Our Team and Staff
Learn more about our incredible team and staff!
Dr. Ashley Tercaro, 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.
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.
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.
Jacqui
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 and playing with her husky.
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 and her dog, Leia. 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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
Dr. Steven Karmy, DDS
Anesthesiologist
Dr. Karmy is a dentist anesthesiologist working for Eastern Washington Ambulatory Anesthesia Services. He grew up here in the Pacific Northwest, graduated from Walla Walla University and completed dental school and 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, Melissa. He enjoys motorcycle riding and fly fishing in the summers, and hunting for steelhead and sturgeon in the winters. His black lab Duke, also an avid fisherman, loves to accompany him to the water.
A Tip from Dr. Ashley
"Drink water after eating sweets to help wash away sugars and neutralize acids."