Our Dental Team Merced, CA

Rinku joined the team with years of experience managing different avenues of business. She enjoys the family atmosphere of the office and works to ensure patients enjoy it as well, all while keeping the office running smoothly. Graduating from an executive management program in July of 2018, Rinku uses her skills to better assist Dr. Badwalz in training staff and making executive decisions. She also enjoys being around children and is the first to volunteer to watch the children of patients who are having treatment or cleanings done.

Ashley joined the practice in January 2026 and brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as office manager. She graduated in 2015 from UEI College as a dental assistant and has since transitioned into office leadership, helping ensure that day-to-day operations run smoothly. Ashley is passionate about creating a supportive environment where both patients and team members feel valued. She is especially excited to be part of a team where everyone has such positive things to say about the practice and the doctors.

Outside of the office, Ashley enjoys spending time with her daughter and their cat, Fluffy Cinnamon. Her hobbies include bowling, paint-by-numbers and baking, which she finds both creative and relaxing.

When Adrienne started in dentistry, she was on an American Air Force Base in England practicing in an American Red Cross dental assisting program, which she finished in record time. She stayed there for five years before coming back to the United States to create her billing company. Her job at Pearl Family Dentistry is aiding the office in collections, informing patients of their insurance benefits and getting financing for patients who need it. Adrienne likes her coworkers and the friendly faces she gets to meet. Having her input and her experience put into practice to help the office achieve its goals is very satisfying.

Adrienne has two kids who are both in the Air Force. Her daughter just graduated from the Air Force for dentistry in 2024 and is now a dentist, while her son works on the B-52 bombers. She could not be more proud of both of them. Her hobbies include motorcycle rides, dancing, quilting and outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, watching animals and more.

Kimberly joined our practice in 2024 and brings a genuine passion for helping others. As a scheduling coordinator, she ensures every patient is able to find an appointment time that works for their schedule. From the moment patients call to book an appointment to the time they walk out the door, Kimberly is committed to making their experience as smooth and positive as possible – regardless of their past dental visits.

She takes great pride in making a difference in each patient’s smile and finds it especially rewarding to work alongside one of the most caring teams she has ever met.

Kara joined our practice in 2026 and brings a natural passion for helping others. As a scheduling coordinator, she’s the friendly voice behind the scenes, making it easy for every patient to find an appointment time that fits seamlessly into their day. Kara is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming experience from start to finish—ensuring that everything from your first call to your final goodbye feels smooth, comfortable, and genuinely enjoyable.

Outside the office, Kara loves exploring new coffee spots, hitting the trails for a good hike, and enjoying “girl dinners” with friends. She also channels her eye for detail and creativity as a lash extension technician.

Marisol graduated with honors from Fresno State in May with a degree in Mass Media Communications and Journalism. She wrote for the school paper and worked with Fresno State Athletics as a content editor and broadcast camera woman. She joined our team in May 2025 and creates content for our various social media pages, tables at events to spread the word about our practice, and asks for reviews. She also gets to run our various ad pages, decorate the office and show patients that we are the coolest dental office in town! Marisol loves how friendly everyone is and how fun it has been to get to know some of the patients through the social media content she creates.

Marisol lives with her mom, dad, twin brothers and little sister. She also has an older brother that does not live with the family. She loves working with cameras, editing and writing especially. Sport videography and editing is a big hobby of hers. She also loves creating content for our social media, baking and listening to music.

Alissa joined our team in February of 2018 and graduated from Sacramento City College with an associate degree in dental hygiene. She was also a Colgate STAR Award recipient! Alissa enjoys the family environment at Pearl Family Dentistry and loves how everyone truly cares about the wellbeing of others. She always tries her best to make patients feel comfortable and at ease in an environment where many feel anxious. By educating and talking with a friendly smile, she hopes patients will look forward to coming back to our practice. Alissa was born and raised in Merced and has two sisters, who have gifted her with a niece and two nephews whom she loves to spoil. When she is not working, she loves to curl up on the couch with her nose in a good book.

Lauren has been with Pearl Family Dentistry since 2021 but has been practicing dental hygiene since April 2018. She earned a bachelor’s degree in intensive psychology from UC Santa Cruz then an associate degree in dental hygiene from SJVC Visalia. Lauren loves the atmosphere and feel of family at our office, and she enjoys working with the team to provide the best care we can. She does her best to listen and care for patients and aims to treat each one to the best of her abilities. Lauren’s family grew up in Merced, and in her free time, she enjoys reading, kayaking, traveling and spending time with her two Corgis, Stanton and Cooper.

Tenisha began working at this office in May 2022 when she moved to the area with her family. She graduated from the Bryman College dental assisting program in 1999. Tenisha loves working at Pearl Family Dentistry because everyone is energetic, happy and puts their hearts into taking care of patients and providing them dental care.

Outside of the office, Tenisha enjoys spending time with her three dogs, and she usually goes back to her hometown during the weekend for food.

Andreea was born in Romania where she had finished school, graduating from the Faculty of Business BABES-BOLYAI, BBU. Upon completion, her life took her on a journey to the United States to start a new career in healthcare, completing her CNA license from Evergreen Nursing School in 2013. After ten years of working as a CNA, she shifted her career focus on dentistry, where she attended West Coast Dental Assisting College earning her license as an RDA. For Andreea, working in healthcare has given her the most intrinsic reward knowing what she is doing makes a difference in the world. She states, “Being part of Pearl Family Dentistry has given her a sense of community and family”. She contributes to the success of the practice by being present every day, listening and helping all who come to us.

In her free-time, she loves watching movies, reading, learning something new, cooking/baking and spending time with her lovely fluffy Chow Chow Roxxy!