President
Noel Kelsch

Noel graduated from Cabrillo College in 1992. She has been involved in CDHA since graduation and has served in a variety of roles, from ADHA delegate to Trustee. Noel is not only a freelance cartoonist, writer and speaker, but, she is also a Registered Dental Hygienist in private practice. She has the uncanny ability to motivate and enlighten others with her passion for oral health through her humor and cutting edge information. Noel's cartoons can be seen in RDH magazine and her articles have been published in dental and nursing trade magazines as well as in books from, "Love is the Best Medicine" to "Especially for Women". Noel volunteers extensively in the community and has been instrumental in developing a free clinic in her area as well as starting "Hugs From Home" an organization that meets the needs of the underserved. Noel is has received many national awards including, Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures, RDH Magazine-Sun Star Butler Award of Distinction, USA Magazine Make a Difference Day Award, Presidents Service Award, Foster Parent of the Year and she is a five time winner of the Castroville Artichoke cook off! She has been married for 28 years to the man of her dreams, Dave, and they have 4 amazing children Serena, Moe, Brice and David. They live in Moorpark, California and we all know what that spells backward….Her hobbies include under water basket weaving, naval contemplation and water colors.

President-Elect
Daphne Von Essen, RDH

Daphne Von Essen graduated from West Los Angeles College in June 1992, and has been active in ADHA, CDHA, and the Santa Barbara Dental Hygienists’ Association.  She has held numerous positions including, Component President, liaison to DART a  local dental public health program in addition to appearing as the  tooth fairy at numerous local outreach and children’s events. As a member of CDHA, she has served as Trustee, in addition to serving as chair of the Membership and Public Relations Councils. A member of Sigma Phi Alpha, the dental hygiene honor society, Daphne is a clinical hygienist in private practice and always on the cutting edge with product information, digital radiography, and laser technology.

An active member of All Saints by the Sea Episcopal Church and a team leader of the Alter Guild, she has raised three wonderful children, Summer, Brook, and James. When not involved with dental hygiene, Daphne can be found swimming laps at the YMCA, painting watercolors, or walking her dogs.

VP of Administration
& Public Relations
Lygia Jolley, RDH, BA

Diana Thomson graduated from Cerritos College Dental Hygiene program in 1981. She has been an active member of CDHA from the time she was a dental hygiene student. (Jr. and Sr. Class VP). Diana has held various positions in the South Bay Component including trustee to CDHA. She was the CDHA Secretary Treasurer for the past four years and has served as an ADHA delegate.

Diana has been a clinical hygienist for 26 years, practicing in Torrance with two general dentists. Diana lives in Rancho Palos Verdes with her 16 year old son.

Diana’s membership in CDHA has given her the opportunity to form new friendships and network with dental hygienists from all over the state. It is a great way to grow personally and professionally.

When not involved in dental hygiene activities Diana enjoys spending time at her cabin in the mountains. She loves being outdoors and is an avid snow skier.

A native born San Franciscan, Lisa Okamoto received an Associate of Science degree from City College of SF, majoring in math. Recognizing a desire to work more closely with people in a health-related field, Lisa earned her Certificate of Dental Hygiene and graduated with honors with an Associate of Science degree from Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, in 1980. Since that time, Lisa has practiced as a clinical dental hygienist in both general and periodontal practices. In 2000, she became an adjunct clinical instructor for the Dental Hygiene Department at Foothill College. A proud member of ADHA throughout her dental hygiene career, Lisa has been active in her local component, Peninsula, as well as at the state level serving in various offices. With family and friends, Lisa and her husband Bob enjoy downhill skiing, golf and traveling. Lisa is an avid reader, enjoys cooking and confesses to being a bonafide chocoholic.