Meet Your Local Children’s Dentists at Helotes Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Kara Whittington

Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Kara Whittington was born and raised in nearby Castroville, Texas. She received a bachelor of science degree in psychology at Texas A&M University, class of 2008. Gig ‘Em Aggies! She then moved back to San Antonio and completed her DDS at UTHSCSA. She practiced in San Antonio for the next 6 years where her passion for treating children grew until she decided to return to school to specialize in pediatrics, completing her residency at UT Health San Antonio-Laredo.

Dr. Kara resides in the San Antonio area with her husband who is a firefighter for the city of Austin and their two daughters, Reed and River.
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She looks forward to meeting your children and their families to provide child-friendly dental care in a positive and welcoming environment.

Dr. Poonam Shah

Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Poonam Shah received her Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the Children’s Hospital of Michigan. She also graduated from the University of the Pacific Dental School in San Francisco, CA, and received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. She is a Board Certified Specialist with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Shah was motivated to go into pediatric dentistry due to her own dental experiences as a child. Although Dr. Shah did not grow up in Texas, both her parents are UT Austin graduates (Go Longhorns!) and lived in Texas for 10+ years. Dr. Shah was drawn to Helotes Pediatric Dentistry’s commitment to their patients and oral health. Dr. Shah’s goal is to create a positive dental experience at Helotes Pediatric Dentistry so children can grow into healthy adults without feelings of fear or worry when visiting a dentist. With patience, communication, and by truly caring, she hopes to make each visit an easy one.

During her spare time, Dr. Shah enjoys cooking vegetarian meals, tennis, exploring Texas, traveling, and hiking. Her favorite animals include dogs and llamas!!

Dr. Noor Mansouri

Board Certified Orthodonist

Dr. Mansouri is a board certified specialist in Orthodontics and is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, the American Dental Association and San Antonio District Dental Society. She graduated from Jacksonville University in Florida earning her speciality Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science in Dentistry. Dr. Mansouri met her husband during residency and together they relocated to Texas where he grew up, and fell in love with the charming people of San Antonio. In her free time she values spending time with her family and enjoys cooking, exploring, new places and traveling.

Dr. Jordan Nolan

General Dentist

Dr. Jordan Nolan is a proud Arizona native, originally hailing from Phoenix. He began his academic journey at Northern Arizona University and is thrilled to be embarking on his dental career after graduating from A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ASDOH) in May 2025.

Dr. Nolan has a genuine passion for working with families and is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care for pediatric patients. He understands that early experiences shape lifelong attitudes toward oral health, and he strives to make every visit fun, comfortable, and educational. His approach focuses on building trust with both children and parents, using patience and lightheartedness to help young patients feel safe and empowered in the dental chair. He firmly believes in establishing a strong, positive foundation for healthy smiles that last a lifetime.

When he’s not in the office, his commitment to family and fun shines through. You can usually find Dr. Nolan spending time with his dog, Bandit, or relaxing by watching Disney movies alongside his nieces and nephews—a pastime that helps him stay connected to the interests of his youngest patients! He also enjoys an active lifestyle, participating in outdoor activities like fishing and hiking, and staying competitive by playing hockey.

Dr. Kristi Morris

Orthodontist

Dr. Kristi Morris is an orthodontist who enjoys combining science, creativity, and attention to detail to create healthy, confident smiles. She was drawn to orthodontics by the precision and problem-solving involved in treatment planning—each patient presents a unique puzzle requiring an individualized approach. What she loves most about the specialty, however, is seeing the positive impact orthodontic treatment can have on a patient’s confidence, function, and overall quality of life.
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Dr. Morris earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from The University of Texas at Austin. She then earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry, where she graduated at the top of her class. She went on to complete her specialty training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Howard University College of Dentistry.
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Dr. Morris believes that excellent orthodontic care goes beyond creating a beautiful smile. She takes a thoughtful, individualized approach to treatment, considering both function and aesthetics while helping patients understand and feel comfortable with their care. She especially enjoys building relationships with her patients and their families and watching their confidence grow as their smiles transform.
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Outside of the office, Dr. Morris enjoys staying active, traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with family and friends. Whether exploring somewhere new or working toward a new fitness goal, she brings the same curiosity and enthusiasm that she brings to caring for her patients.