Authentic Smiles Team Members

Fae Esparza, Office Director, Dental Assistant

Fae joined the Authentic Smiles team in 2010. She has been active in dentistry since 2002, as both a dental assistant and a front desk coordinator. Fae makes it a priority to continue her education to keep informed on the latest in dentistry.

Fae is also currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science (either in Chemistry or Biology, she is deciding this semester!). When Fae is not assisting at the Studio or studying, she enjoys the local live music scene, fashion, and is an active runner, volleyball player, and softball player.

Mia Townsend, Office Administrator, Dental Hygienist

Mia has been practicing dental hygiene since 1995, and is licensed in both Texas and Florida. She received her licensure from The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, where she graduated first in her class.

After nine years in Tampa, Mia chose to make Austin her home in 2007 and joined Authentic Smiles Dental Studio where she is committed to her job and patients. When not working, she enjoys tennis, horseback riding, snow skiing, diving and traveling anywhere and everywhere. Most importantly, Mia has a beautiful young daughter who is the center of her life outside of work.

John Drisdale, Concierge

John is a native Texan and has lived in Austin since his youth. After graduating with a degree in Economics from Austin College, he chose to pursue a career in dentistry. John has been with Authentic Smiles since May of 2012 and has chosen to attend dental school at the University of Pittsburgh in the Fall of 2013.

John enjoys spending time on Lake Travis where he was raised and playing disc golf at the many different courses in Austin. He also enjoys biking around the city with friends.

Beth Mast, Dental Hygienist

Originally from Ohio, Beth has lived in Texas since 1979 and has two sons and a wonderful grandson who has added a whole new dimension to her life.

Because of the diverse range of people she has had the opportunity to meet daily, she enjoys dentistry today as much as she did when she started over 30 years ago. Beth listens and connects with her patients and readily discerns how her knowledge and skill will help them achieve a greater level of health. Beth loves Austin’s culture and catches live music at local haunts, house concerts and music festivals. When not gardening, cooking or making jewelry, she enjoys exploring the hill country, camping, hiking and river sitting.

Ginger Helen, Dental Hygienist

Ginger is a native Texan with a love of world travel, hoppy microbrewery beer, dark chocolate with chili, and Book People. Ginger holds a B.A. in German Literature from The University of Texas at Austin.

We are thrilled to have Ginger as a returning team member to Authentic Smiles after a two-year hiatus to advance her dental training at Austin’s local ACC Dental Hygiene program.

Leah Ottenheimer, Dental Assistant

Leah is here in Austin for the music and sunshine. She was first exposed to the dental profession in her hometown of Kings Park, New York, where she worked as an assistant. Her passion for dentistry has continued through the years and she plans to pursue a career in dental hygiene.

Leah has a committed yoga practice and enjoys running, dining out, shopping and traveling. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Towson University.