgery, and endodontics — basically all the things that make most people say “yikes,” she says “yes please.” She thrives on solving problems, easing pain, and making sure every patient feels like they’re in good hands.
Seara is empathetic, patient, and light‑hearted. She knows the dentist isn’t exactly everyone’s dream destination, so she makes it her mission to flip the script. If she can help someone walk out thinking, “Hey… that wasn’t so bad,” it’s a win.
When she’s not brightening up the office, Seara is soaking up sunshine, cheering on her favorite sports teams, or adventuring outdoors. A proud Gaylord native, she’s married to her 8th‑grade sweetheart and is the mom of three beautiful daughters and two golden retrievers who think they run the house!
Erin Williamson
Dental Assistant
Erin Williamson is a skilled dental assistant with 1.5 years of experience and formal training through the Michigan Dental Association. Her background includes chairside assisting, scheduling, and insurance verification, with a special interest in dental radiography.
Erin loves building meaningful relationships with patients and takes pride in creating a compassionate, welcoming environment where people feel comfortable and cared for.
Originally from Indian River, where she has lived for 21 years, Erin is also a proud mom of three—a 16‑year‑old daughter, a 13‑year‑old son, and a 3‑year‑old daughter.
Katie Kucharek
Dental Assistant
Katie is one of the bright, motivated, and people‑loving members of our dental assisting team. She’s been part of our team for three years, and while she’s newer to the dental world, she brings a natural talent for patient care and a genuine passion for helping others — something she carried with her from her previous career in banking.
Katie loves working with people, and dentistry quickly became the perfect fit. Katie has an Associate of Science degree and she’s not stopping there, she’s currently working toward becoming a certified hygienist, with her sights set on continuing her education all the way to the DDS level. Her drive, curiosity, and dedication make her an exciting part of our growing team.
Outside the office, Katie is a proud cat mom to her fur baby, Ivy. She’s happiest near the beach, collecting unique rocks, or exploring the outdoors through hiking and kayaking. Her calm energy and adventurous spirit shine through in everything she does — especially in the way she cares for patients.
Admin. Team
Front Desk Team
Our front desk team is the warm, welcoming crew that sets the tone the moment you walk through our doors. They’re the voices you hear on the phone, the smiles that greet you in the lobby, and the organizational wizards who keep our schedule running smoothly. With a blend of friendliness, efficiency, and genuine care, they make every visit feel easy and stress‑free. Whether they’re helping you check in, answering questions, or making sure you feel comfortable from the start, our front desk team is here to ensure your experience is positive from hello to goodbye.
Amanda
Practice Administrator
Amanda, our Practice Administrator, has more than thirty years of experience in the dental field. Her remarkable career evolved alongside the rapid advancements in dentistry. She began her journey typing insurance claims on a manual typewriter and assisting with traditional impressions—tasks now transformed by digital technology and streamlined systems that produce results at the touch of a button. As a former Registered Dental Hygienist, she has always valued educating patients, a role made even more rewarding as modern imaging tools bring clarity and comfort to every visit. A Gaylord native and a proud graduate of Lansing Community College, Amanda is also a Certified Dental Business Professional through the Michigan Dental Association. Her guiding philosophy is simple: treat every patient with the same care and respect she would offer her own family. Having started her dental career with this practice the year it opened, she looks forward to retiring here—still soaking up the sun with a good book whenever she can.
Angie Turner
Insurance Specialist
Angie Turner brings over ten years of experience in dental administration and insurance coordination. She began her career in the insurance department of a local dental office, where she gained extensive knowledge while serving as a scheduling coordinator, insurance coordinator, and front desk manager.
In March 2022, Angie joined Dr. Sheppard’s team as an Insurance Specialist. She enjoys helping patients understand their insurance coverage and works hard to ensure they receive the maximum benefits available to them. Angie believes in treating every patient the way she would want to be treated, and that philosophy guides her approach every day.
A Monroe, Michigan native, Angie has been married for more than 30 years. She and her husband have two daughters, two sons‑in‑law, and four grandsons who bring endless joy to her life. Outside the office, she loves spending time outdoors, traveling, and being with her family.
Kayla Dole
Front Desk Associate
Kayla Dole brings a bright, welcoming presence to Alpine Family Dentistry. Though she has only been in dentistry for one year, she is no stranger to patient care. Her previous role at a chiropractic office helped her develop strong communication and service skills that translate beautifully into her work here.
Kayla holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration and now works as both a receptionist and hygiene assistant, always striving to learn more and grow within the dental field.
Kayla is married to Parker, and together they look forward to growing their family. She has spent most of her life in Northern Michigan, where she enjoys baking, spending time outdoors, and being with her family.
Caryn Nelson
Front Desk Associate
Caryn Nelson joins our team with a rich background in hospitality and a genuine passion for helping others. She spent 15 years in the hospitality industry before becoming a stay‑at‑home mom and earning her Medical Billing and Coding Certificate.
Although Caryn is new to the dental field, she brings years of guest‑focused experience and a natural ability to make people feel welcome. Her move to Northern Michigan was inspired by her love of the outdoors, and she’s thrilled to be building her career with Alpine Family Dentistry.