Dr. Salthouse is the oldest of five siblings, and his father is from New Zealand, making him one-half Kiwi. He grew up in St. Clement Parish and attended elementary school there. Later, he went to De Smet Jesuit High School before earning his Biomedical Science degree from Maryville University. Dr. Salthouse then attended UMKC dental school, and completed his Pediatric Residency at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, where he became Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentists. As a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, he has practiced in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and Kansas City, and he currently belongs to Christ Prince of Peace Parish.
Outside of work, Dr. Salthouse has a variety of passions. He loves spending time with his family and friends, and he enjoys getting involved in his community. When he’s not practicing dentistry, you can find him playing hockey, golf, tennis, or even e-sports!
As a pediatric dentist, Dr. Salthouse’s primary goal is to help children have the best possible experience while receiving dental care. He strongly believes in setting them up for success in the future. On a personal note, he is happily married to his wonderful partner Daniell, and they have two sweet sons named William and Henry!
Dr. Anthony Leisure was born in Melbourne, Australia, and his family returned home to St. Louis when he was three. He was raised in St. Louis and attended Saint Louis Priory High School. After eleven years of living and learning outside of Missouri, Dr. Leisure is excited and grateful to be serving the community he calls home.
Dr. Leisure earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of San Diego before returning to Missouri to complete his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry. He then completed his Pediatric Residency at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital.
His passion for pediatric dentistry was influenced by his time volunteering as a coach with Challenger Baseball in St. Louis, a league for children and young adults with a wide range of disabilities. Dr. Leisure loved the opportunity to share his love of baseball while helping create an environment centered on sportsmanship, friendship, and encouragement.
That experience helped inspire Dr. Leisure to pursue pediatric dentistry, where he could advocate for children of all backgrounds and abilities while providing compassionate, high-quality dental care. As a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, his goal is to help every child feel safe, comfortable, and confident in the dental chair as he works with families to develop healthy dental habits from a young age.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Leisure enjoys spending quality time with his fiancé, Holly and family, including his parents, sister, her husband, and his new nephew. He also loves cheering on the Cardinals and Blues, playing golf and tennis, playing the violin, and spending weekends searching for new coffee shops and restaurants around St. Louis.
Dr. Delgado was born and raised in Texas and is a proud graduate of the Texas Tech University Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine, where she was honored with the Kramer Award of Excellence for her academic achievement and leadership. During her training, she developed a strong foundation in comprehensive patient care. Following dental school, Dr. Delgado has continued to expand her clinical skills through practice as a general dentist. She is also an active member of the Greater St. Louis Dental Society, the Missouri Dental Association, and the American Dental Association, which allows her to stay connected to the latest developments in dentistry and serve her community at both the local and national levels.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Delgado enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. She also enjoys reading, traveling, and exploring new restaurants and local events.
Rooted in her small-town upbringing, Dr. Delgado values hard work, service, and community principles she carries into her work each day. Dedicated to lifelong learning, she is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care and looks forward to continuing her professional growth.
Gavin Tarazi grew up in Crystal Lake, Illinois, where his passion for working with and mentoring children began at an early age. Starting at just 11 years old, he helped lead youth hockey and baseball camps as well as Vacation Bible School programs, experiences that shaped his lifelong commitment to helping others and building meaningful connections with families.
During high school, Dr. Gavin was a dedicated multi-sport athlete, competing in hockey, football, and baseball at Prairie Ridge High School. His senior year, he transferred to Gilmour Academy outside of Cleveland, Ohio, where he lived on campus and traveled throughout North America playing competitive hockey. These experiences helped develop the discipline, teamwork, and resilience that continue to influence his approach to patient care today.
Dr. Gavin attended Lake Forest College, where he earned a degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. It was during college that he discovered his passion for dentistry after witnessing close friends struggle with significant dental injuries and pain related to hockey. Seeing firsthand the impact dental care could have on a person’s comfort, confidence, and quality of life inspired him to pursue a career dedicated to helping others. He later earned his Master’s degree in Biomedical Science from Roosevelt University before completing dental school at Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, where he discovered a special passion for pediatric dentistry and caring for children.
Dr. Gavin is committed to making every patient feel comfortable, welcomed, and cared for. He believes education is one of the most important aspects of dentistry and takes pride in helping both patients and parents understand how to maintain healthy smiles.
Outside the office, Dr. Gavin enjoys traveling, following sports, and spending time with family and friends. He especially enjoys visiting his sister in Auburn, Alabama, where she previously competed as a collegiate swimmer and now trains professionally.
COO
Office Manager
Dental Assistant
Paige Thorson is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Salthouse Smiles. She graduated from McKendree University where she obtained her Master of Business Administration as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. While at McKendree, Paige was the captain of the Division II Women’s Lacrosse team and played for four years. In 2015, she also represented New Zealand in the Federation of International Lacrosse U19 Women’s World Championship in Edinburgh, Scotland. Prior to joining Salthouse Smiles, Paige had experience in the business, financial, marketing and nonprofit sectors as well as healthcare.
Paige has a passion for volunteering at several nonprofit organizations. Paige is a Young Friends Board Member of St. Louis Arc. Over the past decade, she has coached for the Special Olympics of Missouri and Varsity Lacrosse at Ursuline Academy and assisted as a classroom helper at Neuwoehner High School. Paige holds JDRF close to her heart and helped raise over $35k to fight to find a cure for T1D! Paige is a Pilanthropic Institute for Professional Advisors graduate and sat on the United Way of Greater St. Louis auxiliary board in 2019.
Paige was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri where she resides with her husband, Daniel and their daughter, Parker! In her free time, she loves to be outdoors, play tennis, and spend quality time with her family, friends and their dog, Loki. Paige is an avid traveler and finds joy in exploring new places. The Thorson family is a part of St. Clement of Rome parish.Â
Hi, I’m Liz! I am originally from Florida but moved to St. Louis in May 2024. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Managment specializing in Entrepreneurship from the University of Alabama. While studying at the University of Alabama, I had the rewarding opportunity to volunteer with Ronald McDonald House Charities, which ignited my passion for working with children. Afterward, I pursued a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration at Florida Atlantic University. My education and experiences have guided me to Salthouse Smiles, where I can do what I love every day.
In my free time, I enjoy attending concerts and spending time with friends and my amazing boyfriend. I have a deep love for animals and share my home with two cats, Loki and Squish, as well as a golden retriever dog named Wilson.
Lynn Neuhaus is a pediatric dental assistant and has 20 years of experience in the dental field. Working with children has always been her passion. The most rewarding part of her job is when children and parents leave with a big smile! In her free time, she enjoys camping, boating and taking trips to Grafton, IL with her husband and two daughters!
Patient Care Coordinator
Dental Assistant
Dental Assistant
Introducing… Verchelle Marion, one of the Dental Team Members here at Salthouse Smiles for Kids. She is a dedicated professional bringing forth a motivated perspective with a variety of powerful skills possessing a strong work ethic and commitment to efficiency and process. Verchelle is a team player with an upbeat attitude and willingness to stay until the work is complete. Verchelle is committed to utilizing her current essential qualities to further the mission of Salthouse Smiles for Kids.
Verchelle was born and raised right here in St. Louis, Missouri. She attended Kirkwood schools; Henry Hough Elementary, Robinson Elementary, Nipher Middle and Kirkwood High.Â
Verchelle has been married for many seasons to her amazing husband, Amir. They have two awesome kids, a daughter, Amaya, in college and a son, Evan, in high school. Verchelle’s greatest accomplishments thus far is being a great wife and a super cool mom.
During her free time, Verchelle enjoys family time (especially game nights), roller skating baking/creating cakes, and new adventures.
Mottos:
“Share some Magic with Your Smile”
“Leave a little Sparkle wherever You go with Your Smile”
I have worked in dental for over 25 years, I am certified in Basic Skills Dentistry and Expanded Functions Orthodontics. I really enjoy giving the patients the fundamentals of dental care and encouragement for a lifetime. I have worked in several practices over the years and have carried with what I learned from each doctor. My husband Mark and I have combined 4 grown children and 11 grandchildren. In my spare time, I love being at the beach especially North Shore, Oahu, watching the grandkids playing sports, tending to my flowers, going to concerts and baseball and football games.
Dental Assistant
Dental Assistant
Patient Care Coordinator
More information about Ella Missey coming soon!
More information about Becca Smith coming soon!
