Meet The Team

Angelica

Originally from Eastern Washington, I’ve lived in the beautiful city of Gig Harbor since 2014 along with my husband, our daughters, and our fur-son Jax. I graduated from the Dental Assisting program at YVCC and YV-Tech in 2013.

Why did you choose dentistry?

My priority as a dental assistant is to maintain a comfortable atmosphere and experience for our patients.

What’s the best part of your job?

Seeing patients overcome dental fear and become comfortable visiting our office knowing they are getting great quality care and attention.

What aspect of your personality adds the most value to the office?

Organization and attention to detail. I am responsible for a variety of background functions which are essential in keeping staff and patients safe.

What do you do outside of the office?

Spending time with family and friends, working on my jewelry collections, and playing board games.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.

I knew how to read in Spanish before I could fluently speak it.

Brianna

I grew up in Huntington Beach California, but spent my summers in Port Orchard with my grandparents. I moved to Washington in 2011. I have 2 young sons.

What’s the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is connecting with patients.

What aspect of your personality adds the most value to the office?

My drive to accomplish things and and willingness to learn. No matter how big the task I will find a way to get it done.

What do you do outside of the office?

In my free time I enjoy getting outside with my boys, crafting, and baking.

What’s the best quote you’ve ever heard?

If you’re not God or George Strait take your boots off at the door.

Celina

I’m originally from Southern California. My husband is currently serving in the U.S. Navy and after living in Oahu, Hawaii, we received orders to Washington in 2017. We have two kids and one good looking dog.

Why did you choose dentistry?

Having braces as a teenager inspired me to go into dentistry. I found it interesting how you can move teeth and create a beautiful smile. I also had family members who worked in the field and encouraged me to pursue dental assisting school. After a couple of years assisting, I was interested in the administrative side of dentistry.

What’s the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is helping patients understand and utilize their dental benefits. I treat my patients as if I was helping my parents understand insurance coverage. It can be stressful and confusing but I try to help to the best of my knowledge.

What aspect of your personality adds the most value to the office?

Although I’m little, my spunky personality and being the “Office Mom” brings value to the office. I like to be around a positive environment and try to make the best out of situations by making jokes and telling stories and making sure everyone is ok.

What do you do outside of the office?

I enjoy exploring our small businesses and restaurants WA offers along with the beautiful scenery. However, I do enjoy being a homebody and making my house clean and cozy for my family.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.

I hated moving around as a child, and then I ended up marrying a military man!

Crystal

I have a beautifully blended family of four awesome adult children and one amazing grandson!

Why did you choose dentistry?

Not knowing what I wanted to be when I grew up, I was lucky enough to fall into dentistry in 1991 as a dental assistant. Being a lover of education I completed my dental hygiene associates degree in 2001 and then went on to complete my bachelor’s in dental hygiene.

What’s the best part of your job?

I enjoy building relationships with my patients to help guide and coach them to a state of whole body health through improved oral health.

What aspect of your personality adds the most value to the office?

I like to stay on top of the newest interventions of dental hygiene practices and study regularly. I actively support and promote my profession through volunteer leadership with our local chapter of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association.

What do you do outside of the office?

Outside of the office, I enjoy golf, family game nights, music concerts and travel.

Cynthia

I was born in the Fiji Islands, but I’ve lived in Washington for over thirty years, and I love the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. I live in Gig Harbor with my husband, our three girls and our dog Holly.

I started my career as a dental assistant in 1995 and became a dental hygienist in 2002. I earned my Degree in Dental Hygiene from Shoreline Community College and I pursue as many continuing education courses as possible.

Why did you choose dentistry?

I chose dentistry because I enjoy building a relationship with patients. I have the opportunity to educate patients about the importance of oral health with a whole body approach.

What’s the best part of your job?

The relationships I build with my patients and coworkers.

What aspect of your personality adds the most value to the office?

The care and attention I provide to my patients and my easy going personality.

What do you do outside of the office?

In my spare time, I enjoy camping, traveling, hiking, gardening, baking and cooking.

Krystlelyn

I was born and raised in Southern California, but since 2017 I have called Washington home. I moved up to the PNW to soak up the rain and relish in all the beauty that surrounds us. I started my career as a dental assistant in 2009 and became a dental hygienist by 2012.

I joined Dr. Gressell’s team in the summer of 2020 and have enjoyed every day. The patients and staff of Harbor Hill Dentistry play a huge part in making my work days fun and exciting.

Why did you choose dentistry?

I chose dentistry because it allows me the opportunity to share my passion with so many people.

What aspect of your personality adds the most value to the office?

As a dental hygienist, I strive to provide each patient with the utmost respect, attention, and understanding while providing individualized care. At each appointment, I will personalize your dental hygiene treatment plan to fit your specific needs. I will share advice and provide the guidance you need to achieve optimal oral health.

What do you do outside of the office?

Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my significant other and our three dogs Areo, Max and Lily. I also love fishing, crabbing, face painting, arts & crafts, eating at new restaurants, playing board games with friends, and singing karaoke.

Madison

My husband and I have recently moved back to the PNW after being stationed in Virginia for 3 years. I was born and raised in Washington and feel so grateful to be from such a beautiful state.

Why did you choose dentistry?

I come from a family in the medical field. This led me to start my dental journey in 2017 and I became a dental assistant for 2 years. I am currently working towards becoming a dental hygienist. In the mean time I want to learn all that I can about the industry, so I have recently transitioned to becoming a treatment coordinator. I love helping people and enjoy working in a profession that makes people smile!

What’s the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is creating lasting relationships with patients and answering any questions they may have.

What aspect of your personality adds the most value to the office?:

My friendly personality and passion for the dental field help to provide an enjoyable experience for patients when checking in and check out of the office. I want patients to feel welcome and valued when working with me.

What do you do outside of the office?

Outside of the office I enjoy baking anything sweet! I love getting in comfy clothes and watching LOTS of movies, Also my husband and I love anything fitness. We are currently training for a half marathon. Wish us luck!

Share an interesting fact about yourself.

I own the fattest orange cat you will ever see! His name is Auzie and he will snuggle all day with you if you let him.

Sarah H.

I have twins, born in 2018, a boy and a girl. My husband and I moved here from Montana in

2021, he is a Seattle native and was anxious to move back to WA. We currently live in Port Orchard.

Why did you choose dentistry?

In high school I thought I wanted to be a dental hygienist, but I shadowed one for awhile and didn’t like the repetition of their daily routine. After college and grad school in 2013, I spent some time in hospitality but didn’t like the crazy hours. Dentistry has anything but crazy hours 🙂 so one of my friends hooked me up with a job at the dental office she worked at and the rest is history! I have stayed in dentistry for so long because I enjoy that each day/patient is different and that things are constantly moving, changing and growing.

What’s the best part of your job?

Helping everyone! I like being a reliable source for staff and patients, and I hope that when they leave my desk they feel like things got a little easier, a little better or a little happier.

What aspect of your personality adds the most value to the office?

Dependability and honesty. I hope that everyone feels like they can come to me when they need something, that their needs will be met quickly and honestly!

What do you do outside of the office?

I love to cook and eat! Watching cooking shows, trying new foods. I try to spend as much time outdoors as possible with my kids, they love to play in the water and go for walks in the woods.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.

I grew up in Yellowstone National Park. My first job was scooping ice cream for tourists visiting the park and in high school, we had to scare bison off of our football field so we could use it.

Sarah D.

My husband, daughter, and I moved from Wichita, KS in 2012, always feeling drawn to the PNW. We absolutely love this state. I have a twin sister who is very dear to me, and 3 silly corgis.

Why did you choose dentistry?

I have worked in the service industry for a long time and I enjoy making people happy. I am proud to work at a place that is genuinely making the quality of a person’s life better.

What’s the best part of your job?

I get to help people improve their smile!

What aspect of your personality adds the most value to the office?

I am extremely friendly and dependable.

What do you do outside of the office?

My family and I enjoy going on hikes, and taking our boat out on the sound for crabbing and fishing. I love to grow a large garden every summer, home canning is a passion of mine. In the fall and winter season you’ll often find me in the kitchen baking up a storm, or making jams.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.

I am obsessed with Halloween!

Tia

Born and raised in gig harbor. I’m married with two kids who are the highlight of my life!

Why did you choose dentistry?

Growing up I loved going to the dentist so finding a career in the dental field was exciting!

What’s the best part of your job?

Getting the opportunity to know my patients personally, as well as being able to treat their diverse dental needs. I enjoy the challenge of each new case and helping my patients feel comfortable and well cared for.

What do you do outside of the office?

I love to cook and feed people.