Meet The Team
John R. Liu, DDS
Dr. Liu was born in Taipei, Taiwan, but spent most of his years growing up in Southern California. He graduated from high school in 1976 from Loma Linda Academy. He attended Loma Linda University College of Arts and Sciences in La Sierra, CA and graduated in 1982 with a BS degree in Biology. In 1986, he graduated from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. Upon graduating from dental school, he was accepted into the pediatric dental residency program at Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio.
After completing his residency in the summer of 1988, he returned to Loma Linda and joined the faculty as an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry until 1992. He was also appointed as an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics with the Loma Linda University School of Medicine because of his involvement with the Craniofacial Team. From 1988-1992, Dr. Liu also maintained a part time private practice with Dr. Wilfred Nation at the Loma Linda Children’s Dental Group.
In 1992, Dr. Liu accepted the position as Dental Chief for the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic in Seattle. Because of the clinic’s affiliation with Children’s Hospital and the resulting rotation of residents through the clinic, Dr. Liu was appointed to the faculty at the University of Washington School of Dentistry in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. Following successful relocation and expansion of the OBCC dental clinic in 1994, Dr. Liu entered private practice in Issaquah. Since that time, the practice has grown from a small house on Front Street with three dental chairs, to our current location with 10 dental chairs, a surgery suite, and a recovery area.
Dr. Liu is active outside the practice in many professional and non-profit organizations. He has served on the boards of the Seattle Children’s Museum, the Washington Dental Service Foundation and the Washington State Oral Health Coalition. He has also served as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Seattle King County Dental Society. In May 2007, he assumed the role of Secretary/Treasurer and in May of 2009 assumed his newest responsibility as President Elect of The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He has received several honors and awards from his peers having been inducted into the American College of Dentists in 1999 and the Pierre Fauchard Academy in 2007.
Additionally, he has been selected as one of the “Top Dentists" by Seattle Magazine in 2002, 2006 and 2009.
Dr. Liu and his wife, Kari, reside in Sammamish with their two young daughters, Clara and Tara. When not playing dress up, or pretending to be ballerinas, the girls are busy in school, gymnastics, swimming, art classes and skiing with mom and dad.
SallySue M. Lombardi, DDS, MSD
Dr. Lombardi was born and raised in the Yakima Valley. She joined Dr. Liu in the summer of 1996. Dr. Lombardi is a 1992 graduate of the University of Washington, School of Dentistry and completed a general practice residency through the University of Washington Medical Center in 1993. While on rotation through the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic and Children’s Hospital Department of Dental Medicine during her general practice residency training, Dr. Lombardi discovered her love of working with children. Shortly after completing the rotation, she decided to pursue pediatric dentistry as her specialty. She completed her pediatric dental residency program at a joint program offered by the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital where she obtained both her certificate in Pediatric Dentistry as well as a Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD). Dr. Lombardi completed her board certification and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2002.
Dr. Lombardi is active in many professional organizations: the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Washington State Dental Association, Seattle King County Dental Society, and the Northwest Pediatric Dental Study Club. Over the years, she has held many offices in these various organizations and recently served as Treasurer for the Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Foundation. She faithfully attends continuing education conferences throughout the year, believing that practicing dentistry is a lifelong learning process and hopes to apply what she learns to provide the highest standard of care to the children she cares for.
Additionally, she has been selected as one of the “Top Dentists” by Seattle Magazine in 2006 & 2009.
Not one to lie idle, Dr. Lombardi has many interests outside of dentistry as well. When she can find the time, she loves to work in her yard and on her house. She has recently taken up the hobbies of knitting and skiing.
Dr. Lombardi is married and has two beautiful, busy boys. She and her family live in the Snoqualmie Valley.
Donna J. Quinby, DMD, MSD
In November 1999, Dr. Donna, as she is known by many of her patients, joined Dr. Liu and Dr. Lombardi to continue the tradition of providing the best dental care to the children of Issaquah and the surrounding areas. She was born and raised in New Jersey and is the oldest of two children. Her first visit to a pediatric dentist at the age of 3 was instrumental in her decision to become a dentist, announcing to her mother when returning to the reception area, “this is what I want to do when I grow up.”
Moving forward on a career path decided upon by a 3 year old, Dr. Donna received her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and, then, her Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – New Jersey Dental School. One of her awards received in dental school was from the Academy of Dentistry for the Handicapped – for high achievement in the dental care for the handicapped. These first experiences, in providing dental care to those with special needs, piqued her interest in pursuing a career in pediatric dentistry.
Following dental school, Dr. Donna was Seattle-bound for the residency program in hospital dentistry at the University of Washington Medical Center. During this program, she had the opportunity to work with all children, including those with special health care needs. These experiences confirmed her desire to become a pediatric dentist. Dr. Donna received her Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) in 1998 from the University of Washington. In October 2006, Dr. Donna successfully completed her board certification to become a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Before joining EPDG, she was on staff at Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic in Seattle and worked in several public health clinics. Dr. Donna was with the Department of Dental Medicine at Seattle Children’s from 1998 to 2008. She is on medical staff at Seattle Children’s and Swedish Medical Center.
Dr. Donna teaches pediatric dentistry to dental residents in the Swedish Medical Center General Practice Residency Program. She does a hands-on presentation about dentistry for Expanding Your Horizons (EYH), a program which encourages girls to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
She has been a member of the Regional Hemophilia Team and participated in Camp IV-y, a summer camp for families living with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. Dr. Donna holds professional memberships with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Washington State Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Washington State Dental Association, Seattle King County Dental Society and Northwest Pediatric Dental Study Club.
When not in the office, Dr. Donna can be found hiking, kayaking, white water rafting, cycling, walking her dogs or at the yoga studio. In August of 2011, she reached the summit of Mt. Rainier. She enjoys participating in various volunteer events in her community. She has participated in several 3 Day for the Cure events in Seattle and Washington, DC and the Winter Pineapple Classic, a 5K obstacle course race supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Richard F. Stafford, DDS
Dr. Stafford was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He and Dr. Liu have known and worked with each other since 1988 when Dr. Liu was on the faculty at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry as Dr. Stafford was undergoing his dental anesthesia residency training.
Dr. Stafford graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles School of Dentistry and also completed a general practice residency program at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA. Initially, he had chosen to specialize in dental implants but while doing his anesthesia rotation, was convinced to switch from the dental implant program into the dental anesthesia program.
Dr. Stafford has published articles and has lectured extensively in pediatric dental anesthesia. He is board certified in Dental Anesthesiology as well as certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. He also serves in the position of assistant professor of Dental Anesthesiology at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry and the University of Southern California. He limits his practice to pediatric dental anesthesia.
When Dr. Liu entered into private practice full time and decided to make intravenous sedation available to his patients, he invited Dr. Stafford to provide these anesthesia services. Dr. Stafford was a perfect choice because his skill level and dedication to providing high quality care to his patients matches the philosophy of all the doctors at Eastside Pediatric Dental Group.
Andrea Fonner, DDS, PLLC
Dr. Andrea Fonner was born and raised in the Seattle area. She graduated cum laude with a degree in Psychology from the University of Washington, and graduated with honors from dental school in San Francisco, California at the University of the Pacific. She then completed an intense advanced training General Practice Residency at the University of Washington where she became certified in intravenous conscious sedation and advanced cardiac life support.
In addition to private practice as a general dentist, Dr. Fonner was an affiliate faculty member at the University of Washington School of Dentistry and at Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, an affiliate clinic of Seattle Children’s Hospital.
While practicing general dentistry, her passion for anesthesia developed, prompting her to pursue an additional degree and career as an anesthesiologist. Upon entering the prestigious anesthesia program at UCLA, she received extensive training in anesthesiology including both hospital and in office anesthesia services. Her experience there also included comprehensive training in both adult and pediatric anesthesia modalities.
Dr. Fonner is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Washington State Dental Association (WSDA), Seattle King County Dental Society (SKCDS), American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists (ASDA), and the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology (ADSA).
Her dedication to education and the world of organized dentistry and anesthesiology has led her to the position of course director for the Annual Review Course for ASDA. She is responsible for creating the course content and efficiently running this annual national meeting. She is also faculty for the ADSA General Anesthesia Las Vegas Course, Oregon Health & Sciences University Intravenous Sedation Course, University of Southern California Intravenous Sedation Course, and for the General Practice Residency at Seattle Special Care Dentistry. She has published several expert articles in national newsletters advising pre-dental students and served on various organized dentistry committees to help young dentists. In addition, she frequently gives seminars to local dentists interested in sedation dentistry.
In an effort to maintain her skills as a dentist, she volunteers with the Medical Teams International Mobile Dental Program, where she provides free dentistry for patients with no access to care.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, running and spending time with her husband, Matt. They recently completed their first Rock & Roll Half Marathon!
Alisha
Hi my name is Alisha. I have been a dental assistant since 2006 working previously in a general practice. I have been with Eastside Pediatric Dental Group since the spring of 2010. I grew up in the Seattle area and absolutely love the Northwest. I started working with children as a gymnastics instructor and their curiosity for life and smiling faces are infectious. I feel fortunate to be able to work with kids on a daily basis.
My passions include cooking and I consider myself a major foodie. I also enjoy hiking in the Snoqualmie Valley where I grew up, and exercise of any kind. I am happiest in life with my running shoes and beautiful surroundings. I love to travel with my boyfriend to new places. We love to explore new territory and cuisine.
April
Hi! I am April, the Financial and Sedation Coordinator here at Eastside Pediatric Dental Group. I came to this office as a Dental Assistant in 2000, after some time in a family/cosmetic dental practice. I have always loved working with children and thought this would be a great fit for me. I spent my first couple of years here assisting, then worked into a front office position, and in May 2006 came to my current position for the office.
My husband and I were married in 2004, and we now have three children. A girl born in 2006, our son in 2008 and our littlest baby girl in October 2011. We love to travel, cook and spend time with friends and family. I am also an avid baseball fan - working on attending games in every major league park in the States. So far, I have been to ten!
Brandi
Hi! My name is Brandi and I have been a dental assistant since 2002. I attended YVCC for Dental Assisting School in 2001-2002, and after finishing school, I knew I wanted to work in a pediatric office because I love working with children. I have been at Eastside Pediatric Dental Group since 2004, and prior to working here, I worked at a pediatric dental office in the Tri-Cities for 2 and half years.
I have a wonderful husband, daughter, and son who keep me very busy. We live in North Bend and spend most of our days at the lake and just enjoying the outdoors. I enjoy cooking, jet skiing, and camping, but most of all I enjoy spending time with my family!
Christina
I have been a dental assistant since 1997. I got my start in dentistry when a general dentist shared his knowlege with me and taught me the basics of dental assisting. I have worked at a few other offices and have found that working with Drs. Liu, Lombardi and Quinby is where I belong. I have enjoyed learning, growing and working with them since 2001. I love working with children because they make my heart smile. I love learning and gaining new skills or building upon talents.
In 2003, I graduated from BCC with my Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) degree. Periodically, I take classes to further my skills, education, or just for fun. Someday, I would like to learn more about photography.
My husband and I bought our first home in 2002. We have three dogs that keep us busy and laughing. My hobbies are cake decorating, throwing the Frisbee for our dogs, working in my flower garden and dabbling in scenic photography. Some of my favorite things are tulips, dahlias, sunshine and the Food Network.
Diane
My name is Diane. I am a Registered Dental Hygienist. I have been working in the dental field since 2004, first as a dental assistant and now a dental hygienist. In my free time I enjoy reading, spending time with family including my two kitties, and getting outdoors whenever I can. My passion for dental stems from the fact that optimal oral health is so closely connected to overall body health. I love being a part of Eastside Pediatric Dental Group team not only because it's such a light, fun enviroment for the staff and patients but also because of how important teaching good oral health care is at an early age.
Heather
My name is Heather. I graduated from Lake Washington Technical Collage and am a Certified Dental Assistant. I have worked at Eastside Pediatric Dental Group since 1997. My duties include educating children on the importance of good oral health, making space maintainers, and mouth guards.
I live in Auburn with my family. My hobbies include walking, biking, watching movies, crafts, and spending time with my family and dog.
Jessica
My name is Jessica. I have been working in pediatric dentistry since 2000 as a dental assistant. I joined Eastside Pediatric Dental Group in 2007.I have a wonderful daughter who keeps me very busy. In the fall of 2008 I purchased my home in Auburn and am in the process of remodeling it. In my time away from work, I enjoy scrapbooking, decorating my home, going to the ocean and spending quiet time with my daughter.
Karen
Hi! My name is Karen and I am the Director of Finance at Eastside Pediatric Dental Group. I have worked for this office since 1997 and love it. I am married and have two boys who keep me very busy. When I'm not working, I am spending time with my family either at one of the boys' sporting events or musical events (they both sing, play instruments and act!).
Not only do I work for EPDG, but my boys have been patients here since 1995. Being an employee, I know the care that the doctors and staff take to stay up to date on the latest information and procedures. I feel confident that they have both received the best dental care around.
Krista
Hi, my name is Krista. I have been with Eastside Pediatric Dental Group since the fall of 1999. I am a dental assistant and a business coordinator. I graduated with my certificate in dental assisting from Eton Technical College in 1998 and worked general dentistry before I found my home here with Drs. Liu, Lombardi and Quinby. I have always known pediatrics was my calling. Working with children is such a joy and so rewarding.I am originally from Alaska (born and raised) but migrated south in 1997 and now reside in Covington. I have been married to my wonderful husband since 2001. Together with our two crazy dogs (Riley and Jessie), we enjoy traveling, cruising on our Harley and camping.
Kristen
Hi, my name is Kristen. I’ve worked with Drs. Liu, Lombardi and Quinby since 1999 as a Dental Assistant. Prior to joining Eastside Pediatric Dental Group, I completed a year long dental assisting course at Lake Washington Technical College.I live in Bellevue with my husband and two little boys. After becoming a mother, I decided to stay home three days a week to raise my children which has been very rewarding and at times challenging. My personal hobbies are going to the movies with my husband, going on walks and bike rides, scrapbooking, cross stitching and sewing.
Kristin
Hi my name is Kristin. I joined EPDG in 2008 as a Dental Assistant. I enjoy working in the back office and being able to help children and young adults further their dental education to keeping a healthy smile!
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband, four animals, family, and friends. =)
Pam
Hi, my name is Pam. I am a Registered Dental Hygienist with a Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon Health Sciences University. I am married and my husband is a collegiate football coach. We have two grown sons. My oldest son received his Doctorate in Engineering from UCLA and my youngest son is a catcher with the San Diego Padres.
I had the pleasure of working for Eastside Pediatric Dental Group five years before we moved out of state. When the opportunity arose to come back part time, I jumped at the chance. It is a privilege to work in such a wonderful office where they make each child feel special.
Penny
Hi! My name is Penny and I love working here at EPDG welcoming families at check in and answering your questions! I started here in 2010 and really enjoy interacting with the families and making them feel comfortable.
My husband and I live in Kent and have two amazing girls - 12 years apart in age :) , which keeps me wonderfully busy! I love spending time with my family, mining for sapphires and collecting buttons.
Richelle
Hello, My name is Richelle and I am a registered dental hygienist. I have been working at Eastside Pediatric Dental Group since 2002. I started working for the doctors as a dental assistant, expanding my experience to the front desk as business coordinator, then going on to graduate from Columbia Basin College with my Associates in Dental Hygiene. I love working with children for their genuine spirit and humor and it is exciting for me to help children have a fun and educational dental experience.
I love spending time with family. My husband, daughter and I love to take trips over the mountains, hike, snowshoe, bike and anything else that we can do together.
Shannon
Hi. My name is Shannon. I'm an assistant here at EPDG. I have been a part of this practice since 2000. I moved from Southern California where I completed my Dental Assisting License. I love working in a children's dental office because I get to be a part of the memories made with a child's first visit to the dentist.
I live here in Issaquah with my boyfriend and our cat Ralph. In my spare time I enjoy skydiving, snowboarding, white water rafting, traveling and soaking up the sun.
Stephanie
Hello! My name is Stephanie, and I am a registered dental hygienist. I graduated from Columbia Basin College in June 2010, and am very happy to be back working at EPDG. I started as an assistant here in the summer of 2007 after receiving my B.A. in Humanities from WSU.
I love working with children because the atmosphere is fun and energetic, and I can always count on laughing and learning with each patient I see.
My husband and I live in Seattle and we love to be outdoors, especially in the snow! Fall is the best because we are busy cheering on our alma maters, WSU & LSU.
Tanya
Hi! My name is Tanya. I starting working in the dental field in 2001, and I have been with Eastside Pediatric Dental Group since April of 2008. I was born in New York, lived in South Carolina for 11 years, and have been in the Issaquah area since my senior year in high school. My family also lived in France for several months when I was in fourth grade. My husband and I live in Issaquah with our Shorkie Roxie. I enjoy traveling, camping, running, and swimming. My favorite vacation spot is anywhere with a beach!
Tara
Hi, my name is Tara. I started with EPDG in the spring of 2010 as a Business Coordinator and have expanded my duties to include assisting in the clinic. Before coming on board here I worked as an oral surgery assistant and a dental office manager. With having both front and back office experience I feel confident to answer any questions you may have when bringing your children in. I truly enjoy working in pediatrics; all of the children’s different personalities make the job so entertaining!
My husband and I live in Redmond with our wonderful little boy who keeps us busy. I enjoy spending quality family time at home, as well as anything active outdoors.