Meet the Staff

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Our experienced and talented dental and orthodontic team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience.

Elizabeth Cruz is our Director of Customer Relations and Billing Coordinator. She serves as a liaison between patients, clinical and support team, and the billing department. Her passion comes from a family full of dental techs. She explains that she remembers family dinner conversations were never like any others, and how hers consisted of oral surgery, orthodontic, and general dentistry treatment stories. When she was finally old enough, she was excited for her first summer job in a dental office, and has enjoyed the dental industry since. She has a bachelor’s degree in business and, upon graduation, she was recognized by the International Honor Society in Business. We are honored to have Elizabeth’s talent, knowledge, and sincere passion as an essential component of our team’s approach to excellent customer relations.

Toni Eddings is our Patient Care & Operations Coordinator. Toni is often the first friendly voice you hear when contacting our office. With over 20 years of experience in dental care, she plays a vital role in keeping everything running smoothly, from scheduling appointments and coordinating patient care to managing billing and insurance questions. Her strong attention to detail and warm, welcoming approach help ensure every patient experience is seamless and stress-free. Toni is passionate about creating a positive environment for both patients and the team.

Jody Steckler is our Registered Dental Hygienist. Jody has built trust with our patients with her bubbly personality and energetic nature. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Chapman University and went on to complete her dental hygiene training at Concorde Career College. Born and raised in Orange County, Jody values building genuine connections and helping patients feel comfortable and confident during every visit. Outside the office, she enjoys Pilates, traveling the world, watching sports, and spending time with her kittens.

Zoe Walbridge is our Registered Dental Hygienist. Zoe is dedicated to creating meaningful connections both with patients and within the team. She believes that building trust chairside is just as important as fostering strong relationships beyond the operatory. Originally from Huntington Beach, Zoe brings a positive and energetic approach to patient care. Outside of the office, she enjoys visiting family in Texas, riding dirt bikes, wakeboarding, working out at the gym, and exploring all things related to health and wellness. Zoe looks forward to getting to know each patient and making every visit comfortable and enjoyable.

Betty Palacios-Cordova is our Registered Dental Hygienist. Betty brings a bubbly, friendly energy to every patient interaction. With a background influenced by military training, she values discipline, precision, and exceptional care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from West Coast University and is passionate about helping patients feel confident in their smiles. Betty is committed to providing thorough, gentle care while creating a welcoming and positive experience for every patient.

Victor Vazquez is our Registered Dental & Orthodontic Assistant.
Victor has been a valued part of our team for nearly a decade, bringing consistency, precision, and a calm, reassuring presence to every patient visit. As a Registered Dental and Orthodontic Assistant, he is known for his attention to detail and time-efficient approach, helping ensure each appointment runs smoothly and comfortably. Victor is also fluent in Spanish, allowing him to better connect with and support a wider range of patients.

Affectionately known as the “office grandpa,” Victor brings a unique warmth to the practice. He enjoys cooking fresh, wholesome meals using natural ingredients and is often seen brewing his signature hibiscus tea to share with both staff and patients. Outside the office, Victor loves taking walks with his wife and spending quality time with his nieces and nephews. His genuine care and positive energy make him an essential and beloved member of our team.

Sarah Nguyen is our Patient Care & Operations Support / Technology & Systems Lead. Sarah brings a unique blend of clinical experience and technical expertise to the practice, with a background in Computer Science and over 8 years of hands-on experience in patient care. She plays a key role in supporting both patients and staff, whether she’s in the office, on the phone, or working behind the scenes to keep systems running smoothly.

Based in Orange County, Sarah is often found helping ensure every patient experience is seamless while also managing and improving the internal tools that support day-to-day operations. When she’s not in the office, she may be traveling throughout Asia, where she remains connected remotely to assist the team with technology, workflow optimization, and technical support.

Her dual focus on patient care and innovation helps keep the practice efficient, modern, and patient-centered at every level.

As a team, we feel that our time here at Newport Mesa and Family Dentistry truly gives us a purpose and allows us to see improvement in the lives and smiles of our patients. We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you!