Natasha Bramley
President-Elect
Harlyn Susarla
Immediate Past President
Don Schmitt
AAPD Western District Trustee
Christine A. Roalofs
Executive Director
AK / Kristy Linsenmayer
Alberta / Sarah Hulland
AZ / Mehedia Haque
British Columbia / Phoebe Tseng
CA / Amanda Effat
CA / Ella Saeed
CA / Natalie Vander Kam
CA /Pardis Farhadian
HI / Nadiene Wu
ID / Trevor Smith
NV / Travis Neu
OR / John Warner
UT / Edee Lin
WA / Aarika Anderson Elter
WA / Jessica Webb
WY / Mathew Wold
Sarah completed dental school at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. After a year as a dental intern at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Sarah went on to complete her Pediatric Dentistry speciality as well as a Master of Science degree all at the University of Toronto. She then went on to complete a Fellowship in Special Care Dentistry in Melbourne, Australia with a focus on the genetic and medical variances in this population as well as trauma care.
Sarah returned to the Toronto area to work in a variety of clinical environments including being staff at the Hospital for Sick Children, staff at the University of Toronto, staff at the Bloorview MacMillan Centre (a centre for the care of children with genetic and acquired developmental defects) as well as practicing in private practice. These opportunities helped solidify a lifetime focus on education, research and a passion for the unique challenges experienced by the special needs populations. Sarah has always focused on the need to balance life and play so there was no shortage of mountain biking, triathalon competing and world travel.
Always interested in broadening her life experience, Sarah moved to Calgary to continue working in education, hospital and private practice settings 18 years ago. The move also allowed for an expansion of other interests which now also include road riding, photography, hiking (climbed Kilimanjaro in 2016) and an open mind to try almost any adventure.
Sarah has continued to increase her involvement with organized dentistry over the years which included becoming involved with the WSPD since 2011. She has served as the VP and President as well as being involved with numerous committees within the WSPD. Sarah will readily tell you……”The WSPD is the best organization that I have worked with. They have are the broadest thinkers and reasonable debaters, both which make it an outstanding organization to be involved with.”
Dr. Tsang studied Microbiology before she obtained her Doctorate in Dental Medicine at the University of British Columbia. After successfully completing her dental degree, she entered a Pediatric Dental Residency Training Program at British Columbia’s Children’s Hospital where she consolidated her love for pediatric dentistry. She completed a pediatric dentist specialty training program at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she also completed her PhD in oral biology. Her PhD thesis focused on the interspecies of cavity-causing bacteria, Streptococcus mutans and she is still fascinated by the complex oral microbiome.
She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada in Pediatric Dentistry, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She has been appointed as a Clinical Associate Professor at UBC Faculty of Dentistry where she teaches pediatric dentistry graduates. She is also a member of the American College of Dentist and International College of Dentists.
Besides practicing dentistry at her private practice in Abbotsford, you may find her playing badminton and hiking with her two boys and her husband.
Native to Alaska Dr. Rob was born and raised in Valdez along the beautiful waters of Prince William Sound. After graduation from Valdez High School he received his Undergraduate from Montana State University where he graduated Suma Cum Laude, with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. He then went on to receive his DMD (dental degree) at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon.
Excited to get back to Alaska he accepted a job at Aspen Dental Center, a Community Health Center where he was Dental Director and worked as a general dentist for four years. After organizing a mission trip to Honduras and working with many children there he knew he that he wanted to work exclusively with kids.
Prior to establishing his Pediatric Dentistry Practice, Dr. Rob completed extensive specialized postgraduate education in pediatric dentistry through Lutheran Medical Center. In his final year there he was distinguished by being appointed Chief Resident. He is now a Board Eligible Specialist in pediatric dentistry and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others.
When Dr. Rob is not practicing his passion for Pediatric Dentistry, he spends most of his time with his friends, family, and their two miniature schnauzers. He enjoys fishing in the waters of Prince William Sound, traveling to new places, and playing his favorite sport basketball.
Bobby Yang is the treasurer of WSPD and also represents AZ. He is a native of AZ and has been practicing since 2005. His practice name is called My Kidz Dentist with 3 valley locations. In his spare time, he loves to travel.
Dr. Haque earned her graduate degree from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine where she was granted the Oral Medicine Award. She then received her postgraduate education in Pediatric Dentistry from NYU Langone Hospitals. Dr. Haque has worked in both private practice and in academia. She was a Clinical Assistant Professor at University of Illinois Chicago where she was awarded the Master Clinical Fellowship from American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Due to her passion for increasing access to care for under-resourced communities and integration of oral health and systemic health, she pursued her Masters in Public Health through Harvard Chan School of Public Health. She was also selected to be the Joseph Henry Fellow in Minority Oral Health Policy at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Haque currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the Arizona Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a reviewer for the Journal of Dentistry for Children.
In her free time, Dr. Haque enjoys hiking, painting, cooking and traveling.
Dr. Brianne Butler, or “Dr. Bri” as she prefers to be called, was born and raised in Washington State. She completed both dental school and her pediatric residency at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital, where she received extensive experience in working with children of all ages and children with special needs. After completing residency, she and her husband decided to relocate to the beautiful Olympic Peninsula where she has been serving children for the past five years. Dr. Bri has also completed her board certification in pediatric dentistry and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Bri volunteers her time working as affiliate faculty at the University of Washington School of Dentistry and attends events throughout the community to promote oral health in children. She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Washington State Dental Association, and Olympic Peninsula Dental Society. She is committed to bettering the oral health of our community by working with patients and parents both in the clinic and in the community at large. In her free time, Dr. Bri enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and their dog, Lola. Her hobbies include traveling, fishing, board games, and anything outdoors!
Dr. Rita Daghlian is a board certified pediatric dentist based in Newport Beach, California. She practices alongside her husband, orthodontist Dr. Paul Sokolowski, serving patients at their offices in Newport Beach and Huntington Beach.
Dr. Daghlian earned her dental degree from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry while receiving a scholarship from the U.S. Navy. She completed a General Practice Residency at the Naval Medical Center San Diego and served eight years on active duty with the U.S. Navy.
Following her military service, Dr. Daghlian opened a private practice in Newport Beach and now provides comprehensive, collaborative dental care alongside her husband’s orthodontic practice across their two locations. She is dedicated to patient-centered treatment and coordinated care.
A Newport Beach resident, Dr. Daghlian and Dr. Sokolowski are parents to twin boys. Outside of dentistry she loves to travel and spends much of her free time outdoors—whether in a spin studio, hiking, or kayaking.
Dr. Ella Saeed completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) in human biology and earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of California San Francisco (UCSF). She continued to complete her Pediatric Dentistry residency at University of Southern California (USC) and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where she specialized in the care and treatment of infants, children, adolescents, with emphasis on patients with special health care needs.
Dr. Saeed is a board-certified pediatric dentist practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area in private practice and an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSF School of Dentistry. She currently serves as the President of the Alameda County Dental Society and Board Director for the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry (CSPD).
Dr. Saeed speaks Arabic fluently and when not practicing dentistry, is an avid runner and hiker.
Jessica Webb, DDS, MSD, MA, MSRT is a board-certified pediatric dentist and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). She earned her DDS from UCLA and completed her pediatric dental residency and Master of Science in Dentistry at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital. In addition to her dental training, Dr. Webb holds a master’s degree in Bioethics from the University of Washington, a master’s degree Recreational Therapy from Indiana University, and a certificate in Professional Coaching from UC Davis. Dr. Webb has served on multiple AAPD committees and councils, including the Committee on Special Health Care Needs, Council on Post-Doctoral Education, Nominating Committee, and Council on Scientific Affairs. She has served as chair for both the AAPD Committee on Special Health Care Needs and Council on Scientific Affairs.
Dr. Webb’s clinical practice has focused on dental care for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, medical complexities, and craniofacial differences. She has dedicated much of her career to dental education, previously serving as faculty and Associate Program Director for the NYU Langone Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry residency in Yakima, and currently as an Associate Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at Pacific Northwest University School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Rita Daghlian is a board certified pediatric dentist based in Newport Beach, California. She practices alongside her husband, orthodontist Dr. Paul Sokolowski, serving patients at their offices in Newport Beach and Huntington Beach.
Dr. Daghlian earned her dental degree from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry while receiving a scholarship from the U.S. Navy. She completed a General Practice Residency at the Naval Medical Center San Diego and served eight years on active duty with the U.S. Navy.
Following her military service, Dr. Daghlian opened a private practice in Newport Beach and now provides comprehensive, collaborative dental care alongside her husband’s orthodontic practice across their two locations. She is dedicated to patient-centered treatment and coordinated care.
A Newport Beach resident, Dr. Daghlian and Dr. Sokolowski are parents to twin boys. Outside of dentistry she loves to travel and spends much of her free time outdoors—whether in a spin studio, hiking, or kayaking.
I am a board certified pediatric dentist with practices in the Bay Area. I completed my specialty training in pediatric dentistry at UCSF and my dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. I hold privileges at Kaiser Oakland hospital, the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, and the Walnut Creek outpatient surgery center and teach the practice management course for the UCSF pediatric dental residents. I have served on the CSPD Board since 2016. In my spare time, I love using my creativity for crafts, music, and baking with my husband and two girls who brighten my life. I am an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, California Dental Association and Southern Alameda County Dental Society.
Natalie Vander Kam, DDS. was born and raised in the San Jose Bay area, attended college in San Diego, California, Dental school in San Francisco at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry and then ventured east for her pediatric dental residency at Cincinnati Childrens’ Medical Center. After completing the program, she returned to the Bay Area and joined a large group practice where she was the pediatric dental partner for 18 years. In 2022, the family decided to move to San Luis Obispo, CA, on the central coast. Natalie sold her practice and is now an associate in a pediatric practice with one of her classmates from dental school. Natalie has been serving on the CSPD Board in one fashion or another since 2021. She has two teenage boys and a husband who is a rocket scientist. In their free time they love traveling and camping and being active outdoors.
Dr. Pardis grew up in Menlo Park, California, received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and completed her doctorate of dental surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). She then advanced her training at UCSF’s dual Pediatric Dentistry and Master of Science (MS) program.
Over the years, Dr. Pardis has held numerous leadership positions. At UCSF School of Dentistry, Dr. Pardis was student body president and academic Chief Resident. Additionally, she was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national dental honor society, in recognition of academic excellence, strength of character, and professional integrity. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and an active member of the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and California Dental Association. She currently serves as the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry (CSPD) Director at Large and liaison to the WSPD.
Dr. Pardis is in private practice in the Bay Area. When she’s not treating patients, she loves traveling, baking, volunteering, and spending time with her husband and two kids exploring local playgrounds and cafes!
Thomas Tanbonliong is an Associate Professor and Clinic Director of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. He received his dental degree from the University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry and pediatric dental training at Case Western Reserve University and Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital following completion of a General Practice Residency Program at Metro Health Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Tanbonliong is a Diplomate and a member of the exam committee of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Nadiene Wu was born and raised in Hawaii and currently practices Pediatric Dentistry on the island of Oahu. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene at the University of Hawaii and was inspired to continue her education at the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry. While working as a RDH and in Dental school, she participated in many community service events over the years in Hawaii and Missouri such as the Hawaii Bishop Museum Kids Day, Give Kids a Smile Hawaii and St. Louis, Big Brother Big Sister events, Kokua Smiles, and more. Nadiene graduated Cum Laude from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry in May 2020 and was inducted into the Rho Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon national dental honor society. Nadiene completed her Pediatric residency at The NYU Langone Dental Medicine – Hawaii and now serves the community across the island of Oahu.
During her free time, Nadiene is busy running after her children Alexander (3 years), Emilia (8 months), and her 6 year old Schnautzu.
Dr. Richard Manwaring graduated with honors from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 2009 where he was inducted into the OKU Dental Honor Society. After practicing general dentistry for 4 years in Texas, he returned to UCLA to complete his specialty certification in pediatric dentistry. Following graduation, he moved with his wife and four children to the beautiful city of Twin Falls, Idaho, where he currently practices. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. In his free time, Dr. Manwaring enjoys traveling, testing new recipes in the kitchen, and playing percussion for the Magic Valley Symphony.
Dr. Trevor Smith is an Idaho native- he was born in Pocatello and after travelling the U.S. following his father’s training (and his) he has happily put down roots in Twin Falls for the last 15+ years. He completed his undergraduate degree at Utah Valley University and BYU before obtaining his dental degree from the University of North Carolina. He then obtained his pediatric residency training at the University of Florida.
During Dr. Smith’s time in dental school, he worked with several children who were very anxious about receiving dental treatment. It was such a rewarding experience seeing the impact he made on those kiddos that he chose to look into pediatrics and the rest was history! Dr. Smith has been practicing for over 16 years, is a board-certified pediatric dentist and belongs to several associations, including: South Central Idaho Dental Society, Idaho Society of Pediatric Dentistry, Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Smith is a past president of the Idaho Society of Pediatric Dentistry and serves on the Idaho Dental Foundation board representing his local dental society.
His mission is to practice relationship-based pediatric dentistry in a fun and friendly environment so children can maintain great oral health for life! Outside of work, Dr. Smith enjoys spending time with his wife of 25 years and their three children, Parker, Allie and Sydney. He also really enjoys spending time outside, four-wheeling, kayaking, playing basketball, watching movies and running spartan races.
Dr. Travis Neu is a Nevada native from the small town of Winnemucca. Growing up, he moved around the world, living in Colorado, Washington, and Bolivia. He received a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Nevada – Reno. Dr. Travis attended UNLV School of Dental Medicine, where he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. He then completed a two-year pediatric residency program at UNLV, becoming a pediatric specialist. He is in private practice in Henderson, Nevada and he enjoys spending time with his wife and 4 children. He also enjoys running and has a healthy addiction to pickleball.
John Warner is a board-certified pediatric dentist in Portland, Oregon. He attended Auburn University for undergraduate education, earned a D.M.D. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, completed a General Practice Residency at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. After practicing general dentistry in California, he pursued specialty training in pediatric dentistry at OHSU in Portland.
John practices with Permanente Dental Associates in the Portland metro area, and is an Assistant Professor in Pediatric Dentistry at OHSU. He leads resident seminar series in dental trauma, behavior guidance, clinical calibration, and is actively involved in interdisciplinary care at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. He holds surgical privileges at Kaiser Interstate Surgery Center and Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
John is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and previously completed the leadership internship program for the Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry.
Natasha graduated from dental school at the University of Pennsylvania and worked as a general dentist at a grassroots non-profit clinic for children in Philadelphia for a few years. Once she realized that pediatric dentistry was her one true (career) love, she applied to residency and spent two wonderful years at the University of Connecticut.
Shortly after, she moved to Oregon with her husband because they share a love of the outdoors and nature, and an unwavering disdain for sunshine. Natasha spends the majority of her spare time indulging in her passion for organized dentistry and is deeply involved at the State level as public policy advocate and (now past) president of the state chapter, as well as at the District level as the representative for the state of Oregon.
The rest of her time is spent exploring her new hometown of Portland with her husband and trying to discipline her rambunctious dog.
Dr. Edee Lin is a board-certified Pediatric Dentist, receiving her certification from Oregon Health and Sciences University. Before that, she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri-Kansas School of Dentistry and completed her residency at Baylor University. Before practicing as a pediatric dentist, Dr. Lin practiced general dentistry for six years in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Lin is a native of Taiwan and speaks both Taiwanese and Mandarin fluently. When she is not in the office, she enjoys international travel ballroom dancing, the Symphony, and the Arts.
Dr. Aarika D. Anderson Elter is a board-certified pediatric dentist and the owner of Tacoma Pediatric Dentistry. A native Washingtonian, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from California Lutheran University, followed by her D.M.D. and Certificate in Dental Public Health from A.T. Still University–Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health. She practiced as a general dentist in community health for nearly a decade before completing her pediatric dental residency through the NYU Langone–Yakima program and a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Fellowship at the University of Washington. Dr. Anderson is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, Past President of the Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a graduate of the AAPD Leadership Institute. She also serves as Clinical Director for Special Olympics Special Smiles and contributes to statewide public health initiatives.
Throughout her career, Dr. Anderson has demonstrated a strong commitment to advocacy, inclusivity, and improving access to care. She has spent her career providing dental services in community health, public health, and tribal health settings, serving underserved populations including large immigrant, refugee, and migrant communities. In addition to her private practice, she continues to provide culturally centered care at the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Anderson enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children.
Dr. Eid is a board certified pediatric dentist, and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Dr Eid has a Masters of Science Degree and a certificate of Specialty in Pediatric Dentistry from Tufts University in Boston MA.
Dr. Eid is a Diplomate of the American Orthodontic Society (AOS), and a published author on the use of Nitrous Oxide and behavior management for the Anxious child, and the restoration of Traumatized teeth.
Before starting Happy Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Eid was an assistant professor at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in the Pediatric Dentistry Department.
Dr. Eid serves as a board examiner for American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD), and on the board of The Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (WSAPD). Dr. Eid is a member of the Rotary Club of Longview, and is a past president. Hani enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and the occasional Ironman triathlon.
Dr. Harlyn K. Susarla completed her undergraduate education at Wellesley College, obtained a Master of Public Health from Boston University, and was awarded her D.M.D. from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. She completed residency training in pediatric dentistry at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry.
As a board-certified pediatric dentist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), Dr. Harlyn, (as she is known to her patients), is an advocate for children’s oral health and has a strong commitment to service. She is a past president of the Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the New Diplomate Representative for the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a consultant on both the AAPD Council on Scientific Affairs and the Committee on Early Career Pediatric Dentists, a delegate for the Seattle King County Dental Society, a fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, as well as a member of the medical staff at Seattle Children’s Hospital, the Washington State Dental Association, the Northwest Pediatric Dental Study Club and the Harvard Odontological Society. She has also published numerous book chapters and articles in the peer-reviewed medical and dental literature.
In her spare time, Dr. Harlyn enjoys spending time with her husband and two young daughters, attempting various culinary endeavors and traveling.
Dr. Mamiko Kuriya is a native of Tokyo, Japan. She has always wanted to be a pediatric dentist since she was six years old. She completed her dental school and a pediatric dental residency at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, where she also received her master’s degree in pediatric dentistry. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is an owner and a pediatric dentist at Ballard Pediatric Dentistry in Seattle, WA.
She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and Seattle Pediatric Dental Study Club. She currently serves as a board member for the Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Seattle Pediatric Dental Study Club. She also has been a board member for the Foundation of World Wide Health and goes on dental mission trips through Loma Linda University every year since she finished her pediatric dental residency program. Creating access to care for the patients is her strong mission.
She also has completed a master’s course in Non-Violent Communications and holds a certification to share the importance of safe communications without expectations.
When she is not in her private practice, She has a special interest in raising funds for abused and neglected animals. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, biking, and skiing. She resides in Seattle with her husband, stepson, baby girl Emma, and two chihuahuas.
Trisha Benton was born, raised and practices in Washington state and is proud to serve the Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry. She attended dental school at Tufts University and went on to complete residencies at both Boston Medical Center (GPR) and Boston University (pediatric dentistry). Committed to optimal pediatric oral health, she strides strengthen and support pediatric dentistry through its organizations. She has served in this capacity throughout her career and has most recently completed a rotation on the board of the Washington State Association of Pediatric Dentistry. She looks forward to continuing her service locally, regionally and nationally.
Dr. Wold is originally from Neola, Utah. He received his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University-Idaho and his DMD and Master of Public Health degrees from the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health and A. T. Still University. He then completed his pediatric residency at the University of Southern California.
Dr. Wold loves spending time with his wife Kristine and their four children. He enjoys playing basketball, hunting, going to the movies and is a novice fly fisherman.
Don Schmitt graduated from the University of the Pacific Dental School. He completed his residency in Pediatric Dentistry at US . Don is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. For many years, Dr. Schmitt has served on the faculty at the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry. Dr. Schmitt has served as treasurer and on the executive committee of the board of the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Schmitt is an active member of the Danville Rotary and serves on the Danville Rotary Foundation Board. When he’s not seeing patients, Dr. Schmitt can often be found with his family, including their dogs and cats, at their home in Alamo. The family enjoys snow skiing, along with playing and attending sporting events. Dr. Schmitt also coaches his son’s basketball, baseball, and soccer teams.
Christine completed dental school at the University of Louisville, worked as a GP for a few years, and then completed her Pediatric residency at the Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. Since she didn’t get enough snow in Buffalo, she thought she’d give Alaska a try.
She stayed in Alaska for 20 years and has numerous adventures to share with others in both Dentistry and dog mushing.
Christine and her pack of huskies moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin in the summer of 2019, but she will continue to work in Alaska’s remote villages on a part time basis.
Christine started as the Alaska Board Rep to the WSPD in 2005. She served as President, VP, and spent many years as the Secretary. When the position for an Executive Assistant was developed within the WSPD, Christine pursued the opportunity to further serve organized dentistry.
She is here to facilitate communications between individual state chapters and the District. Please contact her with any questions or concerns.
Dr. Jessica “Jessy” Blanco graduated with her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL May 2013. Dr. Blanco specialized in pediatric dentistry and graduated from Children’s National Health Hospital and the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, DC in June 2015. Dr. Blanco is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist who has been practicing for seven years in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Yakutat communities.
Dr. Blanco loves her chosen field and believes in the importance of public service. She currently serves as president of the Alaska Dental Society (ADS). She is Alaska’s Public Policy Advocate for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), a position she has held since 2016. Dr. Blanco chairs several annual public service and community events, including a yearly Give Kids a Smile. In 2020, Dr. Blanco was awarded the volunteer of the year award by the Alaska Dental society for contributions to her community and profession.
Dr. Blanco was born and raised in Miami, Florida, where she met and married her high school sweetheart Roly Blanco. They moved to Juneau, Alaska, in 2003 after Roly enlisted in the US Coast Guard. The Blancos fell in love with the Alaskan way of life. Their beautiful daughter Sophia Blanco was born in Juneau in April of 2006. After 20 years of military service, the Blancos retired from the US Coast Guard and made Juneau their home base. Outside of work, Dr. Blanco enthusiastically takes in all Alaska has to offer, enjoying boating, fishing, hiking, exploring, and snowboarding. Additionally, she teaches drop-in Zumba classes, where she is affectionately referred to as Dr. Zumba!
Dr. Jonathon Lee joined his father, Dr. Brian Lee, in private practice in 2000. After graduating with Honors from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, he completed his dual specialty certification in Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics at the University of California at Los Angeles School of Dentistry. As one of the few Dual Board Certified Pediatric Dentists and Orthodontists in the country, he enjoys both providing care for the kids and watching them grow up. Because of quality experiences, generations have trusted and enjoyed coming to Dr. Jon, so much so, that they return with their kids. When not in the office, you can find Dr. Jon cooking, cycling, or serving his professional state, district, and national dental organizations where he has served as the President of The California Society of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Jacob Lee received his D.D.S. from the University of Toronto. He completed an internship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and earned his diploma in pediatric dentistry at the University of Toronto. He was a faculty member at Loma Linda University and has served as director of the graduate program in pediatric dentistry at the University of Minnesota, chairperson of pediatric dentistry at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco and the dental director of the Children’s Dental Health Clinic. Dr. Lee also served as director of the USC pediatric dental residency program at Miller Children’s Hospital, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.
Dr. Lee is a Diplomate and examiner of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. As a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, he has served as a member of the Council on Continuing Education, member of the research committee, member of the editorial board of the AAPD Journal, chair of the Graduate Students Research Awards Committee and coordinated the academicians meeting at the annual sessions.
Dr. Andrea Akabike was raised in Compton, CA. She is a first-year pediatric dental resident at the University of Washington. In June 2020, she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with honors from the University of California, San Francisco.
Dr. Akabike is dedicated to improving access to oral health care for vulnerable populations. Her passion for serving vulnerable communities led her to get awarded the highly competitive National Health Service Corps scholarship. Prior to starting residency, she practiced as a general dentist for three years at a federally qualified health center in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Dr. Akabike’s interest in organized dentistry sparked during her participation in the California Dental Association’s (CDA) Leadership Development Program. After completing the program, she later became an Associate Director on the CDA Foundation Board. Her tenure with the CDA was a transformative experience for her and solidified her interest in seeking opportunities to become a leader in organized dentistry.
When Dr. Akabike is not practicing, she enjoys traveling, extreme heights activities, listening to live music, and spending quality time with her family.
Dr. Sandy Huang was born and raised in Taiwan, where she earned her dental degree before moving to the United States to pursue advanced training in pediatric dentistry. She completed her Master of Science degree and specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at Loma Linda University, graduating in 2023. During residency, Dr. Huang served as the CSPD Liaison of Loma Linda University and was honored with the 2022 North American Taiwanese Medical Association (NATMA) Foundation Scholarship. She is now a board-certified pediatric dentist practicing in Longview, WA, where she is dedicated to providing compassionate, child-focused care to her patients and their families.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Huang enjoys baking and cooking, and loves exploring new restaurants to discover unique flavors and culinary inspiration. Known for her cheerful and approachable personality, she brings warmth and positivity both to her practice and to her community.
