Meet the Team
West Springfield, VA Dentist
MEET OUR HYGIENIST, LEELA A.
Leela joined the West Springfield Smiles Team a little over a year ago, but don’t let that fool you, she earned her Dental Hygiene License in 1994. She completed her studies at Northern Virginia Community College and since then has been working as a dental hygienist; what an impressive tenure! An expert in periodontal disease, Leela loves educating her patients to improve their oral hygiene. She understands the substantial effect mismanagement of one’s oral health can render, and strives to impart knowledge in any way she can. She greatly values the cultivated relationships with her patients and would not trade them for anything! We all know hygienists are part time therapists! Leela and her husband have 2 beautiful daughters, a handsome son. They have recently upgraded their parent subscription to grandparent subscription by welcoming a beautiful granddaughter, 2 ½ months old now. When she isn’t taking care of the patients at West Springfield Smiles, she loves spending quality time with her family, being an active member of her community and traveling.
MEET OUR EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE REPRESENTATIVE, LIDIA O.
Lidia is the smiling face you’ll see when you walk through our doors! She is a cornerstone of the West Springfield Smiles Team. She is extremely adept at understanding insurance and intercommunications. What would we do without her? Lidia is also a certified Dental Assistant, working as such for the last decade; she ultimately decided to transition to the front. In turn, she is yet another cross trained team member, who is more than capable of answering any questions you may have (whether clinical or otherwise). She loves getting to know our patients and assisting in any way she can. We understand a good work/life balance must be kept, so we have to let her relax sometime. When she’s not persevering in all aspects of our office, she is enjoying the company of her family and friends; She is an aunt to the most awesome niece! If you think she is a force to be reckoned with at work; she gives back with the same gumption! A wanderlust; she loves traveling and frequents the west coast to visit family. She also loves music and appreciates the occasional concert.
MEET OUR DENTAL ASSISTANT, TOMOMI M.
Tomomi is the newest addition to the West Springfield Smiles Team. A Japanese transplant, she graduated from Kanto Gakuin Women’s Junior College. There, she met and married a service member then they traveled to different countries until finally settling in Northern Virginia. She resumed her career, because of her immense love of the dental field, and took the opportunity to become certified in the United States as well! Tomomi has over a decade of experience working as a dental assistant and it shows! Tomomi is passionate about helping patients achieve their oral health goals and enhancing their smiles. She is courteous and thoughtful when caring for our patients. A calming presence, she is always happy to help our patients with dental anxiety through their trepidation during their appointments. She loves working with our team because we share the same values of providing high-quality care and creating a welcoming environment for patients. What more could we ask for?! When she is not Dr. Elgeddawi’s right hand, she is often spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys walking, cooking, learning new things and exploring new places.
MEET OUR BRAND MANAGER, KARINA H.
Karina was born and bred in Northern Virginia; starting her life in Arlington, shortly after moving and setting roots in Springfield. She graduated from Hayfield Secondary School and completed the vocational Dental Careers course at West Potomac Academy. Immediately after, she started working as a Dental Assistant throughout Northern VA, eventually turning to temping, because nothing ever fit. Karina joined the West Springfield Smiles team in 2021 and couldn’t be happier to have finally found a forever home. With over 16 years of experience, she truly loves all things dental! Even though assisting will always be her first love, she has transitioned to a more “behind-the-scenes” role. One of her many passions is passing on knowledge, in any way. She helped forge the Internship Program at West Springfield Smiles as a way to give back to the community and influence future generations in the many facets of the dental field. Karina currently resides in Alexandria with her husband, Will, five wonderful children, and their lovable but derpy canine companion, Chief. In her off time, she loves listening to music, playing instruments, singing, arts and crafts and last but certainly not least, enjoying much-needed family time.
