Meet the Team
Our Southridge Dental Team
Your best choice for dental care and services in the Tri-Cities
Dental Hygienists
Katie
Dental Hygienist
Working in dentistry since the age of 17, Katie started as a Dental Assistant while perusing her degree in Dental Hygiene from Columbia Basin College. As a Dental Hygienist, Katie strives to make all her patients comfortable by providing gentle and compassionate care, while educating them on their oral health.
In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with her family, friends, exploring the local wineries and playing with her chocolate lab.
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.
Sarah
Dental Hygienist
Straight out of high school, Sarah started school for dental hygiene knowing this was the career path she wanted to take. Oral health has always been a passion of Sarah’s. Educating patients on better home care habits and routines, as well as making patients feel safe in the dental chair is what Sarah aims to do daily.
In her free time, you can find Sarah and her husband binge watching a tv show, spending time outdoors with family, or playing with their little fur baby.
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.
Danielle
Dental Hygienist
I’ve always wanted to be in the dental field! So I set a goal of becoming a dental hygienist and graduated in 2017 from Columbia Basin College.
I strive to provide my patients with the best possible care. I want to educate about the oral systemic link and provide gentle but thorough care, while making patients feel relaxed.
In my spare time, I enjoy being with my family, friends, the outdoors (including “wine country”), or just relaxing and watching tv.
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!
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.
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.
Sierra
Dental Assistant
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.
Giselle
Dental Assistant
Giselle received her Dental Assisting certificate from Tri-Tech Skills Center back in 2016 and began working as a Hygiene Assistant shortly after. Over time she developed an interest in working more directly with patients on the restorative side of dentistry, where she’s been for the last couple years. She has been thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to expand her knowledge of dentistry, care for patients needs, and forming bonds with them along the way!
Outside of the office, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and volunteering in our local community.
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.
Karen
Dental Assistant
Karen graduated from the Tri-Tech skills center with her certification in dental assisting. She has a passion for helping patients achieve the smile they have always dreamed of. It excites her to be part of that journey which is why she decided to go into dentistry right out of high school. She is currently working on furthering her education to become a dental hygienist.
Outside of the office, you can find Karen participating in church activities and events. She loves spending time with her family and her pug.
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!
Tori
Clinical Director
Born and raised in the Tri-Cities, Tori has been in the dental field since the age of 18. Starting as a dental assistant and working her way up to Clinical Director, she is well trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of dentistry. She enjoys connecting and creating friendships with all of our patients and ensuring they are well informed with their oral health. She believes knowledge is power!
Outside of work, Tori is a busy mom of three that enjoys seeking out new experiences, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.
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.
Heidy
Front Desk
Heidy graduated from Tri-Tech Skills Center with her Dental Assisting license in 2017, and has been in the dental field ever since. While working as a Dental Assistant, she gained knowledge in front desk and has enjoyed the transition. She is currently working towards completing her prerequisites and applying for the Dental Hygiene program at CBC. Building lifelong friendships with patients is what she finds the most rewarding. While it can sometimes be a bit nerve-wracking coming to the dentist, she strives to make sure every patient has a happy and comfortable experience.
On her free time you can catch her doing a Harry Potter movie marathon for the billionth time, or watching The Office.
Lucy
Front Desk
My name is Luz but I go by Lucy. I am new to dentistry but have been working in customer service for 6 years now. My favorite thing about working with people is being able to have conversations with them and hearing stories about their adventures, vacations, history and origins. I treat everyone as I would like to be treated so I try my best to make every patient who walks through the door feel welcomed and comfortable.
In my free time I love to run, hike, paddle board, cook, spend time with friends and family, and play softball.
If I am not outside I am watching true crime documentaries with my cat Brick.
Desere
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 watching Bob’s burgers with her husband and her two fur babies, Fat boy and Fluffer.
she loves camping, playing tennis and being out on the lake paddle boarding.
Grace
Front Desk
Being born and raised in Tri-Cities Grace graduated from Kamiakin High school, also attending Tri-Tech skills center for Dental assisting in 2009. She has been in the dental field ever since, enjoying working as an assistant and on the administrative side as well. Grace loves connecting with patients most of all but takes pride in helping them understand insurance as it can be quite complicated sometimes.
Grace comes from a large family including her 3 kiddos. You can find them running around to sports or camping in the mountains with family. They love to be outdoors and hike and explore new areas!
Lucy
Front Desk
My name is Luz but I go by Lucy. I am new to dentistry but have been working in customer service for 6 years now. My favorite thing about working with people is being able to have conversations with them and hearing stories about their adventures, vacations, history and origins. I treat everyone as I would like to be treated so I try my best to make every patient who walks through the door feel welcomed and comfortable.
In my free time I love to run, hike, paddle board, cook, spend time with friends and family, and play softball.
If I am not outside I am watching true crime documentaries with my cat Brick.
