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.
Britney Thorpe
Hello, my name is Britney Thorpe! I’m a Nigerian‑American, born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I’m currently a third‑year dental student at Texas A&M College of Dentistry. I completed my undergraduate studies at Xavier University of Louisiana, where I obtained my Bachelors of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Biology.
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What I love most about dentistry is how it brings together my strengths in manual dexterity and my passion for people. Each appointment presents an artistic challenge and an opportunity to build meaningful, lasting connections. As a believer in Christ, I strive to offer more than just clinical care—I aim to share encouragement, hope, and compassion with every patient I meet. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the growth of a patient’s confidence and understanding alongside their improved oral health. While I value the precision of dentistry, my greatest fulfillment comes from the relationships I build with patients along the way.
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I’m truly honored to have been selected for this mission trip to Burundi, Africa. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to provide compassionate, high‑quality care, create life‑changing connections, and grow in my understanding of global service. I’m excited for all that we’ll accomplish together as a team!
Meet the Team
Megan Schoenemann
Hi! I’m Meg, a first year hygiene student! I’ve lived in Dallas my whole life except my time at Texas A&M for undergrad! I chose dental hygiene because of the opportunity to help people maintain good oral hygiene & make direct impact on lives! I am so excited for this opportunity to serve the people of Burundi because I was able to recently serve the people of Guatemala on a dental mission trip and saw first hand true life change and the impact of dental care! The Lord provides us ways to serve by using our gifts, like dentistry to bring healing, hope, and transformation to patients! I’m looking forward to how the Lord will continue to grow me—both as a hygienist and as a follower of Christ!
Omar Ali
My name is Omar Ali, and I'm currently a second-year dental student at Texas A&M School of Dentistry. I'm Palestinian-Lebanese, born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) and my master's degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC). I chose dentistry because I was driven to challenge myself and to explore how much positive impact I could make through my career.
Participating in this mission trip to Burundi is an incredible opportunity for me to begin realizing this goal, as I strongly believe that if I have the ability to help others, it is my responsibility to do so. This trip will not only allow me to provide essential dental care to communities in need but also immerse myself fully in their way of life—sharing meals, experiences, and stories. I look forward to forming meaningful connections with the people I meet, creating lifelong memories, and truly understanding the global community we are all a part of. Additionally, I'm excited about the possibility of witnessing the Great Migration, which would be an unforgettable experience!
Reagan Snuggs
Hi! My name is Reagan Snuggs, and I am from Lubbock, Texas. I am about to complete my first year of hygiene school at Texas A&M School of Dentistry! I graduated in May 2024 from Texas Tech University with a Bachelors degree in Human Sciences with concentrations in human development, nutrition, and psychology.
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For as long as I can remember, I have been surrounded by people who encourage me to reach heights that I never imagined were possible. I always wanted to be that person for someone else, because I had those people supporting me.
As a hygienist, my wish is to give others the opportunity to grow through their physical and mental health. This is why I am beyond humbled and honored to travel to Burundi, Africa this summer. Through this experience, I hope to leave my mark on individuals and allow them the comfort and confidence to be the best versions of themselves as possible. I cannot wait to provide care and spread love to the people of Burundi. I am excited to see what we accomplish as a team!
Aimée Díaz
Hello! My name is Aimée Díaz. I’m originally from Venezuela and grew up in Katy, Texas. I earned my undergraduate degree in Nutritional Sciences with a minor in Art from Texas A&M University in College Station and am currently a second-year dental student at Texas A&M University School of Dentistry in Dallas. Service has always been a core value in my life, especially as a minority. I’ve had the privilege of participating in service trips to the Dominican Republic and Panama, where I not only supported underserved communities but also learned deeply from their cultures and experiences.
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The opportunity to serve in Burundi is one I hold with deep gratitude and purpose. I truly believe this could be the most impactful service trip I’ve ever been a part of. As future dental professionals, we’re incredibly fortunate to have access to care and resources, something that is not always a reality in places like Burundi. I’m honored and excited to be part of a mission where I can help provide essential dental care to those who need it most. It’s a privilege to use what we’re learning to bring relief, support, and a smile to someone’s life.
Meet the Team
Fabrice Kalambay
Hi there.
My name is Fabrice Kalambay, Student dentist at Texas A&M school of dentistry. I did my undergrad studies at The University of Texas at Arlington. I chose dentistry because I wanted to be part of a team of like-minded healthcare professionals who make a difference in people’s lives; when they eat, smile, speak and who can witness those changes across many generations. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this mission trip, I know it’ll be an experience like no others, helping restore smiles, getting people out of pain and getting people comfortable in their everyday lives.
Dr. Luis Sauto, DDS
Dr. Sauto’s credentials and accomplishments are exemplary including graduating cum laude and being inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon (Dental Honor society). Dr. Sauto completed an extensive General Practice Residency after receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Texas A&M School of Dentistry. His experience includes many hours of hospital dentistry on compromised patients as well as caring for patients in a private practice. He currently serves as a teaching professor for the General Practice Residency at University Texas School of Dentistry. He is a very compassionate and gentle care provider dedicated to each patient having the best experience possible.
Dr. Lorenzo Cruz, DDS
I am a proud graduate of Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Class of 2024, and a Dallas native with deep roots in the community. As a United States Marine Corps veteran and the first in my family to become a doctor, my journey into dentistry is both personal and profoundly meaningful.
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My passion lies in advancing access to high-quality dental care, particularly for underserved populations. I have had the privilege of participating in several mission trips and volunteering with the Texas Mission of Mercy (TMOM), where I’ve helped provide free dental services to communities in need across the state.
For me, dentistry is far more than a profession—it is a calling that allows me to give back, build trust, and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
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!).
Evelyn Rivera, RN
My name is Ev and i have been a nurse for almost 30 years. I am originally from the Philippines. I have been a nurse in the Dallas for almost 18 years and have a passion for serving my patients.
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I have done multiple mission trips including Jamaica and each trip reminds me of why it is important to help those that are less fortunate. I had the privilege of going to serve the wonderful people of Burundi last year and was humbled by the vast need but even more by how appreciative, loving and kind the people were. My personal plea is to challenge anyone that can help in any way to reach out to those that we can change their lives through what we may think is a little gesture of love and care - this is a life changing endeavor for all involved.
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I look forward to returning and pray this time we can do just a little more that will go a very long way.