Marcela

RDH

I am a proud Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) from the small town of Portola, CA. I’ve always believed that a confident smile can change someone’s day (or life!), and I love being part of that journey with my patients. When I’m not in the dental chair, you’ll probably find me out walking my dog, spending time with my amazing fiancé, or enjoying laughs and good food with my family. Helping people feel great about themselves is what keeps me smiling, too!

Jennifer

Dental Assistant

I started my dental career right after high school and quickly fell in love with the field. I began in pediatric dentistry, where I enjoyed working with children, and later moved into general practice to broaden my skills. Family means everything to me, I’m the oldest of four, with two younger sisters, Vanessa and Estrella, and our youngest, Giovanni, who’s the family’s spoiled little joy. Outside of work, I enjoy road trips, makeup, and exploring interior design. I’m a team player who values open communication, brings positive energy, and loves making people smile.

Kristeen

Team Lead/Treatment Coordinator

Kristeen was born and raised in Ridgecrest, California. After graduating from high school, she moved to Granite Bay, where she completed the Dental Assisting Program at Western Career College. With 29 years of experience in the dental field, Kristeen has developed extensive knowledge in all areas of general dentistry and orthodontics. She takes great pride in providing exceptional care and creating positive experiences for patients every day. Outside of the office, Kristeen enjoys spending quality time with her husband and family.

Kayla

Outside the office, Kayla is equally driven. She and her husband are proud parents to three amazing kids and four dogs—life is always lively in their home! Inspired by her daughter, Kayla serves as the President of the Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada, a nonprofit devoted to inclusion, advocacy, and community education. Through her work, she’s helping to create a more understanding and supportive world for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Kayla is a fierce advocate, a compassionate leader, and a dedicated mom—and she brings her whole heart to everything she does.

Tara

Operations and HR Manager

Tara was born and raised in Longview, WA. Before joining the dental field, she spent 11 years working in professional baseball between the Oakland Athletics and Reno Aces. She has the pleasure to work with all three Sierra Smiles’ offices and looks forward to growing and transforming lives through Complete Health Dentistry.

She and her husband, Alex, have two sons. She is an avid fan of sports and enjoys running, golfing, skiing, yard work, and travel. 

Rachel

Rachel was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico and began her career in cosmetology after graduating from the Aveda Institute. She worked as a hairstylist in New Mexico for 10 years before moving to Southern California, where she met her husband Nathon.

Over the years, Rachel, Nathon and her son, Tru, lived in several parts of California before settling in Big Bear Lake, where they opened their fitness facility, Big Bear High Altitude Training Center. Eventually, they decided to make Reno their home, and it was here that Rachel discovered her passion for dentistry. She is now proud to be a part of the Sierra Smiles team, where she loves greeting patients with a warm smile and helping them feel welcome and at ease. 

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys going to the gym, hiking, and spending quality time with her family. She also cherishes any opportunity to be with her beloved dogs! 

Michelle

Billing Manager

Michelle has been in dental for almost 20 years and works as the billing manager for the billing team that covers all 3 of the Sierra Smiles practices. She loves how all of the Sierra Smiles team members go above and beyond to make sure that everyone from the patients to other team members have the best experience.

When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Ken, and spending time with their blended family of 3 children and two grandchildren