Our Team
Learn more about our incredible team and staff!
Ashley Tercero, DDS
Pediatric Dentist & Owner
Dr. Ashley grew up in the greater Seattle area, but attended college at UCLA, where she earned her B.S. degree in Physiological Science in 2002. Happy to return home, she earned her D.D.S. degree in 2006, followed by her Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry in 2008, from the University of Washington.
After spending her two-year Pediatric Dental Residency in Yakima, Dr. Ashley and her husband, Ryan, grew to love living in Eastern Washington. They wanted to help address the immense need for pediatric dentistry in the area and decided to make this their permanent home. In July of 2008, Dr. Ashley and her husband fulfilled their lifelong dream of working with children, and opened the first privately owned Pediatric Dental Practice in Yakima.
When she is not working, Dr. Ashley enjoys spending time with her wonderful family.
Dr. Ashley is Board Certified with the ABPD, is a member of the AAPD, WSAPD, ADA, WSDA, and has served as the President of the Yakima Valley Dental Society.
Jessica Kennedy, DDS
Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Jessica grew up in the Yakima valley. She attended the University of Portland, in Oregon, where she earned her B.S degree in Biology. In 2015, she earned her D.D.S degree from the University of Washington. Followed by her Certificate in Pediatruic Dentistry in 2017 from the NYU Lutheran Dental Medicine. In her second year of residency, Dr. Jessica also completed a fellowship in Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) through the University of Washington and served as the Chief Resident.
While in dental school, Dr. Jessica developed an interest in pediatric dentistry after shadowing Dr. Ashley at Yakima Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Jessica is excited to continue to be back home, serving the Yakima community as a member of the experienced and skilled team at Yakima Pediatric Dentistry - where her interest in pediatric dentistry was initially sparked!
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Jessica spends the majority of her time being a mom to her four young children. In any free time she comes by, Dr. Jessica enjoys spending it with her family and friends, exercising, and visiting San Juan Island.
Dr. Jessica has been a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry since 2018. She is also an active member of the AAPD, WSAPD, ADA, WSDA, and Yakima Valley Dental Society.
Steven Karmy, DDS, DNDBA
Anesthesiologist
Dr. Karmy is a dental anesthesiologist working for Eastern Washington Ambulatory Anesthesia Services. He grew up here, in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Karmy graduated from Walla Walla University and completed dental school and his anesthesia residency at Loma Linda University in California. His practice is limited to providing general anesthesia and sedation services for dental patients in outpatient settings.
He lives in Walla Walla with his wife and son, Melissa and Vinny. He enjoys motorcycle riding and fly fishing in the summers. During the winter he can be found fishing for steelhead and sturgeon. His black lab Duke, also an avid fisherman, loves to accompany him to the water.
Maria
Registered Dental Hygienist
Maria has been a part of our team since 2008 after obtaining her Bachelor's Degree in Dental Hygiene at Eastern Washington University. Maria enjoys working with kids to provide a positive dental experience! Outside of the office she enjoys spending time with her 3 boys and caring for her dogs and chickens.
Laurie
Lead Dental Assistant
Laurie was born and raised in Yakima. She began her career as a dental assistant in 2008, and was happy to become a part of the YPD team in 2011. She enjoys helping each individual child to have a healthy smile and is honored to be serving the community of Yakima.
Aylin
Dental Assistant
Aylin grew up in Wapato and completed the dental assistant program through Yakima Valley College. She completed her internship at Yakima Pediatric Dentistry where she realized that she had a passion for working with children. She was so happy to join Yakima Pediatric Dentistry permanently in July 2019. Aylin loves spending time with her family and friends and going out on adventures!
Jacqueline
Dental Assistant
Jacqui joined Yakima Pediatric Dentistry in 2021. She was born in Yakima, WA and raised in Tieton. She finished the YV-Tech Dental Assisting Program in 2019 and graduated from Highland High School. Outside of her enjoyment from working with kids, she also enjoys traveling, playing with her husky and being active outdoors!
Karla
Dental Assistant
Karla joined YPD in 2022 but has been a dental assistant since 2020. Her hobbies include spending time with friends, family, & being outdoors. She really enjoys working with kids everyday and making them feel comfortable when coming to the Dentist!
Maribel
Dental Assistant
Maribel was born and raised in Yakima, WA. She pursued Dental Assistant through Charter College and has been in the dental career ever since, initially joining Dr. Ashley in 2014. Outside of work she travels & loves spending time with her Husband and 2 kids.
Dawn
Insurance Coordinator
Dawn joined Yakima Pediatric Dentistry in 2021 as Insurance Coordinator. She is originally from California and enjoys spending time with family, friends and traveling.
Lili
Receptionist
Lili joined the YPD team in 2023. She was born and raised in Yakima. She spends most of her time outside of work with family. She enjoys interacting with all the kids that come through the doors of our office and is always happy to help families schedule their next visit to see Dr. Ashley!
Noe
Dental Assistant
Noe graduated from the YV-Tech Dental Assisting program in 2019 and has continued working in the dental field since then. She joined the YPD team in 2024. Noe will continue to further her career in the dental field by pursing her EFDA but really enjoys working with kids at the YPD office right now. Outside of work, Noe is passionate about all things health and fitness.
Graciela
Dental Assistant
Graciela has been a Dental Assistant since 2024. At the end of her certification at YV-Tech, Graciela interned with us at YPD. She has since gotten married and had a baby girl. Outside of work Graciela enjoys spending time with her family.
A Tip from Dr. Ashley
"Drink water after eating sweets to help wash away sugars and neutralize acids."