#TheSmileZone
TheSmileZone was created in the belief that every child deserves access to quality dental care, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. By providing preventative dental services, such as dental screenings, cleanings, and oral health education, we aim to give children the tools they need to maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime. Your invaluable support serves as the cornerstone of our success, and your contribution is wholeheartedly appreciated. With your help, we can give more people a reason to smile. #toothheroes
BIO
Dora Pesqueda
President and Chief Executive Officer
Hi, my name is Dora Pena Pesqueda and I am the Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer for TheSmileZone. My story started back when I was a single mother. I had 4 children and the simple task of taking them to medical, vision or dental appointments was tough, it meant taking time off work, caring for my children or providing for them. Not everyone has a solid support system of people they can depend or rely on. I was in the pediatric dental field at the time, and most people will tell you dental is the least important check-up for children. Some would say, you can put it off, but I know better. I am in the dental field, and I know how important dental care is. I worked for a dental outreach program at the time, and it felt great to be a part of something that was so helpful to those like me. I had wished we had it in my own hometown. How convenient to sign a consent form and the school was not only taking care of my child(ren)s education but physicals, vision, immunizations AND DENTAL! What a beautiful idea!
I know there is a huge gap with children receiving dental care, for many reasons. As I continue to work in a pediatric dental setting, the two biggest reasons why parents and guardians break or cancel appointments are work and school – those two things will always come first. So, that is how my journey began. I truly care about children getting their regular dental visits, they deserve it. The secondary piece is parents or guardians no longer have to take time off work and choose between preventive dental care and being able to provide for their families.
Raymond Pesqueda
Executive Assistant
Hi, my name is Raymond Pesqueda, I am a Founder, Board Member and Executive Assistant for TheSmileZone. This organization started off with just an idea, the true concern and lingering question of “how?” How can we help the children and the families that can not come into a brick and mortar office? My wife (Dora) has worked in Dental for a great length of time. Her passion for dental was undeniable and I fell in love with the need and the world of dental through her. Dora would come home and tell me numerous stories that reflected a need in dental: accessibility. The stories included parents cancelling appointments for a number of reasons due to not wanting to miss work, children not missing school, and financial strain. In some instances the children really needed dental attention, but they were unable to obtain it due to these various circumstances. This was heartbreaking, and really resonated with me. I had been in the same scenario- Choosing work to provide for my children versus taking care of “minor” health needs that eventually became bigger issues. Sometimes it’s not just about oral health, but overall health and stability for our families in need, TheSmileZone recognizes this! It took some time for our idea and dream to come to life, but we are very proud to be involved in this organization and hope we can make a lasting difference in families, the community, and most importantly the children of Arizona❤️
Andres Cano
Director of Philanthropy and Creative Direction
Andres Cano, sits on the board of TheSmileZone and is one of the co-founders. He is responsible for the creative direction and philanthropy for TheSmileZone focusing on donor and sponsor relationships. I started my journey with nonprofit work independently working with close friends and for profit organizations who focused their time on raising money for nonprofit organizations. I would partner with these organizations to help in toy drives, back to school drives, and other event coordination to help families in Arizona. I've always had a passion for helping others, and I crossed paths with Dora and Raymond through our Arizona Cardinal football tailgates and they asked me to join them on their journey with TheSmileZone. It's inspiring seeing the faces of happy families, children, and communities when you give back through the work we are doing at TheSmileZone. I love being in nonprofit because you get to understand the needs of the community, and collaborate with others to bring so much change in such a selfless way. I love spending time with family, friends, my two fur babies, my partner, and truly enjoy food and traveling which is another way we learn about each other. Excited to continue this journey, and see what TheSmileZone does or goes next.
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