OUR TEAM
The faces that keep our patients smiling.
John Abdelmessih DDS: A Lifetime of Commitment
General Dentist
Dr. John completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Detroit where he majored in Biology. He was active in the pre-dental club and for the last two years of his education was honored to serve a Teaching Assistant in the Anatomy and Physiology department. He also spent time in the Learning Center tutoring students struggling in Biology and Chemistry. During college Dr. John worked at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit as a Dialysis Technician. From this experience he learned that kindness and compassion were almost as critical to a patient’s health as the treatment itself. He then went on to earn his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from the University Of Detroit Mercy School Of Dentistry. He graduated in 1999 and has been in practice ever since.
Dr. John has worked in Southeast Michigan for his entire career and in 2005 fulfilled his lifelong dream of opening his own dental practice. He started Crestwood Dental Group in Clarkston so he could serve the patients in his community.
He has taken extensive continuing education courses throughout the country with a keen focus on pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, and Implant Dentistry. He has earned a Fellowship with the International Dental Implant Association.
In his free time Dr. John is an avid boater and enjoys skiing and camping with his family. He is an active member of his church community and volunteers his time at his children’s school. Dr. John prides himself on offering compassionate, affordable, quality dental care to all of his patients.
Justina LaPoulas DMD MS: The Pursuit of Perfection
Board Certified Orthodontist
Dr. LaPoulas is a board certified orthodontist. She specializes in orthodontic care for children and adults and enjoys every step of improving her patients’ smiles! She believes in a hands-on treatment approach, so patients can expect to see her personally at every appointment. Dr. LaPoulas offers a variety of appliance options, ranging from traditional metal braces to Invisalign, so feel free to schedule your complimentary orthodontic consultation with her whenever you are ready to improve your smile!
Dr. LaPoulas was born and raised in Rochester Hills, MI and completed her undergraduate education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She earned her dental degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. She then moved to the Windy City where she completed an additional three years of study at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) orthodontic residency program. There, she dedicated her studies to the art and science of facial development, smile esthetics, and facial balance, earning her a Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master’s Degree in Oral Sciences from UIC. She remains dedicated to education and attends various continuing education courses, ensuring that she is providing her patients with the best orthodontic care possible. Dr. LaPoulas is a diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics and a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and Michigan Dental Association.
Dr. LaPoulas loves spending her free time with her family and friends, especially her two wonderful children. She and her husband Nick volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and are avid sports enthusiasts. They enjoy cheering on the Detroit Lions, the Detroit Red Wings, and the University of Michigan Wolverines!
Your Dental Team
Laughter and smiles are abundant on this team! We love what we do and that is reflected in the care you will receive.
Ashley
Office Manager
Ashley has spent the past 15 years immersed in the dental field, a career that began with a simple curiosity and evolved into a deep commitment. As a dental office manager, she navigated the intricate world of patient care, administrative tasks, and team coordination. Outside of work, bike riding with her husband and daughters has long been a favorite pastime. She also appreciates snuggling up with a good book. Recently, she has embarked on a new personal challenge: running 5ks.
Jill
Finance Manager
Jill has been with Dr. John since he opened Crestwood Dental in Clarkston in 2005. She has been an integral part to making sure the office runs smoothly. Whether it is answering insurance questions or any and all things IT related. She enjoys spending time with her family, including her six grandchildren. Her newest undertaking will be taking her newly certified therapy dog, Lacey to visit children’s hospitals, schools, and wherever else they are needed to comfort people.
Maria Carolina
Assistant, Bilingual Portuguese/ English
Maria joined Crestwood Dental as an assistant in February of 2024. She is currently in school to become a dental hygienist. In her free time she loves to travel and explore new places.
Mary
Hygienist
Mary has been working at Crestwood Dental since she was just out of high school. She started as a dental assistant and discovered her love for dentistry. Mary then changed her major and decided to pursue a career in Dental Hygiene. She graduated from Mott Community College Dental in 2015 and is loving her new career.
Jackie
Hygienist
Jackie is a Registered Dental Hygienist who has been with Crestwood Dental since 2017. She received her degree from Mott Community College. In her free time she enjoys spending time outside with her young children, getting together with family, and traveling up north.
Aidalery (Dee)
Hygienist, Bilingual Spanish/ English
Dee has been in the dental field since 2006. She became a hygienist with Crestwood Dental in 2019. Dee is passionate about helping people achieve their perfect smile. Her bilingual skills have been an asset in assisting our Spanish speaking patients. In her free time she enjoys traveling with her husband and son.
Sarah
Hygienist
Sarah has been with Crestwood Dental since 2014. She got her degree from Oakland Community College. In her time away from work, she enjoys traveling and cheering on her sons in traveling baseball and soccer and her daughter in dance.
Amber
Lead Assistant
Amber has been with Crestwood Dental since 2012. She started out part time but quickly joined the team full time and took on the role as lead assistant. In her free time Amber enjoys kayaking and camping with her husband and two rescue dogs.
Catherine
Assistant
Catherine has been with Crestwood Dental since 2022 and has been a Registered Dental Assistant for 7 years. She splits her time between our Clarkston location and our Leonard office. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her son, playing outside, going on walks to the park, and hanging out at the beach.