We are especially interested in making all our patients feel right at home! We put your needs first to achieve efficient and comprehensive treatment. Our staff is trained and skilled, and we strive to provide energetic and fun-loving service to each patient. Each member of our team has years of experience in treating patients with the highest level of care. We strive to stay abreast of the very latest in technology and advances by regularly attending continuing education courses and seminars.
Kathi Johnson, Patient Care Coordinator
Kathi Johnson brings more than 33 years of commitment to our dental practice. Her combined experience includes:
- 7 years as a Dental Assistant, providing patients with exceptional and compassionate clinical experiences
- 11 years as a Dental Assistant Instructor at Lake Washington Technical College, instructing students and helping them achieve the highest standards of technical expertise
- 14 years as Co-Director of Dental Education at the Seattle Institute for Advanced Dental Education, guiding dentists in selecting continuing educational courses (which provide ongoing learning and advanced clinical and technical skills)
- 1.5 years as an Office Manager, handling all non-clinical patient needs with the utmost care and compassion.
Kathi's official title of Patient Care Coordinator doesn't adequately describe everything she does at West Edge Dental. Kathi's patience, high level of professionalism and constant attention to patients' needs have made her an invaluable member of the team!
When Kathi isn't caring for patients in our relaxed office environment, she's spending time with her husband, children and grand children, enjoying golf, boating, hiking, and snowshoeing.
Bea Palesi, RDH
Bea Palesi brings 30 plus years of experience practicing as a Registered Dental Hygienist to our practice, and has become a highly valued team member. She’s also been heavily involved in volunteer work for years, with her accomplishments including:
- Providing dental care to the children of migrant workers in California
- Establishing a mobile dentistry clinic in the Middle East
- Volunteering in the Bellevue School District to provide dental education
Bea says, “I love working with Dr. Leiker and our staff. I know our patients will be cared for with great skill and integrity!"
When Bea isn’t working as an RDH or a volunteer, she enjoys activities such as tennis, golf, travel, good food, and curling up with a great book.
Kristen Bernard, RDH, MPA
Kristen Bernard graduated from Seattle’s University of Washington with a Bachelor Degree of Science in Dental Hygiene nearly 40 years ago, and subsequently attained a Masters in Public Administration. She has kept up with continuing education in the evolving field of dentistry, and provides expert care to our patients as a Registered Dental Hygienist.
Kristen’s background and strong commitment makes her the perfect addition to our team. She has completed academic appointments at the University of Maryland, Shoreline Community College, and the University of Washington as well as managing the Children’s Hospital Dental Clinic and the Harborview Medical Center OPMFS and Dental Clinic.
Kristen currently serves in the capacity of RHD to both Nicole Leiker, DDS, and Diane Cristea, DDS. She says "The joy of dentistry for me is creating relationships with my patients. These relationships provide my patients with the most current scientific information that promotes healthy outcomes. I love coaching people to optimum health."
Jessica Butterfield, Dental Assistant
Jessica Butterfield joined our practice with a strong history of excellence in the field of dentistry. Her background includes:
- 6 years experience as a surgical assistant in a periodontal practice and an oral surgery office
- 13 years experience as a dental assistant
At age 31, Jessica is the youngest member on our team, but her professionalism and compassion are appreciated by every patient she attends. She says, “I love my job, and work with an amazing team!”
A Seattle native, Jessica is the proud mother of a 3 year old son, and enjoys off duty activities including camping, cooking and karaoke.