Affie
Registered Dental Hygienist

I grew up partly in Iran and Switzerland. Having a strong desire to pursue my career in dentistry I decided to study dental hygiene when I came to the United States and completed my training at UCSF in 1998.  Where I first met Dr McDowell in school as well. In 2012 I joined Dr.McDowell’s dental practice, now TVFD, and I continue to enjoy our team work while tending to my patients’ dental concerns and improving their dental health.

I am fluent in Persian, French, and English languages. Simple pleasures in life make me happy.  I enjoy playing piano, reading poetry,  scientific articles and non-fiction books. I particularly take pleasure in cooking, baking; with my specialty in cream puffs!  I have a ritual of making flower arrangements freshly cut from our garden.

Ryan
Registered Dental Hygienist

I graduated from the dental hygiene program in Santa Cruz in 2017 and bring a strong passion for oral health to every patient interaction. I’m known for having a thorough yet gentle touch, and I always aim to make cleaning both comfortable and effective.

I’ve lived in all corners of California-from Southern California to the Bay Area to Humboldt County- and now I call San Rafael home, where I live with my wife and our two kids. Outside the office, I enjoy playing guitar, especially improvising in the jam band style of Phish and the Grateful Dead. As a family, we enjoy camping, going to Disneyland, and traveling to Hawaii. I’m also an avid hiker and have a particular interest in summiting mountains in the 12,000–14,000-foot range.

Heather
Registered Dental Hygienist

Formerly serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, where I inadvertently discovered my love of dentistry, I’ve always had a passion for adventure and service. These days, I enjoy exploring new places, experimenting in the kitchen, and spending quiet evenings with my cat, Owen. Whether I’m planning my next trip or perfecting a recipe, I value curiosity, creativity, and a good sense of humor.

Tina
Registered Dental Hygienist

Hi, my name is Athena "Tina" Sklias,  RDH. I am a registered dental hygienist . I have been practicing for the past 3 decades in California. I grew up in the Maryland suburbs and went to school in Baltimore. I attended UCSF for post graduate classes before receiving my California license, and I am a member of the Redwood dental hygienist association. I have raised my 2 children in Marin county and live with my partner of 25 years in San Rafael.

We  love hiking, golf, nature, and most importantly spending time with our granddaughter! My goal is to help those I engage with learn about oral health and the connection to whole body health and well being.

Cynthia
Registered Dental Hygienist

Hello! I’m Cynthia, a registered dental hygienist. I grew up in the Bay Area and studied Health Sciences at CSU East Bay. I later attended Diablo Valley College to earn my dental hygiene degree. 

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me exploring new places, trying different foods, and just enjoying the little adventures life has to offer.

Melisa
Registered Dental Hygienist

Hi, I’m Melisa, a Registered Dental Hygienist at Tamal Vista Family Dentistry. I’ve been in the dental field for over 25 years and truly love what I do. I started out as a dental assistant, working with general dentists, oral surgeons, and orthodontists before going back to get my license as a hygienist. For the past 15 years, I’ve been focused on providing quality care and creating a positive comfortable experience for every patient. I enjoy building long-lasting relationships and helping people feel confident about their smiles. 

Outside of work, I love staying active, camping, swimming, and spending time with my family. 

Suzzane "Zane"
Registered Dental Hygienist

I'm Suzzane, a Registered Dental Hygienist. I earned my Dental Hygiene degree at Carrington College in San Jose.

I love spending time with my family, doing small walks after work, going to local parks, or amusement parks on my vacations creating fun memories!