Meet The Team
Elysa
Financial/Insurance Coordinator
Aloha! My name is Elysa, I have been in the dental field since 2007 and here with Dr Ogata, at Smile Hawaii, since 2017. I most enjoy the results and satisfaction our patients see and feel when they have reached the completion of their dental treatment. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach with my other half Stephen, playing with our two pups and cooking. Whenever I’m able to travel, I enjoy visiting my sister and her family in Alabama and going fishing in Alaska during the late summer.
Maria
Dental Hygienist
I am bilingual in both English and Spanish. Prior to graduating Hygiene school from UHMC in 2011 I was fortunate to work in several aspects of dentistry and have gained a wide array of knowledge along the way. I have a cheerful personality, love building trusting relationships with patients while maintaining a comfortable environment. I married my husband, Eric in 2014, we have one daughter, Mahina. Together we enjoy being outdoors taking in all the beauty Maui has to offer.
Noelle
Dental Hygienist
Aloha! My name is Noelle and I was born and raised in Lahaina, Maui. I am also the third generation to graduate from Lahainaluna High School. From the age of 7, I knew that I wanted to work in the dental field. I pursued my dream at UH Manoa and in 2010, I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in science for Dental Hygiene. As a registered dental hygienist, I started my career in Oahu and worked at different offices gaining knowledge from various dentists and communities. Missing Maui, I moved back to Lahaina in 2017 with my husband and first child. Now I have 2 boys and maybe a girl soon. I love that I get to help the Maui community stay healthy and keep smiles shining bright!
Kamalei
Dental Assistant
Aloha, my name is Kamalei. I was born and raised on Maui. I moved to Washington at the end of 2013 to see what it was like being away from everything I knew. I realized how important it was to have my children grow up with family surrounding them, so I returned to Maui with my three boys at the beginning of 2018. I enjoy spending time with my kids.
Kim
Dental Assistant
Hello, I’m Kimverlee but you can call me Kim! I was born in Ilocos Norte, Philippines and I moved to Maui when I was 1 year old. Fun fact, I actually celebrated my 1st birthday on the airplane! I started with Smile Hawaii in May 2022 and grew curious to learn more about the dental field. I’m currently a student at UH: Maui College, pursuing a major in Dental Hygiene. I’m a big foodie and I enjoy traveling so, I’m always on the lookout for delicious foods to eat. My favorite place to visit would have to be New York for the diversity in atmosphere, food and people.
Mary Anne "Grace"
Dental Assistant
Aloha! My name is Mary Anne Grace, but you can call me Grace! I started as a dental assistant in 2011, while also working full time as a manager at McDonald’s. I have one daughter named Malia. After having my daughter, I started my own small business called Cute Mags Creations. I have created balloon garlands for small events on the island of Maui for the last 7 years. I enjoy helping families celebrate their special events and making them memorable.