Pediatric Dentistry Residents - Class of 2022 

Tarisai Githu, D.D.S.

Tarisai Githu, D.D.S.
Dr. Tarisai Githu also known as Dr ‘G’ by many of her patients hails from the beautiful Kenya. She is a nomad at heart and has lived in 3 great continents. Having been raised in a family of health care professionals, it seemed natural for her to gravitate towards this field. She often recalls her first dental visit at the age of 8 when her dentist rewarded her ‘good behavior’ with a yummy lollipop-the irony. This small gesture got the turbines turning in her young mind, she thought, “maybe I can do what he does…” Years later, she attained her DDS at Howard University College of Dentistry where she heard and adopted the mantra “Each one Reach one.” She then attended Bronx Lebanon Hospital where she completed a General Practice Residency. After, she pursued an internship in Kenya and became a Board certified Kenyan Dentist. Returning  to the USA, practicing and volunteering within different scopes of dentistry and with the underserved population affirmed her love for community health and the pediatric population. She chose to continue on this path and feels blessed to be at UCLA surrounded by diverse, passionate, like minded and knowledgeable individuals. She hopes to dedicate her life to touching many lives as she advocates for the  pediatric population, travels, spends time with loved ones and dabbles in a little prose.

Tiffany Holcomb, D.D.S.

Tiffany Holcomb, D.D.S.
Dr. Tiffany Holcomb was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She received her B.S.A. in Biology and interdisciplinary certificate in Social Inequality, Health, and Policy from The University of Texas in Austin (Hook ‘Em Horns!). After college, Dr. Holcomb moved back to her native city to obtain her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at UT Health School of Dentistry in Houston. During dental school, she discovered her passion for taking care of baby teeth through community service, medical mission trips, and volunteering for organizations that support special needs populations. She made the move to LA with her wonderful husband, Daniel, who just began his vascular surgery fellowship at Cedars-Sinai. When not in clinic or on Zoom, you can find her in the kitchen whipping up new recipes, spending time with her crazy cat (George!), shopping for the perfect new outfit, exploring hikes around LA, and reading a book on the beach. Dr. Holcomb is so excited to be part of the UCLA family and to begin her career as a pediatric dentist! 

Zachary Anderson, D.D.S.

Zachary Anderson, D.D.S.
Dr. Zach Anderson grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, and received his B.S. from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. He then spent four years at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, where he pursued his dream of becoming a dentist while enjoying all of the outdoor recreational opportunities of the Rocky Mountains.  After graduating from dental school with an emphasis in rural health, he completed an AEGD residency in Phoenix, Arizona, where he spent his time split between the county hospital and a dental clinic for patients with HIV/AIDS.  Upon searching for an unconventional job opportunity, he then landed in Northeast Arizona as a mobile dentist, serving children at public schools across the Navajo Nation for two years.  This is where he discovered his passion for working with kids, and he is thrilled to be a pediatric dentistry resident now at UCLA!  In his free time, Zach enjoys spending time outside, engaging in activities like running, hiking, and camping.

Kaitlin Fusco, D.D.S.

Kaitlin Fusco, D.D.S.
​Dr. Katie Fusco is a native So Cal gal who was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, specifically West Hills, CA.  She graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a B.S. in Biochemistry in 2016. Discovering her passion for dentistry from her personal dental experiences and volunteering through college, she continued her educational journey by attending UCLA School of Dentistry straight out of college and graduated with her Doctor of Dental Surgery in June 2020. Her love for children and desire to care for their oral health needs was confirmed through her multiple pediatric focused involvements during dental school and is thrilled to now be apart of the UCLA Pediatric Dental Family. In her free time, you’ll find Katie either working out or playing soccer, watching a sports game with her boyfriend, spending time with her family, or hosting weekly Bachelor viewing parties with her friends.  She is very excited to begin her career as a pediatric dentist and is looking forward to the knowledge, challenges, and experiences residency has to hold!

Kathleen Nguyen, D.D.S.

Kathleen Nguyen, D.D.S.
Dr. Kathleen Nguyen was born and raised in the beautiful city of San Diego, CA. She eventually made her way to Orange County where she graduated with a B.S. in Biological Sciences at UC Irvine. During undergrad, she spent two years volunteering at a pediatric dental office where she learned of her desire to combine her dream career and passion for working with children. To fulfill this dream, she moved very very far away to the city of Los Angeles, where she received her D.D.S at UCLA. Outside of clinic, she enjoys photography and editing, interior design, anything and everything that involves shopping, BTS (yes, the kpop boy band sensation), and lots and lots of skincare. She is extremely grateful to be pursuing her dreams of being a pediatric dentist alongside her awesome UCLA family!

Jessica Vargas, D.D.S.

Jessica Vargas, D.D.S.
Dr. Jessica Vargas was born in Los Angeles, CA but Plainfield, IL has been her home since she was 8 years old. She graduated with honors from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. in Community Health, with a concentration in Health Education and Promotion. She then went on to receive her Doctorate of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, WI. Dr. Vargas has been a very active member in her community, and considers herself a lifelong learner. Community service and public health have always been near and dear to her heart, and she strives to give back to the world what it has given to her. Living out her passion, Dr. Vargas is in the process of obtaining her Masters in Public Health (M.P.H.) from UCLA in order to acquire the knowledge base to serve those who need it most. She is interested in researching the most effective ways to prevent early childhood caries in low socioeconomic and minority communities. Also, she has a passion for global public health. She has been on a mission trip to Honduras with the Global Medical/Dental Brigades and to Jamaica with the Christian Dental Society to help provide care for those that had never received dental treatment prior. Dr. Vargas considers herself very blessed to be able to obtain her pediatric dental residency training from the prestigious UCLA and is excited to be back in her sunny birth state as an adult! Aside from absolutely adoring kiddos and pediatric dentistry, Dr. Vargas is fluent in Spanish, and learned the language growing up as a child. Growing up in a Jamaican and Mexican household (cool mix, right?), Jessica is a total foodie and is always up for trying new restaurants and cuisines from different cultures! She recently joined a cycling club and enjoys running, hiking, going to the beach, and hanging out with her sassy tabby kitten, Onyx.

Eileen Welch, D.D.S.

Eileen Welch, D.D.S.
Born and raised in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, Dr. Eileen Welch is a midwestern girl at heart. After high school, she traded her frost bitten toes for freckles and a tan, attending the University of Miami. Always one for adventure, she joined the US Air Force, which took her across the country to the University of California, San Francisco, where she obtained her dental degree. Upon graduating, she completed her advanced training in general dentistry at Travis Air Force Base and subsequently spent her next 4 years working as a captain and general dentist at Los Angeles Air Force Base. It was through community and international outreach that she developed a passion to treat children, which ultimately led her to UCLA – the perfect place to train and become a pediatric dentist. Eileen lives with her partner in crime Allen, who’s completing his final year in oral surgery at USC. Eileen is a foodie who can’t help but lineup to try the newest food trend or restaurant. From sandy beach volleyball, losing balls on the golf course, trying to beat Allen on the tennis courts or hitting the slopes with her skis, she just adores the great outdoors. Eileen is beyond happy to join the Bruin family and for her journey into Pediatric Dentistry!

Pediatric Dentistry Residents - Class of 2021

Taylor A. Addison, D.D.S.

Taylor A. Addison, D.D.S.
​​Dr. Taylor Addison is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. Taylor attended Louisiana State University, majoring in Biological Sciences. After college, she obtained her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, Class of 2019. Taylor has a passion for community outreach and serving the underserved. After multiple international medical mission trips, she discovered her passion in pediatric dentistry. With one parent from the small island of Trinidad and the other from New Orleans, Taylor truly enjoys cooking all types of cuisines especially West Indian and Cajun dishes. During her spare time, you can find Taylor traveling, spending quality time with family and friends or in a fitness class.  Taylor is elated to be a part of the UCLA Pediatric Dentistry family and is looking forward to the journey ahead.

Imran Ahmed, D.D.S.

Imran Ahmed, D.D.S.
​Dr. Imran Ahmed is forever a Southern California boy who was born and raised in Riverside, CA. He graduated from UC Irvine with a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology and continued to UCLA School of Dentistry where he received his D.D.S. degree in 2019. Imran’s passions exist at the intersection of pediatric dentistry, public health, and academia so he’s excited to combine the training he receives in residency and in the Master of Public Health program to make a lasting impact on children’s oral health. When he’s not in class or treating patients, Imran enjoys reading new books, hiking scenic trails, escaping from escape rooms, and trying new ice cream spots. He has a huge sweet tooth and knows the ins and outs of dessert places. Rain or shine, he’s always prepared for an ice cream run so if you need a sweet treat, you know who to call.

Lizeth Correa, D.D.S.

Lizeth Correa, D.D.S.
Dr. Lizeth Yamileth Correa is a native Californian, born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. Growing up in a Colombian household, she loves to salsa (dance), hike, cook, and enjoy life. Dr. Correa is a proud first-generation college student, she obtained her bachelor’s in science in Biopsychology at the gorgeous University of California, Santa Barbara in 2013. She stayed in the UC system to attend University of California, Los Angeles to receive her Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2019. Lizeth is thrilled to become a double bruin by being a party of UCLA’s Pediatric Dentistry family. She is dedicated to caring for underserved communities and providing culturally competent care. She also looks forward to her role teaching pre-doctoral students since Mentorship is an important aspect of her life.​

Lucas Nicholaou, D.D.S.

Lucas Nicholaou, D.D.S.
Lucas J. Nicholaou, aka Luke, was born in Detroit and spent most of his childhood and upbringing enjoying the natural splendors of the beautiful state of Michigan, especially amongst the “Yoopers” of the Upper Peninsula. Luke went down south to Vanderbilt University and received his B.A. in Neuroscience and Spanish Language & Literature. From Nashville, Luke moved to the Big Apple and received his D.D.S from Columbia University, where he realized his passion for pediatric dentistry. Luke couldn’t be more excited to continue his career at UCLA, and feels extremely blessed to live in the incredible city of Los Angeles. Aside from baby teeth, Luke enjoys nature (from the beach to the mountains), rock climbing, concerts (from country to EDM), wearing flannels, and spending time with his family, friends, and black cat named Sheba. Not to mention, he’s your go-to guy if you need a partner with which to adventure and explore around LA!

Shanelle Shahery, D.D.S.

Shanelle Shahery, D.D.S.
​Dr. Shanelle Shahery was born and raised in Los Angeles, California… and didn’t venture far after that. She obtained her B.A. in Economics for the University of California, Los Angeles in 2015. After graduating she decided she could not part with UCLA and received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from UCLA School of Dentistry in 2019. She is very excited to now be a Pediatric Resident at UCLA. Yay triple Bruin! Shanelle is the eldest of three, and her sister is unfortunately a Trojan. Growing up, Shanelle danced competitively and performed in various ballet companies. Her love for dance lives on, and is often expressed as study break dance parties. In her free time Shanelle enjoys traveling, working out, and spending time with friends and family. Shanelle is excited to be pursuing her dream job as a Pediatric Dentist and looks forward to meeting the challenges of this wonderful profession!

Sean McGivern, D.D.S.

Sean McGivern, D.D.S. 
Dr. Sean McGivern hails from the great state of Iowa where he worked as an Associate Dentist at the Iowa Pediatric Dental Center for the past two years. Sean received both his undergraduate degree in Biology and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa. Sean is a pianist, a drummer, and a calligrapher. He is very interested in starting a band with you (please contact him). In his free time Sean enjoys exploring Los Angeles, drinking coffee, and trying not to get a sunburn. Sean moved from Iowa City with his fiancée (who will be starting an MFA program in studio arts at UCLA in September) and their dog Blarney.  Sean is excited to join the residency program in Pediatric Dentistry and the Masters of Public Health program!

Stephanie Trahan, D.D.S.

Stephanie Trahan, D.D.S.
Dr. Trahan has enjoyed the adventure and challenges of living in new places her entire life. She was born in Naples, Italy, attended grade school in England, has deep family roots in Vermont and Québec, and played ice hockey while attending Syracuse University. She is a graduate of Boston University’s School of Graduate Medical Sciences and Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Major Trahan served five years in the United States Air Force and volunteered with the Special Olympics sailing team while stationed in Georgia. She found she loved working with the special needs population and after her active duty service commitment she became a Clinical Instructor at the Medical University of South Carolina. She then moved to Austin, TX to focus her practice on pediatric and special needs care. Dr. Trahan is extremely excited to be rounding out her worldwide tour in California with her sweet dog Ruthie, and is enjoying the unbeatable weather, gorgeous sailing, year-round gardening, and creative arts culture here in Los Angeles. ​