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.

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Adam Hagan, DDS, FAAPD

Owner

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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.

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Christie Sankowski, DMD, FAAPD

Owner

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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.

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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.

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Ashlee Turner-Lee, DMD, MPH

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Specialized Dental Care:

Specialized Needs/All Ages

Autism

Growth and Development

Sedation

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

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 discovered her artistic voice both on and off the stage from dance, vocal, and piano performances to set design for film, TV, and theater. Elizabeth is able to apply her love for children and design to her role as Creative Director at Surfside, with varying responsibilities from marketing and advertising to the thematic and interior design in our new Brunswick office.

Fun Fact: As a set decorator and scenic artist in IATSE Local 491, Elizabeth worked on productions, such as American Idol, Puppy Bowl XV on Animal Planet, Hallmark’s Love to the Rescue and Love Takes Flight, and a favorite amongst horror enthusiasts, A Savannah Haunting.

Francene Rowland

Billing Coordinator

As a people person, with an innate desire to help all in need, Francene (also known as Fran, Franny, or Tita) is a strong addition to the Surfside Kids team having worked as a Patient Care Coordinator, Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA), and now Billing Coordinator. Francene and her fiancé have two amazing kiddos (Lana and Roni), who bring joy and smiles into their everyday life. Some of her favorite things to do is to read, watch Disney+, and spend time with family.

Fun Fact: Francene has a dog named Rice, a cat named Tama, and a Leopard Gecko named Cheech! One day, she wants to be able to save all animals (except cockroaches and mosquitoes) at her own animal sanctuary. She is terrified of flying cockroaches!

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.

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!

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

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.

Charissa Younce, RDH

Charissa was born and raised in neighboring McIntosh County. She is a direct descendant of the Gullah Geechee people of Sapelo Island, Georgia, and takes great pride in her culture. Charissa served 22 years in the U. S Air Force as a Dental Technician and retired in 2020. Although Charissa has spent the majority of her career helping adults achieve optimal dental wellness, she is finding that her real passion is in providing care to children. Charissa is excited to have a career that she loves and is grateful to be working with such an amazing team at Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry.

Fun Fact: Charissa enjoys crafting, and spending time with her family.

Kymber Fletcher, RDH

Born and raised in Georgia, Kymber is a 2019 graduate of the Dental Hygiene Program at Albany State University. Shehas a passion for working with children and is reminded daily of how amazing and exciting the world can be. “Children encourage me to use my imagination and find creative ways to educate about the importance of proper oral hygiene.” After work, you can find Kymber hanging out with her dog, Charlie or strolling Tybee Beach!

Fun Fact: Kymber loves hunting for shark teeth and using them to make jewelry!

Windy Carroll, RDH

Windy was born and raised in south Georgia. In 1999, she graduated with an Associate of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from Armstrong Atlantic State University. Windy has worked in pediatric dentistry since 2007, and can attest to the joy of teaching these fun-loving, imaginative little ones how to care for their smile. Windy and her husband, Terry, spend most of their spare time with their four children and two granddaughters, Harper and Ruby.Windy loves bike riding and taking walks with her golden doodle, Honey. She also finds pleasure in taking on new projects and hobbies, including her most recent endeavor: making her own bread!

Fun Fact: Windy enjoys traveling all over world and spending time with her children and granddaughters!

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.

Hope Caviness | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry

Hope Caviness, EFDA

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!

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

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

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.

Seth Dever

Sterilization Technician

Originally from Ohio, Seth moved down to Georgia in 2011. Shortly after moving, Seth gained an affinity for orthodontics after he got braces. Seth went on to Georgia Southern to obtain his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and graduated in 2022. He was also published in an academic journal for his contribution on research in green chemistry, specifically on substitutes for petroleum-based plastics. Seth heard about Surfside Kids from a friend of his girlfriend and jumped at the opportunity to immerse himself in the field. He is fond of working with children because he has the opportunity to make a visit to the dentist office an enjoyable one.

Fun fact: Seth is an avid fan of golfing.

Lovell Jones

Lovell was born and raised in Brunswick Georgia, and graduated from Glynn Academy. Subsequently, she attended college-level classes. Lovell has worked in customer service and management for over fifteen years. By far, her proudest accomplishment is being a mother.

Fun Fact: Lovell wants to come back as a sea turtle in the next life!

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

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

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!

Ashlie Alvey

Patient Care Coordinator
Born and raised in small town Indiana, Ashlie along with her two children, Lillie and Nijel, decided to trade in cornfields and cold winters for warm sand and sunshine in 2017 and have called Richmond Hill, Georgia home ever since. In her free time Ashlie enjoys creating art, writing poetry, laughing with her children, tending to her houseplants, and singing at the top of her lungs.

Fun fact: Ashlie’s dream is to author and illustrate children’s books.

Sherice Lester

Patient Care Coordinator
Originally from Rome, Georgia, Sherice currently resides in Brunswick. Throughout Sherice’s world travels, Brunswick remains a second home to her family. Sherice has always had a heart for children and been intrigued by their imagination, which led her to open her own childcare facility in Brunswick. Now, as a patient care coordinator at Surfside, Sherice has experienced the reward of witnessing her once-students who are now in their preteen years.

Fun Fact: In her spare time, Sherice enjoys spending time with her family, and providing catering services to clients throughout Coastal Georgia.

Sue Abbott

Patient Care Coordinator
Born in Cheylan, West Virginia, Sue grew up in a military family, calling several East Coast Navy bases “home” until moving to Brunswick in 1963. She is one of five children, with two sisters and two brothers. She has two sons and six grandsons. No pink for this Nana! For the last decade, Sue has worked as an administrative assistant at the local hospital, and as a receptionist at several local medical offices. Sue loves the outdoors, especially the beach. She and her sisters take an annual trip every summer exploring new beaches. Growing up, Sue always thought she would pursue a career in teaching because of her love for children and innate desire to help people. Instead, she taught Sunday School to 7th and 8th graders for ten years!

Fun Fact: Sue has two cats, Milo and Simba, who bring her lots of joy and laughter!

Valerie Collins, BA, MA

Valerie was born and raised in Brunswick, Georgia. She has 3 children and 7 grandchildren. Over the last decade, Valerie has traveled to over ten states serving in full-time ministry helping the homeless. She is a descendant of Lula Oglesby, who was the first African American that had open heart surgery in Brunswick. Valerie has worked as a medical secretary for over 20 years; her favorite field being oncology. She loves working with children and seeing their beautiful faces light up with joy on their good days, and helping them to smile on their bad days. Valerie holds an associate’s degree in business administration, as well as a bachelor’s and master’s degree of art in Christian counseling. In addition, she also has a master’s degree in church administration.

Fun Fact: Valerie is and forever will be a sea lover at heart. Her favorite sports are fishing and crabbing!