Meet Surfside Pediatric Dentistry

Adam Hagan, DDS, FAAPD

Owner

Dr. Adam as he is better known by his patients first became interested in dentistry while working on a cleft lip and palate research project at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco. He traveled to Guatemala taking blood samples and helping specially trained dentists and plastic surgeons make devices that aided in their surgery. Dr. Adam continued his interest in research and spent a busy year before dental school at Stanford University studying the maternal‐child relationship in multiple sclerosis.

Adam Hagan, DDS, FAAPD

Owner

Dr. Adam as he is better known by his patients first became interested in dentistry while working on a cleft lip and palate research project at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco. He traveled to Guatemala taking blood samples and helping specially trained dentists and plastic surgeons make devices that aided in their surgery. Dr. Adam continued his interest in research and spent a busy year before dental school at Stanford University studying the maternal‐child relationship in multiple sclerosis.

Christie Sankowski, DMD, FAAPD

Owner

Dr. Christie grew up in upstate New York, at the foot of the Adirondack mountains. She completed her undergraduate degree as a dietitian from Syracuse University, graduating summa cum laude. She has always loved guiding children and families to healthy lifestyle choices. Dr. Christie is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, in Philadelphia and completed her pediatric dental residency with Dr. Adam at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Christie Sankowski, DMD, FAAPD

Owner

Dr. Christie grew up in upstate New York, at the foot of the Adirondack mountains. She completed her undergraduate degree as a dietitian from Syracuse University, graduating summa cum laude. She has always loved guiding children and families to healthy lifestyle choices. Dr. Christie is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, in Philadelphia and completed her pediatric dental residency with Dr. Adam at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Joanna McClain-Hooper, DMD

Dr. Joanna was raised in South Florida, where she attended the University of Florida for both undergraduate and dental school. She graduated with Honors in 2009 and has maintained a high level of continuing education ever since.

Ashlee Turner-Lee, DMD, MPH

Dr. Ashlee was born and raised in Heflin, Alabama. She received her undergraduate degree in biology, a master of public health care in health care organization and policy, and attended dental school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Ashlee Turner-Lee, DMD, MPH

Dr. Ashlee was born and raised in Heflin, Alabama. She received her undergraduate degree in biology, a master of public health care in health care organization and policy, and attended dental school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Specialized Dental Care:

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Specialized Needs/All Ages

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Autism

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Growth and Development

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Sedation

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Medically Complex

Dental Services Provided Include:

In-Office Sedation

BPA-Free Sealants

Tooth-Colored Fillings & Crowns

Tongue-Tie Treatment

Laser Dentistry

Low-Radiation Dental Technology

Jim Hagan | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Jim Hagan, BA
Director of Business Operations

I am from Nebraska but moved away for a career in the Air Force. I spent the majority of my service in Italy and Spain maintaining C-141’s and C-5’s. After my military retirement, I joined Ford Motor company and managed the distribution of their parts network. I retired again to be close to grandchildren and now call Tybee Island home and love living on the beach. My experience in logistics helps the Surfside team navigate the complexities of insurance reimbursement.

Andrea Fuller | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Andrea Fuller, RDH
Practice Manager

I’m from Arizona, but I’ve lived in Georgia for 8 years. I’m married with 3 kids and love reading, chocolate, and letting loose with my kids on roller coasters and bungee jumping! I enjoy working with kids because of how funny they can be, it keeps my job interesting! I love working at Surfside and hope you enjoy coming here too!

Kristi Hagan | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Kristi Hagan, DPT
I am originally from California and fell in love with Georgia when we were stationed at Fort Gordon, Augusta in 2009. I have a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from New York University and currently use my knowledge of dental/medical insurance to manage Surfside’s operating room services and hospital dentistry while being an extremely busy Mom of two! In my free time I enjoy sewing costumes for theater/stage productions.
Jamie Carmack | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Jamie Carmack
Insurance Coordinator

Hi my name is Jamie. Originally from Kentucky I moved to Brunswick in 2016. My boyfriend and I have 2 dogs, Cooper and Dolly. I’ve always loved being around children and as a Patient Care Coordinator I get to have a part in giving them the self confidence of having a healthy smile. After all, your smile is your best accessory!

Fun Fact: If I’m not spoiling my dogs I enjoy watching investigative shows.

Sarah Emerick | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Sarah Emerick, BS
Patient Care Supervisor

I am originally from rural Pennsylvania, where I grew up on a farm. As an Army spouse, I have lived with my family in various parts of the country and relocated to Coastal Georgia. Most of my free time is spent running my boys between practices and games or coordinating events for military families. My absolute favorite thing about the opportunity to work in pediatrics is the laughter – the giggles are the greatest!

Fun Fact: I recently completed my degree in Business & Human resources and I enjoy utilizing it to enhance access to care for the children we serve!

Elizabeth Andrewes | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Elizabeth Andrewes, BFA, MFA
Creative Director

Born in Boston, Elizabeth was raised in Concord, Massachusetts, and spent time as a child in England. She holds an M.F.A. in production design from Savannah College of Art and Design and B.F.A. in dance performance from Chapman University. With a passion for storytelling and entertaining an audience, Elizabeth has discovered her artistic voice both on and off the stage from dance, vocal, and piano performances to set design for film, television, and theater. Having worked with children in different capacities and a background in the creative arts, Elizabeth is able to apply her love for children and design to her role as the Marketing and Advertising Coordinator at Surfside.

Fun Fact: Elizabeth worked as the set decorator on the Hallmark movies Love to the Rescue and Love Takes Flight, and other productions including American Idol and Puppy Bowl XV on Animal Planet.

Genelle Usher | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Genelle Usher, EFDA
Office Team Coordinator (Richmond HIll)

Genelle is an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant from Blakely, GA. Receiving her certification from Savannah Technical College in 2013, she has practiced as a dental assistant in pediatric dentistry for 6 years. She enjoys making dentistry fun and providing children with the opportunity to have healthy smiles. Although dentistry is her passion, during her spare time Genelle enjoys cosmetology, karaoke, and spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and her mother.

Fun fact: Genelle enjoys baking desserts.

Cortney Dyson, RDH
Dental Hygienist

Cortney is a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) and is originally from Brunswick, GA. She currently resides in Waycross, GA with her husband, step-son, and precious pup Piper. Her favorite thing about working with children is watching the fear that some may have transform to excitement throughout each dental visit.

Fun Fact: She groomed her family cat at the age of three and has since been banned from using scissors for all eternity.

Alexis Phillips | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Alexis Phillips, EFDA
Born and raised in Richmond Hill, Georgia, Alexis joined our Surfside team at the beginning of 2020 working as a Dental Assistant, and holds an EFDA certification from Savannah Technical College.  Since she was a child, Alexis has always enjoyed going to the dentist, but it was after getting braces that she decided she wanted to pursue a career in dentistry.

Fun Fact: Alexis is an aunt of five!

Hope Caviness | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Hope Caviness, EFDA

Office Team Coordinator

Ms. Hope is originally from Ellijay, Georgia, and grew up there her whole life. As a child, she always wanted to be in the dental field. ALWAYS! As a child, she greatly admired the staff at her dentist office. With a life-long desire to work with children combined with her intrigue in dentistry, it was a no-brainer that she should pursue a career in pediatrics.

Fun Fact: Hope loves to garden and grow house plants!

Autumn Dooley

Dental Hygienist

Autumn was born and raised in East Tennessee. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from East Tennessee State University in 2004. Being a military wife, now retired, she has practiced hygiene in Tennessee, Virginia, Guam, and Georgia. The last 12 years have been spent in pediatric dentistry. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, their 2 daughters, and their 3 rescue dogs.

Fun Fact: Autumn’s dream would be to own a pet pygmy marmoset monkey!

Jilliana Schulte | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Jilliana Schulte, RDH
Dental Hygienist

Born in New Jersey, but raised in Oklahoma, Jill graduated from Savannah Technical College with a Dental Hygiene Associate of Science degree and is a Certified Dental Assistant through the American Red Cross.

Fun Fact: Jill has visited twelve countries, four continents in total, and hopes to travel to all seven. From a military family, Jill lived in Okinawa, Japan from ages 12 to 16 years old.

Jennifer Herrera | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Jennifer Herrera, RDH

Born in Beaufort SC, but raised in Georgia, I graduated from Savannah Technical College with an Associate of science degree in Dental Hygiene. I’m bilingual in Spanish and English. I love working with children because they are so full of life. During my free time I like traveling, baking and spending time with my family.

Fun fact: My favorite animal is a Great White Shark, and my dream is to go swimming with one!

Autumn Dang | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Autumn Dang
Autumn was born in Fort Stewart and raised in Savannah, Georgia. Early in life, she knew she wanted to pursue a career that involved helping people. After some time away from school, she
decided to go into the dental field. Autumn received her Dental Hygiene Associates of Science degree at Savannah Technical College.

Fun Fact: Autumn knows how to ride a small 150cc motorcycle called a Grom, and is currently learning how to ride a 300cc bike called an R3.

Kaitlyn Saylor | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Kaitlyn Saylor, EFDA

A California native, Ms. Kaitlyn joined the Surfside team a little over a year ago! While Kaitlyn is currently completing her bachelors program online, her uncle, Dr. Adam, owner of Surfside Kids, offered her a position, starting out as Sterilization Tech and quickly climbing the ladder to Dental Assistant. She quickly fell in love with dentistry and now aspires to become a dentist one day, specifically in pediatrics. Kaitlyn particularly loves to see her patients develop a healthy association with the dentist and works to eliminate their fears.

Fun fact: Kaitlyn loves to knit!

Shalina Martin | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Shalina Martin, EFDA
Born and raised on the beach in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, Shalina started with Surfside Kids as a Sterilization Tech and transitioned into a Dental Assistant. She recently received her EFDA (Expanded Functions Dental Assistant) certification through the Georgia Dental Association. As the former Assistant Director for 4-H Youth Development, working with kids has always been a passion.

Fun Fact: Shalina performed backup vocals and tambourine in a classic rock band.

Francene Rowland | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Francene Rowland
Patient Care Coordinator

Born in Germany and raised in a military family, Francene has called Georgia her home for the last twenty years.  Her family currently resides in their home state of Hawaii.  Francene and her fiancé have two amazing kiddos, close in age, who bring joy and smiles into their everyday life.  As a people person, with an innate desire to help those in need, including animals, Francene is a strong addition to the Surfside team working as a patient care coordinator. 

Fun Fact: I have a dog named Rice and two cats, Tama and Sophie! One day, I want to be able to save all animals!

Meagan Fernandez-Robinson | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Meagan Fernandez-Robinson, EFDA

Originally from Tampa, Florida, Meagan moved to Georgia in February 2020. One of her best friends and a former Surfside dental assistant introduced her to dentistry. Upon hire, Meagan began as a sterilization technician and, after completing her EFDA course, she became a dental assistant. She loves working with kids and creating positive experiences to help children feel more comfortable going to the dentist.

Fun Fact: Meagan loves to cook and try new food!

Molly Williford | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Molly Williford, EFDA

Ms. Molly was born and raised in Shellman Bluff and recently moved to Jesup. When she was a kid, she always loved going to the dentist. Since a young age, she knew she wanted to work with kids in some capacity as an adult. Molly loves the spontaneity of children. They’re funny, full of life and always keep you on your toes – she looks forward to her job each day!

Fun Fact: Molly traveled throughout the southeast playing softball!

Marisa Ryals | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Marisa Ryals
Sterilization Technician

Marisa was born and raised in Coastal Georgia. In her free time, she enjoys shopping and hanging out with her family and dog, Mae. She has always loved working with children, but shortly after starting at Surfside Kids, she discovered how much she loves the dental field!

Fun fact: Marisa’s a new aunt to a sweet baby girl named Dallas Rae!

Chrissy Niver | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Chrissy Niver
Sterilization Technician
Chrissy was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. She married her high school sweetheart of 17 years, and they have two children. In 2013, after her husband joined the Army, they moved to Germany, and seized the opportunity to travel through Europe. Then, in 2017, Chrissy and her family moved back to America and landed in Georgia. Chrissy began her career in early childhood education, and also volunteered as a coach for youth sports. She loves being around kids because they bring so much light and laughter. In combination with her interest in dentistry, Chrissy attended Savannah Dental Assistant School in Fall 2022. Her externship at Surfside Kids confirmed the direction of her career path. In her spare time, Chrissy likes to travel and make memories with her family.

Fun fact: Chrissy loves to collect crystals. She has a large collection, including gems, from all over the world.

Audrey McDuffie | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Audrey McDuffie

Audrey was born and raised in Jesup. She received her dental assistant certification at Savannah Dental Assistant School. She has a 4-month-old baby girl at home. Audrey has always had an interest in dentistry, however it wasn’t until she was offered a position at Surfside that she discovered how much she enjoys working with kids. “It really makes a difference when you enjoy going to work everyday!”

Fun fact: Audrey shares a birthday with Elvis Presley!

Jasmine Barnes | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Jasmine Barnes

Master Resilience Trainer | Patient Care Coordinator

Born in Raleigh, but raised in Selma, North Carolina, Jasmine completed her associates degree and became a Certified Medical Assistant. She began working as a Patient Care Coordinator at Surfside, and shortly thereafter, gained the new title as Master Resilience Trainer. Jasmine is currently taking a course in Positive Psychology and Resilience. One of her favorite parts about working with kids is hearing their stories, whether it is real or from their imagination. “Kids are a good reminder that it is okay to be goofy, laugh, and have fun!”

Fun fact: Jasmine loves to watch cartoons and is currently binge watching Amphibia on the Disney Channel.

Victoria Levesque | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Victoria Levesque
Patient Care Coordinator

After living in Kentucky for many years (GO CATS!), Victoria is excited to move back to beautiful coastal Georgia. She and her son look forward to exploring the many beaches on our state’s extensive coastline. For the last decade, Victoria has worked in hospital settings in Kentucky and Tennessee. She gravitated toward Surfside due to its family- oriented environment and working with patients on a more personal level. When Victoria was a child, she never looked forward to visiting the dentist, so she hopes to change that for the kiddos here!

Fun Fact: Victoria loves to travel and enjoys the outdoors! However, you can also find her curled up on the couch binge-watching a good Netflix series.

Wendy Stranne | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Wendy Stranne
Patient Care Coordinator
Born and raised in Florida, Wendy LOVES the beach, its’ salty water, and feeling the sand between her toes. While teaching second grade at Dayspring Christian Academy, Wendy met her husband Scott. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Savannah with their cat, Teddy, and dog, Jack. Wendy is currently working on her Medical Billing and Coding Certifications in the pursuit of expanding her career in the medical field, specifically, in administration. If she is not at the beach or Disney World, you can find Wendy and her dog, Jack, going for a walk. Wendy’s favorite things are

Dr. Pepper, the beach, and plants. She is so thankful for the opportunity to work at Surfside with such amazing people, and hopes you love it as much as she does.

Fun fact: Wendy loves video games and even gets paid for playing!

Theawanza Brooks | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Theawanza Brooks

Patient Care Coordinator
Theawanza, nicknamed “Thea”, was born and raised in Brunswick, Georgia. She is a graduate of Brunswick High School, 2002. “Go Pirates!” Thea is the mother of four amazing children, and has three cats and a dog. At a young age, Thea accepted Christ as her personal Savior, and wakes up everyday with a spirit of positivity and great expectations. As a believer, she knows that she can do all things through Christ who strengthens her. As a child, she was called the “Baby Whisperer” because of her innate ability to calm them down. Subsequently, Thea discovered her passion for working with children. They are smart, fun, energetic, and help teach adults life lessons. In the future, Thea plans to go back to college and finish her massage therapy degree.

Fun Fact: Thea is a freedom fighter. The Aunt of the late Ahmaud Arbery (2/23/20), Thea began a non-profit organization called Relentless Sistahood that helps families in need.

Best of 2021 | Georgia Business Journal

Office 912-715-SURF (7873)
Fax 912-717-9595
Email info@surfsidekids.com

Patient Hours:
Mon–Fri: 7am–2pm

Office Hours:
Mon-Thur: 8am-5pm
Fri: 8am-3pm
Sat & Sun: Closed

Richmond Hill

135 Cedar Street
Richmond Hill, GA 31324

Hinesville

103 East General Stewart Way
Hinesville, GA 31313

Brunswick

4850 Altama Avenue
Brunswick, GA 31520

Veteran-Owned Business

2019 Davey Award Winner