Dr. Aaron Kelsey, DDS-Owner
Dr. Kelsey is a fourth generation Californian whose great grandparents settled among the strawberry fields of Huntington Beach. Dr. Kelsey resides locally with his wife and three children. Dr. Kelsey loves practicing in Ladera Ranch where his patient-centered sensibilities are rooted in a city that is community focused and family-driven. Dr. Kelsey and his wife Kimmberleigh founded a non-profit after the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010. Evolution Haiti, Inc. helps provide sustainability initiatives that support the 56 children they help care for. Dr. Kelsey and his family have been providing medical and dental clinics for the children and the surrounding villages since 2012 with the help of many volunteers including their children. Dr. Kelsey is passionate about surfing, skiing and traveling with his family.
Dr. Kelsey is a 2005 graduate of The University of Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco.
Dr. Kelsey is an active member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Dental Association, and the California Dental Association. Dr. Kelsey and his staff attend multiple meetings and workshops throughout the year to ensure that he and his practice are absolutely state of the art.
Dr. Kelsey approaches dentistry in a very intimate fashion. Communication and one-on-one attention are criteria that are always satisfied in his practice. Come on by and rediscover that good old chairside manner.
Dr. Kimberly Rivera Gress, DDS
Dr. Rivera, originally from Irvine California, received her DDS from the University of California, San Francisco in 2002 after having studied Biology as an undergraduate at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. In addition to her formal schooling, she has completed extensive coursework in cosmetic and digital dentistry. Dr. Rivera remains enthusiastic about pursuing continuing education, feeling that it is important to keep current with evolving techniques and materials allowing her to provide state-of-the-art treatment options to her patients. Dr. Rivera is a firm believer in providing relationship-based, comprehensive care that is tailored to fit into the lives of each of her patients.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Rivera enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her hobbies include skiing, tennis, and water sports; and she is also an active volunteer in her children’s schooling and their organized sports teams. She is a current member of the California Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the Orange County Dental Society. Having previously worked with programs such as the AIDS Project Los Angeles, MEDICO, and as a clinical educator at the UCLA School of Dentistry, she understands the importance of giving back to the community and setting a good example for her kids.
Dr. Shirley, DDS
Dr. Shirley fell in love with dentistry when she started working as a dental assistant during her undergraduate studies at UC Irvine. This propelled her to pursue a career in dentistry and she got her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Northwestern University in the Windy City of Chicago. She has been in dentistry for over 15 years and loves to make the dental visit as relaxing and easy as possible. Patents have told her she’s empathetic, gentle, and similar to a yogi for dentistry due to how calm patients feel during the visit. She enjoys getting to know each patient and looks forward to meeting you and your family on your next visit.
In her free time, she loves to explore new cultures through cooking international meals. She’ll go on extensive quests to find exotic herbs and spices to create authentic international dishes. Dr. Shirley also enjoys painting, yoga, and spending time with her husband and sweet nephew.
Dr. Mirnia, DDS, MSD
Dr. Mojan Mirnia is board certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. She received her BS in Biology at UC San Diego, and her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at UCLA. She then completed her orthodontics training at the renowned University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, where she received her Master of Science in Dentistry and Certificate in Orthodontics. Her research and master’s thesis topic were in 3D analysis of surgery first approach for patients with fixed or Invisalign therapy.
Dr. Mirnia is committed to providing the best care to her patients. She is experienced in treating patients of all ages with both Invisalign and traditional braces and is excited to meet you to create the smile of your dreams.
In her free time, Dr. Mirnia loves traveling, exploring new restaurants, Pilates and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Mirnia understands the importance of maintaining her membership in the following organizations:
• American Dental Association
• American Association of Orthodontics
• California Dental Association
• Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontics
• Academy for Orthodontic Excellence
Dr. Kwon, DDS, DMD
Dr. Kwon grew up in Seoul, South Korea then moved to Michigan as an exchange student when she was sixteen. Then she moved to Wenham, MA to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Gordon College. Dr. Kwon graduated from Harvard School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA and received her general practice residency training at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey, CA where she had rich experience working with medically complex patients. Dr. Kwon decided to pursue dentistry because of her mother who had lots of dire dental needs and wanted to help other patients with similar experiences as her mother. She also has a heart for patients with disabilities who have limited access to dental care and patients who have dental anxiety.
Dr. Kwon’s clinical skills include cosmetic work such as fillings, crowns, veneers, Invisalign as well as root canal treatments, implant placement and restoration, and extractions. She believes in lifelong learning and continues to expand and update her professional knowledge and skills by attending multiple continuing education courses and seminars. Dr. Kwon is a member of the American Dental Association, Los Angeles Dental Society, Spear Education, and PIA study club.
Dr. Kwon has a unique skill in calming nervous patients in dental chairs and educating patients about their dental health.
Dr. Kwon is married and has two young kids. She loves to travel, read and work out in her spare time.
Lupe Gallagher – Office Manager
Lupe started in dentistry 22 years ago earning her Registered Dental Assisting license and eventually worked her way into the front office as an office manager. She has been with Ladera Ranch Dentistry & Orthodontics since 2005 and has created a strong and lasting relationship with so many of our valued patients. Lupe has developed a vast knowledge of dental insurance and enjoys working with patients on a daily basis. She is an expert when going over treatment plans and explaining patient copayments, she enjoys educating the patients in all aspects of using their benefits to the fullest. Out of the office Lupe takes advantage of the Southern California lifestyle enjoying the outdoors with her two children and husband. She grew up in Laguna Hills and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science at California State University Fullerton.