Staff & Board

Management Team

Executive Director, Laura Marcus rejoined Dientes Community Dental Care as E.D. in May 2011, after serving as the vice president of risk at Nonprofits Insurance Alliance Group in Santa Cruz. A graduate of Leadership Santa Cruz County, she earned a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University and is a fellow of Stanford  University’s Leadership Institute  for Nonprofit Executives.  Ms. Marcus started her career in nonprofits  as part of an HIV/AIDS related  effort in South Africa,  became executive director of  the Human Care Alliance, then  joined Dientes in 2004 and served  as Executive Director from 2006-2008. She serves on the board for  Women’s Crisis Support and the  Health Improvement Partnership.

Dental Director, Dr. Alana Thompson took on this role in July 2009 after serving as Assistant Dental Director for more than a year.  She continues to treat patients three days a week and oversees Dientes’ outreach programs.  She has earned degrees from Tufts University and the UCSF School of Dentistry, and is in the process of achieving her Masters of Public Health at UC Berkeley. Dr. Thompson has a strong background in dental clinic management as well as over five years providing hands-on dental care in both public and private practice settings, and has organized programs targeting the oral health needs of the homeless.  She was awarded by the American Association of Public Health Dentistry with the prestigious Herschel S. Horowitz Scholarship, designed to support dentists pursuing dental public health specialty education, and has also been the recipient of several esteemed awards for community service.

Clinic Manager, Karen Wolters, brings twenty-six years of experience in the dental sector, including roles as Dental Assistant, front office clerk, and office manager.  She supervises the clinical office staff and dental assistants to maintain efficient daily operations, and ensures that patients receive top quality customer service.  Since joining Dientes in 2007, she retains a strong commitment to the organization’s mission and to improving the health of the community.

Associate Director, Dawn Langjahr, has been with Dientes since 2003 in various roles, including Administrative Manager, Front Office Supervisor, and three years as Clinic Manager.  Her prior experience includes several years in administrative roles at private dental practices, as well a strong background with a diverse range of nonprofits.  Dawn oversees Dientes’ administrative components, including human resources, clinic operations, insurance billing, contracts and facilities management.  She also ensures regulatory compliance, and increases staff retention and professional development.

 Board of Directors

 Lee Fitzsimmons, RNC, President

 Olga de Santa Anna, Vice President

Gareth Bowles, Secretary

 Phil Grauberger, Treasurer

 Kathy Deagen

Brooke Johnson

Linda M. Moore

Ellen Ortiz, Ed.D.

Susan Robinson

Dental Advisory Committee

Brian Del Core, DDS

Marsha Maffia, RDH

Gary Marietti, DDS

Debbie Reynon, RDA

Ballan Tuck, DDS

Advisory Council

Ryan Coonerty

Nicole Lezin