Meet the Team
Our Southridge Dental Team
Your best choice for dental care and services in the Tri-Cities
Dental Hygienists
Porsche
Dental Hygienist
Originally from Seattle, I moved to Richland in 2017 with my husband, Jowed. I’m now a mom to two tiny humans, Harvey and Stella, as well as two tiny felines, Keke and Rico. I have been in the dental field since 2012 and I hold a bachelors degree from Central Washington University in addition to my Dental Hygiene degree from Seattle’s Pima Medical Institute.
I love empowering my patients to take control of their oral and systemic health. My favorite procedure to perform is local anesthetic injections, because I know it is a source of fear for many patients and I am confident in my ability to make it a positive, comfortable experience for them. I am passionate about ensuring that every patient is comfortable, happy, and healthy.
Shea
Dental Hygienist
From a very young age, Shea has always had a fascination for dentistry as well as a passion for educating others. She prides herself on creating a relaxed and comfortable environment for her patients by providing gentle and meticulous oral hygiene care. Shea loves educating patients on the importance of maintaining optimal oral health as a way of achieving overall systemic health.
Shea was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and moved to the Tri Cities in 2012. She received her bachelors degree in Dental Hygiene from Columbia Basin College. Outside of the office Shea loves spending time with her husband and young son, Emmett, along with going on small trips with extended family and friends.
Lainie
Dental Hygienist
Lainie is Yakima Valley College graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene. She’s very passionate about learning and has also earned her Master’s Degree in education. Lainie prides herself on developing a relationship with her patients and truly enjoys hearing updates from them about all of their life’s adventures. Providing exceptional and comfortable patient care is a goal she is always striving to meet.
Meredith
Dental Hygienist
At a very young age, I chose the path to become a Dental Hygienist. Fresh out of high school (Go Bombers!), I was determined to get started. I graduated from the Columbia Basin Dental Hygiene Program in 2018. I know first-hand what it is like to be anxious in the dental chair, so my goal is always to make my patient as comfortable as possible. I want it to feel like you’re just visiting an old friend. I love educating my patients, and helping create goals to establish good habits that will not only help their oral health, but their overall health as well.
I am a dog mom to the cutest yorkies, Benny and Oakley. If I’m not with my dogs and the sun is out, you can catch me on the softball fields. I am either playing slow pitch or coaching youth fast pitch. I also enjoy binge watching my favorite shows, exploring new places, and trying new restaurants.
Zamburr
Dental Hygienist
Zamburr was born and raised in the Tri-Cities. She is a graduate of Columbia Basin College in 2023 with her BAS in Dental Hygiene. Prior to working as a Dental hygienist Zamburr worked as a dental assistant for 10 years in general and pediatric dentistry. She is passionate about providing her patients with quality care and giving them a great dental experience.
On her free time, Zamburr enjoys golfing, mountain biking, and paddle boarding. During the football season she spends most of her time watching the Oregon Ducks in Eugene Oregon.
Kelsey
Hygienist
Graduating from dental hygiene school in 2024, I am passionate about promoting oral health and providing exceptional care to my patients. I enjoy creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for everyone I meet. Outside of work, I cherish time with my husband and our three-year-old son. We love spending weekends camping and crafting together. I’m also a proud cat parent to Milo and Louie, who bring joy and laughter to our home.I look forward to making a positive impact in the dental community and helping others achieve their best smiles!
Talynne
Sterile/Hygiene Assistant
Originally from Auburn, WA, I relocated to Pasco in 2022 to pursue my education at Charter College. Achieving my certificate in dental assisting in 2023, I am just starting out on my professional journey as a hygiene assistant and am eager to evolve into a fully trained restorative assistant! I appreciate the constant opportunities for learning and advancement within the field of dentistry. Interacting with patients has quickly become a passion of mine, as I enjoy building connections, understanding their needs, and contributing to their well-being. Beyond the dental realm, I find joy in reading, crafting, hiking, and spending time with family!
Dental Assistants
Juanita
Lead Dental Assistant
Juanita received her dental assisting certificate from Charter College in 2012. At the beginning of her dental journey she worked as both a dental assistant and a dental receptionist. She has also had the opportunity to work in several different dental specialties. Juanita views all her patients as family and strives to make them feel right at home and at ease when coming in for their dental appointments. She enjoys building relationships with patients and being a part of the journey they go through to improve their oral health.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, re-watching her favorite show Grey’s Anatomy, or on the hunt for the latest Starbucks cup to add to her collection.
Monica
Dental Assistant
I received my dental assistant license in 2014 from charter college. Originally from Grandview WA, I love being in the dental field being able to help patients achieve their dental goal and building friendships are my favorite of many that come along with being in the dental field. I am currently working on pursuing a career in dental hygiene.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, my dog and trying new things whether it’s restaurants or fun activities.
Sienna
Dental Assistant
Sienna received her dental assisting certificate from Tri Tech in 2014. As a child she experienced great dental anxiety as many do, however after overcoming this with the help of a dental assistant at her family’s dental office, when it became time she decided this was the career for her. Her favorite part of dentistry is helping those with similar anxieties to put them at ease. She strives to do this by thoroughly explaining procedures, helping to educate about oral health and being a supportive friend to each and every patient.
For fun she loves dancing, painting and swimming in the ocean. She spends most of her free time with her family and friends, and serving additionally in community volunteer work.
Cierra
Dental Assistant
Originally from Hermiston, Oregon, Cierra found her place in the Tri Cities. She finished Charter College in 2017. One of her favorite things in dentistry is working on long term relationships with patients and working towards patient goals as far as teeth go. She loves to see the happy process patients go through and achieve said goals. One of her favorite things to do on her free time is keeping herself busy with her four little sisters. She loves spending time with family and friends, but most of her free time is spent at Target or Hobby Lobby.
Jessica
Dental Assistant
Jessica is one of many skillful dental assistants here at SRD. She attended Columbia Basin College in 2014 and has been working as a Registered Dental Assistant ever since. Jessica is exceptionally talented at educating patients concerning their dental needs, answering questions, and assuring that everyone receives the absolute best dental care possible.
Born and raised in the Tri-cities, welcome her first child in 2019. In her free time Jessica enjoys baking with her daughter and making sure her husband and cat stay out of trouble!
Erendira
Dental Assistant
On her free time you can catch Rendi learning to crochet, getting her lashes done or being involved at her local church and district events.
Dawnyl
Dental Assistant
Originally from Spokane, Dawnyl and her family moved to the Tri-Cities in 2013. She received her Certification in Dental Assisting at Spokane Community College in 2002. Her passion for dentistry shows with her patients, from explaining procedures to easing their anxiety. She loves seeing her patient’s become excited about their dental health and watching their families grow.
During her free time, you might see her and her family riding their bikes around Chamna or at the movies. She enjoys reading, building miniature houses and traveling to the Oregon Coast.
Michelle
Dental Assistant
Michelle has been in the dental field for over twenty eight years including five years of orthodontic experience. Providing excellent chairside care is a top priority, and one of her favorite parts of assisting is learning from her patients. “Everyone has something of value to share.”
Raised in the Tri-Cities area, Michelle has a reputation as an office prankster, but outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband, Mike, her two daughters, and granddaughter while supporting existing friendships and building new ones. Some of her hobbies include walking, reading, and exploring area wineries.
Leslie
Dental Assistant
Leslie recently relocated back to Tri-Cities from Spokane, where she earned her Dental Assisting license from Carrington College in 2019. She has over 4 years of experience at an Endodontic Specialist office and has been given the name “Root Canal Queen” as she has assisted in thousands of root canal and surgical procedures to save teeth. She is extremely proud to be a part of a dynamic team of professionals and enjoys working in an environment that focuses on patient comfort and delivering the highest level of quality care to all our patients.
During her free time, she spends time outdoors with her 2 children going on bike rides, kayaking or going on walks. She also enjoys exploring different cities and seeking new culinary experiences.
Erika
Assistant
Erika received her dental assistant registration in 2022 from Charter College. Currently attending CBC. She enjoys building relationships with patients and creating a more relaxed environment. Enjoying every step of someone’s dental journey and providing the best care possible.
On her free time, Erika enjoys spending time in the outdoors, hiking and camping with her boyfriend Eric. If not in the outdoors she’s cuddling her two kitties, and trying new recipes to cook!
Office Manager & Front Desk
Krissy
COO
Kristina, or Krissy as she’s known by patients and friends, was born and raised in the Tri-Cities and has been in the dental field since 2004. Having worked her way up in the field, she started her career as a dental assistant. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration/Business Management, she furthered her dental career in practice management. Krissy focuses on delivering the highest quality of care and compassion to our patients. Her experience in all aspects within the dental office ensures that everything goes smoothly at every visit allowing our patients to have a wonderful experience in which they look forward to seeing us again.
Krissy is married with three wonderful children who keep her busy. In her free time, you will find her with her family or on the soccer field cheering on our local teams!
Miranda
Front Desk
Miranda was born and raised in the Tri-Cities. She started in the dental field shortly after graduating high school. With over 15 years of experience in the dental field, Miranda loves getting to know her patients and building relationships friendships along the way. She strives to make sure every patient has a great experience!
Outside of work, Miranda spends most of her free time with her two daughters. They are very active playing multiple sports year-round. You can either find them on the softball field or basketball court.
Chelsy
Front Desk
Chelsy was born in Salem, Oregon but moved to the the Tri-Cities at a young age. She attended Southridge High School and the Dental Assisting program at Tri-Tech Skills Center. She made a few career pit stops in the veterinary and medical fields, but has come full circle back to the dental field. Ensuring that each patient has a positive experience is the top priority for Chelsy. The relationships created with patients along the way makes her job even more fulfilling.
In her free time, you can find Chelsy at the gym, in the beauty section at Target, or at one of Tri-Cities local wineries, or cheering on the Mariners at T-Mobile park.
Dez
Front Desk
Dez is a dental baby and relatively new to the field. She is amazing and prides herself at customer service. When you come into the office, you will be greeted with her big smile and bubbly personality. She ensures every patient has a great experience from the moment they walk in to the time they leave.
Make sure when you come in for your visit to introduce yourself so she is able to say hello!
You can find Dez on her free time Reading or watching Bob’s burgers with her two fur babies, Fat boy and Fluffer.
she loves traveling, camping, playing tennis and being out on the lake paddle boarding.
