Our Leadership
Interested in learning more about opportunities on the ADTA Board of Directors?
Click here to view position descriptions, annual time commitments, and more!
ADTA Team
Executive Director
Kari Ann Kuntzelman
Kari Ann Kuntzelman, Dental Therapist, is a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma and a graduate of the Alaska Dental Therapy Education Program. She serves as Executive Director of the American Dental Therapy Association and practices clinically at Gentle Dental. Kari Ann is active in dental workforce leadership and is passionate about advancing minimally invasive dentistry, inspiring future oral health professionals, and representing American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Communications Lead
(Contractor)
Ellie Barber
Ellie Barber is a communications strategist, designer, and writer who translates complex ideas into clear, compelling language and visuals. At the American Dental Therapy Association, she develops ADTA’s public-facing messaging through educational materials, reports, and campaigns, emphasizing clarity and accessibility while maintaining scientific accuracy. She has over ten years of communications experience with nonprofits, research institutes, and government agencies in public health and climate science, including the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, the Aspen Global Change Institute, and NASA.
Policy Specialist
(Contractor)
May Salama
May Salama, PhD, is a public health dentist and health services researcher dedicated to advancing health equity, education, and access to care for underserved communities. She earned her PhD in Health Services Research with a concentration in Health Policy and Management, specializing in maternal and child health and oral health disparities. Through public health leadership, advocacy, and community engagement, she builds lasting community partnerships and reduces barriers to oral health care. Her work centers on inclusive, evidence-based approaches that translate research into policy and programs that improve health outcomes and community well-being.
Board of Directors
President
Anna DeGraffenreid
Feb 2026 - Dec 2027
Feb 2026 - Dec 2027
Anna DeGraffenreid is a Dental Health Aide Therapist (DHAT) and an enrolled member of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. She serves as a practicing provider for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation at the Lake Roosevelt Community Health Center in Inchelium, Washington. Anna graduated from the Alaska Dental Therapy Education Program through Ilisagvik College in 2019 and has been an active member of the ADTA since 2021. She takes great pride in building trusting relationships with her patients, ensuring that every dental visit is inviting and comfortable, while delivering high-quality oral healthcare to everyone who walks through her clinic's doors.
Vice-President
Dana Obey
Feb 2026 - Dec 2027
Feb 2026 - Dec 2027
Dana Marie Obey is the first Michigan State Licensed Dental Therapist, a member of the Sault Tribe, and a 2025 graduate of the dəxʷx̌ayəbus Dental Therapy Program (WA). She currently provides patient care in the Upper Peninsula: Bay Mills Health Center in Michigan. With over 15 years of experience in the dental field, Dana is dedicated to improving access to care, educating families on preventing and stopping early childhood caries, and delivering culturally responsive, minimally invasive dental services in rural and Tribal communities.
Secretary
Kylie Anderson
Feb 2026 - Dec 2028
Feb 2026 - Dec 2028
Kylie Anderson, Dental Hygienist and Advanced Dental Therapist, is a practicing provider at Community Dental Care in Buffalo, Minnesota. She earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene and Master’s degree in Dental Therapy from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Kylie is passionate about making a meaningful difference in her patients’ lives through quality care, strong relationships, and education focused on lifelong oral health.
Treasurer
Victoria Contreras
Feb 2026 - Dec 2028
Feb 2026 - Dec 2028
Victoria Contreras, DT, is a licensed Dental Therapist and first-generation Latina originally from Walla Walla, Washington. She recently earned her dental therapy degree from the dəxʷx̌ayəbus Dental Therapy Program at Skagit Valley College in 2025, where she served as President of the Dental Therapy Club and previously volunteered as a student representative for the American Dental Therapy Association. Recently elected Treasurer of the American Dental Therapy Association, she currently practices at Advantage Dental in Oregon and brings over 15 years of experience in dentistry. Victoria is passionate about minimally invasive dentistry, pediatrics, special needs care, and expanding access to care in underserved communities.
At Large Directors
Amy Coplen
Apr 2025 - Apr 2028
Apr 2025 - Apr 2028
Amy Coplen is a Professor and Program Director at Pacific University School of Dental Hygiene Studies and serves as the interim director of the Dental Therapy Program. She played a key role in establishing dental therapy licensure in Oregon and is among the first licensed dental therapists in the state. Amy has secured significant grant funding to support dental therapy education and is widely recognized for her leadership, including receiving the ADEA Gies Award for Vision of a Dental Educator.
Wilber Ramírez-Rodríguez
Jan 2024 - Dec 2026
Jan 2024 - Dec 2026
Wilber Ramírez-Rodríguez, LDT, RDH, BSDH, DDS (Perú), is a licensed dental therapist in Oregon and a licensed dental hygienist in Oregon and Washington. He has been a licensed dentist in Perú since 2001 and previously worked as a public health dentist in rural communities, including volunteer service with the Peruvian Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders. Wilber currently serves as a Dental Outreach Coordinator, overseeing outreach clinics, and has held faculty and clinical roles supporting dental education and community-based care.
Bonnie W. Vaughan
Jan 2024 - Dec 2026
Jan 2024 - Dec 2026
Bonnie W. Vaughan, RDH, IPDH, MEd, MBA, is a dental hygiene educator and longtime leader in community oral health. She has held senior leadership roles in public health dentistry, including serving as Dental Health Division Director for the City of Portland, Maine, and as Executive Director of the Center for Community Dental Health for nearly two decades. Bonnie has been a leading advocate for dental therapy in Maine and currently serves as Executive Director of Kennebec Valley Family Dentistry, supporting access to care for underserved populations.
Mary Williard
Jan 2024 - Dec 2026
Jan 2024 - Dec 2026
Dr. Mary Williard, DDS, is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and has dedicated her career to serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities through the Indian Health Service. She previously led the Dental Therapy Education Program at Iḷisaġvik College, where it became the first program in the nation to receive CODA accreditation. Dr. Williard currently serves as Dental Director for the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians and is recognized nationally for her contributions to dental public health.
Student Representatives
Now recruiting for ADTA Student Representatives. If you’re a dental therapy student and are interested in joining the ADTA Board as a Student Representative, send an email to info@americandentaltherapyassociation.org
Student Representative: Seat 1
Student Representative: Seat 2