Meet the Team

Melinda was born and raised in the Seattle area.  She has been in the dental field for over 30 years.  Starting out as a Dental Assistant, she has gained experience in numerous areas of dentistry during her career.  From being an instructor in a dental assisting program, assisting at UW Hospital and eventually migrating to the front office in an oral surgery practice, she brings many years of experience to the team.  She enjoys helping patients understand their insurance benefits and claims information and strives for maximum accuracy when working with your accounts.  Melinda has 3 grown sons and in her free time enjoys traveling with her husband, gardening, reading and spoiling her dog and grandson.

Hayley was raised on the Kitsap peninsula before attending Whitworth University for her bachelor’s degree in music. After college she worked as a hygiene assistant and while earning her master’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Washington she transitioned to the front office as a schedule coordinator. Hayley has spent the last twelve years raising her two wonderful children, performing around the Seattle area, and building her private voice studio. She is so happy to rejoin the dental field and to be a part of this amazing team, making everyone who walks in the door feel like part of the Wallingford Smiles family.

Susan is a native Seattleite and graduated from Shoreline Community College in 1989. She received her degree in Dental Hygiene and has practiced here and abroad. First moving to Sydney, Australia and then to Munich, Germany to implement dental hygiene programs into practices, as they needed her skills. Periodontal care is new to many other countries unlike in the USA. It was a challenge that was very rewarding for her to see what a difference she could make and then be able to travel around even more countries.

Now back in her hometown she is still passionate about her chosen career, helping patients to become more knowledgeable about oral health care while providing comfort and a gentle touch. She says her favorite part of her job is getting to know her patients and help them to achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile!

Miguel was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He moved to Seattle in 2015 to experience a life in the PNW. He loves watching scary movies and playing video games. Miguel chose dental assisting because of the impact it has on peoples lives and allowing everybody to enjoy their favorite meals.

Chelsea was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and moved to Washington in 2012 with her family to be closer to her extended family. Chelsea enjoys helping patients find what treatment is right for them and seeing their smiles once it's complete. She hopes to one day fulfill her dream of becoming a dentist. In her free time, Chelsea likes to hike and go camping with her boyfriend and their dog Joergen.