Orthodontic Staff
Our staff is made up of very personable, concerned, highly trained and skilled individuals with over 160 years of combined work experience in caring for orthodontic patients.
Our purpose is to serve you, giving you the very best by providing the highest quality of skillful care and service, and thereby enhancing the health, appearance and well being of those we are privileged to have as patients.
JEAN SPENCER--COMMUNICATIONS/PATIENT COORDINATOR
I live in Hickory with my husband, Rocky, and cocker spaniels, Fonzy and Kenzi. We have a son, Jeff, who lives in Florida.
I have been a member of the Garlitz Team since January of 1974. Some of my educational background includes a degree in Applied Science for Business and Secretarial, Certification in Dental Radiology and Dale Carnegie training. As a Dale Carnegie graduate, I assisted in their training course. I have also attended numerous seminars involving progressive patient care, communications, computer training and management.
I am a member of Christ Church at St. Stephens and enjoy working with children. I also enjoy the outdoors, reading, shopping and socializing with my friends. My favorite pastime is doing anything with Rocky and Jeff.
What I enjoy most about my work is helping our patients and parents. I am so excited about the SureSmile Technology and the benefits it offers our patients.
I feel our office provides the optimum in dental care, and I am very proud to be part of this dental team.
ANGIE ADAMS--RECEPTIONIST
When my career in orthodontics and with Dr. Garlitz began in 1994, I knew I had found my second home. Dr. Garlitz and every teammate is truly an extension of my family. I am blessed to know, learn and work with such wonderful individuals.
As for my family, I am blessed with three wonderful children--Cara, Kelsey and Dakota--and now a precious grandson, Grayson, who make my life complete. We are members of Ebenezer UMC where I enjoy working and spending time with all, but especially the youth. My heart is dedicated to helping, serving, and enhancing lives through the mission field.
As an assistant, I have participated in various training opportunities and absolutely love learning new technology and advancements to better treatment for you, our patient. I know my real passion lies in helping individuals see themselves as beautiful as they really are, so much which begins with a beautiful smile!
ROBIN BUMGARNER--RECEPTIONIST/BUSINESS COORDINATOR
I have worked for Dr. Garlitz since 1980 in several capacities, including a treatment assistant, inventory control and setting up patient accounts. I grew up in this area and attended St. Stephens High School.
My husband, Gary, and I have two daughters, Brandy and Kasey. Brandy graduated from ASU with a Masters degree in accounting. She and her husband, Jeff, have two boys. Kasey is a pediatric intensive care nurse in Chapel Hill.
Gary and I attend New Jerusalem Lutheran Church. I enjoy cooking, traveling and being a grandmother.
GINGER SWEENEY--CORRESPONDENCE COORDINATOR
I am originally from Kentucky and graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in biology. My husband, Tom, and I settled in Hickory after moving several times between Kentucky, Tennessee and South Carolina. We have two sons, Blair and Brian. I enjoy sewing and traveling.
I was introduced to Dr. Garlitz and his staff when I brought my children to him for braces. It was the friendliest office I had ever been in. Fortunately, I joined Dr. Garlitz's staff in February 2000. One of the best things about my job is seeing our patients gain bright, beautiful and confident smiles.
TRACEY TREADWAY--TREATMENT ASSOCIATE
My husband Chris and I live in Valdese. We have two daughters, Madison and Megan. I am a graduate of East Burke High School. I attended Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton and graduated with honors in Dental Assisting. I have worked in both a general dentist’s and oral surgeon’s office---but I love orthodontics the most!! I enjoy sports, walking, shopping and spending time with my daughters. I started working for Dr. Garlitz in September 1989. Ever since I was a child, I have always wanted to work in a health-related field. I enjoy caring for people and making them feel better about themselves. This, in turn, makes me feel like I have fulfilled one of my goals in life.
AMANDA COOK--TREATMENT ASSOCIATE
I have had the pleasure of helping our patients create a more beautiful smile with Dr. Garlitz since 1995. I love to see how happy they look when their braces come off! What an amazing experience!
Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Scottie, and children, Avery and Lindsey. I also love scrapbooking, reading and enjoying the outdoors.
LESA BAKER--TREATMENT ASSOCIATE
I moved to Hickory and started working for Dr. Garlitz in May of 1983. Prior to moving to Hickory, I lived in Columbia, S.C. and attended Clemson University. I have a son, Christopher, who is the joy of my life. He graduated from Hickory High School and received a four year ROTC Army scholarship at Appalachian University. I enjoy traveling, reading, music and socializing with my friends. I also am a licensed real estate agent. I love helping others whether it is assisting in helping someone achieve a beautiful smile or finding the perfect home.
KAREN SMITH--TREATMENT ASSOCIATE/LAB TECHNICIAN
I joined Dr. Garlitz’s staff in November 1995. I am from Reidsville, NC and graduated from UNC-Greensboro with a B.S. in Home Economics and Child Development. I have had many years of experience in orthodontics in Greensboro, Chapel Hill, and Charlotte. My husband, John, and I moved to Hickory from Charlotte in September 1995. We enjoy working in the yard, going to Carolina Panther games, boating on Lake Hickory, the beach and spending time with our grandchildren.
SHIREL YORK--STERILIZATION/LAB TECHNICIAN
I grew up in Missouri and have lived most of my life in the Mid-West. I have worked in dentistry for over 21 years.
My husband, Allen, and I moved to Hickory in 2004 when he accepted a position with Viewmont Baptist Church as Music Director. We have two sons, James and Michael.
I enjoy cooking, snow skiing, traveling, watching movies and being with friends.