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.

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!

Jamie Carmack | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Jamie Carmack
Office Team Coordinator (Brunswick)

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
Marketing and 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.
Alexis Phillips | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Alexis Phillips, EFDA
Office Team Coordinator (Hinesville)

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 | 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.

Charissa Younce | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
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.

Windy Carroll | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
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!

Genelle Usher | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Genelle Usher, EFDA
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.

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, EFDA
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!

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.

Seth Dever | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
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 | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
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 | 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!

Ashlie Alvey | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
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 | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
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 | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
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 | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
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!

Sara Blofsky | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Sara Blofsky
Office Team Coordinator (Richmond Hill)

Originally from Maryland, Sara moved to Georgia in 2023. She earned her EFDA in Delaware in 2015 and has had a passion for dentistry and healthcare ever since. She went on to earn her Bachelors in Healthcare Administration and an Associates in Business Management. She enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking and anything in the great outdoors with her husband, two children and two dogs.

Fun fact: Sara has quite a few hobbies to include pyrography, leatherwork, and furniture restoration. You can view some of her work on her social media @TheCopperBass

Meg Ryan | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Meg Ryan, EFDA
Meg was born and raised in Hillsdale, Michigan and grew up immersed in dentistry and volunteering with individuals with developmental disabilities. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 2017 with a Bachelor’s in Cognitive Science. She further pursued her passion for helping those with special needs and earned a clinical doctorate in occupational therapy from Thomas Jefferson University in 2021. Meg is now combining her passion for dentistry and helping those with special needs through pursuing a dental degree and will start dental school in the Fall. Meg loves working at Surfside and helping make oral healthcare accessible for individuals of all abilities. In her free time, Meg loves taking her chocolate lab, Juniper, to the beach.
Arianna Nix | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Arianna Nix, EFDA
I’m extremely good at one thing and that’s being a mother to my handsome boys, Blaise and Hezekiah. When I came to surfside I became good in the operation room. It changed my life and career forever. I love working with kids because they are the light of life. They are our next generations, and I want to be apart of helping them have healthy and beautiful teeth. I was born and raised here in Brunswick GA but later moved to Atlanta in 2018, I put school off for awhile after having kids, but I will graduate the end of march 2024. Its better late then not done at all. Show up for yourself and these kids!

Fun fact: I love to cook but them dishes…

Brionna Parrish | Surfside Kids Pediatric Dentistry
Brionna Parrish
Patient Care Coordinator

Raised in Tucson, AZ, Brionna studied holistic medicine while working for a naturopath, and later graduated summa cum laude from Grand Canyon University with a B.S. degree in addiction counseling. With an active-duty husband, Brionna and her family are hoping to stay at Fort Stewart until her children graduate from high school. In her free time, Brionna enjoys reading, playing video games, and continuing her studies. Brionna’s favorite thing about children is their imagination. “Listening to children talk about their hopes and dreams is the reminder I need that it’s okay to pursue your happiness, and nothing is impossible.”

Fun Fact: Brionna’s favorite hobby is baking and cooking. One day, she is hoping to open a food truck business, and give back to the community!

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