Central Texas
December 2020
FREE!
See article pg. 7
Photo by Shelly Taylor Photography
Cherish
îƒże Holidays Togeîƒżer
Tjel Olson, D.M.D.
General Dentistry Limited to Children
Vernesha Lockhart, D.D.S.
Board-Certiied Pediatric Dentist
Alex Piedra, D.D.S.
Board-Eligiible Pediatric Dentist
Aaron Blackwelder, D.D.S., M.S.
Board-Certiied Pediatric Dental Specialist 1121 Lake Air Dr., Waco, TX 254.772.8330 www.WacoKidsDental.com
Dyslexia Therapy Services for All Ages NOW PROVIDING: DYSLEXIA EVALUATIONS by a licensed dyslexia therapist DYSLEXIA THERAPY SERVICES SPECIALIZED READING INTERVENTION for all ages. Call for more information.
Speech & Language Therapy
Free Screenings
Medicaid and most insurances accepted.
Specializing in the treatment of: Autism Articulation Oral Expression Auditory Comprehension Reading Deficits Language Deficits Stuttering Developmental Delays
Academic Tutoring Math Reading Study Skills Writing Spelling Comprehension
Tutoring services are performed by certified teachers and are conducted during or after school hours. Phone: 254-235-1850 Fax: 254-235-4879 7545 Bosque Blvd., Waco, TX
info@therapygroupofwaco.com www.therapygroupofwaco.com
December Index by Category Art Programs/Studios
Martial Arts
Baby Furniture
Museums
Practically Pikasso...............................................8 Tap Tap Art School..............................................21 Just Between Friends..........................................21 Once Upon a Child..............................................16 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique..........................18
Children’s Clothing
Just Between Friends..........................................21 Once Upon a Child..............................................16 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique..........................18
Consignment & Resale Shops
Just Between Friends..........................................21 Once Upon a Child..............................................16 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique..........................18
Dance Studios
All That Jazz Academy of Dance.........................21 Expressions Dance Studio..................................17 Heart of Texas Cheer & Dance...........................14 Ignite Dance Company.........................................5 Joy’s School of Dance.........................................16 Laurie’s Stepping Out Studio.............................15
Dental Care/Orthodontics
Bellmead Kid’s Dentistry....................................17 Dr. Stephen Brandt Pediatric Dentistry.............21 Smile at the World...............................................24 Temple Kids Dental.............................................23 Waco Kids Dental.................................................2
Dining & Entertainment
Mr Gatti’s Pizza...................................................14
Education/Child Care
Central Texas Family Karate...............................10 Central Texas 4C, Inc...........................................6 Creative Learning Center.....................................6 Bosque Valley Children’s Services.....................19 First Baptist Waco Preschool.............................12
Gymnastics & Cheerleading
Flips Gymnastics.................................................18 Heart of Texas Cheer & Dance...........................14 Powerhouse Cheer & Fitness.............................17 Texas Dynasty Cheer & Gymnastics...................12
Hair Salon Kid Friendly
Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids.......................................16 Shear Shenanigans.............................................18
Health Care
Hillcrest Pediatric Clinic......................................16
Horseback Riding / Lessons
Slice of Heaven Educational Farm.....................20 Urban Acres.........................................................18
Libraries/Story Times
Hewitt Public Library...........................................22
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Central Texas Family Karate...............................10 Family Martial Arts..............................................13 Historic Waco Foundation...................................14
Outdoor Play Systems
China Spring Country Store................................10
Party Planning & Supplies
Baylor University McLane Stadium....................19 Bouncing Fun Factory..........................................5 Critters Exotic Pets..............................................20 Expressions Dance Studio..................................17 Family Martial Arts..............................................13 Flips Gymnastics.................................................18 Heart of Texas Cheer & Dance...........................14 Joy’s School of Dance.........................................16 Little Land Play Gym............................................8 Mr Gatti’s Pizza...................................................14 Powerhouse Cheer & Fitness.............................17 Practically Pikasso...............................................8 Sharkey’s Cut for Kids.........................................16 Skate Waco...........................................................5 Slice of Heaven Educational Farm.....................20 Spare Time Texas.................................................9 Tap Tap Art School..............................................21 Tooty Tot Children’s Entertainment....................14 Urban Air Adventure Park...................................12
Pets /Pet Stores/Grooming
Critters Exotic Pets..............................................20
Services
610 Fit Training Studio.......................................20 Because of You 3D/4D Ultrasound...................11 Bell County Public Health District......................20 Critters Exotic Pets..............................................20 Forever Families...................................................7 Heart O’ Texas Federal Credit Union..................21 Mr. Handyman.....................................................15 Neat as a Pin Organizing Experts.......................20 Sign Gypsies........................................................21
Therapy Services
Bosque Valley Children’s Services.....................19 Focus Behavioral Associates..............................21 Little Land Play Gym............................................8 Rodgers Speech, Hearing & Educational Services..................................15 Therapy Group of Waco.......................................3
Toys & Books
Just Between Friends..........................................21 Once Upon a Child..............................................16 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique..........................18 Zoe Books of Life................................................21
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for Fa mi www.hoorayforfamily.com
The Private Party Place Book Online!
8,000 sq.ft. of Padded Play Area 3 Innatables Foam Pit Sound System Large Party Room Free WiFi No Shared Space with Public Dedicated Parking 30 Minutes Pre-Party Decorating Time
ly
Publisher: Michele Berger Creative Director: Jerri Denson Office Manager: Melissa Talbert Contributing Writer: Sophie Allen Contributing Writer: Jessa McClure Advertising Information: Michele Berger (254)723-3696 Next Deadline December 4th For January & February 2021 Issues Contact us Phone: (254)848-8308 office@bergerpublishing.com
211 W. Panther Way, Hewitt, TX
254-709-0036
www.BouncingFunFactory.com
Hooray For Family™ 2020. All copy, photographs and information contained herein is protected by copyright and is not to be reproduced. Publisher reserves the right to decline any advertisements.
Ballet Pointe Tap Jazz Lyrical Hip-Hop Creative Movement Ages 2 yrs. & up Competition/performance company Master teachers
DANCE COMPANY 254-235-2332 7500 Woodway Dr., Ste. 105
www.ignitedanceco.com Email: Lezley@ignitedanceco.com
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We are a faith-based childcare facility, built with families and quality care in mind. Our goal is to partner with you, as a place kids can have fun and build the foundation for learning!
Serving ages birth - 5 years 405 Estates Drive, Woodway, TX
www.crossroadsclc.org
254-776-2794
“Community Choices in Children’s Care”
Want their feet on the right path for school readiness? Now Accepting Applications for Enrollment & Employment for the 2020 -2021 school year. Early Literacy Program | Texas School Ready Participant Applications may be submitted online for enrollment at: Paulette.Jeter@ct4c.org, for employment at: Terra.Scott@ct4c.org, or to the lock box at the locations listed below.
“We are committed to building stronger Central Texas communities, one child and family at a time.” Head Start is a Pre-School program for ages 0 - 5 years (including prenatal moms), also including children with disabilities. Head Start es un programa de Pre Escolar para las edades de 0 - 5 incluyen a niños con discapacidades.
www.CentralTexas4C.org 6
Services provided: Social Educational Dental Nutritional Health Disability
Main Office, Temple: 504 N. 5th St. Temple: 1100 S. 33rd St. Killeen: 802 N. 2nd St. Belton: 501 E. 4th Ave.
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254-778-0489 254-215-6178 254-501-9232 254-215-3790
Featured Cover Spotlight
By Sophie Allen
With some kids out of school and adults working from home, people don’t need haircuts as often. While business isn’t quite back to normal, Sherry Fair, owner of Shear Shenanigan’s, is grateful for the blessings of her customers. As a hair stylist for 38 years, her clients have been a support system to keep the salon in business. “We love our families, so we hope that they come back because we are so unique to Waco,” Sherry said. In addition to the kid’s areas, no hair salon in Waco offers all the services Shear Shenanigan’s provides. The salon offers women’s and children’s haircuts, highlights, color treatments, and facial waxing, as well as a barber for men’s and boy’s haircuts, beard sculpting, and shaves. Visit Shear Shenanigan’s family-friendly hair salon for a haircut while your kids play or bring your kids for a haircut. There’s an indoor play area, movie station, fenced-in outdoor play area, TVs, video games, and iPads. “We have tons to keep your kids busy,” says Sherry. Shear Shenanigan’s also caters to those with special needs, including but not limited to autism, down syndrome, and sensory processing disorder. “We want to make sure everybody stays safe, including [special needs] kids and families,” Sherry said. Years ago, Sherry dedicated herself to providing the best haircuts for special needs clients, “If the experience is good, it helps them get a haircut without it being so scary.” Sherry continues to provide a comfortable and relaxing experience for those with special needs in her salon, at clinics, and in their homes. Sherry and her stylists go above and beyond to provide the best haircuts in a safe environment. There’s extra cleaning of stations, supplies and kid’s play areas and a modified salon layout to accommodate for social distancing. You can be sure your family is safe. From cutting hair on their patio to visiting clients at home, Shear Shenanigan’s is here to serve your family. Currently, there is one client or family per stylist. You can also come on Sundays to be the only family in the salon. Shear Shenanigan’s is located at 114 Jim Dr, Hewitt, TX 76643 and open seven days a week to accommodate every client. Book online at www.vagaro.com/shearshenanigans with Sherry Fair, Tiffany Collier, and Penny Hanson or call (254) 224-6722 for special requests.
Photos by Shelly Taylor Photography 7
Create Holiday Gifts Now!
254-776-2200
Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri., 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
4310 West Waco Drive (in Brazos Place Center)
www.practicallypikassowaco.com
Open Play | Parents’ Day Out | Parents’ Night Out Sensory Art & Music Enrichment Classes | Story Time Mom Groups | Music Exploration Classes Spring & Summer Camps | Birthday Parties
Physical Therapy | Speech Therapy | Occupational Therapy *No waiting list!
DOUBLE the VALUE SAME LOW PRICE! NOW ONLY Waco 254-572-8890
1201 Hewitt Dr. Ste. 107, Waco, TX
Temple 254-231-3752
4311 S. 31 St., Ste. 105, Temple,TX st
Open 7 Days a Week!
39
$
+TAX
WITH PROMO CODE: HOORAY
www.littlelandplaygym.com 8
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Family Education
Karate Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Now Enrolling for After School Care After school program picks up from: Midway ISD, Lorena ISD & Robinson ISD
Programs Available:
Adult BJJ | Kids BJJ Karate for the whole family
211 W. Panther Way, Hewitt, TX
Evening Programs Summer Camp Programs No Contracts
254-666-KICK (5425)
www.CentralTexasFamilyKarate.com
Local Company with Great Service
Give the Gift of Endless Play!
www.ChinaSpringCountryStore.com 10
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FOREVERFA M I L I E S
Community partners helping local children find a brighter future
Photo Courtesy: Marilyn Griggs Photography
Twelve-year-old twin brothers Tavaris and Trey have a strong bond and a great relationship. A family that is attentive, encouraging and active will help them thrive. Both boys are academically and developmentally on target, and are sweet, active children. Trey loves being outdoors and playing sports, while Tavaris loves to laugh and ride his bike. If you’d like to learn more about adopting Tavaris and Trey, or find out more about Central Texas children waiting for adoption, visit The Heart Gallery of Central Texas at www.heartgallerytexas.com.
MODERN MEDIA COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT
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ACTIVATE AWESOME IN WACO! Urban Air is the ultimate indoor adventure park! Buy tickets online at: www.UrbanAirWaco.com
Featuring: Sky Rider • Ropes Course • Climbing Walls • Warrior Course Ultimate Dodgeball • Tubes Playground • Trampolines And More!
5701 W Waco Drive | Waco, TX 76710 www.UrbanAirWaco.com
First Baptist Preschool & Parent’s Day Out
4 Large Playgrounds • State-Licensed • Field Trips • Chapel 6 Weeks - Pre-K • Christian Curriculum Texas School Readiness Certiication Full-Time Programs - 7:15 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Parent’s Day Out Preschool - Tues. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Summer Camp for Children Completing Pre-K & Kindergarten
254-756-6933
Register Now!
500 Webster
www.fbcwaco.org
Thanks Waco!
254-776-6248
Voted Best Cheer Program & Best Place to Host a Playgroup
800 Schroeder Ste. C, Waco, TX 12
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www.txdynasty.com
Give gift of self-conndence, self-esteem, & self-discipline.
Family Martial Arts Martial Arts for All Ages Starting at 18 Months!
Mention this ad and receive a FREE 30-day V.I.P. Pass!
Two Locations!
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NEW Boys Only Tumbling Classes! Tumbling Classes
FOR
4 WEEKS UNLIMITED CLASSES $49 PeeWee Tumbling (ages 3-5)
4 WEEKS
OF CLASSES FOR
$29
Purchase your trial online today! www.HeartofTexasCheer.com
254-666-7470
8081 Robinson Industrial Park Dr., Waco
Combos
Best Value! 4 Buffets, 4 Drinks & 4 $5 Game Cards - $43.99 1 Kid’s Buffet, 1 Drink & $10 Game Card
$12.99
1 Buffet, 1 Drink & $10 Game Card
$15.99
Children’s Entertainment
Birthday Parties Special Events Face Painting Photos Packages Available Mascot Characters
1 Buffet, 1 Drink & $20 Game Card
$22.99
Book online at www.gattispizza.com Follow us on Facebook Mr. Gatti’s Pizza Killeen
254-634-2222
2497 E. Central TX Expy Killeen, TX
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Hours: Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
254-338-3524
kidspartiesandmore@yahoo.com Visit us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/tootytot254
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Now instaing:
Holiday Lights Décor & More!
We’ll take items off your to-do list, freeing up time for more family fun.
Problem Solved
254-523-6688 | www.MrHandyMan.com RODGERS
Speech, Hearing & Educational Services
Is your child having trouble with reading, sounding out words or comprehension?
We Can Help!
Institute of Language, Literacy, Reading & Math Connecting the Sounds of Language for Stronger Communication & Reading
Patient Care Emphasis
Reading programs to fit your child’s needs Speech Therapy | Oral Motor Training
Autism Dyslexia Language Delays & Deficits Hearing Impairment Oral Expression Reading Deficits Articulation Alternative Communication
Most Insurance Accepted
254-526-8255
Call About Your Child’s Program Today!
www.rshes.com | 2201 South W.S. Young, Ste. 117A-1, Killeen, TX | 1612 Austin Avenue, Suite B, Waco, TX
Register Now!
Ballet . Tap . Jazz . Pointe
No Registratio n Fee!
“Quality Dance Training with the Patience Your Child Deserves”
Cell: 254-744-1310
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HILLCREST PEDIATRIC CLINIC welcomes Brian Barkley, D.O., to our practice!
Dr. Barkley is accepting patients at Hillcrest Pediatric Clinic 120 Hillcrest Medical Blvd. | Suite 100 Waco, Texas 76712
To make an appointment, please call 254-202-6100 www.hillcrestpediatrics.net
At Once Upon A Child, we have all the stuff your kids need at everyday low prices. We've got a great selection of gently-used clothing, shoes, toys and gear for kids of all ages - from newborn to tween. Plus, we'll pay you on the spot for the stuff your kids have outgrown! 254-265-6237 Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sun. 12 - 5 p.m. www.OnceUponAChildWaco.com
Teaching the "Joy" of Dance for Over 40 Years, a Waco Tradition Registration Open for Preschool & Kindergarten Students through Dec. 15 Ballet Tap Jazz Contemporary Hip Hop Modern Musical Theater Dance/Drill Team Prep Mommy & Me Ballet Preschool Combo
Where haircuts are cool & fun rules!
Photo by Rachel Thomas Photography
Visit our NEW website at www.jsodwaco.com 16
254-265-6989 sharkeyscutsforkids.com
2440 W. Loop 340 Suite A8, Waco
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WORLD-CLASS TRAINING FACILITY AND STAFF! CHEER - TUMBLE - FITNESS
After School Programs Birthday Parties Open Gym: Fridays - 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 907 E. 13th Ave., Belton (across from Summer Fun)
254-939-9900
www.powerhousecheer-fitness.com
Ballet Pointe Tap Jazz Modern Hip-Hop Acrobatics Pom
254-776-1672 16200 Badger Ranch Blvd., Woodway www.expressionsdance.studio Owner/ Instructor Jenni Holley, B.A. Dance & Theatre Certified Dance Masters of America
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FLIPS
Resale Boutique
GYMNASTICS
Quality Gymnastics for All Ages
Enroll Now for Classes!
Be a
Shop with us!
27 Years
We pay CA$H or CREDIT on your gently used
in
Waco!
baby equipment • bouncers • pack & plays cribs • high chairs • and so much more! We accept baby clothes up to a child’s size 20 and maternity clothes!
A S K A B O UT O UR L OYALTY P ROGRAM!
4316 W. Waco Drive next to la bella salon and jason’s deli Connect with us!
www.smartypantswaco.com
Birthday Parties are Back! Recreational Classes Cheer/Tumble Classes Tumbling Classes Preschool Field Trips
www.FlipsWaco.com 6933 Woodway Dr., Waco 254-776-2150
Horse Riding Lessons Year-round Horsemanship
Private sessions $45/hr. | Group session $35/hr. Fun
Horseback riding provides:
Positive Character Traits Physical Health Problem Solving Psychological Health Companionship Socialization A Return to Nature
Age 6 years and up. Adults welcome too!
254-339-0012 | 361-720-1033 www.facebook.com/UrbanAcresRiding urban.acres@hotmail.com www.UrbanAcres.biz 18
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Tickets only $10 for individuals | *$8 per person for groups of 12 or more! *Additional school group discounts may apply.
Educational Tours Now Available
Come see the home of the Baylor Bears from a different perspective with a 90-minute tour! McLane Stadium is also Central Texas’ state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue. The tour includes:
Baylor Locker Room | Recruit Lounge | Post-Game Interview Room | Press Box | Presidential Level | Field
Birthday Parties at McLane Stadium Party with Field Access
Touchdown Alley Party
(Located in the heart of the McLane Stadium tailgating area)
Contact us for more information & pricing:
254-710-8104 or operations@mclanestadium.com 1001 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Waco, TX
www.MclaneStadium.com ~ Habla Espanol
Where our children’s future begins!
Bosque Valley Children’s Services We serve children at home, in daycares, Head Start centers, or our conveniently located clinic.
Child Care Center Now Enrolling! Speech & Language Therapies Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy *Medicaid & most private insurances accepted.
2124 N. 25th St., Waco, TX
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254-235-2430
www.bvchildrensservices.com
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Exotic Pets
Pet Supplies
Grooming
Boarding
Birthday Parties
The perfect party for your animal-loving child Host your party at Critters or we can come to you 1 hr. animal demonstration Party packages available
254-420-2577
600 S. Valley Mills Dr., Waco
www.CrittersExoticPets.com
Visit us on Facebook!
Christmas on the Farm
Nov. 28 - Dec. 19 Saturdays 2 - 6 p.m. | Sundays 2 - 5 p.m. $10 admisssion includes:
Hot Chocolate/Cider | Crafts | Cookie Decorating Reindeer Food | Hayrides & more!
sliceofheaveneducationalfarm.org 17851 FM 1123 Holland, TX
610 Fit Training Studio Empowering you to BE STRONG through faith & fitness
Aerobics Personal Training Small Group Personal Training Nutrition Coaching
254-216-1020 20
www.610FIT.com
Let
buy the apples
so you can buy the other things she needs. Call your local WIC today! Temple Killeen Copperas Cove Fort Hood 254-778-1511 254-526-2033 254-547-9571 254-532-8680 www.bellcountyhealth.org
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Life Lessons for Liile Readers Anti-bulllying Consideration for others Education
A yard greeting rental service that helps you CELEBRATE all your events & occasions in a BIG WAY! IT’S SO SIMPLE!
1 2 3
Find a reason to CELEBRATE!
www.signgypsies.com Lesley Winget, Owner
RELAX & ENJOY your occasion!
signgypsieswaco@gmail.com
254.709.5203
Check Our Website for Spring 2021 Sale Dates!
Chentell Merriman, Author 254-289-6113
www.zoebooksoflife.org
“Look straight ahead and FOCUS your eyes on what lies before you.” Proverbs 4:25
Our MISSION is to serve and support the behavioral needs of children and adults with autism, ADHD, developmental disabilities, and other behavioral disorders through center-based, home-based, and community-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques.
www.focusbehavioral.com | (254)732-2262
Tap Tap Art School Tapping into Creativity
Superior Training
D
Th T a at h nc ke e e ep gi : s g ft iv Budget-Friendly ing
ALL THAT JAZZ
Register Now! Art classes for kids, teens & adults Art-enriched eld trips on bus or in-studio Parties & events on bus or in-studio with canvas painting, wine glass painting & bisque Facility rentals for all occasions 103 Mountain Lion, Harker Heights, TX
Register online at: www.TapTapArtSchool.com
Seal out tooth decay. Birth - 18 years Comprehensive Orthodontics Available
254-690-3380
Classical Ballet Pointe Jazz Tap Private Lessons Adult Classes Lyrical Modern Pilates Hip Hop www.wacodance.com
Killeen
254.634.7722 16125 Fort Hood St. Killeen, TX 76542
Waco
254.751.1622 7500 Imperial Dr. Waco, TX 76712
1201 South W.S. Young Dr., Killeen www.KilleenPediatricDentistry.com
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All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth
Then,I could wish you a Merry Christmas!
Tjel Olson, D.M.D. General Dentistry Limited to Children Aaron Blackwelder, D.D.S., M.S. Board-CertiďŹ ed Pediatric Dental Specialist Manuel Marien, Jr., D.D.S. Board-CertiďŹ ed Pediatric Dental Specialist Alex Piedra, D.D.S. Board-Eligible Pediatric Dentist 2122 Birdcreek Dr., Temple, TX 254.771.5701 Fax: 254.771.5770 www.TempleKidsDental.comw w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m
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Complimentary Consultation | No-Interest Financing | Most Insurances Accepted
e m i T Be st t e G o E ver T
! s e c Bra
Josh M. Knowles, D.D.S., M.S.D. Board-Certiied Orthodontist
254-773-8028 | 2027 S. 61 ST, Ste. 111 | Temple, TX