Executive Team

Tooth TEAM

OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM

Chief executive Officer

Cheryl Janssen

Cheryl Janssen is the Inaugural Executive Director/CEO of Kids Smiles Not for Profit Children’s Dental Centers. The award winning nationally acclaimed organization has a mission to provide and increase access to clinical oral health care in free standing urban facilities located in the heart of the neighborhood of the underserved children. The mission also includes a commitment to extensive in house and outreach health education and healthy lifestyle programs to over 120 schools, child-based nonprofits or other child advocacy groups. During her tenure Kids Smiles has grown from one center with 4 employees and no patients of record to now having over 60 employees, 3 Philadelphia dental centers and has treated over 75,000 children.

Ms. Janssen is also committed to hiring people from the community and through the organization promote ongoing educational advance to build careers of local hires. Ms. Janssen has an AS in Expanded Dental Functions, her undergraduate degree from West Chester University in Health Sciences and her certificate in Nonprofit Management from LaSalle University. She served as an entrepreneurial leadership instructor in the Phoenixville Foundation Nonprofit Executive Director Leadership training program. She has been named as a Top Women CEO by Bravo and is in the Hall of Fame, Woman of Distinction by Philadelphia Business Journal, March of Dimes Woman of the Year in Health, PA Dental Hygiene Association Public Service Award, and 76’rs Hometown Hero by the Philadelphia. Kids Smiles awards include: Philadelphia Business Journal Healthcare Innovation Award, GlaxcoSmithkline Global Partners, Edward B. Shils, Trude Berger Service, and the Friends of the National Institute of Dental and Crainiomaxifacial Public Advocacy, and Give Kids a Smile Day awards. Email: cjanssen@kidssmiles.org

Chief Operating Officer

Mike Pugliese

Mike joined Kids Smiles in 2003 after a short run in the Pharmaceutical industry. He was instantly hooked with the great team atmosphere and general care and compassion the staff had for the patients and families we serve. “This mission was easy for me to become attached to as I myself had issues finding a good dentist as a child growing up in a lower-middle-class family in Philadelphia.” After going back to school for a Masters in Nonprofit Management, Mike had the opportunity to rise in the organization where he is today as the COO. Mike also works closely with Kids Smiles Annual Golf Fundraiser because nothing makes me smile more than 75-degree weather on a golf course! Email: mpugliese@kidssmiles.org

Chief Financial Officer

Noni Mastra

Noni joined the team in the infancy of the organization. Starting her career as a dentist, Noni found her true passion being able to work in three areas she is passionate about; Children, Finance and Dentistry. Having advanced degrees in Healthcare Management and Finance and working in an environment where she can make a difference, it enables her to walk both roads and give more of a practical or business-oriented edge and integrate two different disciplines to support others who are in need. She loves Kids Smiles and couldn’t ask for a better job environment. Email: nmastra@kidssmiles.org,

Development Director

Erika Sands

Erika joined the Kids Smiles team in 2015 after working in education and program development in the arts and culture field. A lifelong resident of the Philadelphia region, she has a strong commitment to supporting community-based organizations and causes. “I love being able to use my skills and creativity to help children and families access the dental care they need.” Erika enjoys working with the Kids Smiles staff, Board, and donors to create a healthier community.

Outreach Hygienist

Ashley Bass

Ashley joined the Kids Smiles team in 2022. She has over 10 years of dental hygiene experience. She is thrilled with the idea of playing an active role in our outreach department and helping the patients and families we serve. She is passionate about giving back to the community and utilizing her knowledge in oral health education. She truly enjoys being a part of both the clinical and outreach team! To schedule dental education and screenings for your school email: abass@kidssmiles.org. Our team would love to provide your students with oral health education!

Health Equity Project Manager

London McPhatter

London joined the Kids Smiles team in 2023 as our first ever Health Equity Project Manager. Previously, she worked in the healthcare field, but decided to dive into pediatric dentistry once she came across the Kids Smiles mission. London came on board and has helped in many different operational projects to improve Kids Smiles. She received her degrees in Public Health and Hospital Administration at West Chester University. Email: lmcphatter@kidssmiles.org

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