Meet the SF Perio & Implants Team

Making your experience comfortable and anxiety-free.

Front Desk Team

Click on each image to see our bios.
Lead is on our San Francisco periodontal team
Leah Vance

Office Manager

Leah grew up in Ireland and moved to the Bay Area twenty years ago. She has fallen in love with San Francisco and could never imagine leaving. She started out in the dental industry as a temp and has worn a few different hats throughout her tenure. This has given her a good idea of the varying facets of a dental practice.

Like many people, Leah fell into dentistry. But the more she learned, the more she became fascinated and impressed by the things dentists achieve, especially the difference periodontics can make to patients’ smiles and lives.

Leah enjoys educating patients and helping allay any fears they may have about treatments or surgery. She genuinely believes all patients are in really good hands with our entire surgical team. It is her aim to help patients feel comfortable with what can be an emotional and daunting process.

When not working at SF Perio & Implants, Leah hosts a community radio show where she talks about TV shows, so it is fair to say she watches a lot of TV. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family and loves discovering new restaurants. Leah is also a big fan of the San Francisco Giants!

Who is your hero? Why?: Dolly Parton because she blazed her own trail and is unabashedly, unapologetically herself.

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by?: Never chase a boy or a bus; there will always be another one right behind them. (Also, always be yourself.)

What flavor ice cream would you be?: One of those Ben & Jerry’s flavors with a punny name. And lots of chocolate, because chocolate is the best.

Elizabeth wearing a black top and smiling as a member of our SF Perio & Implants team
Elizabeth K.

New Patient Coordinator

Elizabeth was born and raised in San Francisco to a big family so she always had cousins and friends around her. She chose dentistry by chance due to the location of the office near her home. She applied for the job and so began her 19-year career in pediatric dentistry.

Her career started as an assistant and she obtained her Registered Dental Assistant License. From there she moved into the front office at a general dentist and then worked as a Treatment Coordinator at an orthodontist office for seven years. Since joining our team she has used all her experience to help our new patients.

To Elizabeth, the best part of her job is helping new patients feel comfortable at our practice. She strives to help patients feel good by being well informed about their initial appointment.

Away from the office, Elizabeth loves to cook and host dinners for friends and family. She is a vegan due to her love for animals and spends the weekends walking her two dogs and watching football.

Who is your hero? Why?: I would say my mom is my hero. She’s strong and always lifts me up when I feel down. She’s been through a lot in her life and my goal is to make her life good now.

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by?: Honesty is the best policy.

What flavor ice cream would you be?: Strawberry – it never goes out of style.

Dental Hygienists

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Our SF Perio & Implants team member, Natalie, who is a dental hygienist in our office
Natalie Marks

Registered Dental Hygienist

Natalie lives on the peninsula and uses that as a home base while she explores the Bay Area. Natalie has worked in periodontal offices for the past 20 years. Before that, she made her start at a general dental office where she stayed for 6 years. She then went into the Peace Corps right after graduating from hygiene school. Natalie spent two and a half years in Jamaica, where she worked as a dental hygienist in dental clinics along the coast and went into schools to teach dental health to children.

She chose dentistry to help people stay healthy. Natalie has definitely found her calling and enjoys connecting with our patients. She loves to interact with people and learn new things from them.

Away from the office, she is very active and likes to keep moving. She goes to the gym, a BARRE 3 studio, hikes, and cycles regularly.

Who is your hero? Why?: My mom. She had a difficult upbringing, but she never let that get in her way or make her a negative person.

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by?: Treat others as you would like to be treated.

What flavor ice cream would you be?: Chocolate! Chocolate is ALWAYS the best in any form.

Wendy is a dental hygienist at our periodontal office in San Francisco
Wendy Hanrahan

Registered Dental Hygienist

Wendy was born in Hong Kong and moved to Vancouver, Canada when she was only seven months old. She grew up there until her move to San Francisco in 1995, where she started working for Dr. Pasquinelli.

Wendy became interested in dentistry when she received orthodontic work during high school. The staff who cared for her always looked like they were having a good time and she liked the idea of a job that doesn’t feel like work.

She became a Certified Dental Assistant in Vancouver with an orthodontic module certification. But then realized she wanted to be a hygienist so she could work independently. So, she attained her Diploma in Dental Hygiene from Vancouver Community College. In fact, Wendy scored in the 99th percentile in the American Dental Hygiene Board exam.

Her patients are the best part of her job. Wendy really thrives on meeting individuals with unique needs and life experiences. Every day is truly different for her.

When not cleaning teeth, Wendy organizes the Youth Sailing Program at South Beach Yacht Club. She also runs family events through Pancakes and Pumpkins for Halloween, and Santa by Boat for Christmas at the Yacht Club. She likes to volunteer at her daughter’s school as Fundraising Chair too.

Who is your hero? Why?: Jane Austen. She’s been read by so many people over centuries.

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by?: The very first hygienist I worked with when I graduated told me, you are only as good as the dentist you work for. If you work for a mediocre dentist, you will always be a mediocre hygienist. If you work for a great dentist, you will always do great work. That’s why I work in this office! The periodontists are great.

I am pleased with all the service from the whole team at Pasquinelli's office. Joyce runs the front and always remembers my name. I feel the attention and detail from everyone.

Jill H. (Actual Patient)

Dental Assistants

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Ana is smiling as part of our assistant's team at SF Perio & Implants
Ana Razo

Registered Dental Assistant

Ana is married with two children and is a native to San Francisco. She started in dentistry when she was in high school and has been doing it ever since. She has always enjoyed helping people and found dentistry rewarding because she helps patients keep their teeth and understand treatment options.

As a Registered Dental Assistant, Ana enjoys assisting with gum surgery and helping people understand the treatment they are going to receive. Her outgoing personality means people warm to her as she lends a listening ear.

In addition to her dental assisting, Ana has a coronal polish license and an x-ray license.

Away from the office, she loves to go on hikes and hang out with her family.

Lisa is smiling as part of our San Francisco periodontal team
Lisa Gee

Registered Dental Assistant

Lisa’s family immigrated to the U.S. when she was just seven years old. She has been a San Francisco resident ever since and lives with her husband, son, and daughter in the city. Lisa’s career started as temporary front office staff and has blossomed over the past 15 years. She has since become a Registered Dental Assistant. She finds real satisfaction in assisting people by restoring their smiles and confidence. Lisa loves working with our great team and working for one of the world’s best periodontists.

Away from SF Perio & Implant, she spends time with her kids and traveling overseas.

Jose is smiling as a San Francisco dental assistant and an integral member of our team
Jose Guzman Jr.

Dental Assistant

Jose was born and raised in Watsonville, CA, and moved to San Francisco in 2016. He first had an interest in dentistry at just 12 years old while going through orthodontic treatment. After seeing such a dramatic change in his smile, Jose knew he wanted to work in the dental field.

In 2012, Jose started working as a surgical assistant in periodontics and has never looked back. He has experience working with doctors in Carmel, Morgan Hill, and Santa Cruz. Jose says the best part of his job is getting to work with and help patients before, during, and after surgeries. He also enjoys working chairside with both Dr. Pasquinelli and Dr. Olivares.

Outside of work, Jose plays tennis, cooks, tries new restaurants around the city, and enjoys the outdoors. He likes to relax by listening to music and watching TV shows.

What “lesson from mom” do you still live by?: To always respect others, be kind and polite, and always have manners.

What flavor ice cream would you be?: Vanilla Bean: simple, sweet, and goes with everything…just like me!

Producing World-Class Periodontics in San Francisco

We all work together to make your visit as comfortable and relaxed as possible.