Meet the Team

Mercie | Front Office/Treatment Coordinator

Mercie is one of the first friendly faces patients meet at our office, and she brings a warm, calm, and organized approach to every visit. She’s dedicated to making each step of the patient experience feel effortless, whether she’s helping with scheduling, explaining next steps, or creating a welcoming atmosphere at the front desk. Mercie takes pride in being a reliable resource and ensuring patients feel supported from check-in to check-out. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and her beloved bulldog, who always keeps her smiling. When she’s not with them, she’s focused on her education and is currently completing her prerequisite courses with hopes of becoming a dental hygienist. Her interest in the clinical side of dentistry deepens her understanding of patient needs and fuels her passion for growth. Every day, Mercie brings dedication, positivity, and genuine care to our practice.

Alana | Front Office/Treatment Coordinator

Alana brings a friendly, patient-centered approach to every interaction. She loves helping people feel comfortable, heard, and supported, and takes pride in creating a welcoming experience for everyone who walks through the door. Her approach is shaped by her experience as an elementary school English teacher in Japan, where she worked closely with students one-on-one, tailoring support to each individual and guiding them with patience and encouragement—an approach she continues to use in her work today. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys relaxing with a good novel, drawing, jigsaw puzzles, and playing video games. As a new homeowner in Kenmore, she’s also been diving into gardening—learning as she goes and hoping to keep plant casualties to a minimum! She’s always happy to chat—and is more than enthusiastic about showing off pictures of her adorable cat, whether you asked or not.

Mary | Dental Hygienist

Mary has been a proud member of The Mill Creek Dentist team since 2004. She graduated from the Shoreline Community College Dental Hygiene program in 1999, following her earlier experience as a certified dental assistant. With a long and dedicated career in dentistry, Mary loves connecting with patients, learning what’s important to them, and ensuring their dental visits are as comfortable as possible. Outside the office, Mary and her husband Brian enjoy spending time with their two boys, Quinn and Sean, along with their cats and a very fluffy golden retriever. An outdoor enthusiast, Mary loves both hiking and biking—especially biking!

Tanya | Dental Hygienist

Tanya obtained her dental hygiene degree from Shoreline Community College, graduating ‘summa cum laude’. Tanya is passionate about providing extremely thorough, yet gentle care, and building meaningful relationships with her patients to calm nerves and promote better long-term oral health. Tanya knows that not everyone looks forward to dental appointments and likes to make them as positive an experience as possible. When not at work, you can find Tanya doing home improvement projects with her husband, traveling, or spending time with her friends, family, and their two cats.

Johanna | Dental Assistant/Lab Case Coordinator

Johanna is a dedicated dental assistant who completed the dental assisting program at Lake Washington Institute of Technology in 2023. With plans to further her education by attending hygiene school in the near future, she is passionate about growing in her career. Johanna loves interacting with patients, enjoying small talk to build connections and make each visit more personal. It brings her great satisfaction when patients feel comfortable, confident, and grateful for their care. In her free time, Johanna enjoys making YouTube videos and working as a lash technician. She also adores her two cats and has a special interest in oral surgery, her favorite aspect of dentistry.

Samantha | Dental Assistant/Inventory Coordinator

Born in San Diego, raised on Oahu and in Bremerton, Samantha has always known home to be on the Pacific Rim. Samantha earned a B.S. in Clinical Physiology and a B.A. in Psychology simultaneously at CWU where she was academically published for her work in Biology, Chemistry, Biomechanics, and English Literature. A talented artist, Sam enjoys working with stained-glass, writing calligraphy, and owns her small business selling her hand-crocheted items. She is a doting mother and a proud homeowner in Lynnwood. In her free time, Samantha is an avid consumer of film, television, podcasts, video games, and novels; enjoys hand-writing letters to older individuals who are experiencing loneliness in their sunset years; and donates crocheted blankets to animal shelters. Empathetic to dental anxiety, Samantha has utilized her education and experience to provide compassionate care as a registered dental assistant since 2017. Best known for her bubbly personality, positive energy, and soothing voice, Samantha will help make any dental visit as pleasant as possible.

Aphirak (AP) | Sterilization Technician/Dental Assistant

Aphirak (AP) is at the beginning of an exciting career in the dental field and brings fresh energy, curiosity, and a genuine passion for patient care to the team. With a long-term goal of becoming a dental hygienist, AP is focused on building a strong foundation through hands-on experience, continuous learning, and meaningful connections with both patients and colleagues. Originally from Thailand, AP is proud of his heritage and the perspective it brings to his work and relationships. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his two beloved dogs, discovering new restaurants, hitting the gym, and listening to music. As the youngest member of both his family and workplace, AP approaches each day with enthusiasm and an eagerness to grow. His positive attitude, approachable nature, and commitment to learning make him a valued and vibrant part of our dental team.

Maddy | Sterilization Technician

Maddy is excited to begin her journey as a sterile tech, seeing it as an important first step toward her goal of becoming a dental assistant and eventually attending hygiene school. She understands that every role in a dental office plays a vital part in patient care, and she’s eager to build a strong foundation by mastering sterilization protocols, organization, and efficiency. What excites her most about pursuing a career in dentistry is the chance to work closely with patients and make a meaningful difference in their lives. Outside of work, Maddy values her downtime and the simple joys that help her recharge. She loves spending time with her two cats, Minnow and Wednesday, who are her favorite little companions after a long day. Maddy also enjoys watching movies, playing video games, and hunting for unique antiques to add to her growing collection. In addition, Maddy has a deep love for nature and finds peace in spending time outdoors. Whether it’s taking a quiet walk, exploring new places, or simply enjoying fresh air and sunshine, being outside helps her feel grounded and inspired. This balance between her professional ambitions and personal passions keeps her motivated as she works steadily toward her future in the dental field, excited for all the opportunities and growth that lie ahead.

Jessica | Office Administrator

Jessica brings her passion for both dentistry and small business to her role as office administrator, where she excels at keeping things running smoothly. She loves getting to know patients and enjoys having meaningful conversations about their lives. In addition to her administrative duties, she occasionally helps out with tech-related tasks around the office. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys painting and spending time with her cats. Her dream is to one day become a farmer, raising animals, growing blueberries and flowers, and spending her free time fishing. Jessica’s organization, warmth, and versatility make her an invaluable part of our team.