About Us

Jared S. Wallis, D.D.S.
Dr. Wallis graduated from the University Of Colorado School Of Dental Medicine with his Doctor of Dental Surgery. Prior to receiving his degree in dentistry, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from New Mexico State University. His professional memberships include the American Dental Association and Delta Sigma Delta Society.
Dr. Wallis was raised in Las Cruces and graduated from Mesilla Valley Christian School on 2001. He played basketball for Mesilla Valley and then coached the Junior and Varsity basketball teams while attending New Mexico State University.
Dr. Wallis married his wife, Jayme, in 2008. They have one daughter, Ella, who was born in September of 2010. Dr. Wallis enjoys playing basketball, guitar and the piano. He is excited to practice dentistry in the community where he was raised, and is committed to providing compassionate care to the people of Las Cruces.

Carole Harris Brown – Dental Hygienist
Carole brings a wealth of experience to our team. She’s been in dentistry for over 30 years and joined our practice in 1989. Carole attended Baylor University, University of New Mexico, and Loma Linda University. She loves our patients and our team. Serving generations of families and staying current with modern dentistry make her happy to come to work each day! Carole and her husband, Larry, have three daughters and four grandchildren. In her spare time, Carole enjoys spending time with her family, helping out in the family hardware business, reading, and participating in her church.

Daisy Torres-Barraza – Patient Treatment Specialist
Daisy is new to our team and brings over four years of experience as a dental assistant. She obtained her dental assisting degree from Dona Ana Branch Community College in 2004. Because Daisy posses "that compassionate, caring, touch" and likes helping people, she appreciates that our work environment and leading edge technology enable her to give the best of care to all patients. Daisy was born this side of the border, but her descendants came from México. She speaks fluent Spanish. Another plus!, as she treats our bilingual patients!  Daisy likes to cook (not bake!) and spend time with her husband, daughter and son.

Dawn Jackson – Patient Treatment Specialist
Dawn began her dental assisting career in 1980 and joined our team in 1988 and has faithfully been Dr. Burris's right hand! Her certifications include CEREC, dental sedation, cosmetic dentistry, reconstructive and rehabilitative dentistry, sleep apnea appliances, and biometrics in support of TMJ dysfunction. She’s also a member of the Association of Dental Implant Auxiliaries. Dawn values our modern technology and advanced treatments and our team’s commitment to quality. She is especially knowledgeable in computer programs in the dental field, and is mostly in charge of that aspect of the office as well as her many other duties as head assistant. Dawn has been married to her husband, Mike, since 1983. They have one son. Away from the office, Dawn reads, knits, has held several positions in her church, and is a loving, committed wife and mother.

Krista Gardner – Patient Care Administrator
Krista has served as our patient coordinator since 2007 and has over ten years of experience in the medical field. Our team camaraderie and common goal to help patient achieve optimal oral health make Krista proud to be part of our practice. She loves helping those in need of our services. Krista’s family has been farming and ranching in the valley for over 100 years. When not at work, Krista pursues her jewelry business and hot-air ballooning. She supports the local 4-H and FFA groups, and Cowboys for Cancer Research.

Lana Griffith – Office Manager
With our practice since 2001, Lana came to the practice with 20 years management experience following attendance at New Mexico State University. Lana values our patient-focused attitude and appreciates the opportunity to excel in a field that she loves. Married to husband Steve since 1978, Lana has two daughters and a gorgeous granddaughter that has brought great joy to their loving family! Lana is very involved and committed and works alongside her husband as they pastor a church together. Her hobbies include animals and farming/ranching.

Margie Hamelink – Patient Treatment Specialist
A member of our team since 2006, Margie brings with her over 30 years of experience in dentistry. She has completed extensive training and has certifications in CEREC, sleep medicine, sleep apnea oral appliance therapy, biometrics to treat TMJ pain, and radiology. Margie is a member of the Association of Dental Implant Auxiliaries. She likes our high-tech, progressive practice, and she loves seeing patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. Margie speaks fluent Spanish as well as a little German, which helps patients that need an interpreter.  When not assisting patients, she enjoys making jewelry, reading, hiking, snow skiing, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Renee M. Coury – Dental Hygienist
Renee joined our team in 2008 and has been a dental hygienist since 1983. She holds an associate’s degree in dental hygiene and is currently pursuing a degree in nutrition. Renee is a member of the American Dental Hygiene Association. She values the quality of care that we provide and enjoys educating patients and helping them achieve a lifetime of oral and overall health. Renee has two children, a son and a daughter. Away from the office, she pursues photography and physical fitness.