Kendall McKown – Certified Dental Assistant
Meet Kendall McKown, our lead dental assistant. Kendall joined our practice in October 2020, and like Dr. Alatorre, she is passionate about dentistry. With over 15 years of experience, Kendall enjoys using her skills and knowledge to help Dr. Alatorre take care of our patients. Gentle touch and compassion are Kendall’s trademark, and she is passionate about helping patients understand the importance of their overall health.
Kendall first graduated with a degree in Education in 1998 but changed her career field to dentistry in 2004. She has been married to her husband since 2000, and her favorite pastimes are walking her dogs, reading, and dreaming about one day retiring in a lakeside community. Kendall loves her fur babies and is especially fond of basset hounds.
Hoku Pilimai – Hygienist
Hoku is a CSN graduate who is goal-driven and hard-working. We’re very lucky to have her working with us. She’s been at our office since 2017, and has been practicing in the dental industry since 2005. This experience makes her a great hygienist and a valuable employee.
Hoku has four sons who keep her on her toes. She spends a lot of time cheering them on at various sporting and school events. When she’s not on the bleachers, she enjoys reading and keeping in shape.
Lisa Hayward – Office Manager
Lisa came to us from San Diego and has been an office manager here since 2018. She works hard to make sure that everyone who walks through our door is comfortable. She also goes the extra mile to help patients understand and organize the financial end of the dental visit, doing everything possible to make it an affordable and comfortable experience. Ask her any questions you need!
Lisa is married with three daughters, but only one daughter still living at home. The other two are off on their own college journeys. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys reading, staying fit, and learning new recipes. If you can’t find her in the kitchen, check the soccer fields for an enthusiastic soccer mom.
Esmeralda Peña – Dental Assistant / Front Office
Meet Esmeralda, our dedicated Dental Assistant at Alatorre Dental. With over a year of experience at our practice, Esmeralda brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her role. Graduating in 1990, Esmeralda holds a degree and is proud to be bilingual in Spanish and English, with ambitions to master Italian as her third language. What Esmeralda values most about her role at Alatorre Dental is the exceptional customer service provided to each patient. She prides herself on creating a welcoming atmosphere, alleviating any nerves with her warm smile. Esmeralda sees herself not just as a dental assistant but as an integral part of the Alatorre Dental family, contributing to its success one smile at a time.
Married for three decades, she cherishes time with her three children, including her 16-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter, who keep her actively engaged at home. Outside of work, Esmeralda indulges her love for travel and the beach, particularly at home in South California. She also enjoys baking and bike riding with her family.
