Our team strives to deliver the highest quality
dental care possible in a comfortable and gentle manner.
MARY - FINANCIAL COORDINATOR
My name is Mary and I’ve been at Life Smile since 2005. I guess time does fly when you’re having fun! We have the best group of people here, both staff and patients. I moved here from New Jersey about 18 years ago. I’ve worked in dental since I was sixteen. I just always liked it. I also met my husband that year. Big year for me, I guess. We had two boys and now have two grandsons. We only make boys apparently. My Corgi, Teddy, is just a love. Coming here to the office is like coming home but I’ll always be a Jersey girl at heart.
CINDY - SCHEDULING COORDINATOR
I feel I have come full circle with dentistry in my life. I was introduced to dental assisting in high school, it was offered through a ROTC after school program. I worked with my sister-in-law for a few years and switched to medical administration for about 15 years. I moved to the high desert and was a Human Resource director for a multi-specialty medical group and hospital. I took evening and weekend courses for Esthetician and Massage Therapy and started my own business. After many years I reduced my business to mainly evening and weekends and started back into dental administration. I met my husband Daniel riding motorcycles in the desert. I moved to the Valley about 25 years ago. I worked at a wonderful office for eight years until the dentist retired. I never thought I would find another "great office.” I started working for Life Smile Dental in 2019 and I am so happy to work with wonderful co-workers and two fabulous doctors.
I’ve always wanted to help people in some way, I’ve always had a passion to help. Most weekends I'm away riding my bike in the desert or mountains or at the beach. I have two new babies -my kitty, Precious, and Cooper, my King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. They are the loves of my life.
PALIG - REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT
I have been with Life Smile Dental since 2003. It’s an absolute pleasure taking care of my patients. While not working six days a week, I consult for a skincare company. My favorite past time, however, is spending time with my young daughter, Lori. We love to travel and attend live concerts together. See you on Thursdays!
BETTY - REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT
I have had over 30 years of chairside experience. I enjoy interacting with patients and making sure that all their needs are met. I began working at Life Smile Dental Center in September 1999. I enjoy coming to work because there is a great environment, and everyone’s goal is to make our patients as comfortable as possible and to improve their smile. As Dr. Seastrom always says, “We treat our patients as we like to be treated.”
When I am not at work, I enjoy spending my time reading, and being in nature with my husband, Fred. We have been married for more than 30 years and have two sons. Ben is 30 years old. My other son, Nathan, is in his last year of college and works part time.
ROCHELLE - REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT
I am Rochelle and I have worked with Dr. Sooferian and Dr. Whitley starting in 2009. I love to work here at Life Smile Dental. We are all family. While I have been in this office, my life has changed. I have moved in with my dad to care for him, as well as my daughter and granddaughter. My granddaughter’s name is Christina. She is five years old, and I love being a grandma. My daughter is just finishing her schooling and will be an ultrasound technician. I’m so proud of her. Also, I have a new dog, Kuma, she is an Akita. She is a great dog, love her. My favorite place to be is the beach. I love camping at Leo Carrillo State Beach. I spend all summer there on my days off just being a beach bum. I love the outdoors.
PATTY - REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT
Hello, my name is Patty Vargas. For over 32 years now, I have been a registered dental assistant. At the age of 16, I began my dental career as a sterilization coordinator. As time went on, I got my license as a registered dental assistant. I have always worked in the San Fernando Valley where I’m from. I have worked for Life Smile Dental since 2006 and I assist Dr. Whitley. The reason I love my job is having the ability to help people and make a difference in their lives. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a person love their smile. I have been married to Eduardo for the past 28 years and we have one son named Julian age 16. My son is a junior in high school where he plays football for the high school team. When I’m not at work I enjoy decorating and party planning and I enjoy music.
ELENA - HYGIENIST
Hi, my name is Elena Suarez. For as long as I can remember, I always wanted a job where I could help others. In high school, I had an assignment where we were asked to explore a profession that we might be interested in doing and the steps we needed to take to make that happen. I chose dental hygiene; I loved the idea of helping others and the flexibility that the job offered. And so, I started that journey. After high school, I went to the Bryman school and obtained my certificate in dental assisting. I went on to work five years for a wonderful dentist in Glendale where I learn to work front and back-office duties. After those five years, I built up enough courage to go back to school and make my dream a reality. I obtained my dental hygiene certification from Pasadena city College and started working for Dr. Sooferian and Dr. Whitley in 1989.
Dr. Sooferian and Dr. Whitley have taught me so much not just about dentistry but about making those special connections with our patients. When patients say we are like family, we really are like family. We care about their concerns and take the time to listen and help them through their hurdles. I, myself, value making my patients feel comfortable while providing a thorough dental experience. My goal is to educate my patients on their oral health as it relates to their overall health and to find the right products to achieve the best results. The best motivator is knowledge and understanding … A true teacher would never tell you what to do. But they would give you the knowledge with which you could decide what would be best for you to do Christopher Pike. I am not the hygienist who will tell you what to do; I will be the one who explains why and hopefully motivate you to do what’s best. We’re not working, enjoy explain different cuisines, hiking, Square dancing and spending time with my husband, three grown kids and our dog. I have thoroughly enjoyed my patients in my time working for Life Smile dental and look forward to the years to come.
JEANETTE - HYGIENIST
My name is Jeanette Lachman. As far back as I can remember, I would visit the dentist very often with my parents. Coming from Europe, and not knowing much about dental care, they needed a lot of work. At the age of 16, I began working as a circulating dental assistant at my parents’ dentist. The hygienist was from Hawaii and became my mentor as did the doctor. They were so caring of their patients and made them feel at home. The doctor and the hygienist were instrumental in my decision to become a dental hygienist. It’s been over 45 years since I graduated the LACC/UCLA program. I am still very motivated and love what I do. I have been working with Dr. Sooferian and Dr. Whitley since `1998. I am still very enthusiastic and committed to my profession. My goal is to educate and do the best for my patients. I am only working two days a week now since I have three amazing grandsons. I love them with all my heart and help my daughter Stephani Weekly with driving to afterschool activities. She lives in Northridge with her husband, Jeremy. Our youngest daughter, Heather, lives in Woodinville, Washington with her husband Drew. We enjoy visiting them often. After moving to Channel Islands Harbor, Gary, my husband of 44 years and I are enjoying life at the beach. I enjoy yoga by the sea, playing pickleball, golf, tennis, and traveling to faraway places. We have two adorable dachshunds Stella and Maddie, who fill our life with unconditional love and entertainment. Hope to see you soon at your next dental cleaning appointment. Keep your hygienist happy brush and floss every day!
Life Smile Dental