Meet the Team
Dental Team in Meridian, MS
The entire Happy Smiles team is passionate about ensuring your child has a great trip to the dentist. Everyone from the doctors to the administrative team works hard to make sure you and your child leave with a great big smile.
Nothing would make our entire team happier than to show you why our patients have voted us Meridian's Best Dentist, Best Hygienist, and Best Receptionist in the Meridian Star Reader's Choice Awards!
Kimberly Grady, DMD
Kimberly Grady, DMD - General Dentist
Dr. Kimberly Grady was born and raised in Meridian, MS. She graduated from Meridian Community College in 2004 and attended the University of Mississippi where she received a BA in Biochemistry in 2007. She went on to Dental School at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, earning her DMD in 2017.
Dr. Grady chose to become a dentist when she was working as a Hygienist and saw the need for dental care in her community. She saw many kids in need of dental work and knew that she could have a positive impact on their health outcomes by becoming a dentist, so she went to dental school.
Dr. Grady enjoys knowing she is making an impact on her community through her work at the Happy Smiles office and with support of our community outreach efforts. In her spare time, Dr. Grady enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as her dog, Bella - a fun-loving Labradoodle.
Favorite Band: True to form as a kids dentist, Dr. Grady LOVES Disney movie songs..
Resident Foodie: Can't pass up authentic Vietnamese cuisine!
Award: Dr. Grady was awarded the esteemed 2020 (Woman of The Year) by the Meridian Star.
Taylor Farland, DDS
Taylor Farland, DDS - General Dentist
Dr. Taylor Farland received a BA in Russian Linguistics from the University of Utah before deciding to dedicate his career to dentistry. He went on to dental school at Dalhousie University, earning his DDS. Dr. Farland was awarded the Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Promise and Proficiency in the field of Pediatric Dentistry by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Farland continued his training by completing a pediatric dental general practice residency at the IWK Health Center, which is the primary pediatric healthcare provider for all of Atlantic Canada.
Dr. Farland is proud to live and raise his family in Meridian. When he’s not in the office putting smiles on the faces of our patients at Happy Smiles Meridian, he enjoys golf, crossfit, and spending time with his wife and 3 children.
Favorite Band: You can find Dr. Farland chillin' out to some Beck.
Favorite Quote: Theodore Roosevelt's The Man in the Arena, It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena...
Language: Dr. Farland speaks Russian.
Matthew Harris, DMD
Matthew Harris, DMD - General Dentist
Dr. Matthew Harris grew up in Ridgeland, Mississippi and attended Mississippi State University where he earned his undergraduate degree in 2006.
Dr. Harris continued his studies at the University of Mississippi Medical Center where he earned the degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2010.
Dr. Harris practiced dentistry for two years at a community health center dental clinic in North Carolina. In this setting Dr. Harris was able to see the positive impacts on his work as a dentist for underserved communities, especially children. Dr. Harris returned home to Mississippi and is proud to serve the families of Meridian, MS with quality dental care in an upbeat and kid friendly environment.
He is a member of the Mississippi Dental Association and the American Dental Association, but to our patients, he’s a big kid and fun to be around.
Favorite TV Show: The wildly popular, Breaking Bad.
Favorite Cuisine: Currently loving Greek food.
Dog Lover: Dr. Harris and family share their home with a sheepadoodle named Splash.
Preston McAlexander, DMD
Preston McAlexander, DMD - General Dentist
Dr. Preston McAlexander grew up in Holly Springs, MS and attended the University of Mississippi where he received his undergraduate degree in 1999. He continued his studies at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and was awarded the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2004. While at the School of Dentistry, he served as student body president and representative to the American Dental Association.
Dr. McAlexander worked for five years in a community health center dental clinic as part of the National Health Service Corps. He is a member of the Mississippi Dental Association and the American Dental Association.
At the health center dental clinic, Dr. McAlexander was able to see first-hand the impact that quality dental services can have on a family. He is proud to continue his work to bring great dental care to all children, regardless of their family income.
Dr. McAlexander enjoys life outside the office with his wife and two kids. He is an active member of his local United Methodist Church.
Four Legged Family: Shih Tzu named Roux, and two cats named Joe Exotic and Carol Baskin (adopted in 2020, of course).
Sport: Dr. Mac loves to hit the slopes when he gets the chance.
Handyman: Dr. Mac is into woodworking, and he’s currently restoring a 110 year old home.
Jason Leach, DMD
Jason Leach, DMD - General Dentist
Dr. Jason Leach was born and raised in Jackson, MS. He is proud of his Alma Mater, Ole’ Miss, having earned both his undergraduate degree and his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Mississippi.
Dr. Leach believes in providing the children he serves with the very same treatment he would want his own kids to receive. By all the smiling faces in his dental chair, we think he is succeeding!
A leading dentist in our mobile dentistry outreach program, Dr. Leach is passionate about helping families access critical preventative services for their children. This program partners with our local schools and Head Starts to help improve health outcomes for the children they support.
In the mobile program and at the office, Dr. Leach encourages healthy habits that will prevent tooth decay in Mississippi children.
Dr. Leach spends his spare time with his wife and two kids. What could be better than that?
Favorite Movie: Bull Durham, sports with a side of romance – something for everyone.
Favorite TV Show: Dr. Leach enjoys a Netflix series binge when he gets the chance.
Delivery Order: Supreme Pizza, load it up!