Our Team

Dr. Javier Cabrales completed the Graduate Periodontics program at the University of Manitoba in June 2020. Prior to his periodontal training, he received his DMD from the University of Saskatchewan in 2014 and thereafter worked as a general dentist for 3 years prior to entering postgraduate studies.

As a trained periodontist, he specializes in the placement of dental implants and the management of periodontal disease. This includes the following:

• Complete or limited periodontal evaluations
• Surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy
• Periodontal regeneration
• Soft tissue augmentation
• Functional & esthetic crown lengthening
• Oral pathology & biopsies
• Canine exposures
• Guided surgical implant placement with a digital workflow
• Sinus and ridge augmentation
• Atraumatic extraction and ridge preservation

Dr. Cabrales is fluent in both English and Spanish, and was drawn to Calgary for its mountains. When not at work, he enjoys going for long walks with his dog, snowboarding, cycling, and playings sports such as soccer and squash.

Dr. Kiarash Shabehpour (or Dr. Kia as his patients and colleagues tend to call him) is a Certified Specialist in Endodontics. He finished his specialist training at the University of British Columbia, where he is currently a clinical instructor helping with training of the next generation of Endodontists.

Dr. Shabehpour practices in both Alberta and British Columbia and along with his team, helps his patients and colleagues with root canal related procedures on a referral basis. He is fluent in both English and Farsi.

When not working, he loves spending time with his family, indulges in martial arts of Judo or can be found on the slopes, skiing.

Dr. Shabehpour is proud supporter of animal rescue groups worldwide.

Originally from Edmonton, Dr. Morgan Gwin obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering before completing the DDS program at the University of Alberta in 2015.  She spent three years in private practice in the Edmonton area before returning to graduate school at the University of Washington to specialize in Prosthodontics.

The field of Prosthodontics deals with the replacement of missing teeth and oral tissues with the goal of restoring oral form and function so that patients can comfortably and confidently speak, chew, laugh and smile.  Prosthodontists have advanced training in smile esthetics, restorative dentistry, dental implants, full arch prostheses (patients may know these as “All on 4” or “fixed complete dentures”), and removable prosthetics (complete and partial dentures). She provides a range of treatments, from the restoration of single teeth to complex, full-mouth rehabilitations that involve teeth, implants, or a combination of both.

Roni is a second-generation denturist, who developed a passion for dentures at a young age while visiting his Dad often at their family denture clinics back home in Toronto. He graduated in 2016 from a well-known and highly accredited school; George Brown College where he obtained his license to practice as a Denturist across Canada.

In his free time, Roni likes to spend it outdoors fly fishing for trout, playing basketball, hockey and of course spending time with family and friends.

Roni is always putting his patients’ needs first, using his excellent level of commitment, skill and patience in both his professional and personal life ( we all know the patience you need to catch a fish)

His words to go by are “changing lives one smile at a time” which he strives to achieve with every patient.

At our practice, we believe in the power of a radiant smile, where well-aligned teeth and a functional bite enhance not just your appearance but your overall quality of life. Dr. Jocelyne Shim is dedicated to partnering with families, crafting confident and healthy smiles that spread happiness to everyone around.

Dr. Shim’s journey in dentistry showcases her passion for orthodontics. She earned her Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees from the esteemed University of Alberta. During her undergraduate studies, she received numerous recognitions for her early interest and research in Orthodontics. After gaining valuable experience as a general dentist, she pursued a three-year full-time graduate program at the University of Toronto, renowned for having the longest-running program in Canada. Here, she earned her Master of Science degree and specialized clinical training in Orthodontics. Dr. Shim’s expertise is further validated by her successful completion of the National Dental Specialty Examination and Fellowship Examination, earning her certification as a specialist and membership in the Royal College of Dentists of Canada.

Dr. Shim takes pride in offering a comprehensive range of orthodontic treatments, from interceptive and limited procedures to comprehensive and surgical solutions. Your treatment journey is as unique as you are. Dr. Shim is devoted to understanding your specific requirements, ensuring a personalized approach that delivers exceptional results.

Join us on this transformative journey, where your confident smile awaits.  Place your trust in Dr. Shim and our committed team to guide you toward a future radiating with a healthy and beautiful smile.

Dr. Adriana Hernandez obtained her BDS degree in Venezuela in 2005. Following several years of successful practice as a general dentist, she decided to further her expertise by specializing in Endodontics. Her journey as a specialist in Endodontics allowed her to serve the dental community in Venezuela with high skill and dedication for several years.

Later on, Dr. Hernandez, along with her husband and three children, relocated to Canada. In Canada, she pursued additional dental education at the University of British Columbia, where she earned certification for her specialty degree. Today, Dr. Hernandez primarily assists patients and colleagues with root canal treatments and endodontic surgeries on a referral basis. She is fluent in English and Spanish.

Dr. Kua is a Certified Specialist in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery born and raised in Calgary. He received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary in 2008. Dr. Kua obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery from The University of Western Ontario in 2012. Following completion of his doctorate, Dr. Kua practiced general dentistry in Calgary and Bowden Correctional Institution for two years before being accepted into and completing his specialty training in Oral & Maxillofacial

Surgery at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York. His residency consisted of rotations in anaesthesia, general surgery, otolaryngology, emergency medicine, internal medicine, and critical care medicine. He is trained in all aspects of anaesthesia, complex dentoalveolar surgery, dental implants, bone grafting, head and neck trauma, orthognathic surgery (corrective jaw surgery), oral and maxillofacial pathology, maxillofacial reconstruction and temporomandibular joint
disorders.

Dr. Kua is excited to offer a broad range of oral and maxillofacial surgery services to Calgary and
surrounding areas.

Carolyn graduated Dental Hygiene from the University of Alberta and joined Sierra Dental in 2003. She loves spending time with family and friends. Carolyn is always up for a new adventure! She enjoys taking road trips, camping, horseback riding, hiking, and anything that gets her out in nature.

Happy was born in the Philippines and grew up in Saskatchewan and Alberta. She went to S.I.A.S.T. Wascana Campus in Regina for both Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene Programs. She joined Sierra as a Dental Assistant in 2005 and became one of our fabulous hygienists in 2011. Happy loves working with the Sierra team and loves having the ability to work in a practice with cutting edge technology so she can be a part of providing patients with the best dental care imaginable.

In her spare time, she loves spending time with her husband, two daughters and dog, Molly. She enjoys travelling, cooking, playing guitar, and anything that takes her outdoors!

Lisa was born and raised in Okotoks and still presently lives there with her husband and daughter. After having braces at a young age, Lisa became very interested in dentistry and pursed her Dental Assisting education at SAIT. She began working at Sierra Dental in 2005 as a dental assistant. She then returned to school for Dental Hygiene at Toronto College of Dental Hygiene & Aux. and has been working as a dedicated hygienist ever since. She enjoys helping her patients to exceed optimum oral health while making them feel comfortable and safe with her gentle touch.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter at their lake view property camping, boating and visiting with family and friends. They also love to travel to hot destinations and make the most of life!!

Lindsay was born and raised in Calgary Alberta and graduated as a Registered Dental Hygienist from the Toronto College of Dental Hygiene. She has worked at Sierra Dental since 2006, starting first as a registered dental assistant and then returning after school as a registered dental hygienist 2009. Lindsay’s main focus is in the prevention and educating her clients on great oral health, she enjoys developing relationships and getting to know her patients.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son, family and friends. She enjoys living a healthy lifestyle biking, hiking, skiing in the winter and travelling the world!

Amanda has been practicing dental hygiene since 2009. She graduated from the Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and joined the Sierra Dental family shortly after. Amanda loves working with a wonderful team to provide optimal oral health care to her patients.

In her spare time, she enjoys keeping active and has a passion for health and exercise. She loves spending time with her family and travelling.

Veronica graduated with honours from Regency Dental Hygiene Academy in Toronto in 2012 and was awarded the Clinical Excellence Award for her graduating class. She joined the Sierra team shortly after in 2012. Veronica was born and raised on a farm outside of Stettler, AB. She has always had a passion for helping and working with others, which is what initially drew her to the dental profession and has sustained her passion for the field ever since. Veronica received her Dental Assisting Certificate in 2006 from NAIT and her love for the dental profession only grew from there. Veronica loves creating long-lasting and trusting relationships with her patients and helping to achieve not just optimal oral health, but overall health and well-being as well.

In her spare time, Veronica enjoys spending time with her puppy Bubba, yoga, camping, hiking, travelling, teaching hula hoop classes and spoiling her nieces and nephews.

Nina was born and raised in Calgary, coming from a large Italian family. She has been interested in dentistry from a young age, leading her to complete her Dental Assisting Certificate at SAIT in 2010. She decided to further her knowledge and obtained her Dental Hygiene Diploma at the University of Alberta in 2015. She believes that having a trusting relationship with her patients is key to achieving their optimal oral health. Building these relationships with her patients is one of her favourite aspects of being a dental hygienist.

Nina loves to spend time with her partner Duncan and their Boston Terrier named Bruin. She also enjoys travel, fitness, trying new restaurants and hanging out with her family and friends.

Alexa was born and raised in Manitoba. She graduated from the University of Manitoba’s School of Dental Hygiene and was awarded the Endowment Fund Award in Dental Hygiene as well as was inducted into the Sigma Phi Alpha Society for Dental Hygiene. A very positive experience at the dental office when Alexa was a child, lead her to pursue a career in dental hygiene. She has a passion to help others in any way she can while striving for excellence. Alexa spends all her spare time outdoors, which is what lead her to Calgary. Fishing, camping and the mountains are what Alexa enjoys most.

Liisa has been practicing dental hygiene since 2006, graduating from SIAST, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, with honours, including the Governor Generals Award, and the Golden Scaler Award.

Liisa enjoys working with such an amazing dedicated team, here at Sierra Dental!

Hilary was born and raised in Annapolis Royal, NS. Track & field led Hilary to complete her undergraduate degree in Ohio where she competed in the heptathlon and hurdles. Her interest in dental hygiene stemmed from an early age watching her father care for his patients at his family dental practice. Hilary graduated from the dental hygiene program at Dalhousie University in Halifax, where she received the Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler for Excellence in Clinical Care Award.

Hilary is especially passionate about helping patients with periodontal disease and jumped at the opportunity to join Sierra’s Periodontal Team. She always strives to provide the most comfortable and positive experience for her patients.

In her spare time you’ll find Hilary running with her run club, hiking, skiing down the black diamonds and not shying away from any activity.

Emily was born in Saskatoon and grew up in Calgary. She graduated Dental Hygiene from the Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and Aux. in 2018. Since joining the Sierra team in 2020, she shares the team’s focus on dental health and education by building strong, trusting friendships with her patients — with lots of laughs along the way. Emily has a depth of knowledge on controlling gum disease and improving oral health and always ensures her patients are armed with the best knowledge about their teeth.

In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym, watching Bob’s Burgers, and indulging in the foodie lifestyle of gluttony with family and friends.

Miriam received her Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene in 2015 and has since worked in BC, England, and now Alberta! Her approach to helping patients achieve their optimum oral and overall health is through prevention and education; helping patients take control of their own health. She loves getting to know her patients and helping them feel comfortable during their time in the dental office.

The mountains drew Miriam and her husband to this beautiful area and they love being outdoors, hiking in the summer and snowboarding in the winter! They look forward to enjoying these experiences with littles ones as their family grows.

Anya originally completed a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology at the University of Calgary in 2016. She then completed her Dental Hygiene Diploma in Vancouver in 2019.

She is passionate about holistic health and loves to motivate and educate her patients. Outside of work she loves to cook with her husband and take long walks with her dog!

Kaylee originally completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Dordt University in 2011. She later went to Colorado Northwestern Community College to study dental hygiene and graduated in 2020 with honours and was given the CDHA Award for Clinical Excellence. While striving to create a positive experience for her patients, Kaylee is passionate about preventative oral health and educating her clients on best hygiene practices.

Although Kaylee originally hails from the US, she and her husband made Calgary their home in early 2021. Shortly after arriving, she began her work at Sierra Dental. While not at work, she enjoys time with family and friends. Calgary has quickly become home for her and she has found that no matter the season there is always something to do!

Jen was born in the Philippines and grew up in Mississauga, Ontario. She graduated from Dental Assisting program back in 2011 and has worked both in Mississauga and Downtown Toronto in a multi-office practice since. She went back to school for Dental Hygiene and graduated as a Niagara Scholar from Niagara College in 2020. She moved to Calgary in July of 2021 and absolutely loves it here! Jen has been exposed to dentistry at such a young age having grown up with a dentist mother back in the Philippines. She has always loved patient interaction and advocating for good oral health. She believes in the importance of helping achieve optimal oral health, to improve people’s quality of life in our community. In her downtime, she loves doing yoga, listening to podcasts, reading books and going for hikes with her dog.