Steve Ross, DDS
Dr. Steve Ross graduated from Brigham Young University in 2000, earning his bachelor’s degree. He went on to dental school at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), graduating in 2008. The majority of his dental school training had a foundation in function and aesthetics. Dr. Ross is dedicated to staying up to date in dentistry, so he continues his education continuously. He learns something new every day. Dr. Ross has received advanced training in implants, dentures, root canal therapy, periodontics, sedation dentistry, and treating medically compromised patients. Dr. Ross has been practicing in the Salinas, California, area since 2009. He is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA). Dr. Ross’s goal is to give patients what they want whenever possible.
Dr. Ross and his wife Jen have one daughter and three sons. Dr. Ross is an Eagle Scout. He enjoys hiking and attending local sporting events.
Matthew Malvase, DMD
Dr. Matthew Malvase was born and raised in San Jose and has been in the dental field for over 14 years. He attended the University of California at Santa Barbara, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in biology and also discovered his passion for dentistry when he worked as a dental assistant during summer breaks. He went on to become a registered dental hygienist, studying at Carrington College in San Jose. Upon graduating from dental hygiene school, he decided he wanted to further his dental education even more and was accepted to Roseman University College of Dental Medicine in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree and was inducted into the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. In his free time, Dr. Malvase enjoys rooting for the San Francisco Giants and the 49ers and playing golf.
Our friendly dental team
welcomes you to Ross Family Dental! We cannot wait to make you a part of our dental family. We will ensure that your visits with Dr. Steven Ross are as comfortable and pleasant as possible. We are committed to explaining your dental options so that you can take an active part in your dental care. We encourage you to contact our dental office in Salinas, California, today to learn more about us and to schedule your next visit with our dentist.
Alissa Valencia-Garcia, RDH
Periodontal Therapist
Alissa joined the Ross Family Dental team in August, 2013. After graduating from high school she attended the Dental Careers, Salinas Regional Occupational Program while taking her prerequisite courses for the Dental Hygiene Program. Upon graduation from Hartnell College, Alissa transferred to Diablo Valley College where she received her Dental Hygiene Degree in 2009. Alissa’s favorite part about being a part of the Ross Family Dental team is having the opportunity to educate her patients on their oral health condition and treatment options. She strives to make every patient feel as comfortable as possible at every visit. Outside of work Alissa enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and friends and going on runs.
Amelia Morales, RDH
Periodontal Therapist
Amelia has been with our practice since April, 2014 and contributes as one of our amazing hygienists. Amelia graduated from the Dental Hygiene Program at Carrington College in 2011 with a degree in Dental Hygiene. Amelia enjoys being a part of the progressive team at Ross Family Dental. It is her priority to help educate her patients on their oral condition and treatment options while providing the very best dental care, delivered in the most comfortable manner possible. When not caring for her patients at work, Amelia is busy taking care of her two boys and family.
Leanne Costa, RDH
Periodontal Therapist
Leanne has been an integral part of our team since 2007 and is one of our dedicated dental hygienists. She graduated as valedictorian in 2007 from the prestigious Cabrillo College of Dental Hygiene, where she also served as class president. Leanne loves helping her patients achieve their oral health care goals and building close relationships with the people that she cares for at Ross Family Dental. She is a joy to be around and her laughter and upbeat personality are infectious! When not at work, Leanne enjoys spending time with her husband, George, and their daughters, Paige and Piper. She likes to read and enjoys cooking and baking.
Diana Alvarado, RDAEF2
Clinical Coordinator
Diana has been with our team since February, 2016. She delivers care and treatment for our patients, while working both alongside Dr. Ross and directly with patients, specializing in Dental Restorations. She connects with our patients almost immediately, and strives to deliver great care and dental treatment. Diana graduated with an Associate of Science degree in Dental Assisting from Monterey Peninsula College in 2008. Her passion for dentistry led her to pursue furthering her career, and in 2014, she graduated from the University of Pacific, Dugoni School of Dentistry Registered Dental Assisting Extended Functions program, (RDAEF2). Diana says, “I have a great passion for dentistry, and am grateful for the opportunity to work with the most genuine and caring person, Dr. Ross.”
Mayra Mancilla
Insurance Coordinator
Mayra began her dental career in 2008 and has been working in dental office administration since that time. She contributes professionalism and accountability to our team. Mayra has worked alongside Dr. Ross since 2016 and believes that he is an amazing dentist. He is genuinely kind and values his relationships with his patients as much as he does with his team. In addition to her dental experience, Mayra attended Cabrillo College where she completed the EMT, Phlebotomy and Medical Assisting Programs. Mayra enjoys spending time with her sweet little girls, Delaila and Rubi, when not assisting patients in our office.
Elizabeth Adams, RDH
Periodontal Therapist
Elizabeth obtained her dental hygiene degree in 2008 from Cabrillo College, and she also holds a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene (BSDH). Her passion and dedication as a hygienist stem from the bonds and relationships she forms with her patients while assisting them in obtaining a healthy mouth. Born and raised in Monterey County, she thoroughly enjoys long hikes and a great book. Elizabeth loves spending time with her husband and two children.
Marissa Sollid
Dental Assistant
Marissa is one of our registered dental assistants here at Ross Family Dental. She joined the team in May of 2021 while in the dental careers class at the Mission Trails ROP center during her senior year in high school. After graduating high school, she went on to Monterey Peninsula College where she completed the dental assisting program and received her license in July of 2023. Marissa continues to attend MPC to achieve her Associates of Science degree and is planning to start the registered dental assisting with extended functions program in the near future.
In her spare time, Marissa enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves sightseeing and trying new restaurants.
George Lips
Registered Dental Assistant – Hygiene Coordinator
George joined the team at Ross Family Dental in March 2022. He transitioned from his father’s practice, TLC Dentistry, where he had been a manager since 1997. George enjoys seeing the existing TLC patients as well as getting to know the patients of RFD. Stop by the hygiene center and say “Hello”!
Angelina Cornwell
Scheduling Coordinator
Angelina, better known as Angie, started her dental career about 10 years ago as an RDA (registered dental assistant). Since having her little one, Ziahn, she made the change into her current position in office administration and is now our Treatment Coordinator. When you need an appointment, call Angie! She is always ready to schedule your next appointment.
When not at work, Angie spends her time with her son, Zi, and they enjoy spending their time outdoors. She also loves to cook, bake and try new recipes. Family is such a big part of who Angie is, which is why she enjoys working at Ross Family Dental and being part of our big dental family.
Eddie Mexicano
Sterilization Tech
Eddie is the sterilization tech for Ross Family Dental. He joined the team in November of 2022. You will mostly see him moving around in our hygiene office assisting our wonderful hygienists. He works hard to keep our hygienists on time, which allows for a smooth patient experience. He is currently enrolled at Hartnell Community College and working on an associates degree in welding. Eddie works alongside his mom, Rachel, an assistant here at Ross Family Dental. On his free time, he enjoys eating pizza and playing video games.
Mirna Soto
RDA With Expanded Functions 2
Mirna is an RDAEF2 here at Ross Family Dental. She became a dental assistant in 1997 and had the opportunity to further her career in 2022. Mirna graduated from The Institute of Dental Specialties and became a registered dental assistant with expanded functions. She has been part of the Ross Family Dental team since March 2022, and transitioned from TLC where she had been since 2010. Her specialty is in CEREC and Glidewell® design (CAD/CAM) restoration design and feels privileged to utilize her skills to better serve our patients.
When Mirna is not assisting patients in our office, she enjoys a good book and spending time with her husband, Ruben, and their tow kids and granddaughter.
Nancy Stephenson
RDAEF2
With over 26 years of experience in the dental field, Nancy is a dedicated professional committed to providing excellent dental care. After earning her RDA at the ROP in Salinas, Nancy furthered her education at UCSF, obtaining an RDAEF qualification. Her pursuit of excellence led her to Fullerton, CA, where she earned an RDAEF2 (Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions, Expanded Duties Level II) certification, enabling her to perform advanced and specialized duties. Nancy ensures that each patient receives exceptional dental care tailored to their needs, backed by years of experience and a passion for oral health. Her experience includes working in the specialized fields for cosmetic, sedation dentistry and dental implants.
She truly loves helping patients achieve healthy smiles, whether it is through patient education in brushing and flossing techniques, nutritional awareness or being part of their restorative care. As an RDAEF2, she enjoys doing more to help the doctors and patients. Nancy takes great pleasure in seeing the end result of restored teeth and beautiful smiles.
When Nancy is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones as well as being an avid outdoor person who goes camping and hiking.
Yanitza Leon
Hygiene Coordinator
Yanitza, better known as Yani, was born and raised in Long Beach, CA. There, she worked in the restaurant industry for 12 years! Destiny had other plans for Yani, and when she moved to Salinas she landed in the dental world where she has found her passion. Yani contributes hard work and dedication to the team.
Yani loves to spend time with her son, Hayden, and husband, Matt. They are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their second baby, Juliana. She enjoys traveling back to Long Beach to visit her family and friends.
Lisa Lowther
RDH
Lisa is a dental hygienist. She graduated from Carrington College in 2012. Lisa grew up loving dentistry, her father is a dentist! On her free time, Lisa loves to cook, bake, and spend time with her 4-pound yorkie, Dezi. Lisa is passionate about her patient’s comfort and loves building long lasting friendships with them. She enjoys helping patients maintain and improve their oral health.
Shadia Albarran
Treatment Coordinator
Shadia joined our team in April of 2022 and has been a part of the dental community for the past 18 years. Her favorite part of Ross Family Dental is the friendly, family atmosphere. Shadia started as a chairside assistant and worked her way into her administrative role, she is a great addition to our dental family as our Treatment Coordinator.
Outside of work, Shadia has a busy life with her husband, Jeff, and two kids, Shayanne and Levi. They are active in sports and Ariel Theatre.
Rachel Trevino
RDA
Rachel is a registered dental assistant and has been with Ross Family Dental since March of 2021. Rachel has been part of the dental community assisting patients since 2008. She enjoys being part of the team and feels fortunate to be working alongside all of her talented and caring team mates, as well as interacting with patients. Rachel contributes great team work, dependability and quality dental care to the team.
During her time off, Rachel enjoys spending time with her fur baby, Chica, and her sons Eddie and Danny. Rachel has a precious granddaughter, Estrella, who she adores!