MEET THE FAMILY

At Southern Roots Dental, we strive to provide comfortable and individualized dental care for natural-looking results.

We believe that a healthy smile is a happy smile and will provide the professional care you deserve.

Julie LeBell Simpson, D.D.S.

I was born and raised in the New Orleans area. After attending LSU in Baton Rouge for undergrad, I graduated from LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans in 2007. Monroe became my home immediately following dental school and I recognized this community as a place I could establish my roots.

After more than ten years of practicing dentistry in the Monroe area, I can honestly say I love what I do. While I’m not going to pretend that I eat, sleep, and breathe teeth, I do believe that oral health is an important element in a person’s overall well being and I feel fulfilled in being able to better people’s lives through my practice. All dental patients are not created the same and every patient walks in with unique past dental experiences, expectations, and concerns. My ultimate goal is to really listen and connect with my patient so that I can create the best treatment plan for the person, not just their teeth.

When we aren’t trying to keep up with my son John Aubrey, my husband James and I spend our time gardening, cooking, music, and traveling when possible.

Sarah Hummel Gregory, D.D.S.

Monroe has always been my home though I’ve had to relocate a couple of times to achieve my goals. I graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2007. I completed my studies in New Orleans at LSU School of Dentistry in 2011. I have a passion for mission trips and have served in both Peru and Haiti where I was able to use my training to meet locals’ dental needs.

I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to start a practice in my hometown and serve this community. My dream has always been to create an atmosphere of comfort and compassion in a dental practice. I want my patients to see their dental experience in a different light. I feel that I have been called to this incredible career where I get to build relationships while also assist in healing and caring for my patients and their individual needs.

Dr. Nicholas Gregory and I were married in 2014 and we have two daughters, Lillian and Eliza. I enjoy adventuring with my family, hiking, camping, and surfing the Ouachita River.

January “Jana” Franks, B.S. RDH

I am a native of Rayville Louisiana, but currently reside in Start Louisiana with my husband, our daughter, and our furbabies. I have been in the dental field serving the Monroe area since 2011, starting out as a Dental Assistant, fell in love with the field, and went back to school to receive a degree in Dental Hygiene with a B.S.

I graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, ULM, May of 2019 and knew that I would continue to serve the Monroe area. I absolutely love what I do, being able to care for my patients, provide them with the care and compassion that they deserve, and being able to educate and bring awareness to oral health and disease.

When not working I enjoy spending time with my husband, our daughter, and family, anything outdoors whether it's hunting or fishing or just sitting outside and reading a book, traveling - the beach is my favorite, concerts, and lazy days binge watching our favorite shows with my husband.

Tuyet Ho, E.D.D.A.

I was born in Hong Kong and spent the majority of my child hood in the U.S. I lived in several different states before settling in Northeast Louisiana January of 2006. I started my dental career in 2015 as a dental assistant and expanded my dental knowledge into the administrative patient treatment coordination aspect of dentistry. I enjoy making each patient’s visit as simple and convenient as possible.

I have two children, Cadence and Mason, as well as a dog, Maximus. I enjoy watching my children participate in their extracurricular activities, such as sports and dance. We enjoy traveling as much as possible; our happy place is the beach and spending time together.

Crystal Bennett, E.D.D.A.

Sharon Che, Treatment Coordinator

I was born and raised in Bossier City, LA. I moved to Monroe in 2008 to attend ULM. I graduated Dec 2012 with a BA in Mass Communication. I'm married and have two handsome boys. We stay busy with sports and chasing the little one around. We love being outside, traveling to new places and spending time with family.

I joined the dental field in 2014 as a dental assistant. I moved to the administrative side shortly after and have enjoyed helping patients move forward with their treatment ever since!

Presley May, B.S. RDH

I was born and raised in Bastrop, LA but currently reside in Monroe. In 2015, I received a B.S. in Biology from Louisiana Tech, where I enjoyed sharing my love for Ruston and LA Tech with potential students while also cheering on the Bulldogs to many victories. After graduating, I decided to pursue a career in dental hygiene. I received my dental hygiene degree in 2017 from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with friends and family. I also love traveling to new places and participating in retail therapy (preferably at TJ Maxx).

Through my years of serving the Monroe community as a dental professional, I have fallen in love with dental hygiene and the opportunity it gives me to advocate for patient’s oral health. I am always excited to help someone love their smile!

Megan Hosea, E.D.D.A.

I was born and raised in West Carroll Parish but currently live in Farmerville, LA. I started my career as a Dental Assistant in 2004 after graduating at Bryman College in New Orleans.

Although, I’ve spent most of my career in the specialty field of Endodontics, I have found home with the greatest team of professionals that display extraordinary skills and talents. I am blessed to assist in helping patients achieve a healthy and beautiful smile with a great experience in the dental chair.

I have two children Tye and Ryleigh who are my world and my best achievement. I love sunshine and the outdoors and am happiest when spending time with family and the kiddos.

Kaila Goyne, E.D.D.A.

I was born and raised here in Northeast LA and am married with 3 spoiled little girls. I have currently worked in the dental field for the last 5 years and have loved every minute of it! I enjoy the outdoors and spending time with my crazy little family. I am also a go getter and always strive to help those in need.