Personalized Pediatric Care
Meet The Team
Our warm and inviting team truly loves getting to know your child, learning what makes them feel excited and at ease, and tailoring appointments to their unique healthy history, developmental stage, and individual habits.
Front Desk
Alexia Tokumoto
Alexia is honored to welcome patients and parents to South OC every day! She is incredibly grateful for the South OC team and is always inspired by her peers and their dedication to pediatric oral health. When she isn’t inviting you into our space, Alexia enjoys spending time with her grown children and eating delicious food!
BACK OFFICE
Bree Salinas, RDA
After joining the South OC team in 2016, Bree has almost a decade of dental experience up her sleeve! She loves her job because she genuinely enjoys working with kids each and every day. When she’s not at the office, Bree enjoys taking photos and spending time with her children and husband.
BACK OFFICE
Evelyn Vega, RDA
Evelyn joined our team in January 2023 as an intern from the Orange Coast College Dental Assisting Program. After graduating, we were thrilled to bring her on full-time. She loves working as a dental assistant because she enjoys socializing, helping others, and the joy that children bring. Her favorite part of the job is helping kids overcome their fears through a fun “show and tell” approach.
BACK OFFICE
Jennifer Salgado, RDA
Bio Coming Soon…
Front Office
Karla Preciado
The best thing that happened to South OC in 2020 was the day Karla came to work with our crew! Her friendly approach and gentle demeanor has been a positive addition to our front office team. When she is not working, Karla enjoys taking care of her young son and decorating her new home.
FRONT OFFICE COORDINATOR
Lorna Hopkins, RDA
Lorna started working at South OC in 1995 and there’s no place she’d rather be! From her stellar team to world-class doctors and adorable patients, Lorna truly loves coming to work every day. She oversees the insurance and financial element of the practice and is always happy to answer any questions or explain your benefits. In her spare time, Lorna enjoys playing classical piano, sewing, calligraphy, baseball, football, spending time with her family, and shopping!
PRACTICE ADMINISTRATOR
Lynne Marian, RDA, OA, CDA
When Lynne joined the South OC team in 1980, she was a sophomore in high school. She quickly fell in love with pediatric dentistry and changed her major to become a Registered Dental Assistant. Over the years, Lynne has loved encouraging little smiles with gentle care. Lynne has been able to work in all aspects of the office, from being a clinical team member as well as a front office team member. She now oversees the business operations of the office and helps make sure things are running smoothly. When she is not in the office, you can find her teaching at Orange Coast College in the dental assisting program.
FRONT OFFICE
Melissa Johnston, RDA
When Melissa was hired in 1998, she never knew that the staff at South OC would become her extended family for almost 23 years! She has enjoyed so many outside activities with the team, from get-togethers and concerts to even working out together! The thing that Melissa enjoys most about working at South OC is watching a new patient walk in the door so fearful of the unknown and then seeing them leave the office happy and excited. Each child has their hands full with a prize, a toothbrush, stickers, and photos from our photo booth. Melissa feels so blessed to be at South OC and can’t wait to see your child’s smile soon!
BACK OFFICE COORDINATOR
Michelle Mirabella, RDA
Michelle always wanted to go into a profession where she could work with children. Her dream came true when she became a South OC team member in 2000! The best part of her day is when she sees a child come into the office unsure of what to expect, but leaves with a smile on their face. When Michelle is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four kids. She also enjoys going to country concerts, reading a good book, running, and doing Pure Barre. A little tidbit that you might not know about Michelle is that she is a boba-holic! She has to get a boba drink almost every day!
BACK OFFICE
Nick Truong, RDA
Nick joined the team back in 2004 and is so happy to call South OC his home away from home! Like many of our team members, Nick wears many hats in the office ranging from assisting the doctor, working with patients, maintaining our equipment, and supply ordering. He takes a genuine interest in our patient’s comfort level and the children respond well to his gentle demeanor. Nick is our “fix-it” guy and helps keep the office functional and beautiful! When he is not multitasking at South OC, you will find him playing video games and enjoying the latest culinary treats.
BACK OFFICE
Nikki Garcia, RDA
Nikki has been a part of the South OC team since 2018! Growing up, she always knew that she wanted to work with kids, so pursuing a career path in pediatric dentistry was the perfect fit. Nikki’s favorite part of working at South OC is seeing how excited her patients get about their visit! Outside of the office, Nikki loves to take her puppy to the beach, spend time with her niece and nephew, or go to the gym.
BACK OFFICE COORDINATOR
Stephanie Arreola, RDA
As a member of the South OC team since 2006, Stephanie loves working alongside the amazing doctors and staff that create beautiful smiles every day! The best part of her job is being able to build lasting, flourishing relationships with parents and kids alike. When she isn’t in the office, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her two daughters and two dogs.
FRONT OFFICE
Tracey Smith
Tracey Smith brings over two years of dedicated experience to South OC Pediatric Dentistry, following a successful seven-year tenure as a sales representative for Crest Oral B. Her transition into dentistry was inspired by the warm and professional environment at South OC, where she now thrives. Tracey is recognized for her compassionate care and professionalism, which are supported by her strong educational background and active membership in respected dental associations. Outside work, she enjoys cooking, exercising at the YMCA, and spending time with her grown children, reflecting her well-rounded and trustworthy nature.
BACK OFFICE – HYGIENIST
Veronica Bernal, RDH, RDA
Born and raised in Orange County, Veronica has been in the dental field for more than 16 years. The best part of her job is teaching kids how to brush their teeth and seeing them smile after each visit! Veronica is a “nerd” at heart and loves going to renaissance fairs, Comic-cons, and Disneyland. She looks forward to enhancing little smiles for years to come at South OC!
Supporting your child’s growth
Where Smiles Start
Healthy smiles begin with the right care at the right time. From your child’s first dental visits to orthodontic treatment for teens and adults, our team provides thoughtful care and clear recommendations that support long-term oral health.