Meet the Team
Shimirimana Eliya
My name is Shimirimana Eliya, born and raised in Tanzania, East Africa. I Graduated from Texas A&M Caruth School of Dental Hygiene with a Bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene in 2023. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology at Centenary College of Louisiana in 2021. Currently, I work for Prism Health of North Texas Dental Clinic, a non-profit organization that strives to provide quality and equitable medical and dental care. I’m passionate about providing optimal care and bridging the gap in disparities in oral healthcare. Having gone through the same pain and struggle, I want to make a difference and impact today‘s generation because they are tomorrow's future. I believe if your goals don't scare you, they are not big enough. Let’s put a smile on someone's face or be the reason why someone laughs today.
Kacie Jackson
Hi, my name is Kacie Jackson, a first-generation college graduate from Corpus Christi, Tx. I earned a B.S. in Biology at Tarleton State University in 2014 after completing a year at Baylor University. I then continued my education and received a M.S. in Biology from University of Texas at San Antonio in 2018. I am currently a third-year dental student at Texas A&M School of Dentistry. My journey towards dentistry has been a lifelong aspiration rather than a sudden revelation. I have been dreaming of becoming a dentist since I was 12 years old in the 6th grade. Since then, my passion for dentistry has grown steadily, driving me to pursue higher education and work diligently toward my goal.
In addition to my academic journey, my commitment to helping others extends beyond the classroom. One of the most fulfilling experiences I've had was participating in a mission trip aimed at providing dental care to underserved communities. These transformative experiences allowed me to witness firsthand the significant impact that access to oral health services can have on individuals who may not have regular or any dental care. As I continue on my path to becoming a dentist, I look forward to expanding my involvement in mission trips and other initiatives that allow me to give back to those in need, fostering a positive impact on the lives of individuals who may face barriers to accessing essential dental care. Hence, I consider myself not only fortunate but also enthusiastic about joining this dental mission trip team. I am thrilled at the opportunity to deliver dental care to the residents of Burundi, Africa.
Meet the Team
Laila Al- Jabiri
Howdy! My name is Laila Al Jabiri. I was born and raised in a refugee camp in Jordan. I moved to Texas in 2016 where I earned my associate of science at LoneStar College. I am currently a second-year dental hygiene student at Texas A&M School of Dentistry. My personal goal is to provide dental care for underserved communities around the world. Being chosen to participate in this mission trip to Burundi is a privilege and will give me the opportunity to assess those in need. Participating in this mission trip can enhance my cultural competence, empathy, and understanding of diverse healthcare needs. This experience offers valuable opportunities for us as students to apply our academic knowledge in a real-world setting, gain practical skills, and make a positive impact on the oral health of those in need. I am really excited for this mission trip and looking forward to work as a team to provide the best care possible.
Randy Vu
Hello!
My name is Randy T. Vu, and I was born in Dallas, Texas. I completed my undergraduate career at the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. I continued my education and obtained a Master's in Medical Science at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. I am a third-year dental student at Texas A&M School of Dentistry. During my educational career, I spent three years volunteering at the Allan Saxe Dental Clinic at Mission Arlington, an income-free community clinic. I was able to develop a deep-seated passion for serving underserved communities. Additionally, I became determined and willing to challenge the complications of access to oral healthcare within countless communities. Furthermore, the dental field maintains the love I have developed through experiences like Encompass Hospice and Texas Mission of Mercy for patient rapport and interactions.
Being selected to be a part of this exceptional team to provide dental care in Burundi is a reward unparalleled. I am truly honored to be able to provide insight, knowledge, and dental care to communities in Burundi. Lastly, this opportunity will help me become a more culturally competent provider. I humbly accept and am enthusiastic to embark on this journey and make an everlasting impact in any capacity I can.
Jack Dillon
Howdy! My name is Jack Dillon, and I am from Arlington, TX. I am a DH2 in the Dental Hygiene program at Texas A&M. Being able to participate in this mission trip is a great privilege and honor to spread oral health education and the opportunity to impact people’s lives beyond our clinic setting. I am a first-generation Filipino-American and my mother would receive her dental care from mission trips who visited her town in the Philippines. Being able to provide the same care my mother received as a child is a surreal blessing and I look forward to serving in any way I can!
Alexxa Facio
Howdy! My name is Alexxa Facio and I was born and raised in East Texas. I am the daughter of Mexican immigrants who moved to the United states for the American dream. Thanks to the examples set forth by them and my family, I will soon be the first doctor in my family. I am very thankful for them because I would not be here today without them. My love for dentistry was sparked at the age of 12 when I saw all of the creativity, problem solving, patient interactions, and relationships that dentistry encompassed. I was hooked so I decided to pursue a career in dentistry! I earned a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M University and graduated in 2020. I am currently a third-year dental student at Texas A&M School of Dentistry. Some of the many things I have loved about my experience thus far in dental school have been forming relationships with patients and making them feel empowered and translating for Spanish speaking patients. However, what I love most of all is the ability to give back to others and educate them on the importance of oral care. Giving back to the community and helping the underserved is something I have always loved and will continue to practice when I become a general dentist. I am so honored and excited to have been chosen to provide care and love to the people of Burundi Africa! I cannot wait to see what we accomplish as a team.
Meet the Team
Jenny Duong
Hello!!! My name is Jenny Duong! I grew up in Dallas, Texas! I am currently in my last year of dental hygiene school at Texas A&M University School of Dentistry! I earned my associates degree in science at Dallas College which was formally known as Richland College! When I was a child, I loved going to the dentist! I always left the dental office feeling confident and happy with my smile. I knew then and there that I wanted to do dental hygiene! I love meeting new patients everyday and just being able to talk to them throughout the appointment! My favorite part about working with patients are seeing them smile after their cleaning! I am extremely excited to be able to get the opportunity to go to Burundi, Africa this summer with everyone!! This opportunity will give me the chance to improve my hand skills and especially improve ways that I can educate my patients proper oral hygiene! I can’t wait to see more smiles!
Jessica Bragg
Zelalem Bogale Amare, BSDH
My name is Zelalem Bogale Amare. I was born in Ethiopia, (northeast Africa) known as The Horn of Africa. I moved to Nashville Tennessee in 2007 where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from Tennessee State University in 2015. I am currently a third-year dental student at Texas A&M University School of Dentistry. I know the realities of living in an underserved community. My personal goal is to give back and provide care to the underserved. I have been fortunate to provide care in numerous areas in the U.S and even Jamaica. Providing care to those who cannot access dental care, either because of geographic distance or prohibitive expense has become a passion of mine. There is nothing more pleasing than bringing comfort and smiles to patients. These are life changing experiences. I am very excited and thrilled to be a part of this mission trip to Burundi. This profession has provided me with the opportunity to continue to pay it forward as thanks to those that raised me and helped me to be the person I am today.
Serena Brown
Hello! My name is Serena Brown and I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I am a first generation college graduate from the University of South Florida where I earned a degree in Cell and Molecular Biology with a minor in Leadership Studies. I am currently a 3rd year dental student at Texas A&M University School of Dentistry. My drive for becoming a dentist stems from my aspiration to educate and care for those in my community. There are many people that struggle with their oral health due to various reasons whether it be access to care or lack of education. Therefore, it has become my passion to impact as many people as I can through this profession.
Being chosen to join this mission trip is a privilege that I do not take lightly. This opportunity aligns with my core values and goals. I am beyond excited to be able to bring my knowledge, skill, and care to various communities in Burundi. Not only will we provide care to those that do not have access, but we will be able to leave a lasting impact through the treatment that we provide over the course of just a few days. I am beyond excited and I cannot wait to effect positive change in the communities that we visit in the future!
Dr. Lorenzo Espinoza DDS
My name is Lorenzo Espinoza. I was born in El Paso, TX. I attended the University of North Texas prior to earning my dental degree from Texas A&M College of Dentistry in 2021. Currently, I practice dentistry in the Rio Grande Valley. Growing up in the vibrant city of El Paso, I experienced firsthand the challenges of limited access to oral care. This personal exposure ignited my passion for dentistry. Graduating in 2021, I was deeply moved by the healthcare disparities prevalent within my community. Motivated by this firsthand experience, I've dedicated my career to providing quality dental care to those facing similar challenges.
Participating in this mission trip holds immense personal significance for me. It's an opportunity to extend my expertise beyond borders, reaching communities with limited access to dental care. This journey embodies my dedication to improving oral health equity, allowing me to contribute to a cause close to my heart – improving smiles and lives.
Dr. Jonathan Clemetson, DDS, MS
Dr. Jonathan Clemetson is a graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry 2002 and 2010 with a DDS and a Masters in Health Education respectively. He graduated from of the University of North Texas in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology (BSMT).
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On completion of dental school, Dr. Clemetson (“Dr C”) did a General Practice Residency (GPR) at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He has held licenses and certifications in both Oklahoma and Texas.
He does General and “Special Care” dentistry both in an office and Hospital Operating Room environment (including Children’s Medical Center of Dallas). He holds memberships in numerous professional dental and non-dental organizations. Dr C has served numerous years in organizations as, Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) – a Dental Honor Society and Baylor College of Dentistry Alumni Association, in many aspects including as President. He has certifications in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
Dr. C is currently an Adjunct and Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M College of Dentistry (Formerly - Baylor College of Dentistry) where he has been a course director in the Summer Pre-Dental Enrichment Program, The Future Dentist Club and gives numerous lectures at the Dental School and area Colleges.
One of his passions is serving the less fortunate and assisting bridging the gap in disparities in oral healthcare. He has led numerous mission trips locally and internationally including Kenya, Zambia and Jamaica (His country of birth …yeah man!).
Jane Cotter, BSDH, MS, CTTS, FAADH
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Ms. Cotter is a graduate of The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston Dental Branch (RDH-1987), Texas Women’s University (BSDH-2006), and Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry (MS-DH Education-2009). Ms. Cotter has over 30 years of clinical experience and 10 years of education experience. Ms. Cotter is currently an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M School of Dentistry, Caruth School of Dental Hygiene serving as a course director and clinical instructor. Ms. Cotter is credited with opening and supervising a dental clinic in the Charles A Sammons Oncology Outpatient Clinic on the Baylor Scott & White University Medical Center campus in Dallas, Texas. She is an active member in the American Academy of Dental Hygiene (Secretary), Dental Hygiene Educators of Texas (President), and Dallas Dental Hygiene Association (Delegate). She serves on several committees at Texas A&M including the Faculty Development Committee, Student Promotions Committee, and Dental Hygiene Admissions Committee. Ms. Cotter’s research interests include faculty calibration, dental care for oncology patients and Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination training for allied healthcare professionals. Ms. Cotter is grateful to be a part of this mission trip to Zambia and excited to be including dental hygiene students to the group.
Dr. Marco Caballeros DDS
Dr. Caballeros attended the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery. After earning his degree , he went on to join Baylor's Advanced Education in General Dentistry postdoctoral program. Here, he was able to expand his skillset tremendously, incorporating surgical, cosmetic, and sedation dentistry into his repertoire. He also had the chance to manage medically - compromised patients of all different ages and apply his knowledge in many ways, including via dental implant treatment to enhance facial esthetics.
My desire to go on a Dental Mission has always been present since I graduated Dental School. It will give us an opportunity to provide dental care to people who may not have access to dental care and hopefully, make a positive impact on their lives. Burundi, Africa faces significant health challenges including proper access to dental care. I believe that as a dental practitioner working together with dental students, we will be able to provide essential dental services. We, dental providers, have a unique set of skills that are needed every day. I believe that we will be able to achieve several things on this trip: Address unmet dental needs, Global outreach, Dental education, and Global outreach.
Angelique Malveaux, RDA
My name is Angelique Malveaux. I am a Registered Dental Assistant for Dr. Clemetson. Born and raised in Shreveport, LA ( Go Saints), I relocated to Dallas, Tx five years ago. My passion for dentistry began when I was in middle school. I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to provide dental care for the community of Burundi, this will be my third mission trip.