Meet our team
Here at Thousand Oaks Smile Design, we believe in taking a comprehensive approach to your dental health. Our experienced dentists examine every aspect of your oral health — your teeth, gums, and other soft tissue in your mouth, as well as your jaw and the way you bite. They use digital x-rays and intraoral cameras to get a set of highly detailed images of your teeth. Then, using our advanced computer technology, we educate you about the health of your mouth so together we can meet your personal goals. Ultimately, our goal is to establish your smile on a solid foundation that will provide you with excellent dental health throughout your entire life.
Rita Brikina
Office Manager
Rita Brikina has been part of the Thousand Oaks Smile Design team since the practice opened. With a warm and welcoming personality, Rita enjoys helping our patients and getting to know them. She views our clients as more than just patients, but friends as well. Rita is happily married with two beautiful children. In addition to spending time with her family, Rita enjoys working out at the local Pilates studio.
Marla Daley
Billing Coordinator
Marla Daley is our billing coordinator and has over 30 years of experience in the dental health industry. She currently works in our front office and makes it a priority to explain to patients the need for dental health so they can be educated and make an informed decision about their health. When Marla is not working, she enjoys spending time with her two sons and four grandsons.
Leslie Melger
Treatment Coordinator
Leslie years of experience and knowledge are invaluable. Leslie carefully evaluates your treatment plan and develops a strategy to help you achieve your dental goal.
Vanessa Murcia
Hygiene Coordinator
Vanessa Murcia is our Hygiene Coordinator and has over 5 years of experience, she also has her dental assisting certificate. She works hard to provide the best and most accurate information possible to our patients and is a smiling face that greets you in our front office. Vanessa loves watching soccer and is an LA Galaxy fan.
Rachel Jackson
Registered Dental Hygienist
Rachel Jackson completed her degree in Registered Dental Hygiene in Southern California and joined our team in the beginning of 2015. Patients consider Rachel very gentle and caring, while at the same time very thorough. Rachel is a member of the American Dental Hygienists Association. She enjoys spending her downtime with her family and friends. Rachel's hobbies include reading science fiction books, spending time at her kids school, and enjoying a good family dinner.
Courtney Trow
Registered Dental Hygienist
Courtney Trow is one of our Registered Dental Hygienists. After completing her bachelor’s degree in biology at CSU Channel Islands, Courtney earned her dental hygiene degree at Oxnard College where she earned the Colgate STAR Award for excellent patient care and clinical skills. Courtney is also certified in laser technology for dentistry and enjoys staying up to date on the latest technology, protocols, and scientific advancements in dentistry. Courtney desires to have every patient feel comfortable and have a pleasant and informative experience in the dental chair. During her time off, Courtney enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, traveling the world, and exploring new cuisines.
Christy Kossow
Registered Dental Hygienist
Christy is one of our Dental Hygienists. She graduated from Dental Hygiene School at Pasadena City College in 2011. She was then awarded by the Western Society of Periodontology with having proved the highest skill and proficiency in periodontics. She has been certified in Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapies for 9 years. Christy's goal in patient care is to create a close and trusting relationship with each of you, keep you and your teeth healthy with the most comfortable techniques, and make your visits fun! Christy loves to keep updated in her field. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring, trying different cuisines, drawing, singing, dancing, painting, walking, hiking, baking, watching football, and doting on her beloved husband, dog, and cat.
Elizabeth Simeri
Registered Dental Hygienist
Liz is one of our Registered Dental Hygienists with over 12 yrs of clinical experience. She received her Associate in Science degree in Dental Hygiene from Oxnard College in 2008 and has been dedicated to patient care ever since. She values making patients feel comfortable and assure that they have an exceptional experience each time they come in for a visit. Liz is also laser certified and experienced in educating patients on their dental hygiene. One of her favorite aspects about the profession is getting to know and meet each patient's individual needs, as well as acquainting herself with patients and their families and lives. In her off time, Liz enjoys time with her husband and two sons camping and boating.
Maria Martinez
Dental Assistant
Mari has been a dental assistant since 2014, graduating with honors from Everest College in Reseda, California. When assisting, her main priority is to make patients visit as pleasant as possible. Mari loves to learn new things daily to provide the best care . On her spare time, Mari loves spending time with her son and family.