Staff Directory

We are especially interested in making all our patients feel right at home! We put your needs first to achieve efficient and comprehensive treatment. Each member of our clinical team is highly trained and skilled and our administrative team has years of experience in providing patients with the highest level of care. We all strive to provide energetic and fun-loving service to each patient. We strive to stay abreast of the very latest in technology and advances by regularly attending continuing education courses and seminars.

DEBBIE

Office Manager

Debbie was born in Massachusetts and moved to San Jose as a young child. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High in 1970 and began her dental career in 1970! She has worked in both general dentistry and orthodontics in all areas of administration. She moved to Gilroy in 1989, her son became a patient here and after seeing what a fun office this was and what a great orthodontist Dr. W was, inquired about a job. The rest is history. Deb is very proud of her son, Brian and her daughter-in-law, Carolyn who both graduated with honors from Sonoma State University. Brian now teaches 6th grade in Elk Grove, CA and he and Carolyn are about to make Deb a Grandmother in January 2008! She now lives in San Jose with her sweetie Fred and their dog Cookie. In her spare time, Deb enjoys learning new things on her computer, teaching Cookie new dog tricks, traveling, dancing and supporting the 49rs and soon spending time with the new baby!

SHIRLEY

Treatment Coordinator

Shirley (better known as “the bird”) is a Gilroy transplant; she was born in San Francisco and graduated from San Mateo High in 1965. She attended the College of San Mateo and later went on to Real Estate School. Shirley is married to her wonderful husband, Roger, and they have three handsome sons, two daughter-in-laws, three grandchildren and two very spoiled Pomeranians, Kimba and Krystal, who she has trained to do their own little circus act. Bird has so many outside interests that she hardly has time to fit them all in. She enjoys gardening, shipping, traveling, playing the piano, ballroom dancing, and singing with her own karaoke machine! She has hosted many a karaoke party at her home! Shirley has worked with the public all her life, in the restaurant business, real estate, airlines and now with us. She has been with our practice since 1993 and has enjoyed every minute. She has a way of making all our new patients feel right at home from their very first visit with us.

CARMELA

Appointment Coordinator/Receptionist

Carmela was born and raised in Gilroy. She gradated from Gilroy High in 1976 and attended San Diego State following graduation. She returned to Gilroy and has worked in the dental field since 1980. She has been in our practice since 1993. Carmela has two children, Jason and Janesse. She loves having “Grammy” time with her granddaughter, Ava.

BARBARA

Appointment Coordinator/Receptionist

Barbara is a Gilroy native. She graduated from Gilroy High School in 1973. She has been married to her sweetheart, Frank, since 1976. She and Frank have been blessed with three wonderful sons, three daughter-in-laws, and three grandchildren. Barb and Frank spend a lot of their free time together on their Harley. Barb is our little social butterfly and when not bike riding is usually spending time with her family or friends or taking off on little trips. One of Barbara’s little hobbies is to don a nice dark tan during the summer. Our little sun goddess is usually the first one to get a tan...last one to lose it, and most times has the darkest one of all! Her cousins, Robin and Carmela, encouraged her to come and join us in 1996 and we have all enjoyed her smiling personality ever since.

KATHY LEE

Insurance Manager/Accounts Payable

Kathy was born in Richmond, VA and has lived all over the world due to her military background. Some of the places she has lived have been Canada, Alaska, Kuwait, and Italy to name a few. She attended the University of Alaska, is a certified EMT and medical technician. Kathy can fix anything from your heart to an airplane! Her family consists of her husband, Mike, four children, two dogs and two cats. When time allows, KD enjoys being outdoors hiking, gardening, dirt bike riding, golfing, skiing and working out at the gym. KD has been in the dental field since 1983 and has been working here in our office since February 1999.

CONNIE

Treatment Coordinator/Insurance Assistant

Connie has been in the dental field since 1977. She began her career working for an oral surgeon in San Jose where she worked for nearly 20 years. Since leaving that office, she has been working in the field of orthodontics. She is a registered dental assistant, certified surgical assistant and trained for her radiology license at UOP in San Francisco. During her career, she has enjoyed working in various aspects of the dental practice, including assisting in the hospital environment with orthognathic surgeries. Some hobbies and interests of Connie’s are spending time with her family (and four grandchildren), gardening, traveling, scuba diving, friends and her pets. She has been a member of our office since 2000 as a Treatment Coordinator and Insurance Claims assistant.

MAILE

Scheduling Coordinator

Maile was born in Torrance, CA and graduated from Newbury Park High in 1988. She attended Moorpark Community College and worked for a general dental office as a dental assistant eventually earning her RDA license in 1996. She moved to San Jose continuing her education at Foothill College while working as a RDA in a general practice. When her Doctor retired, she found a job working for an orthodontist as a scheduling coordinator. Maile is married to her wonderful husband, Scott, and had their first child in August 2007. After moving to Morgan Hill in 2003, Maile realized that she wanted to work closer to home and found this great opportunity here at Dr. Wafelbakker’s office and soon joined the team in September 2006. When not at work, Maile enjoys spending time with her family and friends, working out at the gym, kick-boxing, being at the beach and shopping.

CRYSTAL

Clinical Assistant

Crystal was born in Gilroy and graduated from Gilroy High in 2003. After graduation she attended the ROP Dental Assisting program, and did her internship in our office. Crystal did such a great job and had such a fun personality that we felt she would be an asset to our office and hired her to work with us full time in October 2004. Crystal is married to her husband, Mingo, and has two adorable little boys, Tommy and Matthew. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family and watching Law and Order! Crystal has a great sense of humor, loves to be silly, but does take her job very serious. According to Crystal…she loves her job and plans to retire here!!

KATHY

RDA/Clinical Supervisor

Kathy was born in Gilroy. She graduated from Gilroy High School in 1986 and then attended the R.O.P. Dental Assisting Program. Kathy's first job was right here in our office when Dr. Bell had the practice. She continued working with Dr. Wafelbakker after Dr. Bell retired, and has been with us since 1987. She is married to her husband, Brian, and they have three adorable daughters, Randi, Morgan and Cameron. When not at work, Kathy enjoys playing softball, working out, and going camping and boating with her family.

LISA

RDA/Clinical Assistant

Lisa has been working as a Dental Assistant since 1974, and has been working for 19 of those years right here with us. She feels very lucky to have such a great career. She has been married to her husband, Beau, since 1977 and has three grown daughters who have ventured off to create their own lives and adventures. Beau and Lisa are very proud of their accomplishments. Now, as empty nesters, they have more time to do the things they enjoy like traveling (especially to their favorite place, Hawaii). One of Lisa’s favorite hobbies is cooking! She is always bringing in special treats for us to try and we have never been disappointed.

ROBIN

RDA/Clinical Assistant

Robin is a Gilroy native. She attended Gilroy High School and graduated in 1976. After high school, she attended college and continued her education in the dental program. Robin is married to her wonderful husband, Bill, and has three children, Kylie, Kurt and Aaron. Being able to work here with her two cousins, Carmela and Barbara is an added benefit. Robin enjoys spending time with her family, collecting antiques and all sports. She also enjoys singing and from time to time you may hear her in the office belting out a tune-don’t be afraid! She has been working in the orthodontic field since 1981 and has been with our team since 1993.

GINA

RDA/Clinical Assistant

Gina is another Gilroy native. She lives in San Martin with her husband, Mark, and their two children, Janae and Mark, who are both in college. Gina has been with our office since 1982 when Dr. Bell had the practice. When he retired, Gina continued on with Dr. Wafelbakker until her family obligations needed more of her time. She continued to work with us from time to tome as a temp and is now back with us full time! When not at work, Gina helps her husband run their construction company. Gina enjoys spending time with her family and friends going camping, wake boarding, snow skiing, motorcycles, traveling and all sports.

NIKKI

RDA/Clinical Assistant

Nikki is the newest member of our team. She was born in San Jose and graduated from Live Oak High School in 2001. Following high school, she attended West Valley Jr. College and continued onto Foothill College where she received her RDA. Nikki joined our office in June 2006. When we aren’t keeping her busy, she enjoys boating, camping and most outdoor activities.