Meet the Team
We recognize that all of our patients are unique and deserve to receive orthodontic care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience every time you visit our practice.
We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.
Lisa Richmond
Professional Relations Coordinator
Lisa Richmond is our Professional Relations Coordinator. She is responsible for building and developing relationships in the community on behalf of Howell Orthodontics. Lisa has a business degree from The University of West Georgia and brings to our team many years of experience in sales and marketing. Lisa and her husband, Tim, reside in Jefferson with their three sons, Jackson, Tate and Garrett.
The Richmonds enjoy attending and serving at The Jefferson Church. In addition to their primary jobs, Tim is a part-time fire fighter at the Arcade Fire Department, and Lisa represents district 4 on the school board for Jefferson City Schools. Lisa loves building and maintaining relationships with others, reading a good book, hiking in the woods with her hubby and spending time with her precious boys.
Contact Lisa at Lisa@howellortho.com
Rian Andree
Scheduling Coordinator
Rian is the friendly voice you hear when you call our office and the first smiling face patients see when they arrive. She enjoys helping patients and families fit orthodontic care into their busy lives, whether she is answering questions, finding the perfect appointment time, or welcoming them to the office! Organized, helpful, and dependable, Rian is a true team player who is always ready to pitch in and do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Rian now calls Georgia her home. She lives here with her husband, Dave, and one of their daughters, while remaining close to two daughters and two granddaughters who still reside in PA. When she isn’t in the office, you are likely to find her serving the youth at NewGrace church planting seeds of Christ into the next generation to give them a firm and lasting foundation. Rian also enjoys crafting, gardening or just enjoying the Georgia weather alongside her husband and their two beloved German Shepherds.
Contact Rian at Rian@howellortho.com
Ruth Andrews
Treatment Coordinator
Ruth is our Treatment Coordinator and is dedicated to welcoming new patients to our practice and guiding them through the orthodontic process with clarity and care. She began her orthodontic career in 2012 as a Certified Orthodontic Assistant and quickly discovered her passion for the field. With her warm and compassionate nature, Ruth strives to ensure each patient feels comfortable and at ease from their very first visit. She is committed to providing an exceptional patient experience built on trust and personalized attention.
Ruth and her husband, Adam, live in Banks County with their two sons and one daughter. She enjoys spending time outdoors and helping her husband on their family farm. They attend Free Chapel, where they serve in the children’s ministry. In her free time, Ruth enjoys writing, reading, singing, and exercising.
Contact Ruth at Ruth@howellortho.com
Whitney Metzger
Financial Coordinator
Whitney is our Financial Coordinator. She holds a degree in accounting from Kennesaw State University and brings strong organizational skills and attention to detail to her role. Whitney takes the guesswork out of the financial process so our patients can focus on what truly matters - a beautiful, confident smile! She has a warm personality, enjoys being part of the Howell Orthodontics team, and wants every patient to feel right at home.
Whitney and her husband, Trevor, live in Jefferson with their four children - Katie Grace, Riley, Zach, and Anna Lauren. When she is not helping patients coordinate their visits, Whitney loves spending time with her family. You will often find her and her husband supporting one of their children in their activities. While this season of life is busy, Whitney is grateful for every moment and so thankful for God’s faithfulness in her life.
Contact Whitney at Whitney@howellortho.com
Julie Ballman
Insurance Coordinator
Julie Ballman is the Insurance Coordinator at Howell Orthodontics. Julie handles the filing of insurance claims and any questions regarding insurance. Julie has an extensive educational and financial background which includes a Masters in Business Administration and over ten years of accounting, finance, and customer service experience.
Julie lives in Jefferson with her husband, Mark, and her mom, Sharron. The Ballman family attends St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church where they are active in several ministries. Julie enjoys spending as much time as possible with her twin sons, John and Michael, whenever they are home, and working on her house and yard.
Contact Julie at Julie@howellortho.com
Bretta Hanley
Certified Orthodontic Assistant
Bretta is one of our amazing Orthodontic Assistants. She completed her training in orthodontic assisting in May 2016 and shortly after joined the Howell Orthodontics team. In addition to assisting Dr. Howell, Bretta also manages the inventory at our growing practice. Bretta is always kind, compassionate, and hard-working. Being in the dental field is her passion, and she truly enjoys getting to know our patients and watching their confidence grow with each new smile.
The Hanelys reside in Athens, GA where they also attend Southside Church. Bretta enjoys spending time with her family on their farm, traveling and watching her sons' sporting events.
Haley Martin
Orthodontic Assistant
Haley Martin is a valuable part of the Howell Orthodontics Team! She started with us in sterilizaion and then joined our group of amazing Orthodontic Assistants where she is loved by patients and parents alike. Haley has the best attitude and makes us smile and laugh every day! Haley and her husband, Justin, live in Jefferson with their two beautiful girls, Camryn and Reagan.
In her free time, Haley enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and staying busy with her kids. You will often find her cheering from the sidelines of a soccer field. Haley and her family attend The Jefferson Church.
Kayla Ross
Orthodontic Assistant
Kayla joined our practice as an Orthodontic Assistant with over 7 years of previous orthodontic experience including 2 years in a pediatric office. Her passion for orthodontics began when she was in braces. The confidence she gained during her orthodontic journey inspired her to become an orthodontic assistant where she is able to help others experience that same joy every day!
Kayla is married to her high school sweetheart, Chase, and they live in Winder, GA. When she’s not at the office, Kayla likes thrifting and being outdoors with her dog, Leah, and most of all, she loves spending quality time with her family.
Jessica Andrade
Orthodontic Assistant
Jessica has been crafting beautiful smiles for seven years - spending five years in pediatrics and the last two in orthodontics. Jessica works closely with our doctors to provide high-quality clinical care, ensuring that every procedure runs smoothly, safely, and comfortably. With her sweet smile and kind nature, she excels at making patients of all ages feel welcome and informed about their treatment progress. Jessica lives in Pendergrass, Georgia, where she stays busy raising her amazing four-year-old son, Alexander. Outside of the office, she most enjoys spending quality time making memories with her family, traveling to new places, hiking outdoors or simply relaxing by the pool. You may also recognize Jessica from church where she attends Victory Church at Hamilton Mill.
Angel Church
Clinical Coordinator
As the Clinical Coordinator, Angel oversees all sterilization protocols within our clinic, ensuring that every instrument is clean, sterilized, and properly prepared for use by our clinical team. She is known for her willingness to assist her colleagues whenever needed and is enthusiastic about cross-training in various positions. Through her diligence and high standards, she helps to keep our clinic running smoothly while maintaining a clean and safe environment for both patients and staff.
Angel was born and raised in Michigan and, fortunately for us, made Georgia her home a few years ago. She and her husband, Zach, live in Jefferson with their sweet Chocolate Lab, Emmylou. Angel enjoys traveling, reading, baking and walking her puppy. She and Zach attend The Jefferson Church.
Kacie Bly
3D Lab Coordinator
Kacie is our 3 Lab Coordinator and a huge asset to our team. She spends most of her time in our 3D Lab where we use digital scans and a 3D printer to make precise models of patients’ teeth. With these models, Kacie is able to make retainers and clear aligners on-site. Kacie can always be found with a huge smile on her face and a willingness to assist you with any need great or small.
Outside of the office, Kacie loves getting lost hiking deep into the woods with her boyfriend, Ben, and three pups: Pepper, Sage and Cooper. At home, she has two more fur babies, her kitties: Nova and Kruz. Kacie most enjoys traveling to new places, spending time with family and making new memories.
