Candidates and Voting

I've had the incredible opportunity to serve on the board as the SSPD liaison for the past three years, and it's been an absolute honor. This role has allowed me to form strong connections with many pediatric dentists and advocate wholeheartedly for improved education, children's oral health, and access to care. Currently, I'm dedicated to obtaining accreditation for a new program that will greatly enhance access to care in southwest VA. As a candidate for the position of President-Elect for the VAPD, I am fully committed to working alongside our president to ensure we continue to promote the advancement of the science and art of Pediatric Dentistry in our State. Our aim is to encourage, sponsor, and advance the achievement of a high and ethical standard of practice, education, and research in the art and science of all phases of dentistry for children. My main focus is on nurturing education and training for dental professionals, advocating for improved access to dental care for children and special care needs children, and fostering collaboration within the pediatric dental community. If elected, I will ensure that these initiatives remain a top priority of our board and will continue to uphold the ethical standards of our profession.

CV - Dr. Karina Miller

I am deeply committed to improving the health of our patients and families across the state as the Secretary-Treasurer of the VAPD. As an Assistant Professor at VCU, I bring experience working with future pediatric dentists and am acutely aware of the evolving needs and challenges within our field, consistent with the Academy’s mission. I am meticulous, detail-oriented, and conscientious—qualities that are essential for the Secretary-Treasurer. I honed my organizational and process management skills in multiple settings, including private practice, federally qualified health centers, and academic environments. My attention to detail ensures that no task is overlooked and that our projects achieve the highest standards of excellence. I will leverage this experience to support the Academy’s operations, outreach, and membership engagement. Serving as an officer will allow me to directly contribute to the growth and success of our profession. I will be able to expand our impact to ensure that pediatric dentists, regardless of their career stage, have access to the support, resources, and education they need to provide exemplary care. I am eager to take on a leadership position within the VAPD and to make a tangible impact on our community through dedicated service and collaboration.

CV - Dr. Pallavi Singh

It would be an honor to represent our state as the SSPD Board Director. I have served on the VAPD for years and, with this leadership past, can assist in serving on a regional basis.

CV - Dr. Elizabeth Berry

Hi! I'm Stephanie, and I am new to the Tide Water area. I am originally from Illinois but was brought to Virginia for my pediatric residency. I completed my residency in 2023 at Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. I fell in love with Virginia and made my way to the Virginia Beach/Chesapeake area. I am looking to get more involved in the dental community and I think I would be a great fit for the Eastern district trustee. I'd love to learn more from the Board and be the person people can rely on to voice their questions, concerns, or ideas!

CV - Dr. Stephanie Wiechmann

I would like the opportunity to represent Northern Virginia as a District Trustee for the Virginia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

CV - Dr. Courtney Marzban

Hello! I’m Sarah Yi (VCU 2019, formerly Brusko). My husband and I moved back to Virginia in September after 4 years away for residency in Denver and my NHSC service at an FQHC in Indianapolis. It’s a delight to be a pediatric dentist and even more so to be helping the community I came to love during my time at VCU. I'm so excited to be back, seeing familiar faces as local providers and in leadership roles. In school, I enjoyed serving on leadership committees in various clubs. My strengths on a team are in offering creative ideas, finding solutions, researching issues, putting together and giving presentations, fundraising, planning events, and side quests like photography and videography of events. I liked chatting with group members, hearing their ideas, then collaborating with our team to find ways to put it all into action. I think I’d be a solid district trustee because I’m good at getting people engaged in what’s going on and important, be that through announcements, presentations, or creative ideas for events. Since settling in, I am eager to meet with colleagues and get back into a leadership and advocacy role. I appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the best of Virginia and to help our colleagues continue to learn, advocate, volunteer, and thrive as providers!

CV - Dr. Sarah Yi

I am eager to run for District Trustee for Western Virginia. Working as a hospital-based pediatric dentist and assistant professor at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, Virginia, I am committed to advancing pediatric dental care through clinical excellence, education, and leadership. My hospital experience has deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by patients and their families in Western Virginia. As an assistant professor, I've mentored future dentists, emphasizing excellence and compassionate care. Past roles, including Chief Pediatric Dental Resident, President of the VCU AAPD Student Chapter, and Vice President of the MCV Graduate Student Government Association, have enhanced my skills in governance, advocacy, and strategic planning, qualifying me as a suitable candidate for the role of district trustee. As a district trustee, I aim to use my expertise to advocate for policies that enhance patient care, support professional development, and promote high standards in pediatric dentistry. Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute positively to pediatric dentistry in Virginia.

CV - Dr. Zara Zahid