Meet Our Doctors
Dr. Lizette Valiente
Dr. Valiente is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist with a passion for instilling a positive experience in her patients. Dr. Valiente received her undergraduate degree at Florida International University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. She completed her dental degree (DMD) at Nova Southeastern University and upon completion, worked for two years as a general dentist before deciding to return to Nova Southeastern University to earn her specialty degree in Pediatric Dentistry. During her extensive postdoctoral training, Dr. Valiente worked at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital as well as Broward General Hospital treating children with extensive dental needs. In addition, she received rigorous training in the use of oral sedatives for children with dental fear and is devoted to working with patients with special needs, providing a warm, friendly atmosphere for their dental care. She is trained in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and currently practices out of our Doral office.
Dr. Valiente believes in community service; she has participated in mission trips to Jamaica and has been part of community events such as Give Kids a Smile. She is originally from Cartagena, Colombia and the proud mother of two children. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends and is an avid dog lover.
Dr. Sara Aza
Dr. Aza is a Pediatric Dentist who truly believes that the opportunity to give a child a smile is the greatest treasure in the world. Dr. Aza was born in Lakeland, Florida and moved back to Barranquilla, Colombia in 1999 where she completed a five-year Dental Training Program at Universidad Metropolitana. In 2000, she decided to come back to the States, looking for better job opportunities and quality of life. By 2004 she had become a dedicated and energetic Registered Dental Hygienist, and in 2007, she attended the University of Florida where she earned her degree in Dental Surgery. Upon graduating with honors from UF, Dr. Aza moved to Puerto Rico to complete a two-ear Pediatric Dental Residency at the University of Puerto Rico. During her residency, Dr. Aza provided comprehensive oral health care for the children who were well, medically compromised and with special health care needs. She gained experience in complete oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia and oral sedation as well as child and infant life support (BLS). She is also a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of Pediatric Dentists.
Dr. Aza feels strongly about community service and participates in mission trips to Colombia and Puerto Rico. She has been part of community events such as Give Kids a Smile, and is an active volunteer with nonprofit organizations like Fundacion Colombo-Americanos Unidos and Doral Prohealth. In her spare time, Dr. Aza enjoys yoga, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Shasan William Liou
Dr. Will Liou is a Pediatric Dentist who strives to provide the best possible experience for his patients. He believes that the enjoyable visits the children have will facilitate a positive attitude toward seeing the dentist, motivating them to improve their oral hygiene at home. Dr. Liou is a native of Florida, born in Gainesville where he later moved to Orlando. He received his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and later returned to his birthplace to receive his dental degree (DMD) at the University of Florida. He realized that his passion was working with children and completed a three-year pediatric dental program at the University of California in San Francisco (UCSF). Dr. Liou received a Certificate of Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry and a Master’s degree in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences at UCSF. During his three years at UCSF, he received extensive training in hospital dentistry, oral conscious sedation and working with special needs patients. Dr. Liou currently practices out of our Coral Springs and Pembroke Pines locations.
During dental school and residency, he participated in mission trips to Ecuador and the Dominican Republic, Special Olympics, and Give Kids a Smile. He is a big believer in community service and helping the underserved. He hopes to organize a trip one day back to Taiwan (his nationality) to provide dental services to the children there. He is PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certified and is also affiliated with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry.
In his spare time, Dr. Liou enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, Bailey. He also enjoys playing and watching sports, especially the Florida Gators and Orlando Magic.
Dr. Tamara McCallum
Dr. McCallum is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist who continues to develop her love and passion for treating children. Originally from Guyana, South America, Dr. McCallum has called home to various countries and cities, including the Turks and Caicos Islands and Washington, D.C. before settling in Miami, Florida. She is happy to call South Florida her home for the past 14 years. Dr. McCallum received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Florida International University and her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from the Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington, D.C. She then completed a two-year residency program in pediatric dentistry at Howard University. Her pediatric dental training included management and treatment of special needs patients, conscious sedation, pediatric dental rehabilitation, hospital dentistry with children under general anesthesia, and interceptive orthodontics. She currently practices out of our Coral Springs and Pembroke Pines locations.
Dr. McCallum is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Delta Phi Sigma Dental Sorority. She is certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).
During her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, dining on Caribbean inspired cuisine, which is a connection to her heritage. She is also an avid reader.
Dr. William Peña
Dr. Peña is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist who has extensive experience in the dental care of children, adolescents and special needs patients. He received a dual-degree, Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), from Nova Southeastern University and graduated with top honors. He completed his residency at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he received a Certificate of Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry and a Master’s degree in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences.
Dr. Peña is also the recipient of the honorary Eric B. Bystrom, DDS Memorial Pediatric Dentistry Award for Excellence in the Treatment of Special Needs Patients. His research on the treatment and management of special needs patients has been published in nationally recognized dental journals. He is also trained in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and holds a sedation permit for the administration of oral medicine for patients. Dr. Peña is currently a clinical professor at Nova Southeastern University Department of Pediatric Dentistry and has professional affiliations with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, and the Florida Dental Association.
On a personal note, Dr. Peña and his wife are the proud parents of three beautiful children, Adrian, Leia and Annabelle. He has been a South Florida native for the past 30 years and is actively involved in giving back to the community, both at home and abroad. He has participated in community events such as Give Kids a Smile for the past five years and has attended medical missions to Jamaica and Guatemala. Dr. Peña’s personal philosophy is that every child should receive dental care in a warm, compassionate manner, and our office is geared toward fulfilling this goal.
Dr. Joseph DePalo
Dr. DePalo is passionate about keeping kids’ smiles healthy, whether he’s treating patients in the office or providing free oral health services to underserved children through the Give Kids A Smile Program. Dr. DePalo also enjoys experimenting in the kitchen as well as trying new restaurants and local coffee shops. He has an appetite for adventure too, and loves hiking and spending time outdoors. But during football and basketball season, you can find Dr. DePalo cheering on his favorite teams.
Dr. Marianne Cardenas
Dr. Ana Maria Mejia
Dr. Mejia is a dedicated and passionate dentist who loves interacting and helping people. She is committed to providing the best comprehensive and personalized dental treatment, putting patient care as her number one priority.
Originally from Colombia, Dr. Mejia received her DDS degree from CES University in Medellin, in 2000. It has always been clear to her that she wanted to spend her life working with and helping patients. Therefore, after finishing an intense social service as a general dentist in a Community Hospital, she completed her pediatric dentistry residency in Colombia. During her final year of training, she did an academic rotation at Nova Southeastern University Dental School in Davie, Florida. At Nova, she attended all available academic conferences and worked closely with the pediatric dentistry students with whom she had the opportunity to improve her knowledge and experience in the dental field.
After moving to the United States, Dr. Mejia completed two years of postgraduate education and received a Certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry, at Florida Institute for Advanced Dental Education in 2015. Dr. Mejia is trained in Adult, Child, and Infant Life Support (BLS) and is a member of the American Dental Association, and the Florida Dental Association. Dr. Mejia currently practices out of our Doral location.
Dr. Mejia is the proud mother of two kids and has been married for 12 years. She loves to spend time with her family and friends.
Dr. Joel Frand
Dr. Frand is a Board-Certified Dentist with extensive experience in the dental care and treatment of children and adolescents. Dr. Frand provides personalized, top-quality care. His calm approach and communication skills ensure that the patient experience is understood and as stress-free as possible.
Born in South Florida, Dr. Frand grew up in North Miami Beach. He attended undergraduate school in New York City. Dr. Frand received his dental degree from the elite University of Maryland School of Dentistry and completed his residency at Peninsula Hospital.
Dr. Frand moved to Washington, D.C. and built a successful private practice where he developed expertise in a wide range of procedures. Dr. Frand received rigorous training in the use of oral sedatives for children with dental fear or a need for pain management. In 2010, Dr. Frand returned to Florida and served as a faculty member of Nova Southeastern University, supervising pediatric dental students and demonstrating proper procedures at a university-run dental clinic.
In addition to his private practice and academic experience, Dr. Frand spent several years providing care at various military bases around the United States. He is a strong supporter of those that serve our country and protect our freedom.
Dr. Frand is very pleased to be part of American Pediatric Dental Group where he can provide a positive experience that encourages children toward a lifetime of good dental habits.
During his free time, he loves working on home renovations, yard work, and saving cats caught up in trees! He loves being with his family and caring for dogs.
Dr. Roula Yazaji
Dr. Yazaji is a Board-Certified Dentist with extensive experience in the dental care and treatment of children and adolescents. Her father is a physician which played a major role in her decision to become a dentist.
Originally from Syria, Dr. Yazaji received her DDS degree from Damascus University in Syria, in 1999. She enjoyed working with kids and providing them with the best dental experience. The passion she developed while working with kids led her to complete her pediatric dentistry residency in 2001 in Syria. During her residency, she received extensive training in hospital dentistry, oral conscious sedation, and working with special needs patients. Dr. Yazaji owned and operated her private dental office for 12 years prior to moving to the United States.
After moving to the United States in 2013, Dr. Yazaji attended Nova Southeastern University to continue her postgraduate education. She received a Certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry and Special Needs. During her training at Nova Southeastern University, she had the opportunity to work with special needs children in the Mailman Segal Center. This opportunity broadened her experience in providing compassionate care to children with special needs, with an emphasis on autism. She developed a strong relationship and understanding with children that had sensory issues, ranging from children with mild hypersensitivities to children with severe autism.
Dr. Yazaji is certified in adult, child, and infant life support (BLS). She is also a member of the American Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association.
During Dr. Yazaji’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is a proud mother of two kids.
Dr. Rebecca Shippee
Dr. Shippee is a caring and dedicated General Dentist, who loves treating patients of all ages. She enjoys giving patients smiles they are proud to wear. As a South Florida native, she is happy to live and give back to her supportive community.
In 2017, Dr. Shippee completed her Doctorate in Dental Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. She also completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) at the University of Pittsburgh in 2018. Her AEGD program focused on special needs patients, pediatric patients and patients with medical compromises. Dr. Shippee focuses on providing a comfortable and positive experience to all her patients. She is a promoter of oral habits being a collaborative effort amongst the child, parent and provider. Dr. Shippee is excited to provide a positive experience to all patients at American Pediatric Dental Group.
Dr. Shippee is a proud mother of one and has been happily married for 6 years. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, cycling and being with friends and family.
Dr. Harrison Hodgman
Pediatric Dentist
Coral Springs
Dr. Hodgman became a pediatric dentist because he understands the impact great oral hygiene habits as a child can have over a patient’s entire life. He enjoys creating a calm and fun environment for his patients to develop positive associations with visiting the dentist. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his parents in Miami, relaxing by the beach, kayaking, hiking, and being out on the water! He also enjoys traveling and experiencing new places and new foods.
Dr. Melanie Kucharski
Dr. Karen Zapata
Dr. Karen Zapata strives to help children achieve a lifetime of healthy oral habits and confident smiles. She was inspired to enter the field of pediatric dentistry in order to provide children with the dental care that her own family didn’t have access to. Dr. Karen’s husband Felix is also a dentist who graduated from the same university, and the two of them love spending time with their wonderful daughter Isabella. In her free time, Dr. Karen volunteers with the Special Olympics and enjoys kayaking, camping, skating, dancing, singing, and long walks in parks or on the beach.
Dr. Maria Del Pilar Avellaneda
Pembroke Pines, Plantation
Dr. Pilar chose to become a dentist because she loves helping people, especially children. She brings her passion to work every day to ensure that her patients have a great experience every time! Dr. Pilar loves spending time with her husband and family. During her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and watching soccer.
Dr. Sheldon Rozman
Dr. Rozman, a board-certified orthodontist, is an orthodontic specialist with a passion for patient-centered care. He was inspired to become an orthodontist when, while still in high school, he took part in a dental careers program where he met his mentor, Dr. Birnbaum.
After graduating from Wagner College and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, during which time Dr. Rozman also completed an externship with the Department of Oral Surgery at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, he worked as a general dentist, spending time at a practice that focused on helping children in underserved communities. He then went on to pursue his specialty training at the Georgia School of Orthodontics where he earned a certificate in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics and served as chief resident.
He is currently a member of several professional associations, including the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontics.
Enthusiastic, compassionate, and driven by a deep desire to help his patients thrive, Dr. Rozman is excited to pursue innovative approaches to orthodontics and dentistry. His favorite part about working with children is their creativity, resilience, and the joy they bring to the office.
In his free time, Dr. Rozman enjoys hiking, biking, flying drones, and traveling with his wife Aleksa and dog Rosie. A New York native, he has a love for pizza. If he could have any superpower, he would choose teleportation!
Dr. Mandi Hirsch
Orthodontist
Lake Worth
Dr. Hirsch enjoys using innovative and dynamic approaches to help patients improve their smile. Her favorite part of the process is watching her patient’s confidence grow as they benefit from orthodontic treatment. Dr. Hirsch enjoys spending time with her husband and family. She loves trying different restaurants & cuisines, traveling to new places, and exploring the outdoors!