Manuel Castillo, DDS
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
210-510-2862

OUR DOCTOR IS A BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST!

The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry is a specialty organization that administers a very thorough set of exams to qualified specialists. This is the highest accreditation level they can achieve.

Manuel Castillo, DDS — PEDIATRIC DENTIST

You’ll remember Dr. Mani because of his calm personality and his eagerness to make kids smile, be it with a silly joke or even a magic trick —something he learned from his father.

Dr. Manuel Castillo is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist. He is a 1991 graduate from Marquette University School of Dentistry. In addition to his extensive hands-on experience as a general doctor of dentistry, Dr. Castillo also thrived in academics. He worked as a full time assistant professor at Marquette University School of Dentistry, and held faculty appointments at Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago and at the University of Colorado, School of Dental Medicine.

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After 12 years in private practice and academics, Dr. Castillo was commissioned as dental officer in the U.S. Army in 2000. Major Castillo’s first assignment was in beautiful Monterrey, California, where he met his wife Claudia. At that time he was selected for pediatric specialty training and earned his Pediatric Dentistry Certificate from Baylor University School of Dentistry at Dallas in 2005. In September of 2006 Dr. Castillo became a Diplomate with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and in May 2007 he became a Fellow with the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Lieutenant Colonel Castillo finished his military career with a three-year assignment in Germany as Chief of Pediatric Dentistry in 2008. After proudly serving in the U.S. Army for eight years, Dr. Manuel Castillo decided to establish his roots in Texas where he has served his patients in two private Children’s Dental practices. After almost 24 years of both general and pediatric dental experience, in 2015, Dr. Castillo decided it was time to venture in a solo practice where he could create a close and caring relationship with his young patients and their parents.

Dr. Castillo has his hands full with his three handsome boys, Mikhail, his oldest has already made him a grandfather while making a successful career in sales, Marcos goes to Coppin State University in Baltimore, where he also plays baseball, and Mattías, his youngest sweet boy. Marina is his young ballerina, and Claudia is his beautiful wife and office manager.

Dr. Castillo’s extensive experience and skills continue to earn his patients’ trust. Children and parents love his fun personality and gentle touch.

Dr. Hugo. A. Rivera, DDS, MEd — PEDIATRIC DENTIST

Dr. Hugo is a caring and experienced pediatric dentist. He has been practicing and teaching pediatric dentistry for the past 20 years. He obtained his specialty degree from the University of Puerto Rico and his fellowship from Ohio State University, after graduating Magna Cum Laude as a Doctor in Dental Surgery from UNPHU, in the Dominican Republic. He is Board Certified by the ABPD, a certification attained only by 50% of all specialists. He also has a Master’s degree in Education. Additionally, he is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and has a passion for constant learning and professional growth.

Dr. Hugo is originally from the Dominican Republic, but together with his wife, Massiel, decided to call San Antonio home well over a decade ago. As a father of two boys, he enjoys outdoor activities, learning about new cultures, traveling and connecting with nature.

Our young patients and parents alike enjoy his fun, caring demeanor, and professionalism.

WE KNOW CHILDREN, WE ARE PARENTS TOO!

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GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM

Claudia Decet-Castillo

OFFICE MANAGER

Claudia Decet-Castillo is Dr. Castillo’s wife, and as a mother, she loves children. She wants to make sure that our young patients have the best possible dental experience. She has worked as an educator, a translator and conference interpreter, also as a corporate trainer and office coordinator. She is fluent in English, Spanish and Italian. Outside the office, Mrs. Castillo enjoys, gardening, doing art projects with her children and even reviving old furniture by painting it with fun-bright colors.

Lourdes Colon

LEAD RDA

The first thing you’ll notice about Lulu is her big, easy smile. She’s married and has two children. Originally from Puerto Rico, she has been in San Antonio since 2015. She earned her Business Administration degree in Puerto Rico, after which she worked in the dental field starting in the front office, then as a dental assistant and finally as office manager —all adding up over 20 years of experience. Once she arrived in San Antonio, she went back to school and became a Registered Dental Assistant. She loves working in the dental field, and especially with children. For her, children are pure joy, love, and fun. In her free time, she enjoys music, dancing, cooking and doing crafts. Working at Happy suits her well as she expresses her love for the little ones, helps them to trust the dentist, and will do everything possible to make your child’s visit a happy one.

Sirena Segura

INSURANCE VERIFICATION COORDINATOR

A familiar face at Happy, Sirena has been with our team since 2016! Having worked both as clinical staff and front office, she comes equipped and ready to answer any questions you might have about your child’s treatment plan or insurance. Planning for dental treatment can be scary, but Sirena is always available to calm those nerves! Recently engaged, she spends her free time planning her upcoming wedding, cooking new dishes, or playing with her dogs! Sirena looks forward to welcoming you to our office with a warm smile and a Happy hello!

Malia Segura

RDA and Billing Coordinator

Malia graduated from Concorde Career College in 2019, where she got her RDA and then joined the Happy team. She is currently pursuing a degree in accounting technology, taking classes at San Antonio College where she can explore her love for numbers. Today, her math skills and understanding of the dental field help her analyze patients’ accounts and answer any billing questions with ease. In her free time, she likes to relax at home crafting through various mediums or spending time with her fiancé and their two dogs.  Malia is always ready to be the first to greet you at the door with her friendly demeanor and Happy smile!

Debbie Villalobos

Registered Dental Assistant

Debbie has a passion for smiles, and you can’t help but have one when she comes in with her jokes! Having worked at H-E-B for the last five years, Debbie is no stranger to giving excellent customer service and has brought that with her to the dental world! Graduating as an RDA in 2021, Debbie has never ended her quest to continue learning and growing in her field. Fluent in both English and in Spanish, Debbie is eager to help give you and your family the best dental experience. Debbie comes from a large family and values community, and she’s ready to welcome you into Happy’s!

Amy Garcia

Billing Coordinator

Amy has spent her whole life in San Antonio, bringing over 15 years of dental experience to our office! Having worked as both a dental assistant and administrative staff, you can trust you’re dealing with an expert when speaking with Amy! Whether it’s getting your next appointment scheduled or explaining your child’s dental needs, you’ll love her calm and cool demeanor in both English and Spanish. A mother of four and grandmother to one, she and her husband spend most of their free time planning fun activities with their family and French Bulldog, Ozzy, almost every weekend! Her family is important to her, and so is yours. She looks forward to helping you and your child make your visit a happy one.

Kathy Herrera

Registered Dental Assistant

Moving from California in 2022, Kathy’s excited to call San Antonio home! She loves working with kids, bringing 7 years’ worth of early childhood education experience to the table. Following her passion for teaching, Kathy pursued a career in dental assisting through PIMA Medical Institute for the opportunity to educate patients about the importance of proper dental health and oral hygiene! Graduating in 2024, she found herself as a member of the Happy team! As a mother of two herself, she understands the importance of trusting your child’s dental providers and is here to provide that comfort. Patients love Kathy’s bubbly attitude while parents love her sharp attention to detail! When she’s not busy assisting in treatment or uplifting the spirits at Happy, Kathy and her husband of 15 years enjoy spending time with their two sons by the pool or visiting family in California!

Erika Ramirez-Colon

Registered Dental Assistant

Erika is originally from Puerto Rico, moving to Texas about 10 years ago at the age of nine! Don’t let her age fool you. Erika might be our youngest employee, but she comes with two years of dental experience at only 19 years old! Following in the footsteps of her mother, our Lead RDA Lulu, she comes to work everyday with a passion for oral hygiene and proper dental health. Erika strives to create a welcoming and positive experience for your family, ensuring they leave our office with a Happy smile! Outside of work, she loves to express her fun, creative side with fun makeup looks and trying on new clothes!

Angie Salgado

Registered Dental Assistant

Angie graduated from UTSA in December of 2023 with a Degree in Public Health and a passion to work with her community! Continuing her education, she graduated from PIMA Medical institute, becoming a Registered Dental Assistant in 2024. Angie brings her dedication for health to Happy each and every day, helping our patients achieve their brightest smiles and best oral hygiene in both English and Spanish. Moving from New Braunfels to San Antonio recently, Angie and her boyfriend love to explore the area by trying new restaurants! In her free time, she also enjoys reading fantasy-thriller novels and practicing her water color paintings!

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