Our Staff

Meet Our Staff

Dassenko Staff

Back Row (left to right): Judy Houser, Mary Gutterud, Dr. Carrie Ramirez, Dr. Pam Dassenko, Teresa Altice, Andrea Lopez, Jenni Martines

Front Row: Carrie Dutra, Elizabeth Ray, Michele Avrea, Amy Bisely

Not pictured: Britta Swearingen, Dental Hygienist

Judy Houser, Junior Office Manager

Judy Houser After completing my dental assistant training and receiving my Associate of Science degree from Monterey Peninsula College in 1970, I worked as a receptionist and dental assistant for a general dentist in Morro Bay for 27 years, until his retirement. I have worked for Dr. Dassenko since September 2001, assisting in the front office with scheduling and clerical duties and helping in the back as the need arises.

My husband and I have been married for 39 years and have been blessed with a daughter and a son, both of whom are married. Spending time with my three granddaughters on the weekends is my passion, and I enjoy gardening, cooking and knitting whenever I can fit them into my busy life!

Andrea Lopez, Dental Assistant

Andrea Lopez I have been a dental assistant for three years and am looking forward to furthering my knowledge of the dental field to become a dental hygienist in the future. I graduated from Santa Maria High School in 2001 and attended Allan Hancock College, where I worked toward a degree in sociology.

My husband and I are thrilled to have had our first child this last year and we look forward to living the "SLO life" on the beautiful Central Coast with our growing family. I enjoy gardening, swimming, hiking and family activities with my Husband and our Son. You might even spot me at our local farmer’s market or at the U-pick orchards.

Amy Bisely, Registered Dental Hygienist

Amy Bisely Greetings,

I am Amy, and am thrilled to be a member of Pam Dassenko’s team. I knew this is the office where I wanted to be and even found myself referring patients here when I was not yet an employee! That is a sign of a great office. I was correct, and have been a happy member of the team since early 2008. I grew up in the Bay area, working in the dental field since the age of 16. I have experienced many phases of dentistry which include DA, RDA and Office Manager. In 1986 I became a Registered Dental Hygienist. I love everything about Dental Hygiene it is very scientific and rewarding.

My family and I moved to San Luis Obispo in 2001 and we have never looked back. I have two wonderful children that fill me with pride each and every day; they are kind, caring, hilarious individuals with great character and integrity. My son is attending Stanford University to obtain his Masters degree in Aerospace Engineering. My daughter is finishing her senior year in Communications at UCLA with plans to pursue an MBA. My children are the most important part of my life but I also enjoy gardening, hiking, landscaping, home projects, cycling, travel and photography. I also have two dogs that take me for runs on my off days. I am delighted and honored to be part of such a wonderful office and I look forward to meeting you in the future.

Becky Hawkins, Registered Dental Hygienist

I grew up in northern California and have been working in the dental field since 1999. After earning my Bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 2002, I earned a Master's degree in International Public Health from Biola University. I have since been practicing dental hygiene in southern California and the Central Coast, and have done volunteer dental work in Mexico and Central America.

I enjoy cooking, letterpress printing, and going to the beach with my husband and daughter.

Britta Swearingen, Registered Dental Hygienist

I am Britta Swearingen and I love being a Dental Hygienist! It is an honor to be “welcomed in” to the inside of a smile. Listening and observing are strengths of mine and have helped me to understand people, their behaviors and their mannerisms. I am in the process of obtaining my teaching credential to teach head and neck anatomy, anesthesia and chair-side ergonomics. Can you tell I love it!?

I feel so fortunate to work with Dr. Dassenko and Dr. Ramirez and such an incredible team where we share in our philosophy of open-mindedness and creating a supportive, compassionate and positive dental office environment. When I am not in school I am making harmonies with my sister, rehearsing lines for a play or mending fences on the farm. I feel so fortunate to be able to live what I love!

Michele Avrea, Registered Dental Hygienist

I am a Registered Dental Hygienist and have been working with Dr. Dassenko's office since July of 2010. I moved to the Central Coast from Southern California and I feel very fortunate to have found employment in such a wonderful office. What a privilege it is to be working with Dr. Dassenko and her fabulous team of professionals. I bring 25 years of dental experience including 14 years as a Registered Dental Assistant, 5 years as a Front office Manager and 6 years now as a Dental Hygienist.

My husband and I, along with our 2 cats, reside in Los Osos where we enjoy spending time outdoors, mountain biking, hiking and kayaking. The Central Coast is truly a one of a kind place and we are so thankful to be able to live in such a beautiful spot.

Elizabeth Ray, Registered Dental Hygienist

I was raised in the Bay Area. California Polytechnic State University was the college of my choice. I majored in Physical Education, Exercise Physiology and worked as a Phlebotomist to help put me through school. I enjoyed running track at Cal-Poly for 2 years. After graduating in 1985 I worked for Stanford Research Institute as an Assistant Director in corporate fitness. I worked closely with a preventative doctor and enjoyed the medical field so I decided to return to school. I became a flight attendant and flew as a part-time job while I attended Phoenix College to become a Dental Hygienist. I graduated from Phoenix in 1991.

My hobbies include spending time with my family, church activities, power walking, snow skiing, water boarding, hiking, gardening, music, the arts and reading.

I met my husband at Cal Poly. I have a daughter and two sons. My daughter is interested in early childhood development and is married to a terrific young man that has a degree in graphic arts. They are ready to start their own family. My two boys are 22 months apart and are driven young men. One wants to be a doctor and the other’s interest lies in computers and the arts.

I am elated to be a part of Dr. Dassenko's exceptionally superior dental team and I look forward to serving you for many years to come!

Carrie Dutra, Registered Dental Hygienist

Hello, my name is Carrie Dutra and I work as a Dental Hygienist for Dr. Pam Dassenko. I attended Cypress College in Cypress, CA; where I received the Periodontal Award for Excellence upon graduation in 2007. I moved back to the Central Coast after finishing school and have been practicing ever since. With all of the activities the Central Coast has to offer, I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

I grew up in Arroyo Grande but reside now in Nipomo. I come from a very large family and love that they all live between Paso Robles and Orcutt. I have two sisters and one adorable nephew. The pride and joy of my life however, is my Yorkie, “Teddy” (yes, he wears clothes!) My favorite activities include camping, traveling, enjoying time with family and friends and going to the beach.

As a Dental Hygienist I truly love what I do. I am able to connect with and help people all day. Each day I learn something new from a patient, they are so wonderful! I am so lucky to have patients with such talent and knowledge. I continue to look forward to meeting all of you!