Dr. Kyle Huntington
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
- Maya Angelou
I was born in Atchison and attended the Atchison 409 public schools. I then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Emporia State University, an MBA from Wichita State University, and then on to Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Missouri Kansas City. Following graduation in 2003, I started practicing dentistry with the Atchison Dental Associates team. Several years later, I purchased the practice. In 2022, Dr. Merklein joined me in ownership and we now own and operate the practice together. I have certifications and proficiencies in many facets of dentistry including cosmetic, CAD-CAM, guided implant surgery, Dental Sleep Medicine, Healthy Start and Aligner Therapy, 3D imaging, and more. I strive for everyone to feel they are treated with respect, compassion and integrity. My goal is to provide patients with a confident smile by providing the best possible care in a relaxed, comfortable environment.
My wife, Melissa, and I live in Atchison and have two sons, CJ and Parker. My hobbies include golf, camping, snow skiing, horses, cars, and helping/coaching our sons with their sports and activities. I look forward to meeting you and helping you to reach your dental goals.
Professionally, I am a member of the following:
- American Dental Association
- Academy of General Dentistry
- Kansas Dental Association
- Chicago Dental Society
Dr. Taylor Merklein
The first thing you will notice about me is my energetic personality. I try to make coming to the dentist as fun as possible! I am very passionate about what I do, and want everyone that walks through our doors to love us too!
I love serving patients like you at Atchison Dental Associates, and I am always striving to make patients at ease in my chair. My commitment to my patients is a huge priority for me. I want to help you reach your oral health goals by educating and encouraging all my patients. I have always had a passion for helping others, and becoming a dentist has given me that opportunity to give back to my community. I want each of my patients feel comfortable and relaxed during treatment. To me, there is no better feeling than seeing a patient smiling and happy!
My family is especially important to me as well. I grew up in Atchison and graduated from Atchison High School in 2007. My husband, Kyle, and I met at Kansas State University and still enjoy getting back to Manhattan to watch the “Cats” play. We enjoy going on walks and cooking together. Our son, Henry, was born in 2016 and our daughter, Ada, was born in 2020. They have certainly added lots of excitement to our lives!
Dr. Abbey Allen
You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you'll win, no matter what the outcome. – Patch Adams (Robin Williams)
I was born and raised in North Central Kansas and graduated from Republic County High School in Belleville Kansas. I received a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Kansas State University and then moved to Kansas City to pursue my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Dentistry.
My husband, Tanner, and I have 3 children. Our son, Locke, who joined us in 2020 and we welcomed twins in early 2023; son, Crewe, and daughter, Myles. We also have a corgi, Hank. We love to travel, attend Kansas State sporting events, ski, and spend time on the lake and are teaching the children to enjoy those pastimes with us.
We wanted to reside in a smaller town and Atchison provided just the community we were looking for. I will go above and beyond to provide the best care possible to each patient I encounter. Patient satisfaction is my top priority and I want to offer a comfortable and fun experience with each visit. I look forward to serving my patients and providing for the community of Atchison.
Meet Our Team
Megan Erpelding
Certified Dental Assistant
My life in dentistry started years ago, when my long time hygienist asked if I had ever thought of a career change. Not knowing what the practice of dentistry entailed, I knew I had a lot to learn, but was excited to give it a go! I have strived to continually learn and have achieved certification through the Dental Assisting National Board, the State of Kansas, and am also a longtime member of the American Dental Assistants' Association. I am also, now, a member of the American Association of Dental Office Managers.
After many years as a chairside dental assistant and hygiene provider, I have moved into an administrative role. I have a lot to learn, again! I enjoy being able to continually learn the ins and outs of the practice of dentistry and share what I have learned with others, which makes me happy! It is important for me, that we, as a team, are able to give you a "wow" dental experience and know that you are leaving the office better than when you came in!
My husband, Todd, and I enjoy spending time with many outdoor hobbies and making memories with family and friends. I feel I have truly been blessed in life, both personally and professionally and look forward to what the future holds!
Lori Elias
Front Desk
You might say, I’ve been around a long time... and, boy, have I seen a few changes. I began my employment with Dr. Reavis in 1984, and over the years this job has turned into so much more. It has become a career giving me the ability to help people with their oral health needs, answer any questions that come up and get the most from insurance benefits. I look forward to meeting you as you enter the door.
My husband, Pat, and I live on a farm just outside of Atchison. We have two grown daughters, Hannah and Rachel. When I’m not here in the office, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, cooking and baking.
Karen Jones
Front Desk
Hello! This is the first word you will hear from me when I greet you. My goal is to make you feel welcome when you walk into our office. I truly believe being enthusiastic and positive is contagious.
I grew up on a farm outside of Lancaster. My husband, Tony, and I have grown children which gives us more time together. We enjoy spending time with our family and friends, and lots of outdoor activities. I am constantly entertained with my dogs and my plants, lots and lots of plants. I look forward to saying Hello to you!
Vickie Hale
Front Desk
I started my dental career over 20 years ago and have always been in an administrative role. I joined Atchison Dental Associates in June of 2022. I enjoy helping patients have a better smile.
I am an Atchison native. I have two children Haely and Elijah and one granddaughter Olivia. I enjoy spending time with my little family more than anything. Outside of the office, I also enjoy cooking, baking and snuggling with our dogs Titus and Mocha.
Ashley Navinsky
Registered Dental Hygienist
Hello!! My name is Ashley Navinsky and Atchison Dental Associates has been my home since 2005. Back then, I was fresh out of school and the “baby” of the office. Boy, have things changed! It’s a little disheartening that I am getting “older” but none the less, I wouldn’t change a thing. I truly enjoy all the time spent with my coworkers and getting to know so many wonderful patients. I really appreciate the friendships that have evolved over the years. I always look forward to hearing about the joys in their lives and what they have going on.
When I am not at work, my husband, John, sons, Cohen and Broxton, and myself keep plenty busy. We live on a farm where we have row crops and raise cattle. The boys are very involved in showing cattle, sports, and other school activities. Life is good in my little corner of northeast Kansas! I look forward to meeting you!
Wendi Miller
Registered Dental Hygienist
Let me tell you a little bit about myself. My husband, Mike, and I own/operate Millers Excavating, Inc. I have two step sons, Justin and Colton, along with our daughters, Madison and Megan. I enjoy spending time with our family and friends along with gardening, crafting/sewing, boating and traveling.
I decided to pursue dental hygiene because of the ability to work individually with patients, the flexibility, and job opportunities. I graduated from Johnson County Community College Dental Hygiene Program, where I received the Spirit Award and Paradise Dental Technologies Award. Quickly after graduating in 2008, I joined the Atchison Dental Associates team. It was the best decision I could have made. I feel very at home here and want you to feel the same when you come to our office. It is a privilege to be a part of this great team and I look forward to getting to know you better.
Chelsey Hoffman
Registered Dental Hygienist
I always knew that I wanted to work in the healthcare field. After seven years of orthodontic treatment, I discovered my love for dentistry. I attended Washburn University and later finished my prerequisites through Highland Community College. I worked as a dental assistant locally before entering into the dental hygiene program at UMKC. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and moved back home. Before practicing full time at Atchison Dental Associates, I worked full time in Parkville, Missouri and part time at the Atchison Community Health Clinic as the Dental Coordinator.
I later married my husband, Blake. We have a son, Kaden and daughter, Blakely. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and pets. I look forward to getting to know my patients individually and helping them with their oral health needs.
Molly Page
Registered Dental Hygienist
Hello! I’ve been a member of the Atchison Dental team since 2017, beginning right after graduating from Dental Hygiene School.
I grew up in the small town of Valley Falls. With both my Grandfather & Uncle as dentists, I too, became interested in the field of dentistry. They always made going to the dental office a great experience and that is something I want to continue. After graduating high school, I went to Flint Hills Technical College and became certified as a Dental Assistant. I then finished out my education by graduating from the Dental Hygiene program at Flint Hills Technical College.
I now live in Nortonville with my husband, Luke, and two daughters, Olivia and Lizzie. In our free time we enjoy spending it with our families and boating at Perry Lake. I look forward to working with you!
Teresa Lanfermann
Dental Assistant
Helping others has always been a passion of mine. Prior to joining Atchison Dental Associates, I worked for home health, however, it did not give me the opportunity to help people of all ages. I was fortunate to have been given the chance to follow that ambition. Working with you, the patient, to help you meet your dental goals is the most rewarding experience.
My husband, Paul, and I have been married for 40 years. We have three grown children; Tyson, Gunnar, and Caylon. Paul and I were blessed with a granddaughter, Mabel, in 2023. I knew grandchildren were going to be awesome, but I was not prepared for how amazing this is. As a family, we love dirt track racing. I spend most of my summers watching my husband Paul and son driving around the track.
As an avid dog lover, I spend much of my down time playing with my three dogs Chanel, Yeti and Ozzy. When I'm not spoiling them, I love traveling, exploring new places, and meeting new people.
Kelly Peuker
Dental Assistant
As a young girl I thought I would like to work in a dental office. Would I want to be a dental assistant or dental hygienist? In my mind helping others feel great about their health along with creating smiles is very rewarding. When the opportunity was there to work as a dental assistant, I was thrilled! I have worked in both medical and dental practices, however I have to say, dentistry is my favorite. I have a passion to help others. The joy I get when I am a part of the team that makes positive differences is priceless to me. Atchison Dental Associates is that place to make those differences. I have worked at Atchison Dental since 2015, nonetheless I have been a patient here since I was a child.
My family is from Atchison where I graduated from Atchison County Community High School. After high school I attended Northeast Kansas Technical Center. I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three children. We live on our family farm where we enjoy being outside. I sincerely look forward to meeting you!
Payton Kern
Dental Assistant
Hello! I joined the Atchison Dental Associates team in December of 2022, and although I haven’t been here very long, my amazing coworkers have already become family. With my uncle being a dentist and having many friends and family in the dental profession, my interest in the dental industry grew and I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the field, as well. I have completed all the prerequisites at the University of Saint Mary and plan to continue my education to become a Dental Hygienist. I am currently a Chairside Dental Assistant and absolutely love it.
I enjoy spending my free time surrounded by friends and family. Although I have no kids of my own yet, I am surrounded by sweet kiddos that I love like my own, and have a Bernedoodle, named Milo. I look forward to meeting you!!
Layna Jackson
Dental Assistant
Hello! My name is Layna Jackson, and I grew up in Leavenworth, KS. I graduated from Pleasant Ridge High School and then attended the Dental Assisting Program at Concorde Career College. I completed my externship here and then joined the Atchison Dental Associates family in 2023. I am excited for what the future holds for me in my career as a dental assistant and can’t wait to meet you at your appointment!
Mallory Seager
Dental Assistant
Hello!! My name is Mallory, I was born and raised in Atchiosn, KS. My husband, Cameron, and I have a daughter, Ryleigh Ann. We love spending time outdoors, ranger riding, boating at the lake, and spending time with amily and friends.
After years of orthodontic treatment, I knew I wanted to work in the dental field and help change peoples’ smiles. I worked as an ortho assistant for a couple of years before I decided to make the change to general dentistry and join the team at Atchison Dental Associates in 2023. I look forward to meeting everyone and can’t wait to help you with your best smile!
