We would like to take a moment to introduce ourselves to you. At our office, we take pride in having a pleasant, professional, and highly trained staff. From the moment you enter, you will notice that our team does everything possible to make your visit comfortable.

Our front office staff will welcome you and will do their best to schedule appointments that suit your needs. Our orthodontic assistants are trained in state-of-the art technology for treating children, adolescents and adults.

Dawn S. Thatcher, D.M.D, M.S.

Dr. Thatcher was born and raised in Lancaster, California.  She is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara. She completed a double major receiving a BS in Biology and a BA in Religious Studies in 1997.  While in school, she worked as the Teen Programs Director for the City of Santa Barbara and served as the Youth Council Advisor. In 1998 she made a big move to Boston and attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She received her DMD in 2002 graduating Summa Cum Laude. She received a full scholarship from the U.S. Navy in exchange for service after graduation. During her time in the Navy she completed an advanced dental training program at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, had her own dental clinic on the U.S.S. Pearl Harbor, ported in San Diego, and treated Marines and Sailors around the world. 

While in the Navy, Dr. Thatcher discovered a passion for Orthodontics.  Upon completion of her service, she moved to San Francisco and devoted 27 months to learning the latest innovations in orthodontic treatment at the University of the Pacific.

Dr. Thatcher is a premier provider of Invisalign®, she spent two years training with the innovators and has the most up to date training available.  She is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, California Dental Association,  Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, Santa Barbara Ventura County Dental Society and Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. Dr. Thatcher is actively involved with Rotaplast Intl., she spent 2 weeks in 2007 in Colombia and 2 weeks in 2008 in Vietnam, as a volunteer performing surgery on patients repairing cleft lip and palate birth defects.

On the weekends you can find her hiking and climbing in the Santa Ynez Mountains, riding her bike along the waterfront, or playing soccer with her family and friends at Elings Park.

Art Najera, D.D.S., M.S.

Dr. Najera was born and raised in El Paso, Texas.  He earned his undergraduate and dental degrees from University of Texas at El Paso.  He completed his Orthodontic training at Saint Louis University and then spent 3 years in Okinawa, Japan as an Air Force Orthodontist.  Dr. Najera Moved to Santa Barbara in 1967 and has been practicing orthodontics and loving life ever since!  He is involved in multiple service organizations including; Kiwanis, Boy Scouts, County and City Trails Groups, Church Organizations and horse riding groups. His hobbies include horseback riding, hiking, photography, target shooting, history and making people smile with his stories and charming personality.

Dr. Najera married Barbara, his childhood sweetheart, and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their 5 children and 11 grandchildren.

Joy Coggeshall - Practice Manager

Joy was born and raised in Ojai, California.  She attended Santa Barbara City College and graduated from the dental assisting program.  She started working for Dr. Najera in 1970 running the front office.  She left in 1988 after marrying her wonderful husband, Tom.  She then took a job, closer to home, working as a medical records manager & coder. She came back to work for Dr. Najera in 2006. “ My years working in the orthodontic field have been the most wonderful and rewarding time of my life. I feel I am right where I belong, I love having a part in creating the next generation of beautiful smiles with Dr. Najera and Dr. Thatcher.”

Suzie Cue – Front Office

Suzie was born and raised in Delano, California.  She moved to Santa Barbara in 1977 to attend Santa Barbara City College and graduated with an AA degree in 1978.  In 1982  Suzie met Eddie, the love of her life, and they married in 1991.  In 1997 they were blessed with the one and only Briana, their amazing daughter - now Suzie has a constant shopping buddy!  Suzie spent 25 years in the banking business and just came to our office in March of 2008.

"I love working with the kids -  banking was a little more stern, serious.  It's great to come to work everyday and know it's my job to take care of the families and see the smiles on their faces.  We have such a warm, caring group here - it's just a fun place to be."

In her free time Suzie enjoys reading, walking with her family, going to the movies and shopping with Briana, of course!

Trina Diaz - Clinical Assistant

Trina moved to Santa Barbara twenty years ago, after living in central Utah for the first 10 years of her life.  She is the proud mother of a 13-year old son, Jacob. After graduating from Santa Barbara High School, she attended Santa Barbara City College to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Biology.  Trina started her career as a dental assistant ten years ago after receiving her RDA.  The last six years she has been practicing in orthodontics. 
 
"I enjoy the tasks and rewards that assisting in orthodontics offers.  I am engaged in a service that enables adults and children to improve their feelings about their smile.  Dental assisting allows me to utilize patience, and to express sensitivity towards individuals.  When I am not in a patient’s mouth, you can find me hiking. Some of my favorite hikes are Montecito Peak, and the Jesusita trail.  I have recently started competitive running.  In all, my most enjoyable pastime is time spent with my son, Jacob.”

Darcy Castillo Clinical Assistant

Darcy was born and raised in Santa Barbara and was a graduate of the Dental Assisting program at Santa Barbara City College.

She has worked as an Orthodontic Assistant for more than 30 years,  the last twenty years for Dr. Arthur Najera.

Her hobbies include cooking, sewing, and entertaining for her friends and family.   She resides with her husband Rudy,daughters Chloe and Sarah, and their golden Retriever Aiden

Carla McHugh- Clinical Assistant

Carla hales from Lompoc, California.  After High School Carla attended Allan Hancock College and completed the dental assisting program also earning her x-ray and coronal polishing licenses. 

"Being born with a cleft palate, braces have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  I love being able to put smiles on peoples' faces and seeing how happy they are at the end of their treatment.  Seeing patients monthly is a real treat, you really get to know them.When I'm not helping create beautiful smiles I like to skateboard, go to concerts, hang out at the beach....attempting to surf, spend time with friends and family, walk my dog to the Pepper Tree, listen to my music and draw."