Dr. Cherie S. Kozelsky
Cherie Kozelsky, DDS always knew she wanted a career in medicine. During her undergraduate years, she pursued a pre-med path. After graduating and spending time conducting research at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and working with dentists, she saw that dentistry offered exactly what she was looking for: meaningful patient relationships, the intellectual challenge of medicine, and the flexibility to raise a family while nurturing a career she loved. She went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Dr. Cherie’s path to becoming the trusted dentist she is today was paved with her own commitment and work ethic and a whole lot of community support.
In 1992, Cherie married Tim. They graduated UTSA together in 1991 with degrees in biology. After earning her Bachelor of Science degree, she worked as a research assistant at the UT Health Science Center in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. During this time, she worked with Maria K Yeung, Ph.D., a microbiologist who made significant discoveries about the genome of the bacteria responsible for dental plaque and decay. Dr. Cherie was recognized by her colleagues for her hard work and commitment and was encouraged to apply to dental school. She committed herself to dental school and her growing family while Dr. Tim continued to work, and four years later, she found her first job as a dentist in a practice where she was offered the opportunity to manage and run the office. And then, it was Dr. Tim’s turn.
In 2002, Drs. Cherie and Tim opened Leon Springs Family Dental, a small practice built on a “big hope.” Together, they grew their practice and their family into what it is today.
Dr. Cherie still finds that building and maintaining patient relationships is the most rewarding part of her job. She understands the vulnerability it takes to be an open patient and put your trust in a care provider. She is honored to have the opportunity to serve each patient, helping them regain health and confidence in their smile. Whether she’s putting an anxious patient at ease, working through a complex restorative case, or performing a routine exam, her sole focus is always on the person she is engaging with at that moment.
Dr. Cherie believes that every patient deserves honest, individualized care guided by clear information and a genuine conversation about what’s best for their long-term health. The vigor and motivation that Dr. Cherie had when she approached her education is what continues to guide her today. As a fundamental part of offering her patients the best possible care available, Dr. Cherie pursues ongoing continuing education and is an active member of the Seattle Study Club, San Antonio District Dental Society, the American Dental Association, and the Texas Dental Association.
At Leon Springs Family Dental, Dr. Cherie prioritizes longevity and your personal experience. With a desire to share her passion, robust patient education is a foundational aspect of every treatment plan, and she encourages collaboration from each of her patients. With her, care truly is centered on the patient as a whole person, not a set of teeth to treat. When she’s not in the office, Dr. Cherie enjoys traveling, staying active, and spending time with her husband, Dr. Tim, and their three children.
