Meet The TeamCarlsbaDDS Pediatric Smiles

At CarlsbaDDS Pediatric Smiles, we aim to provide high-quality, safe, and effective dental treatments for young children and adolescent patients. Our office is geared to their age group in hopes of creating a joyful environment and experience for each of our patients. Our primary goal is to provide optimal dental care in a gentle and caring manner that will offer a positive dental experience.

Implementation of laser dentistry through the use of the Solea Laser has allowed us to eliminate or minimize the use of a drill for dental fillings. Solea Laser provides safe and comfortable procedures without the use of anesthesia in 96% of cases. This makes even the most complex treatments doable with the least amount of pain. Many of our patients communicate their appreciation for the gentleness and comfort their child experiences when visiting our pediatric office.

Judy Brown, DMD

Judy Brown, DMD

Dr. Judy Brown is a transplant from the east coast when she moved to San Diego in 2008. She was born and raised in New York City and most of her family still resides there. Following college Dr. Judy graduated from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. It was in dental school that she met her husband who is the San Diego native. Thus, they returned to the Carmel Valley area where she spent a year at a general dental residency in the VA Hospital in La Jolla.

Dr. Judy had always felt more excited to work with children and thus she again returned back to NYC for a pediatric dental residency at Jacobi Hospital in the Bronx. Two more years of training and two more northeast winters drove Dr. Judy and her husband back to Carmel Valley.

There are no further plans to move now that Dr. Judy has 4 children. Dr. Judy has worked in the North County San Diego area since 2009 as a pediatric dentist and with Dr. Tsai since 2016. Yet most of the brushing and flossing of kids teeth still probably happens at home with her 4 children always seeming to show more and more teeth.

Dr. Judy achieved the distinction as a board certified Pediatric Dentist in 2011.

Dr. Jessie

Jessie De Fazio, DDS

I am excited to be back in San Diego. My husband and I are happily settling back into the west coast lifestyle with our two children. I look forward to meeting and caring for your little ones.

Michelle Gray

Michelle Gray, RDH

I feel truly blessed to work with such a loving, caring, and professional team since 2016. Cleaning children's teeth and chatting with them about the importance of good dental hygiene is very rewarding. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring photography, fashion, and anything art related; like going to the theater. I have two active, sweet and athletic boys, so you will always find me busy doing all things outdoor. Whenever I can, I look forward to visiting my family and friends in Taiwan and eating all my favorite dishes there.

Rhiannon Cordeiro

Rhiannon Cordeiro, RDH

I obtained my dental hygiene degree from Concorde Career College. I have been working as a registered dental hygienist with the CDDSPS team since 2016. In 2020, I completed my Registered Dental Hygiene in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) certificate from West Los Angeles College. I am a San Diego native and lives with my small family and cat. I enjoy long walks around the golf course and eating out at local restaurants. The friendship and how well the CDDSPS team works in harmony is what I love about working here. Our doctors are always educating themselves on the latest technologies and materials to ensure the comfort and safety of each child.

Ruby Hizazaga

Ruby Hizazaga, RDA

I grew up in Vista, California where I attend most of my life and school. My favorite things to do on my free time are contemporary dancing, nail art, and visiting new places with friends and family. I have graduated from the RDA program at Palomar College and currently am pursuing my career in this field. I'm taking my career a step further to become a hygienist. I plan to transfer to Southwestern College in the up coming future. Working here for the past year has made my passion stronger to help and educate others about dental hygiene. This wonderful team has taught me many things that I continue to learn and apply. The atmosphere is one of a kind and couldn't get it anywhere else, it’s amazing.

Jennifer Huenefeld

Jennifer Huenefeld, RDA

I joined the CDDSPS family since 2016. I am a Registered Dental Assistant and my purpose is to encourage children to practice great oral hygiene and leave our office with a positive experience. I am born and raised in San Diego. Outside of work you can find me enjoying the beautiful local beaches, gardening or cooking up a delicious meal. I love to learn and when working alongside our caring doctors. Our goal is to be efficient and grow as an office to accommodate our patients. Everyday is a new adventure, and I am so blessed to be apart of this TEAM!

Maria (Myra) Najera, RDA

I been working at CDDSPS since 2011! Everyday seems like day 01. The passion I have in carrying out my best work for our amazing families is what makes me happy. I love it when I am able to gain the trust of my apprehensive patients and their parents. I enjoy connecting with our parents and building relationships over the years. In my spare time I enjoy spending it with my family, going hiking, and watching the sunset.

Katie Benitez, RDA

I have been working in the field of dentistry for the past 7 years and I have obtained my RDA license. Recently, I completed a Master’s degree in Public Health, which has given me the ability to passionately advocate for optimal oral health and patient comfort. When I am not working in dental care, I enjoy spending my time lifting weights and taking walks with my loyal companion, Toby, a Great Pyrenees. Joining the esteemed team at CDDSPS has been a true blessing for me. It has given me the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals who are dedicated to providing the best possible patient experience.

Samantha R., RDA

I was born and raised in Oceanside, California. I went to Palomar College and completed the RDA program. During my free time, I enjoy baking, drawing, and working out! I'm excited to be working with amazing staff members to help patients at ease at their visits and teach them the importance to taking care of their oral hygiene! Thankful for Dr. Tsai & the team for this opportunity.

Tiffany G., RDA

I joined CDDSPS in 2022. I am a Registered Dental Assistant and Marketing Chief for the office. I am passionate about getting to know the kiddos and helping their smiles. When I am not in the office, I am spending my time with my loved ones and taking my Pomeranian named Halo out on hikes. I have a wonderful time working with the team and bringing your little ones an educational and fun-filled experience.

Elizabeth Burk

Elizabeth Burk

Front Office Coordinator

I am originally from Indiana, I decided to move to California seven years ago with my other half. We made the adventure down here from the Bay Area five years ago and love it in Southern California. I have always had a passion for children. I was a nanny for four years. I love giving patients the same great experience I had all those years ago. I will be one of the first people you'll see! You'll find me in the front office giving patients the best experience. It is truly rewarding to be a part of the CDDSPS team since 2019. We are not just co- workers, we are family. When I am not in the office, I spend my days outside and taking walks with my Siberian Husky and of course always brushing her!

Shaina Tan

Shaina Tan

Insurance Coordinator

I have been a part of the wonderful CarlsbaDDS Pediatric Smiles team since 2018. I am passionate about making sure our patients receive the best service and attention from our front office and making sure they have the best experience here. I love our fun and friendly atmosphere and love being with my work family! I have called California home for most of my life and love it here! On my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, reading, traveling and going on adventures with my two children, Oliver and Evelyn.