Liz Koch Memorial Scholarship Recipients

“Having my CDA credential isn’t just a dream anymore, because I am so close to completing it! And my dental assistant career won’t cease there,” Blake shares. “I plan on furthering my studies and eventually earning an expanded functions credential. I’m always challenging myself to learn. I’m passionate about patient oral healthcare and patient safety and satisfaction.”

Rachelle Keyonnie, CDA

Joanna L. Girdner, CDA, EFDA

Joanna L. Girdner, CDA, EFDA, of Westerville, Ohio, has been working in the dental assisting profession for nearly 20 years. She now has her sights set on earning an associate degree in dental hygiene from Columbus State Community College, where she’s currently enrolled. Girdner plans to use her scholarship earnings toward the tuition cost.

“I have dedicated myself to learning everything I can,” says Girdner. “I have a ferocious appetite for knowledge. Learning will not stop with earning my associate degree. I will continue my journey to obtain my bachelor’s degree as well in dental hygiene, and I hope to finish my career by teaching the future generation of dental professionals.”

Kalyn Rhodes, CDA

Kalyn Rhodes, CDA, of Murphysboro, Illinois, has been a dental assistant for more than four years for Shawnee Health Service in southern Illinois. Since June 2021, she has been working toward completing the expanded functions dental assisting program at John A. Logan College and plans to use her scholarship to offset the tuition cost.

“I have been on the search for more ways to provide for my patients,” says Rhodes. “Bringing new expanded-functions skill sets to my practice will not only help in developing my lifelong career in oral healthcare, but also bring more opportunities to mentor other dental assistants looking to grow in this rewarding and ever-changing field.”

Clarissa Torgersen

Clarissa Torgersen of Ingleside, Illinois, has been working at a pediatric dental practice in Lake Zurich, Illinois, for nearly nine years. In 2016, she transitioned from the role of assistant to clinical coordinator for the practice. Her responsibilities now include overseeing clinical staff training, mentoring new dental assistants and coordinating staff continuing education. Education remains top of mind for Torgersen in her own career as well – she plans to put her scholarship toward earning DANB certification, plus an expanded functions dental assistant credential.

“This scholarship would be a tremendous help in my continuous efforts of obtaining as much education and training to further my career in the oral healthcare field,” says Torgersen. “I have many education and career goals, plus an overall passion for dentistry.”

Jacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson of Forest, Virginia, has been working as a dental assistant for almost eight years. She plans to put her scholarship funds toward earning DANB Certified Dental Assistant™ (CDA®) certification.

“I am very eager to pass the required exams to finally obtain DANB CDA certification,” says Wilson. “This scholarship will help me to further advance my education and career goals. I strive to go on to earn DANB Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA®) certification as well. Through holding DANB certifications, I feel I’ll be able to do even more not only for my employers, but also for my community. I am so passionate about dentistry.”

Jorge Colon Jr.

Jorge Colon Jr. of Harrington, Delaware, has been working as a dental assistant for about seven years, currently with a public health clinic in Georgetown, Delaware. Colon also works in dental assisting education at Delaware Technical Community College. He plans to use his scholarship funds to take DANB’s Infection Control and General Chairside Assisting exams to earn Certified Dental Assistant™ (CDA®) certification.

“In my roles, I help bring back patients’ smiles, as well as bring new knowledge to those who wish to elevate their education in the dental field,” Colon shares. “I am seeking to become DANB certified, because it is my hope to elevate our educational program and continue to pass on my knowledge and experience.”

Dalena Ha

Dalena Ha of Hillsboro, Oregon, works at Kaiser Permanente as a dental assistant and is currently attending Johns Hopkins University to pursue a biotechnology master’s degree with a concentration in regenerative and stem cell technologies. In the past, Ha worked as a dental assistant with dental services at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in conjunction with Oregon Health and Science University. She plans to use her scholarship funds toward dental school application and ultimately aims to advocate for the special needs and medically complex patient population.

“I strive to improve my knowledge in patient care,” Ha says. “Patients look to their providers for support to get through obstacles in their lives. Through my personal work experiences, I have learned that honing my patient-care skills — such as being compassionate and open-minded — will allow me to provide extended support for my patients, as well as ensure their safety.”

Valinda Johnston, CDA

Valinda Johnston, CDA, of Pleasant Grove, Utah, has been working as a dental assistant for more than 30 years. She also has experience as a treatment coordinator, and with coordinating and teaching continuing dental education offered by her dentist employer, as well as providing in-office consulting nationwide. Johnston now is pursuing a Health Science and Services degree at Brigham Young University-Idaho, with plans to use her scholarship funds toward this tuition cost.

“As a French author said, ‘A goal without a plan is just a wish.’ I have always wished to go back to school and earn my bachelor’s degree,” Johnston says. “Life has brought many challenges and hardships that put my goal of going back to school on hold. It is the right time now. I have the plan and an attainable goal. In the future, I hope to continue working in the dental field, teaching and consulting, and in dental research.”

Gina Conrad, CDA, MADAA

Gina Conrad, CDA, MADAA, of Antioch, Tennessee, works at the office of David W. Harr, D.M.D., where she is a registered dental assistant. She holds an Associate of Science degree from Motlow State Community College, as well as fellowship and mastership in the American Dental Assistants Association. Currently, Conrad is pursuing a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers School of Health Professions; she plans to use her scholarship for tuition. She aspires to one day become a dental assistant educator. “Being a dental assistant instructor is a goal that I would like to master within the next few years. This scholarship will help me reach my goal,” Conrad shares.

Iris Jeannette Guilbe-Carter, CDA

Iris Jeannette Guilbe-Carter, CDA, of Concord, North Carolina, has worked as a dental assistant for the past 20 years at the office of Henry D. Duncan, D.D.S. She is a 2000 graduate of the dental assisting program at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Guilbe-Carter is currently enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in public health; she has her sights set on attending dental school in the future. Guilbe-Carter plans to use her scholarship for her tuition and books as well as to help offset dental school application costs and a Dental Admissions Test preparation course. “My ultimate goal includes graduating from dental school,” she says.

Elisha Ricker

Elisha Ricker, of Puyallup, Washington, has worked as a dental assistant in private practice for the past two years and is now studying to be a dental hygienist at Seattle Central College (SCC). Ricker plans to use his scholarship for tuition. He aspires to ultimately earn a master’s degree and become a dental hygiene educator and public health advocate. “I am ecstatic to finally be pursuing my career in dental hygiene through SCC and will stop at nothing to make my dream of public health service a reality,” Ricker shares. “Oral healthcare is my passion, and with your help, I strive to make it a lifelong career.”

Kaitlyn Wakelee

Kaitlyn Wakelee, of Vienna, Virginia, works as a surgical assistant for Virginia Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery and is a part-time student at Northern Virginia Community College, where she is pursuing an Associate of Science degree. Wakelee plans to use her scholarship for tuition. “Receiving this scholarship is an honor and will help me to expand my knowledge and skills to better myself as a professional,” Wakelee shares. “I’m a motivated, driven and dedicated dental assistant and student.”

Shawnee Delo

Shawnee Delo, of Richmond, Virginia, works as a dental assistant at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Dentistry. She plans to apply the scholarship funds toward earning DANB’s Certified Dental Assistant certification, as well as toward registering for Spanish-language courses.

“I strongly feel that completion of these classes will greatly benefit me in the workplace and help Spanish-speaking families feel more comfortable knowing they can communicate in their native language during their visit,” Delo says.

Elizabeth Polak-Silva, CDA

Elizabeth Polak-Silva, CDA, of Bristol, Connecticut, works at Kids Dental Care in Bristol. She aspires to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and apply to dental schools. Polak-Silva plans to use her scholarship to offset the application costs, as well as to fund a DAT preparation course.

“I share Liz Koch’s belief in lifelong learning,” she says. “That is why I want to further my education and become a dentist. My dream, as a future dentist, is to organize dental mission trips and encourage other dental professionals to join me.”

Robynn Rixse, CDA

Robynn Rixse, CDA, of Landisville, Pennsylvania, will apply her scholarship to her tuition at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration. Rixse is the 2018-2019 president-elect of the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA), as well as an ADAA Fellow and Master. She also aspires to join the American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM) and work toward becoming an AADOM Fellow, which includes the completion of DALE Foundation office management courses, among other requirements.

“Education has always been a priority for me,” she says.

Sheila Seevers, CDA

Sheila Seevers, CDA, of Newberg, Oregon, is currently instructing dental assistants at Portland Community College on a part-time basis. She aspires to transition into teaching full-time by earning her master’s degree in career and technical education through Concordia University’s online program. Seevers will apply her scholarship to her tuition for this online program.

“Like Liz Koch, I too strongly value continuing education in whatever field one happens to be passionate about,” Seevers says. “I have a very strong belief that learning is a never-ending process.”

Tajuana L. Barnes, CDA

Tajuana L. Barnes, CDA, of Memphis, Tennessee, is a dental assistant at Christ Community Health Service in Memphis. She plans to use her scholarship to complete a restorative functions course at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry by January 2018 and then enroll in an expanded prosthetic functions course. She also plans to earn additional DANB certifications in the future.

Elizabeth Justice, CDA

Elizabeth Justice, CDA, of Westover, Maryland, earned DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification in 2013. After graduating with an associate of science degree from Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury, Maryland, she went on to work as a full-time dental assistant with the oral surgery office of Lynn F. Ascher, D.M.D. Justice plans to use her scholarship to fund summer classes and textbooks at Salisbury University, where she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in community health education.

Elizabeth Ledford

Elizabeth Ledford, of Cottonwood, Arizona, is a dental assisting student at Rio Salado College in Tempe, Arizona. Upon graduation, she plans to use her scholarship to volunteer abroad in 2018 as a dental assistant with Global Health Outreach to mentor local healthcare workers and provide comprehensive dental care to the underserved. Ledford also plans to apply the funds to earn DANB certification, as well as complete additional continuing education.

Rebecca Santiago, CDA

Rebecca Santiago, CDA, of Cameron, North Carolina, has held DANB certification for the past 14 years and is currently employed with the U.S. Army. Santiago plans to use her scholarship toward tuition and textbooks at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, North Carolina, where she is pursuing a degree in business administration, with the goal of one day managing a dental practice.

Alvin Hsieh, CDA

Alvin Hsieh, CDA, has been a dental assistant in the United States Air Force for more than three years and is currently stationed in Germany, where he works with the oral maxillofacial surgery team. He plans on using his award to renew DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification and continue his professional development goals, including earning DANB’s Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA) certification.

Katrina Knapp, CDA

Katrina Knapp, CDA, earned DANB certification in 2014 after graduating from Wake Tech Community College in North Carolina, where she completed more than three times the required professional development hours and served as the dental assistant class speaker at the Wake Tech health science open house. Knapp will use her scholarship to continue her dental career by completing dental hygiene school and earning a bachelor’s degree.

Kantres Davis, CDA

Kantres Davis, CDA, has been a dental assistant for more than five years. After realizing that the first dental assisting program she attended was not accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), Davis’ dedication didn’t waver. Instead, she enrolled in a CODA-accredited program and earned DANB CDA certification in an effort to set herself apart in the field. Davis plans to use her award for an expanded functions course at Missouri College.

Laura Vickery, CDA

Laura Vickery, CDA, began her career as a dental assistant by volunteering at a local nonprofit dental clinic. There she realized her passion for the dental field and what could become a fulfilling career. Since then, she has continued to “quench her thirst for knowledge” with additional classes and volunteering at oral surgery clinics. Vickery intends to use her scholarship to earn DANB CDA certification, with the ultimate goal of teaching in a dental assistant program.

L’tanya Barnes

L’tanya Barnes, CDA, has been a longtime dental assistant since completing her training at a local high school. Her diverse career has included working in various dental offices, teaching dental assisting classes and earning DANB CDA. She will use her award to become an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) in Ohio.

Amber Justus, CDA

Amber Justus, CDA, began her career in the dental field after graduating from high school when she enrolled in a dental hygiene school. But before she could complete her studies, she put her career on hold to spend time with her daughter. Justus has since re-entered the field. She earned DANB certification and enrolled in an EFDA program at Miami Jacobs University in Ohio. Justus plans to apply her scholarship toward her EFDA coursework.

Alli Jensen, CDA

Alli Jensen, CDA, has a passion for lifelong learning and dental assisting. After completing dental assisting school with achievements that include making both the Dean’s and President’s Lists, Jensen went on to earn DANB CDA certification. She plans to use her award to earn DANB Certified Restorative Functions Dental Assistant (CRFDA) certification.

Bijan Mahboubi

Bijan Mahboubi is a dental assistant who holds master’s degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology. As a biochemist, Mahboubi translates scientific research into practical applications that everyone can use to better understand oral health. He will use his scholarship to fund his trip to India, where he will work with a dentist to provide free dental care to people who don’t have access to oral health care and educate them about oral health.

Guadalupe Charles, CDA

Guadalupe Charles, CDA, has been a dental assistant for over four years, and she already knows it is her calling. “I would like to give back to the community and help those who cannot afford dental care, such as myself when I was younger,” she says. Charles grew up in Chile and is motivated to take advantage of all the opportunities available in the United States. She is currently enrolled in a dental assisting program and will use her scholarship toward DANB’s Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification. In her role as a dental assistant, she has worked her way up from trainee to trainer. “I share my knowledge with my fellow assistants, motivating them to be the best they can be,” she says. Charles plans to continue developing her skills and knowledge while making time to volunteer in the community.

Sherri Krohn

Sherri Krohn, discovered her passion for oral healthcare when she began her career in 1999. She worked as a chairside assistant and eventually transitioned to office management, where she has worked for the last five years. In that role, Krohn has helped coordinate the opening of two additional practices within her company, and has become active with the American Association of Dental Office Managers (AADOM). Krohn plans to apply for an AADOM Fellowship and hopes to be inducted next year. “I absolutely love what I do, love getting up and coming to work in the morning,” she says, “and I believe that we can never stop learning!”

Elizabeth Polak-Silva, CDA

Elizabeth Polak-Silva, CDA, has been impacting patients and her community as a dental assistant since she began studying at Tunxis Community College in Connecticut in 2011. After moving to the U.S. from Poland in 2004, Silva earned DANB's CDA certification in 2012 and has continued her education since then. She plans to apply the scholarship toward a bachelor’s degree program, and eventually attend dental school. In her work and studies, Silva embodies a commitment to lifelong learning. “I learn something new about dentistry with every patient I meet and every x-ray I take,” she says. “I strive to take every opportunity I get to learn something new.”

Rebecca Horne, CDA

Rebecca Horne, CDA, of Massachusetts, found her passion for dental assisting while she was in school. Today, Horne works in an orthodontic practice, where she helps coordinate a team of employees and two offices. She will use her scholarship to earn DANB’s Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) certification. “I believe we can lead by example,” she says. “I plan on continuing to inspire those around me to see what a dental assistant can achieve.”

Kandra Luna, CDA, EFDA, EFODA

Kandra Luna, CDA, EFDA, EFODA, of Oregon, has always believed in dreaming big, and with the encouragement of her mentors, she completed a dental assisting program. She now works at a general dental practice while pursuing her bachelor’s degree. Luna will apply her scholarship award toward her DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification, which she earned earlier this year. Her next goal is to work in dental assisting education and help students achieve their goals. “I am motivated to help others accomplish their goals and strive to do their best,” she says.