Christa Garcia, DDS
Dr. Christa Garcia was born and raised in Grafton and always knew she wanted to return home after completing her college education. During her time as a Bearcat she played basketball, ran track, played soccer, and was a cheerleader. It was during her Sophomore year that she began shadowing her hometown dentist, Dr. John Byers, with the thought of pursuing dentistry as a career option. From then on, Dr. Byers acted as her mentor and role model as she worked toward achieving her goal of becoming a dentist.
After graduating from Grafton High School, Dr. Garcia attended West Virginia University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Psychology. She was then accepted into the WVU School of Dentistry where she completed four more years of dental education and graduated with her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree. As a student, Dr. Garcia was deeply involved in the American Student Dental Association, where she learned about and participated in organized dentistry, which sparked her involvement in the dental field. She continues this involvement in the American Dental Association, as well as the West Virginia Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the West Virginia University School of Dentistry Alumni Association.
After dental school, Dr. Garcia joined her mentor in practice as an associate under Dr. Byers. In January 2018, Dr. Byers was nearing retirement and decided to pass the torch onto Dr. Garcia. The office continues to enjoy a very familiar patient family and all of the original staff that worked under Dr. Byers. Dr. Garcia’s dream and journey of serving her hometown’s dental needs is just beginning!
Amanda Shears
Office Manager
Amanda graduated from Grafton High School in 2003 and then attended Fairmont State University. She initially began her employment as a receptionist for Dr. Byers in 2007 and then transitioned into the office manager position for Dr. Garcia. She is
blessed to have the opportunity to do what she loves each day as truly enjoys interacting with the team and our wonderful patients. She also enjoys spending time with her partner Steve and their daughter, McKinleigh, who keeps them busy with her sports and activities.
Kathy Bennett
Kathy is from Barbour County, WV and graduated from Philip Barbour in 2008. In 2011, she graduated from the West Virginia Junior College with an associate degree in dental assisting. While she is cross trained in many areas of the dental office, she most enjoys the receptionist role, where she has been since she began with Grafton Family Dentistry in June 2020. Kathy loves spending her free time with her husband, Patrick, and their two children, Raiden and Paislee. As a family they enjoy camping, hiking, family game nights and cuddling their many animals. She is looking forward to serving the community with Grafton Family Dentistry for many years to come.
Lee Ann Cornwell
Lee Anne is a 1999 graduate of Preston High School and was a stay at home mother until 2018. In 2018 she took her first job working in the Dental field and in March of 2022 she joined the team here at Grafton Family Dentistry. She enjoys being able to have a job where she can interact with a wonderful team and patients every day. She loves spending time with her family and watching her daughter Ally
play basketball.
Crystal Krzynowek
Crystal has studied Dental Assisting at WVJC and began her career with Dr. Garcia in 2021. She is really interested in learning more in the dental field with hope to expand her duties as an assistant. Originally from Ohio, this Buckeye truly enjoys the beauty of nature that West Virginia holds. Outside of work, she enjoys spending her time fishing, hiking, and putting her feet up by a bon fire.
Zoe Walls
Zoe is from Spencer, WV. She graduated from WVU in 2021 with her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. She now resides in Clarksburg, WV. Zoe enjoys spending time with her family and traveling!
Carrie Phares
Dental Assistant
Carrie graduated from OIC in 2002, has been a part of this team for the past 13 years, first with Dr. Byers and now with Dr. Bryan. She is certified in Nitrous, Expanded Functions and Coronal Polishing. She loves spending time with her husband Brad and her daughters Jacquelyn and Hailey. She is an animal lover, likes to read, go for walks and is actively involved in her church.
Lora Knapp
Lora is a native of Parkersburg West Virginia. She graduated from West Virginia University in 1996 where she obtained her Bachelors of Science in Dental Hygiene. Lora’s son is in the U.S. Navy and she has a daughter who keeps her busy with sports and school activities. Lora and her family moved to the Bridgeport area in 2016. She joined Grafton Family Dentistry in October of 2018. Lora is very thankful to be a part of this dental practice for years to come.
