Meet The Staff

Our team consists of a highly trained staff who are dedicated to making your visit to our office as comfortable as possible. From the knowledgeable administrative staff, to our caring and compassionate clinical team of surgical assistants, we are constantly striving to provide you with an exceptional surgical experience.  All staff are informed administrative personnel, well-versed in emergency management and are all certified with Basic Life Support (CPR) through the American Heart Association.

Administrative Staff

Our administrative assistants are friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful to meet the needs of all of our patients. From scheduling a convenient appointment time to maximizing your insurance benefits, our administrative staff will be there to answer any questions prior to your surgery. 

 

Jason – Office Manager

I began working at Cottonwood Oral Surgery in August 2020 and I am bilingual. I enjoy greeting a variety of patients and I find pleasure in calming nervous patients no matter the age. 

I have lived in Albuquerque for most of my life. I enjoy spending time with friends and traveling to different states to see concerts. You may catch me on the slopes as I love to snowboard. When in office, you may find me bringing blankets to our patients to make them more comfortable and ensuring that you have a wonderful surgical experience. 

 

Angelica – Scheduling Coordinator

I am originally from California and graduated from California State University, Long Beach. After College, I started working in the dental field as a Treatment Coordinator. With the knowledge and experience as a previous insurance / treatment coordinator, and Health Center Manager, I am able to provide excellent care and comfort to every patient seen. 

Outside of work hours, I enjoy helping others, spending time with loved ones, traveling, and wine tasting. 

Surgical Assistants

Our surgical assistants are CPR certified, experienced, trained, and certified in assisting with intravenous (IV) sedation and outpatient general anesthesia in our comfortable, state-of-the-art office setting. They are certified through the New Mexico State Dental Board with a dental assisting and radiology license. Our surgical staff travels nationally to attend continuing education courses to further their knowledge and always look to improve our standard of care for our patients. They have a special interest in providing a comfortable and safe surgical experience for each and every patient; our patients are continuously monitored during and after surgery.

Vanessa – Surgical Assistant

I began working at Cottonwood Oral Surgery immediately after completing my externship at CNM in 2021. I have since completed my DAANCE certification and ACLS certification through Dr. Jeffries which will help me provide safer care to the patients we serve. Working at Cottonwood Oral Surgery has given me the ability to interact with patients during a very vulnerable state and ensure them that they are in a safe and caring environment!

I am from Algodones, New Mexico. In my down time, I enjoy spending time with my son Nickolas, who you might see from time to time. I am a total Disney adult and love to visit Disneyland every chance I get! You may also see me out on the town dancing with Tricia! 

 

Latricia- Surgical Assistant

I was born and raised in both Albuquerque and Mora, New Mexico.  It did not take me long to know that I wanted to work in dentistry.  I have been working as a dental assistant since 2020. I love seeing people smile and making patients feel comfortable.  I enjoy working with the staff here at Cottonwood Oral Surgery. I am grateful for all that I have learned while working here and continue to further my education to provide the best care possible.

In my free time, I love to spend time with my family, travel, and watch scary movies. I am a proud introvert, and you can find me nose deep in a good book. 

 

Jade- Surgical Assistant

I was born in Haiti and raised in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. I have always loved dentistry, but specifically took an interest in oral surgery after graduating from CNM in 2025. As an oral surgery assistant, I love helping patients feel at ease and supported every step of the way. 

Outside of the office, you can usually find me lifting at the gym, traveling, hiking, attending concerts and festivals or even trying new coffee spots. I am fun-loving, energetic and passionate about bringing positivity  and great care to everyone I meet. 

 

Athira- Surgical Assistant

I completed my dental school in 2022 and worked as a Dentist in India before moving to Albuquerque in October of 2025. After I moved, it did not take me long to complete my DANB certification and join Dr. Jeffries’ team. My favorite part of working at Cottonwood Oral Surgery is making our patients feel comfortable and at ease during their visits. I am so grateful for our wonderful team and getting the chance to learn new skills. 

In my free time, I love spending time with my family, watching movies, and enjoying good food.