Birdies4Brighter Smiles: Jason

Meet Jason: As one of five children growing up with a gypsy father, Jason Hopkins has lived in twenty-three states in his short 19 years of life. Jason said that his childhood was difficult: moving often and struggling to feel worthy due to the verbal and emotional abuse received from his drug-addicted father. When Jason was twelve, his world stopped the day his father was put in to prison for drug abuse. After that day, Jason bounced back and forth between feelings of sadness, anger, and betrayal, often leaving his role of child to assume the role of man. Jason said his family's circumstances left his mother to raise five children, all while trying to provide for their needs. Jason began channeling his emotions into a passion… football. As a football star in his senior year of high school in Panhandle, TX, Jason has chosen a different path for his life.

In January 2012, Jason’s life took a lovely, unexpected twist. Jason’s girlfriend was under the orthodontic care of Dr. Kyle Sparkman. Through conversations, Dr. Sparkman became interested in Jason’s story. Knowing that braces were merely a hope for the poverty-stricken Jason Hopkins, Dr. Sparkman’s office staff scheduled a consultation. After meeting Jason, Dr. Sparkman told him of Birdies 4 Brighter Smiles, a program set in place by professional golfer, Ryan Palmer. As part of the Ryan Palmer Foundation, Birdies 4 Brighter Smiles helps those less fortunate have access to dental care that, otherwise, would not be financially possible.

Jason said that while receiving his braces in January 2012, just two short weeks after his initial consultation, he was excited for the number of opportunities this would open. Jason said that he had always been self-conscious of his crooked teeth, never wanting to smile and with hopes of speaking in front of crowds of students one day, Jason internally struggled with the desire to present a respected self-image. Straight teeth were just the confidence that Jason needed. Jason said he was so blessed to realize that there are great people like Ryan Palmer and Dr. Sparkman who want to help others. Jason said that unless someone has been in the position of being embarrassed by their smile, it’s tough to understand that full benefit orthodontic treatment can bring; he said that he has not only been given braces, but confidence and a new perspective. Jason said, “Birdies 4 Brighter Smiles is the most amazing program I have ever seen. It’s changed my life!” Jason Hopkins is an intelligent young man with a bright future whose life’s path has been full of twists and turns. Upon graduating, Jason will attend Wayland Baptist University on a football scholarship where he plans to major in Youth Ministry and Communications. Jason is a passionate Christian who hopes to share the news of what Jesus has done in his life with others as a Student Pastor. Jason said that he is thankful for his life and the person it has made him to be. He now has a wonderful relationship with his father; a prisoner turned recovering addict, a confident smile in progress, and a new understanding of generosity!

Patient Spotlight: Chris

Meet Christopher. He is a life-long resident of Amarillo, an employee at Nationwide Insurance, a husband, and a new father. Chris is currently a senior at Liberty University studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology. In his spare time, he serves as a committee member for 24 Hours in the Canyon, a non-profit event that targets to help individuals beat cancer. He enjoys spending time with his wife and son, as well as carpentry projects. Chris’ favorite thing about Amarillo is the lack of traffic; he loves getting to any destination in under fifteen minutes! Chris’ sense of humor and witty personality made him a memorable patient at Sparkman Ortho. Chris recalls being the first patient in the new offices and winning a new iPod! His favorite employee is Linda Ballew; she was always there to answer his questions and frequently cared for him. He and Linda always had great conversation. Chris recommends Sparkman Orthodontics to everyone! He said that Dr. Sparkman is a fabulous doctor and really cares about his patients and employees. Dr. Sparkman takes the time to get to know each person and shows a genuine interest in him or her. Since having his braces removed in November 2010, Chris has had much to smile about!

Patient Spotlight: STEPHANIE

Meet Stephanie. She is a Plainview resident, a nurse, a wife, and a mother. Stephanie graduated from West Texas A&M University in December 2009 and now works at Covenant Hospital in Plainview. Stephanie loves working as a nurse and is passionate about providing holistic care to patients. In her free time, Stephanie can be found doing craft projects; therefore, her favorite place to shop is Hobby Lobby! She enjoys being outdoors and working out. Stephanie is an active member of MOPS (mothers of pre-schoolers), First Baptist Church of Plainview, and the church choir. Stephanie loves calling Plainview home and is proud that she lives in a small town "in the middle of nowhere!" She never minded the hour and a half drive to Sparkman Orthodontics and says that "it was totally worth it!" Her two favorite office gals: Grace and Janel. These two ladies were full of encouragement and conversation, making Stephanie's time in the office more enjoyable. Stephanie said that she recommends Sparkman Orthodontics to everyone because they genuinely care for their patients. At Sparkman Orthodontics you are "not just another set of teeth that needs repair" you are a person. And for Stephanie, that is a great feeling!

Patient Spotlight: COURTNEY

Meet Courtney, an active member of the Amarillo community and friend of Sparkman Orthodontics. Having lived in Amarillo since 1992, Courtney loves the “Panhandle Spirit!” She said that the people of the Amarillo-area are the best; they are kind, giving and helpful. Time and again, the community has pulled together to help those in need and Courtney feels honored to call Amarillo her home.

Courtney is a wife and homemaker who enjoys tennis, scrapbooking and skiing. She places the joy of her family above other pursuits. She is an involved member of her church and an active room mother. Courtney’s favorite vacation spots include Kauai, Hawaii and Beaver Creek, Colorado, where her family enjoys skiing each winter. If Courtney could have lunch with any person in the world, she easily chooses Bon Jovi! Rock on, Courtney! She most admires her husband, Jeff, because he is a wonderful man with strong faith. Jeff is a great father, excellent husband, and a hard worker who is always kind.

As a former patient, herself, and the mother of two patients of Sparkman Orthodontics, Courtney has spent much time in the offices. She said, “The customer service is second to none!” Courtney has watched the staff of Sparkman Ortho devote time to instilling confidence in her children and ensuring that her daughter and her friends have matching bands. Courtney admits that having braces can be a traumatic or exciting time in the life of an elementary aged female, and the staff of Sparkman Ortho strives to achieve the latter. The excitement that Courtney's daughter has experienced thrills this mother’s heart. It is this attention to detail, kind staff, and much more that have proven to Courtney that Sparkman Orthodontics is a great fit for her family!

Spotlights

Here is the 4-1-1 on Sparkman Orthodontics Newest Endeavor... Weekly Spotlights

Who: Employees, Patients, Parents, Friends, & Community Members

What: Each spotlight will include information about the person featured, as well as, a picture.

When: Each week. Or, at least, that's our hope

Where: Right here! Don't forget to check back.

Why: We will highlight a special person to let you about the people in our office and community. This is yet another way that Sparkman Orthodontics lets its friends know that WE CARE ABOUT YOU. We care about each person that enters our door, strive to excel in excellence and thus... Weekly Spotlights was born.

How: Employees of Sparkman Orthodontics will choose a person to be spotlighted OR you can volunteer yourself. If you would like to be spotlighted, leave a comment and we will make sure to get your pretty face on this blog!

Out with the old...

In with the NEW!

In efforts to maintain the highest quality of service in the Texas Panhandle, Sparkman Orthodontics is making changes in the way of online networking and marketing.

Continue to check back... great things are in store.

And who knows, your face may soon appear on this blog!

The First Visit Experience

If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office or visit our website at www.sparkmanorthodontics.com and request an appointment. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you.

Upon arriving, each patient and parent will be seen by the staff and doctor who will acclimate you to our office and prepare for the initial exam. We will take the necessary photographs and X-rays to allow us to make a proper diagnosis. The doctor will then complete a brief, but thorough, exam.