Susan Lopez’s years of health care experience has given her a broad background in the many facets of the profession. After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from UCSF in 1972, Susan chose to remain in the academic arena, working for University of the Pacific both as a researcher and as an educator. Her interests led her to the public health position of Dental Health Educator for the San Mateo County Dental Society. For the past thirty years, she has been in private practice with her husband, Dr. Michael James Lopez. Their son Dr. Michael Lopez Jr., recently joined the practice. Their daughter Devin is currently a dental student at UCSF. Susan is a proud member of the San Francisco Dental Hygiene Society where she has served as Treasurer, Trustee and SADHA Liaison. She has also served CDHA as SADHA Council Chair, Trustee and ADHA Delegate. Susan’s favorites are Donner Lake, Mexico City, her grandson Michael III and discussing the future of dentistry with all of her family.

Nadine Lavell has been passionate about the profession of dental hygiene for over 3 decades. Her Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene from Idaho State University was followed by a Master’s Degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Iowa. Although a native of Santa Rosa, California, Nadine has practiced clinical dental hygiene in multiple states - California, Arizona, Alaska, Minnesota, and Iowa. Her career has included a research and instructional design appointment at the University of Iowa as well as dental hygiene teaching appointments at the University of Iowa and Santa Rosa Junior College. For the past several years, she has embraced the opportunity to provide clinical dental hygiene care at Villaggio Dental in Healdsburg, California, a general practice that prides itself on the latest technology and compassionate patient centered dental care. Nadine has been an active member of the Redwood Dental Hygienists’ Society, receiving the Outstanding Component Member Award in 2011. She has also served the California Dental Hygienists’ Association as Trustee, Administration Council Chair, Finance Committee member, on several special committees, and nationally as ADHA delegate. Nadine shares her life with her husband, Gary, a man of many talents who built their home on a ranch that has been in Nadine’s family for 5 generations. The menagerie of animals on their ranch is cared for as if they were Gary and Nadine's children. Nadine has a passion for the outdoors and volunteers many hours every year in the State and Regional Parks’ Mounted Assistance Unit with her horse Angel. She enjoys running her Rhodesian Ridgeback, Barney, in Agility Competitions and training her Bureau of Land Management Burros, Murphy and Millie.

A native born San Franciscan, Lisa received an Associate of Science degree from City College of San Francisco, majoring in math. Recognizing a desire to work more closely with people in a health-related field, Lisa earned her Certificate of Dental Hygiene, Associate of Science degree from Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, in 1980. Graduating with honors, she was a recipient of the 1980 Bank of America Community College Award. She has practiced as a clinical dental hygienist in both general and periodontal offices. In 2000, she became an adjunct clinical instructor for the Dental Hygiene Department of Foothill College, and is currently on their Advisory Board. A proud member of ADHA throughout her dental hygiene career, Lisa has been active at all three levels of our Association. She attributes her growth as a leader, and her current position as CDHA President, to the mentoring, support and friendship experienced through her Association activities. With family and friends, Lisa and her husband Bob enjoy downhill skiing, golf, and traveling. As time permits, she relaxes by reading and cooking, confesses to being a bona fide chocoholic, and indulges in the occasional spa day.

Karine Strickland graduated with an AS degree in Dental Hygiene from Cabrillo College in 1979. Karine has provided professional oral hygiene services within private practice settings in Santa Cruz and Santa Clara Counties for 30+ years. Karine continued her education earning her BS degree in Health Arts in 1999, University of St. Francis. Additionally, her education includes a certification from the University of Pacific, School of Dentistry as a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice obtained in 2005. Karine has established a successful RDHAP practice serving primarily elderly and developmentally disabled patients. Karine has maintained ongoing membership in ADHA, is an active member of Monterey Bay Dental Hygienists’ Association, serving as Continuing Education Chair, Trustee and President and has served as Public Relations Chair at the state level as well. Karine enjoys time with her family, Drew 25, Lance 23 and husband Jim. She also enjoys reading, camping, sunshine, adventure and travel.

Lygia Jolley has been a registered dental hygienist since 1986.  She graduated from Fresno City College in 1986 then returned to school in 2003 to earn a Bachelors Degree.  She graduated from Fresno Pacific University in 2004, with a degree in Management and Organizational Development. Lygia served as CDHA VP of Administration and Public Relations, Trustee, and ADHA Delegate. Lygia is a mother of 3 children: Joseph 16, Beth 15, Benjamin 13. She has been married to a wonderful man, Kirk, for seventeen years. Lygia resides in Hanford, California. She enjoys playing the piano and organ, reading, and is involved in her son’s Boy Scouts troop.

Terri earned her Biology/Chemistry degree from California State Northridge and her degrees in Dental Hygiene and Registered Dental Hygiene in Alternative Practice from West Los Angeles College. Having graduated with honors, she is a member of the national dental hygiene honor society Sigma Phi Alpha. Currently she is working in private practices. She currently serves at the component level as Continuing Education Coordinator for Ventura Dental Hygienists’ Association, and has served as Newsletter Editor for Ventura County Dental Hygienists’ Association and Continuing Education Coordinator for the Santa Barbara Dental Hygienists’ Association. On the state level, she has served as California Dental Hygienists’ Association Professional Development Council Chair and as a CDHA and ADHA Delegate. Terri currently makes her home in Camarillo, California. She and her husband, Paul, have three grown sons. She enjoys gardening in her spare time, wine tasting, and someday will learn to play the cello.

Lin Sarfaraz is a practicing dental hygienist of 38 years. When asked about the secret to her long-standing career as a clinician, her answer is “Loupes, push-ups and ballet.” It’s all about seeing well, positioning and posture. Lin is a graduate of the inaugural class of 1973 of the Cerritos College Dental Hygiene program. She possesses dual Associate of Science degrees in Biology and Dental Hygiene. Also a passionate professional, Lin believes in giving back through involvement in our organization at all levels. Lin is a CDHA Past President and is currently serving as her local component’s Treasurer, as well as CDHA’s Speaker of the House and as an ADHA Delegate. Lin also believes it is important to balance her personal and professional life. Lin resides in Fullerton with her husband Nasser of 32 years. Together they have 2 adult sons, Kyle and Robert, and 1 "daughter in love" Jennifer. Lin is especially proud of completing 4 half-marathons in the past 2 years and loves her ballet classes. Maybe she’ll dance on toe shoes again someday. Like Ellen, she loves chocolate too!