CLINICAL TEAM
Providers
Thomas D. Samson
MD, FAAP PEDIATRIC PLASTIC SURGEON PENN STATE HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER DIVISION OF PLASTIC SURGERY
Dr. Samson is a pediatric plastic surgeon at LCPC. He graduated from California State University, Northridge (Cum Laude) with a B.A., Biology in 1997. He earned his M.D. from Creighton University School of Medicine in 2002. He was a resident in General Surgery at Mayo Clinic Arizona, then in Plastic Surgery at Penn State Hershey, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. His fellowship in Craniomaxillofacial Surgery was at University of Toronto Hospital for Sick Children.
He enjoys auto racing, basketball, football, hockey, and baseball. He has three awesome children, two guinea pigs and a goldfish. Dr. Samson works at the clinic because of the people he gets to work with and the patients he is able to serve.
Cathy Henry
MD, FACS, FAAP PEDIATRIC PLASTIC SURGEON PENN STATE HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER DIVISION OF PLASTIC SURGERY
Dr. Henry graduated from West Chester University of Pennsylvania (summa cum laude) with a B.S. Chemistry-Biology in 2002. She earned an MD from Penn State Milton S. Hershey College of Medicine in 2007, then completed a Plastic Surgery Residency at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. She also completed a Fellowship in Craniomaxillofacial Surgery at the Childrens’ Hospital of Wisconsin through the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. At LCPC, she serves as a Pediatric and Craniofacial Plastic Surgeon for cleft lip and palate surgery, orthognathic surgery, and distraction osteogenesis. She enjoys music, the outdoors, and spending time with friends and family. Dr. Henry and her husband have three wonderful children, a goldfish, and sometimes various small creatures (caterpillars, snails, crickets, tadpoles/frogs, toads) until she can convince the kids that it is time to release them again. She shares, “I love what I do because it is a blessing and an honor to serve patients and their families as part of this amazing team.”
Kristin Connors
DDS, MSD, ORTHODONTIST
Dr. Kristin Connors was born and raised in Lancaster, PA, and graduated from Manheim Township. From the time she was in middle school and had her own braces she knew that she wanted to be an orthodontist! It is the perfect combination of her love of science, attention to detail, and passion for helping others.
A lifelong Nittany Lion fan, Dr. Connors received her bachelor’s degree in Life Science from Penn State University. She then went on to earn her dental degree from the University of Maryland. Dr. Connors completed her master’s degree and specialty training in orthodontics at the University of Colorado. After enjoying all of the adventure that the Colorado mountains had to offer, Dr. Connors was thrilled to move back to her hometown of Lancaster to put down roots and to serve the community that has given her so much.
Dr. Connors is dedicated to providing high quality care in a fun and nurturing environment. She loves building relationships with her patients and seeing their confidence transform throughout treatment.
Elizabeth Soulas
DMD, MSE, MS, ORTHODONTIST
Dr. Elizabeth Soulas was born and raised in suburban Philadelphia, PA and graduated from Cardinal O’Hara High School. Her love of math and science led her to pursue a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Delaware where she graduated with an honors degree. Dr. Soulas then earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania, pursuing a dual degree incorporating a Master’s in Bioengineering alongside her dental training. Following dental school, she went on to pursue her specialty training in orthodontics at the University of Michigan, graduating from her residency with a Master’s of Science in Orthodontics.
Despite having loved her time as a Michigan Wolverine, Dr. Soulas wanted to move back to her home state to give back to patients and families in her community. From her time in braces as a 6th grader, Dr. Soulas always wanted to be an orthodontist, so that she can provide the transformation that was given to her while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Dr. Soulas feels that she has the best job in the world as an orthodontist, where she gets to make people smile every day. Her favorite part of her work is the impact she is able to make on her patients and their families by transforming smiles.
True to her city, she is a lifelong Eagles fan – Go Birds! Outside of patient care, Dr. Soulas is an avid runner, enjoys relaxing at the Jersey shore, and spending time with family and friends.
Sarah Wentzel
DMD, MS, ORTHODONTIST
Dr. Sarah Wentzel is the team orthodontist on Tuesdays at the LCPC where she supervises the orthodontic care of patients. She also has a seat on the LCPC board of directors. In addition, Sarah is a full-time orthodontist at LOA Orthodontics. She received her bachelors from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA and her DMD from Temple University. She graduated at the top of her dental school class and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. She then completed her 3 year orthodontic residency and obtained a Masters of Science in Dentistry and Certification in Orthodontics at the University of Maryland.
Sarah is a member of both national and local dental and orthodontic study clubs to stay current with new developments in orthodontics. Her spare time is used up by being a mom to two beautiful little girls, Beatrix and Maxine.
Lauren Madhoun
PHD, MS, CCC-SLP, FEEDING SPECIALIST
Lauren joins us after completing her doctorate at The Ohio State University, a master’s degree at Boston University, and a bachelor of science from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. Lauren previously served as the feeding specialist at the esteemed Cleft and Craniofacial Team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH.
Krista Kirchner
PHD, CCC, SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Krista holds a bachelor’s degree in hearing and speech sciences at the University of Maryland, a clinical master’s degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Kansas and a doctoral degree specializing in early intervention with a concentration in public health from the University of Kansas. During her time in Kansas, Krista managed an Infant Cognition laboratory in the pediatric department at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Since then, she has worked in a variety of private practices across South Carolina, Maryland and Virginia. Krista also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland. Outside of the office, Krista enjoys cooking, baking, being active outside and traveling with her husband and son. She is grateful to be back in central Pennsylvania, close to Hershey, PA where she grew up. Her favorite part of her job is getting to help children and their families while providing empathetic and family-centered care.
Erica Federer
DMD, General Dentist
Erica joined our team in 2021 and serves as our general dentist. She was born and raised in western PA and has lived in the Lancaster area since 2015. Erica received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Washington & Jefferson College in 2010, during which time she worked as a dental assistant. Erica then went on to earn her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry in 2015. Outside of the office, she enjoys cycling with her husband, watching live music, traveling with friends, and hiking with her dog, Jordi. Erica’s hope is to contribute to the continued success of LCPC’s mission.
Rachel Sharnetzka
AUD, CCC-A, AUDIOLOGIST
Dr. Sharnetzka has served as the audiologist for the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic since 2007. She has also served as an adjunct professor for Towson University. She currently participates with the Pennsylvania South Central Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Community for pediatrics. Rachel Sharnetzka, Au.D. CCC-A, obtained her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Penn State University and later graduated from Vanderbilt University with her master’s degree in Audiology. She then went on to obtain her Doctor of Audiology from AT Still University, Arizona School of Health Sciences. She has worked in a variety of settings, including the University of Maryland Medical Center, AC Associates Hearing, Tinnitus and Balance Center and Towson University’s Institute for Well Being Hearing and Balance Center. Dr. Sharnetzka’s areas of interest include pediatric amplification, bone conduction hearing aids and cleft-craniofacial care. She enjoys the collaborative and supportive nature of team care and has a special passion for working with pediatric patients with cleft lip, cleft palate and other craniofacial differences. In addition to working at LCPC, she enjoys spending time in Fenwick Island, DE with her husband, three children and their yellow lab, Sugar. One of her favorite memories of LCPC was the day she interviewed for the position and heard the history of the clinic. She was completely hooked on the clinic and its mission after hearing Dr. Long describe how his grandfather opened the clinic in 1938 and she knew she wanted to be a part of the LCPC family.
Robert Belser
MD, OTOLARYNGOLOGIST (EARS, NOSE AND THROAT)
Robert is the otolaryngologist (Ears, Nose and Throat) at LCPC. He attended Franklin & Marshall College, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals of Cleveland. Robert is responsible for the care of the patient’s ears, nose and throat. Robert enjoys spending time with his family and tennis. He also likes music, especially the trumpet. He has two red fox labs, one that is 10 years old and the other is 10 weeks old. His favorite part of working at the clinic is seeing the kids smile.
Victor DaCosta
MD, OTOLARYNGOLOGIST (EARS, NOSE AND THROAT)
Victor graduated from University of California, Berkeley, then University of California, Irvine, and did Residency at Duke University (Otolaryngology). His Fellowship was at Children’s Hospital of Michigan (Pediatric Otolaryngology). He previously served at University of Maryland, Baltimore, as an Assistant Professor.
Victor is responsible for ear and hearing care of team patients and is able to perform minor procedures such as ear cleaning and tube removal. He also performs nasal endoscopy to assess airway and speech function.
Victor enjoys music, specifically jazz, and plays the saxophone. He enjoys travel and exploring new places and cuisine. He volunteers at the Clinic, he says, “Because I love collaborating with other professionals in the complicated care of a child. I enjoying learning from the expertise of others and in turn offering my expertise and perspective to team meetings. I am happy to be part of the team that provides compassionate and high quality care to our team patients.”
Suzanne Woodard
MS, LSW SOCIAL WORK
Suzanne graduated from Bucknell University, Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelors of Arts in Spanish and History. She then earned a Master of Science in Social Work at Columbia University. She has worked in various medical and mental health settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, hospice, and community mental health clinics. As a team member, Suzanne offers emotional and logistical support to patients and families as they meet the challenges that cleft lips, palates and craniofacial differences may present. Suzanne loves living in her hometown of Lancaster with her husband, two children, and two pugs. She enjoys playing tennis, cooking, reading, and volunteering in the community. Her favorite part of the job is spending time with the great patient families and assisting Abbie Ellis with prenatal/prenatal consultations.
Elizabeth Prada
DMD, MPH, PEDIATRIC DENTIST
Liz holds two roles as the clinic as the executive director and as a pediatric dentist. She has a BA in Biology and Public Policy from Duke University, a DMD from the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Dental Medicine, and an MPH from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management. She completed her residency at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in Pediatric Dentistry.
Liz provides all aspects of pediatric dental care, including cleft and craniofacial care, special needs and hospital dentistry. She holds hospital privileges at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital and Penn Medicine – Lancaster General Health. As executive director, she works with the board of directors to oversee financial management, development, marketing and communications at the clinic. Outside of the office, Liz enjoys photography and travel. She is married with two sons and a dog. She enjoys working with patients throughout their childhood as they mature into successful adults.
Daniel Schmitt
MHS, PA-C, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT CERTIFIED
Daniel was born and raised in Lancaster, PA and graduated from Solanco high school in Quarryville, PA. He received his bachelor’s degree in Biology from Franciscan University of Steubenville where he graduated summa cum laude. He attended Lock Haven University of PA’s physician assistant program and received his master’s in health science. He became board-certified as a Physician Assistant in 2020. Daniel works full-time in family medicine and provides pediatric services here at LCPC. Working at LCPC brings things full-circle for Daniel as he grew up attending the clinic and team days for his cleft palate care. He considers it an honor and a privilege to be a part of the excellent team at LCPC.
Daniel is married to his beautiful wife, Katie, and enjoys spending time with their pug, Gilbert, playing music (piano/organ and guitar), watching sports and spending time with family.
Victoria Weaver
CRNP CERTIFIED REGISTERED NURSE PRACTITIONER
Irada Lahnemann
DMD, PEDIATRIC DENTIST
Dr. Irada’s passion for pediatric dentistry blossomed from her childhood sweet tooth adventures and countless dental chair escapades over the years. No doubt, she totally understands the fidgety, nervous tango that happens in the dental chair.
Dr. Irada is a board-certified pediatric dentist. She studied Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida before earning her DMD at the University of Pennsylvania as a four-year Dean’s Scholar, with dual honors in clinical dentistry and community oral health. During her final year, Dr. Irada was awarded the Delta Dental Community Scholar in recognition for her commitment to serving the community of Philadelphia. Dr. Irada then attended the post-doctoral residency program in pediatric dentistry at the NCEF Pediatric Dental Center in Naples at the University of Florida.
Aside from being a pediatric dentist at LCPC, Dr. Irada also practices in private practice. In addition, she supervises residents and dental students in the pediatric dental clinic at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine as a part time faculty.
When Dr. Irada isn’t busy chasing after sugar bugs, a blend of outdoor escapades and cozy cat cuddles keep Dr. Irada’s off-duty moments lively and magical.
Roseanne Ayala
EMERITUS – REGISTERED NURSE
Roseanne has been an RN for over 40 years. She attends the clinic to support the Plastic Surgeons at Hershey Medical Center, helping to coordinate between the two institutions to ensure that all patient needs are met. Roseanne provides some pre-surgical teaching so families and their children feel prepared for surgery. Roseanne loves to travel and experience different lands and cultures. Roseanne has been married for 40 years, with one son that is engaged to be married next year. She works here because LCPC is one of the favorite places that she has ever worked in her long nursing career. She says, “The staff is very dedicated and goes out of their way to make sure patients receive the best care possible. The team approach is unique and an amazing way to take care of children and families.”
Donald R. Mackay
EMERITUS – DDS, MD, FRCS(EDIN), FRCS(GLASG), FCS (SA), FACS, FAAP PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Dr. Mackay is the William P Graham III Professor of Plastic Surgery and interim Chair of the Department of Surgery at the Penn State College of Medicine and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Dr. Mackay initially trained as a dentist before entering medical school at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg South Africa. He completed General and Plastic Surgery training in South Africa and was the Chief of Plastic Surgery at the Johannesburg Hospital before joining the Division of Plastic Surgery under Dr. Ernie Manders in 1991. He was appointed Chief of Plastic Surgery in 1998 and made the William P. Graham III Professor of Plastic Surgery in 2003. Under his leadership the division grew from three to nine full-time faculty and oversaw the development of a successful Integrated Plastic Surgery residency program. Dr. Mackay’s clinical focus has been in Pediatric Plastic Surgery and Cleft lip and palate. He has been on the attending staff of the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic for 30 years and has served on the clinic’s board for the past 10 years. Dr. Mackay is currently the President of the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, the oldest and most prestigious Plastic Surgery organization in North America. Since emigrating in 1991 Dr. Mackay and his wife Susan have lived in Hershey with their three boys, Duncan, Andrew and Calum. They all attended the Hershey Schools and now live with their own families in Philadelphia. Duncan is currently a fifth-year plastic surgery resident at the University of Pennsylvania.
IN MEMORIAM
We are grateful for the care these providers gave our patients.
Wanda Flinn, DDS, MS, Orthodontist
Steven Killough, MD, Pediatrician
Clinical Staff
Neishma Tudor
REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST
Neishma is a registered dental hygienist at LCPC. She holds an Associates of Applied Health in Dental Hygiene MCCC. She is also a sterilization monitor. Neishma has over 12 years of experience, but has been specializing in pediatrics for the last five years. She loves traveling with her family. She enjoys her work at the clinic because her patients are unique. No matter what cranial facial defect or disability they are born with, they continue to live life to the fullest. She says she gets more from her patients than what she is able to give them. Neishma also feels that the team strives to provide a comfortable, stress free, educational, and rewarding experience for their patients.
Sharon Swierczewski
REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST
Sharon Swierczewski has been practicing dental hygiene for 28 years. She is a 1991 graduate of University of Maryland Dental School, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. Sharon worked her entire career in a private practice setting before joining LCPC. She is responsible for taking radiographs, performing cleanings as well as oral hygiene education for our patients at LCPC.
Sharon is active in her church and enjoys attending Bible studies. She also enjoys travelling (she got to see DOWNTON ABBEY on a trip to England!) and loves to go thrifting. She also is an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Sharon has been married to her husband Mark for 25 years. They have 2 sons: Eddie, a recent graduate of West Chester University and Christian, a junior at Wilson High School in West Lawn, PA. Sharon’s family also includes her 8 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Sir Jeffrey.
Sharon always wanted to feel part of a team and make a difference in people’s lives. For this reason, she feels LCPC is the perfect fit for her.
Stephanie Elliot
REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST
Stephanie has a BA in Integrative Arts from The Pennsylvania State University. She worked for a commercial photographer before changing careers into dentistry. After working as a dental assistant for a few years, Stephanie pursued a degree in Dental Hygiene at MCCC. She worked several years in general dentistry before taking time off to raise she daughter. When Stephanie returned to the workforce, she wanted to work in pediatric dentistry and now has five years of experience. Stephanie really enjoys getting to know her patients and their families. Stephanie’s goal is to make patients’ experiences enjoyable and educational and ease their fears. “I love when patients leave with a smile.”
Stephanie enjoys spending time with my husband and daughter. She loves reading, hiking and visiting the beach with her family, as well as taking pictures of the beautiful outdoors.
Stephanie says, “I feel so fortunate to work with such a caring group of doctors and staff.”
Victoria Chastain
PEDIATRIC, GENERAL DENTISTRY, AND ORTHODONTICS TECHNICIAN
Tory completed her dental assisting and radiology certificates at YTI. Her responsibilities at the clinic include pediatrics, general, and orthodontics. Outside of the office, Tory enjoys reading, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family. She loves working at the clinic because she enjoys helping others, and being able to watch their progress as they grow.
Christine Anastasia
DENTAL ASSISTANT/PATIENT COORDINATOR
Christine completed her dental assisting and radiology certificates at YTI. Her responsibilities at the clinic include pediatrics, assisting in the OR, and OR scheduling. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her 3 children Eddie, 21, Evan 19 and Lola 16, and dogs, traveling, going to new restaurants and working out. Every year she cheers on her Eagles and hopes for another Superbowl ring! She loves working at the clinic and is proud to be a team member because of how much they care about all their patients and the teamwork that goes into each one. Christine is excited to continue meeting more patients and their families and watch the children grow.
Jahaira Vera
PEDIATRIC, ORTHODONTICS TECHNICIAN AND OR SCHEDULER
Jay received her dental assisting and radiology certifications from YTI in 2016. At the clinic she assists orthodontics and pediatrics, as well as working as one of our hospital coordinators. She loves exploring the outdoors with friends and family and staying active at the gym. Jay joined the LCPC team to connect with patients and their families while making them feel comfortable and welcome throughout their dental journey.
Cris Espinosa
PEDIATRIC, GENERAL DENTISTRY, AND OR DENTAL ASSISTANT
Cris completed his Dental Assistant and Radiology certificates at LCTC. His responsibilities at the clinic include General, Pediatric, Maxillofacial Surgery, and assisting in the OR.
Cris is originally from Mexico. His journey in life has brought him to the keystone state where he has been living since age 10. Outside of the office, Cris enjoys traveling, live music, being spontaneous and making memories with family and friends. His family is the most important element in his life and he is grateful everyday for their close knit relationships.
He has been in the field of dentistry as a Dental Assistant for over three years and his favorite part of his career is helping families gain a smile one day at a time.
Evelyn Bueno
EFDA, EXPANDED FUNCTIONS DENTAL ASSISTANT
Evie graduated from the LCCTC EFDA Program and has been in the dental field for 9 years. Her responsibilities at the clinic include pediatrics and general dentistry restorative procedures. Outside of the clinic Evie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to see the country, and spending quality time with her friends. She loves to laugh. Evie enjoys making patients happy with their smiles!
Joanie Mitchell
EFDA, EXPANDED FUNCTIONS DENTAL ASSISTANT
Joanie graduated from LCCTC as a Dental Assistant in 2005 and the Expanded Function Dental Assistant Program in 2014. She has three sons and enjoys attending demolition derby’s with her family.
Amisha Hehnly
ORTHODONTIC TECH, DENTAL ASSISTANT
Amisha has been in the dental field for 25+ years. She graduated from Willow Street Vo-tech School in their Dental Assisting Program. Amisha has worked in orthodontics and general dental practices, holding almost every position in a dental practice.
Amisha and her husband, Jason, of 30+ years have three sons; Jas, Kyle and Lucas. Their chocolate lab, who is their fur baby, is full of energy and named Apollo. Amisha loves being with my family. When not in the office, Amisha likes hiking, being outdoors, sports, gardening, and hunting. Her favorite spot, by far, is the beach.