Born and raised in Southern California, Dr. Andrew Elmasri’s path to anesthesia began with a fascination for how things work. He studied Biomedical Engineering at the University of California, Irvine, where he learned to solve complex problems and think in systems. But his heart was always in healthcare. He followed his passion to Loma Linda University Dental School, graduating with honors in anesthesia and implantology. Postdoctoral training at Loma Linda cemented his love for dental anesthesiology and gave him the tools to serve patients with a meticulous, science‑driven approach.

Dr. Elmasri is dual‑board certified and an active member of the American Society of Dental Anesthesiologists, the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology and the International Anesthesia Research Society. Outside the operatory, he is a dedicated family man who spends his free time with his wife and children. He is deeply involved in his local parish and finds joy in sports and community service. Patients and colleagues appreciate his calm demeanor, technical precision and genuine warmth.

Originally born in South Korea, Dr. Albert Kang moved to Southern California and quickly made it his home. He studied Psychology and Social Behavior at the University of California, Irvine, with minors in Education and Business Management. This combination of disciplines—psychology to understand people, education to teach and business to manage resources—has served him well throughout his career. After earning his dental degree at Loma Linda University, he pursued postdoctoral training in anesthesia, honing his skills further during a period of practice in Texas before returning to California.

Dr. Kang is a member of both the American Society of Dental Anesthesiologists and the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. Colleagues describe him as the glue of the partnership, balancing Dr. Elmasri’s technical focus and Dr. Lee’s disciplined approach with empathy and strategic thinking. Patients appreciate his gentle bedside manner and his ability to put them at ease. When he’s not working, he loves spending time with his wife and children and exploring the cultural and natural beauty of California.

Dr. Charles Lee is a Southern California native who discovered his calling in dentistry at an early age. He graduated from Loma Linda University before embarking on a distinguished career in the United States Army. During his deployment in the Middle East, Dr. Lee provided dental care under some of the most challenging conditions imaginable. His experiences in the field—and in the Army’s Expert Medical Field Training—ignited a passion for anesthesia. He pursued postdoctoral training at New York University, learning to administer sedation with the same discipline and care that defined his military service.

Dr. Lee is dual‑board certified and maintains active membership in the American Society of Dental Anesthesiologists and the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. His life outside of work centers on his wife and children, whom he calls the best part of his life. A fitness enthusiast and community volunteer, Dr. Lee embodies the values of service and resilience. In the operatory, he is known for his clear communication, his ability to remain calm in any situation and his unwavering commitment to patient safety.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Nicole Dockery traced a straight line westward to California for college and dental school. At California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in psychology and minors in biology and chemistry, sharpening the analytical mindset that would serve her as an anesthesiologist. She went on to earn her DDS at the University of California, Los Angeles and then crossed the country to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx for a rigorous dental anesthesiology residency, completed in the summer of 2025. Her dedication to hospital‑grade care and her love for serving special‑needs and pediatric patients shine through in her practice.

Away from the operatory, Dr. Dockery is known for her upbeat spirit and genuine rapport with children—she’ll happily debate Bluey characters even if she secretly identifies more with Muffin. She relaxes with heated Pilates classes, yoga and movie nights, and never tires of Marvel films (nothing tops the opening night of Avengers: Endgame). An avid traveler and foodie, she aims to visit a new city or country every year—France’s Côte d’Azur is next on the list—and loves discovering new restaurants with friends while still insisting nothing beats New York’s food scene.

Originally from Lima, Peru, Dr. Claudia Razzeto pursued her DDS at New York University before completing a demanding anesthesiology residency at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn. With a foundation in restorative dentistry and a passion for safe, office‑based anesthesia, she has built her career on meticulous technique and patient‑first care. She is a member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology and brings fluency in Spanish and English to her diverse patient base.

Outside the practice she balances family life with community service and enjoys introducing her two children to the culinary and cultural heritage of her Peruvian roots. Colleagues praise her steady hands and calm authority in the operatory; friends know her as a warm host who loves cooking ceviche and hosting impromptu gatherings.

Raised among the sun‑drenched beaches and mountains of Hawaii, Dr. Erik Nariyoshi developed an early love of adventure and the outdoors. He built a strong academic foundation at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas before earning his DDS at the University of Southern California and completing a dental anesthesiology residency at New York University. Board‑certified and experienced in multiple states, he now practices in Los Angeles with a passion for precision, safety and patient comfort cultivated through years of mobile anesthesia practice across Ohio, Arizona, Mississippi and Nevada.

Dr. Nariyoshi’s Hawaiian roots keep him grounded even as he thrives in LA’s fast‑paced environment. He’s happiest when he’s surfing, jogging or snowboarding, and he can talk passionately about sports from basketball to soccer. He pairs a laid‑back island spirit with a drive for excellence, inspiring trust in patients while always chasing the next trail or cheering on his favourite teams. Colleagues know him for his meticulous technique and the calm joy he brings to the operatory; friends know him for his openness, his love of the outdoors and his commitment to living life to the fullest.

Born in the Philippines and immigrating to New York City at age three, Dr. Gary Laborada experienced life on both sides of the Pacific before settling in Riverside, California. He earned a degree in Biological Sciences at the University of California, Irvine and his DDS at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 2019. After marrying his wife Heera in 2022, he fulfilled a long‑held dream by completing a dental anesthesiology residency in the Bronx and is now thrilled to return to Southern California as a certified anesthesiologist serving Elite Sedation patients.

Beyond dentistry, Dr. Laborada is a lifelong basketball fan and video‑game enthusiast who approaches each procedure with the same focus and competitive drive he learned on the court. He credits his cross‑cultural upbringing with teaching him resilience and empathy, and he’s excited to introduce his growing family to the community he loves. Patients appreciate his gentle manner and clear communication, while colleagues admire his dedication and optimism.

Dr. Ivan Rees is a board‑certified dental anesthesiologist dedicated to providing safe, hospital‑grade anesthesia to patients of all ages. After earning his DDS and completing advanced anesthesiology training, he has served in a variety of clinical settings, honing his skills in office‑based sedation and emphasizing patient comfort and safety.

Outside the operatory, Dr. Rees stays active in professional societies and enjoys mentoring young clinicians. He is known for his clear communication, calm presence and commitment to continuing education. In his free time he enjoys family outings, outdoor activities and exploring new cuisines.

Raised in South Central Los Angeles by her grandparents, Stephanie Mayorga learned resilience and compassion from an early age. After graduating high school in 2019 she studied business accounting and built customer‑service skills at Petco before working as a hybrid employee at Hero and later at Kids Castle. She joined Elite Sedation in 2024, drawing on her experience and BLS, PALS and ACLS certifications to support anesthesiologists with equipment setup, patient preparation and recovery, and administrative tasks.

Stephanie describes herself as a Disney devotee (especially The Little Mermaid), a lover of the color red—and of broccoli—and a devoted sister to her four siblings. When she isn’t monitoring vital signs or ensuring procedures run smoothly, she can be found at Disneyland or catching up on reality TV, practicing Pilates or yoga, or planning trips to new restaurants with her fiancé. She honours the memory of her grandparents by caring deeply for every patient and by pushing forward to build a compassionate life.

Born at Loma Linda in Redlands, California and raised in the high desert, Tonantcy Vargas is the youngest of three siblings and learned the value of hard work early while juggling school with shifts at a small burger restaurant. She began studying Business Administration at Cal Poly Pomona but found her true calling in Hospitality Management, where she discovered joy in ensuring guests leave happy. After the pandemic disrupted her plans, she pivoted to roles at Amazon and then Ark Homes, a foster family agency, where mentorship and a desire to help others propelled her into medical coordination.

As Managing Director at Elite Sedation, Tonantcy combines hospitality expertise with medical‑office leadership to ensure seamless experiences for providers and patients alike. Away from work she adores her two dogs, Simba and Mushu, dotes on her young nieces, keeps a bucket list of travel destinations and treasures time with her mother and grandmother. She loves Christmas, remains close to her siblings and is known for her kindness, courage and sense of humour.

Raised in Fremont, California, Jeremy Chen headed south to Los Angeles to pursue a degree in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology at UCLA. While there he conducted research as part of the ABCD Study and developed a budding interest in clinical and translational science. Now in a gap year before medical school applications, he supports Elite Sedation’s clinical team, drawing on his laboratory discipline and attention to detail to assist with anesthesia procedures and patient monitoring.

Jeremy’s interests outside the operatory are as wide‑ranging as his academic ones. He is devoted to his family and his girlfriend, with whom he explores Disneyland from a connoisseur’s perspective. A dedicated sports fan, he plays basketball, football and golf whenever possible, and he still finds time for friends and volunteer shifts. As he continues to refine his medical path—with pediatrics and emergency medicine among the leading candidates—colleagues know him for his curiosity and quiet determination.

Born in the small town of Portales, New Mexico and raised in Amarillo, Texas, Olivia Felarca grew up immersed in sports, music and community activities. A self‑described jack of all trades, she combined volleyball, wrestling and dance with a lifelong fascination with dentistry inspired by her grandfather’s dental lab. She trained as a dental assistant after high school, earned a bachelor’s degree in Applied Science while attending hygiene school in Albuquerque and later moved to California, where her administrative and clinical skills eventually led her to become Admin Lead at Elite Sedation.

Olivia’s personal journey took detours through marriage, motherhood and a cross‑country move, but she credits her faith and family for guiding her. She and her husband Andrew share a home filled with laughter, music and memories of their travels. Outside work she enjoys coaching her children’s activities, volunteering in her community and nurturing friendships with warmth and humour. Her colleagues appreciate the steady hand she brings to office leadership and her ability to make patients feel like family.

Lillian Cho serves as a dental anesthesiology assistant, bringing hands‑on experience as a dental assistant, EMT and medical assistant to her role at Elite Sedation. A graduate of UCLA with a B.S. in Biology, she collaborates closely with anesthesiologists to ensure safe and efficient sedation, from preparing equipment and monitoring vital signs to supporting recovery and comforting patients and parents.

An aspiring dentist, Lillian balances her clinical responsibilities with continuing education toward dental school. Her colleagues value her calm presence and adaptability in the operatory, while friends know her for her love of science, music and exploring Southern California’s food scene. She enjoys hiking, trying new recipes and spending time with family, and she looks forward to applying her diverse medical experience to a future career as a dentist.

Growing up in Adelanto after being born in Redlands, California, Kitzya Vargas found her passion for service through sports and working with children. She earned an associate degree in child development after attending California State University, San Bernardino and Victor Valley College and gained experience with children with special needs while working at an ABA company. Later she transported asylum‑seeking minors for a foster agency, travelling across states and witnessing the joy of family reunification.

As Finance Lead at Elite Sedation, Kitzya balances budgets and guides families through the financial aspects of care, drawing on patience and compassion honed from her previous roles. She adores her two young nieces and three dogs, enjoys long walks and concerts (her favourite show last year was the RBD reunion) and is known as the go‑to dog sitter among her friends. Watching the sky’s changing colours brings her peace, and she embraces each day’s adventures with her sister by her side.

Born in Mexico and immigrating to Los Angeles at the age of three, Demetrio Camacho grew up embracing his bicultural heritage. As Assistant and Scheduling Lead at Elite Sedation, he coordinates appointments, prepares equipment and monitors patients to ensure every procedure runs smoothly and on time. He maintains close ties with his grandparents back in Mexico and brings a strong sense of family and responsibility to his work.

Outside the clinic, Demetrio indulges his passion for cars—he dreams of owning a 1968 Dodge Charger R/T and still fondly remembers his first BMW—and loves cooking and dancing, talents he honed in his family’s restaurant. When he hears banda, bachata or cumbias, he’s quick to hit the dance floor, even if he’s a bit shy about it. His colleagues value his reliability and warm personality; his friends appreciate his loyalty and sense of fun.

Lorena Cardenas is a certified dental assistant who partners closely with Elite Sedation’s anesthesiologists to provide smooth, safe sedation. Armed with PALS, BLS, ACLS and RDA certifications, she prepares and maintains equipment, monitors vital signs and offers calm reassurance to both children and adults before, during and after procedures. Her experience in a pediatric dental office has honed her ability to earn trust quickly.

Lorena believes empathy and clear communication are as vital as technical skill, and she brings that philosophy to every interaction. Outside the clinic she enjoys volunteering at community health fairs, mentoring young dental assistants and exploring new cafés. Her colleagues appreciate her calm competence; patients appreciate her gentle, patient‑centred care.

Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Kayla Lujan ventured to UC Santa Barbara for a B.S. in Biopsychology and now supports Elite Sedation as a certified assistant while preparing to apply to dental school. She brings a behavioural‑science perspective to patient care and holds BLS, PALS and ACLS certifications, ensuring every instrument is in place and every patient is comfortable.

Kayla lives by the golden rule, treating others as she wishes to be treated. She loves the endorphin rush of a good workout, spending time with family and friends and exploring new restaurants and hikes. Her peers appreciate her steady work ethic and readiness to learn; her loved ones value her loyalty, warmth and commitment to kindness.

As Elite Sedation’s Patient Care Coordinator, Dredd Aquino oversees each patient’s experience from initial consultation through recovery. Drawing on a blend of administrative expertise and compassionate communication, Dredd schedules appointments, manages paperwork and ensures patients feel informed and supported at every step.

Although details of Dredd’s personal journey remain private, colleagues note a calm, friendly presence and an ability to connect with families from diverse backgrounds. Outside of work, Dredd enjoys staying active, exploring new cuisines and spending time with loved ones. This balance of professionalism and warmth makes Dredd an invaluable member of the Elite Sedation team.

Daniel Fernandez serves as a dental anesthesia assistant at Elite Sedation, where he prepares equipment, monitors vital signs and supports anesthesiologists to ensure patient safety. Holding BLS, PALS and ACLS certifications, he draws on experience in medical assisting to respond quickly to patient needs and keep procedures running smoothly.

In his free time Daniel enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends. His calm demeanour and attention to detail help patients feel at ease, while his commitment to continuous learning keeps him up to date on the latest advances in dental anesthesia.

Originally from El Centro, California, Hector Wong brings a diverse background enriched by experiences across cultures. After training as a gymnast in Mexico for eight years, he developed a deep appreciation for discipline and perseverance. His upbringing along the California‑Mexico border, influenced by his Chinese grandfather, sparked a lifelong interest in cross‑cultural interactions and Diversity & Inclusion. He pursued cultural studies at Whittier College after beginning in a 3‑2 engineering program and deepened his understanding through a fellowship in Fujian, China, and study abroad at Beijing University.

Hector later honed analytical skills in a rotational analyst program at First Data (now Fiserv) in Atlanta and New York, then returned to California as an educator before joining Elite Sedation’s HR team. He views each day as an opportunity for growth and continuous learning. In his free time he travels, plays guitar, makes music and spends quality time with his nieces and nephews and his dog, Skwinkle. Colleagues praise his analytical mind and empathy; friends admire his zest for life and ability to connect across cultures.

Katherine Gabourel is a skilled anesthesia assistant who prepares equipment, monitors patients and supports the anesthesiologist through every phase of a procedure. She verifies consents, reviews medical histories and ensures that all supplies—from airway equipment to emergency carts—are ready. With BLS certification and ongoing clinical training, she plays a key role in patient safety and comfort.

Known for her attention to detail and compassionate care, Katherine assists with positioning, offers reassurance and watches over patients during recovery, reporting concerns promptly to the provider. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new restaurants and staying active. Her dedication to excellence and gentle bedside manner make her a valued member of the Elite Sedation team.

Born in Sacramento and raised in the nearby suburb of Elk Grove, Joseph Truong is currently a senior biology major at UCLA and supports Elite Sedation as an assistant. He prepares equipment, assists with patient monitoring and draws on his BLS, PALS and ACLS certifications to maintain a high standard of safety. He plans to apply to medical school in May, motivated by his experiences serving the community through health clinics.

Joseph met his girlfriend Stacey at a Christian summer camp, and together they participate in Grace on Campus and Grace Community Church. He volunteers with the pre‑med health club APAHC, which runs clinics for underserved Asian communities in Los Angeles, and sings and plays guitar in an a cappella group called Road To Damascus. In his downtime he enjoys rock climbing, lifting, volleyball, basketball, thrifting and spicy food. Colleagues appreciate his positive energy and dedication to service.