Our Team
Sierra
DENTAL ASSISTANT
Sierra's natural compassion for taking care of people has been a perfect asset for her lead assistant role with Dr. Van during the past 10 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 2007 and worked in Puerto Rico for 15 years before moving to Virginia. She is known to patients as having endless positivity and carrying the brightest smile, radiating throughout the entire office daily! Outside of work, she lives with her husband of more than 20 years and their daughter, who is in college. She loves cooking, dancing, and staying fit. She is also active with training and competing in karate, in which she earned her black belt in the earlier years.
Mariuxi
DENTAL ASSISTANT
After living in Miami during the past 25 years, Mariuxi relocated to the Northern Virginia area 2 years ago to be closer to her family. With more than a decade of experience in her career, she has been a wonderful fit working chairside with Dr. Van . Patients meeting her quickly discover that she is one of the most sincerest and kindest people, always ready to put them at ease during their visits to the office. She loves being a mom to three kids, who are ages 24, 22 and 16. Outside of the office, she is happiest spending time with her husband and family, cooking and playing basketball with her youngest.
Alicia
BUSINESS MANAGER
Alicia is originally from Los Fresnos,Texas but Virginia has been her home since early childhood. She previously had a career in the medical field for 8 years before transitioning to the dental industry, where she has held a leadership role in practice management during the past 10 years. People that meet her find that she has a natural grace and kindness while she works efficiently to optimize office operations, ensuring that every patient has the best experience at our practice. Outside of her career, health and fitness are a big part of her life as she exercises daily with Pilates, Barre, Warrior Sculpt and strength training. Her amazing discipline has even inspired her to compete in bodybuilding competitions in the recent years. She has found her biggest passion in being a proud wife and mom to two wonderful kids who keep her on her toes as much as her workouts.
Dawn
REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST
With over 35 years of experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist, Dawn brings more than just clinical expertise to Dr. Van's team—she brings compassion and a deep commitment to helping others. She has worked with patients of all ages in both pediatric and general practice settings, always focusing on building trust and delivering care that makes a real difference. Dawn’s dedication to oral health goes far beyond the clinic. For six years, she volunteered with the US Virgin Islands Dental Association, helping to organize meetings and lead outreach efforts that supported dental professionals and underserved communities. Her sense of service also extends to the Coast Guard Auxiliary, where she’s been involved in search and rescue missions, and to local initiatives like MCCP, where she provides dental screenings to those in need. Outside of work, Dawn lives life to the fullest with her two sons, Giovanni and Christianno. Whether they’re out on the water paddleboarding or snorkeling, diving into a competitive game night, camping under the stars, or exploring new places together, Dawn treasures every moment. She’s a certified scuba diver, has rowed with the PW Crew novice team, captained boating adventures, and is always ready for the next journey—especially with family by her side. Our team is thrilled to have Dawn with us daily as she brings warmth and a positive energy to everything she does.
Sarah
PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR
Sarah is proud to return to the dental field as a Patient Care Coordinator at VanSmileDesign after spending the past few years as a stay-at-home mom. A Northern Virginia native, she brings over five years of experience working in orthodontic and oral surgery practices. Her professional background, combined with her welcoming personality and genuine kindness, allows her to guide patients through their care with compassion. Excited to be part of Dr. Van's team, Sarah looks forward to expanding her knowledge while continuing to create a positive and supportive experience for every patient. She is dedicated to ensuring individuals feel comfortable, and truly cared for from their first interaction with the office through the completion of their treatment. Outside the office, Sarah enjoys spending quality time with her daughter, making lasting memories with family and friends, and exploring new cuisines whenever she has the opportunity. She also loves attending concerts and spending time outdoors. Sarah is happy to be back in the dental community and looks forward to welcoming and assisting patients each day.
Uree
REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST
Uree was born and raised in the Northern Virginia area and brings a strong sense of familiarity and connection to the local community that she cares for. She has been in the dental industry for almost 10 years and recently joined our dental hygiene team. She is a wonderful addition to our practice as a compassionate clinician with a sharp eye to details. She is known for being passionate about patient-centered care and providing a high level of preventative care and periodontal therapy. Patients that meet her will find her to be gentle and kind as she takes great pride in helping them feel confident in their long-term overall health. Outside of her career, she enjoys discovering new restaurants as a true foodie and is always planning her next travel adventure. She also has a passion for running and is continually signing up for her next marathon. You may catch her training on the W&OD Trail nearby!