Dental Assistant

Joanne Abel, R.D.A., was born on Long Island, New York, and arrived in California at age eight. She attended Sunny Hills High School and graduated from Fullerton College in 1980. Joanne joined our office in 1994. With more than 25 years experience in the dental assisting profession, and a special emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, Joanne has become a vital part of our dental assisting team.

Joanne enjoys time with her daughter, a graduate of Arizona State University. Joanne also enjoys running, tennis, skiing, and a workout at the gym.

Dental Assistant

Sandir Holland, R.D.A., was born in Brazil and moved to Southern California when she was thirteen. Sandir obtained her dental assisting education in 1972 and joined our staff in 1992.

Sandir has a unique ability to express her compassion to patients with anxiety toward dental procedures and assist them during their dental treatment. In addition, Sandir has become very proficient in the fabrication of provisional restorations and counseling patients to obtain their optimum dental health and aesthetic potential.

Sandir's hobbies include drawing and painting en plein-air. She enjoys art museums, gardening, traveling, the theater and photography. She is blessed with a wonderful son and two granddaughters.

Dental Assistant

Charmaine Martin's home town is Spokane, Washington.  She earned her AA degree in dental assisting from Northwest College in 1983. Before joining our office, Char worked at a prominent prosthodontic practice, specializing in dental implants. Since 1989, she has been an invaluable member of our team, excelling as a dental assistant. Char’s expertise extends to managing patient progress and assists with scheduling at the front desk. Additionally, she contributes her skills to a periodontal office.

Charmaine is a multifaceted individual with a passion for various pursuits.  Some of her favorite things to do are spending time with her grandson, working out, gardening, decorating, baking and playing tennis.  She weaves these threads of passions, creativity and love into the fabric of her life.  Her story is one of balance, laughter, and meaningful connections.

Dental Assistant

Isumi Muto, R.D.A.E.F., has been in the dental field for about 20 years. She was raised in Gifu, Japan prior to completing her degree in Art Design at the Art University of Tokyo. She moved to Los Angeles to complete her education at the Fashion Institute (FIDM).

Isumi began her dental career in Torrance with Dr. Okamoto and Dr. Yanase and completed her RDA in 2000. She finished her certification and passed her California Boards in Extended Functions at UCLA in 2002. She also has advanced training in implant Prosthodontics.

Isumi lives in West Torrance. She travels to Japan yearly to shop and spend time with family. She enjoys Yoga, walking, and spending time with friends.

Dental Assistant

Cherie Rudolph, R.D.A., joined our office staff in 1982 as a Dental Assistant. Raised in Thousand Oaks, California, Cherie obtained her training at Cypress College. She earned her Certified Dental Assistant (C.D.A.) and Registered Dental Assistant (R.D.A.) in 1982.

Cherie has attained a very high level of proficiency in dental laboratory procedures and dental photography as well as dental assisting. She monitors the progress of patients' treatment and assists with communication and scheduling between the office, patients and other dental specialists.

Cherie provided invaluable assistance at autopsies for a year at the Los Angeles Coroner's Office during Dr. Eggleston's research project on dental amalgam.

Cherie is an accomplished soccer player, having played in competitive Soccer Leagues since childhood. She enjoys spending her recreation time attending boot camp classes, coaching soccer, and water sports with her extended family and new grandson

Dental Assistant

Vanessa Tran, RDA, has spent 30 years in the dental profession. She received her education and Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) training from Palomar College in San Marcos, CA. Vanessa is highly trained in assisting with dental implants, dental radiography, and fabrication of provisional dental restorations.

Vanessa began her journey in Vietnam over four decades ago. She is proud to be fluent in three languages: English, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Her linguistic diversity has allowed her to connect with and serve a wide range of patients from different backgrounds, while enriching her professional life.

Her career in dentistry has been incredibly rewarding. Her commitment to excellence ensures each patient receives the highest level of care and attention.

Outside of the dental world, Vanessa and her husband have the privilege of raising their son, Ethan, who is now flourishing in college.

Dental Assistant

Rhonda is the newest member of our team. She is very excited and enthusiastic about supporting Dr. Wittenauer with her esthetic and comprehensive dentistry. She believes in the dramatic difference excellent dentistry can make in the lives of our patients.

Rhonda was born in Morenci, Arizona and moved to Oahu, Hawaii at the age of two. After spending four years in Hawaii she moved to Laguna Hills, California. After graduating from high school she attended The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in which she made fashion merchandising her first career. After becoming a mother, she started her new career as a dental assistant. What she loves most about dentistry is working with the patients and continuing to learn and grow in her skills to provide the best care possible.

When Rhonda is not working she enjoys spending time with her two sons Jared and Cason. She also enjoys cooking, crafts and volunteering for Habitat for humanity.

Dental Assistant

Helen Wong was born and raised in Vietnam and came to the United States as a teenager in 1979. Prior to coming to the United States, Helen spent some difficult years in a Malaysia refugee camp.

Helen graduated from Palomar College in San Marcos with training as a dental assistant and subsequently obtained her Registerd Dental Assistant (RDA) license. Helen has a high level of expertise in assisting with dental implants, fabrication of provisional dental restorations, dental radiography, and dental procedures in fixed and removable prosthodontics. You may also find her as one of our receptionists at the front desk helping with dental insurance and scheduling appointments.

Helen is fluent in Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), and Vietnamese. She is also very proud of her daughter and niece as practicing physicians.