board of directors
If you’re interested in finding out more about how to get involved, let us know!
Chair: Susan Jordan Lopez BSDH, RDH, FAADH
“With over fifty years as a health care provider, it is clear to me that legislation is the most important and only way to advance the needed changes in California for access to care. Change will come with educating and supporting candidates and legislators that care about dental hygiene and access to care. This is what CalHyPAC does for you, for dental hygienists and for our state.
It is a professional responsibility to expand and strengthen coalitions with all healthcare providers and to educate the legislators on the breadth of the dental hygienists’ education, skills and readiness to be an important part of the answer to addressing California’s health care needs. If this is important to you – then CalHyPAC is the place to be.
Be part of something bigger than yourself and support CalHyPAC as we work to transform and advance our profession of dental hygiene in California.”
Vice-Chair: Linda Brookman
Linda Brookman, MS, RDHAP, FSCDA, a fellow in Special Care Dentistry, was an Associate Professor of clinical dentistry where she was Co-Director of the Neighborhood Mobile Dental Van Sealant Program, DH supervisor for the Hollenbeck Geriatric Program, and taught in the DH clinic. Currently, Linda Brookman is an Emerita Professor and Adjunct faculty for the dental school, volunteering while implementing Medical/Dental Integration at the L.A. County Violence Intervention Program (VIP) in the children’s outpatient medical clinic for the Los Angeles General Medical Center. She provides preventive oral healthcare there and teaches interprofessionally to MDs, RNs, NPs, PAs, 3-4th year medical students, and Pediatric Residents from Keck Medical School. She is the Immediate Past-President of the Los Angeles Dental Hygiene Society and currently serves as the Speaker of the House for the California Dental Hygiene Society and is on the Board of the California Hygiene Political Action Committee.
“Advocacy for the profession of dental hygiene is so important that I felt if I became involved with this committee I would become more aware of all the laws being passed or not that would affect our profession and the public. I want to ensure that the policymakers make informed decisions. I love dental hygiene because I feel we really get to know our patients more than any health care professionals. We see our patients 2, 3 and up to 4 times a year. We can really help them make behavioral changes to improve their oral and overall health. Plus, my DH colleagues are the kindest and most fun people I know!”
Treasurer: Debbie Phillips
Debbie Phillips has held the Treasurer position in CalHyPac for 10 years. Graduated from Idaho State University Dental Hygiene Program in 1980 and has been practicing for 44 years.
““The involvement with CalHyPac means being a part of group who helps to maintain our profession and also continues to give our voice to the lawmakers in Sacramento. By working together, we help to advance dental hygiene as well as improve the access to care for each and every individual in California. All this strengthens us as a profession and as individuals, making us better hygienists and health care professionals.”
Secretary: Rosario Fernandez
Rosario Fernandez is a USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry graduate with 35 years of diverse dental experience across various settings. Her extensive and fulfilling career includes roles in private dental practices, public health, and pediatric dentistry programs, as well as with public agencies such as the County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services and the City of Pasadena Public Health Department. She has been a clinical dental instructor for the past 15 years and currently teaches in the Dental Hygiene Department at Oxnard Community College.
In addition to teaching, she is actively involved with local dental hygiene associations and the Ventura County Public Health Oral Health Department, conducting dental screenings at local health fairs and free clinics. I chose to become a member of CalHyPAC to deepen my involvement and gain insight into how laws and legislative changes impact our profession. What I cherish most about being a hygienist is the opportunity to provide services to underserved populations and communities facing disparities. It’s rewarding to recognize that we can all contribute to preventing dental disease and enhancing oral health.
Rosario enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also loves hiking, walking along the beach, attending concerts, and traveling. She is a fan of the Dodgers and the Trojans. Rosario has one daughter who lives in the Los Angeles area.
Angela Gomez has been an RDH for the last 7 years and also practices as an RDHAP.
“When we talk about advocating for the advancement of our profession, we’re referring to the work that CalHyPAC does, together with Aaron Reed and Associates, to fund candidates that support and push new legislation that helps us grow and move forward. My favorite thing about being a hygienist is that it goes beyond the operatory. The relationships and services that we provide to our patients are rewarding, but I’ve also been able to gain leadership skills through various positions that I’ve held on both a local, and state level. (As well as random transferable skills, like editing this website!)”
Cindy Saelee has been an RDH since 2023. She is a two-time Cora Ueland scholarship winner and won 1st place for RDH Magazine’s 2023 RDH Student Research Poster Awards.
“As a child of war refugee parents, I know first-hand what denied access to dental care can do to the trajectory of a child’s health and life. Your smile can impact how you interact with others, their perceptions of you, your self-confidence, and so much more… When I became a dental hygienist, I realized the impact a hygienist can have on a patient’s oral health and access to care. It all starts with our state policies and decisions made by elected legislators at our capital. For me, CalHyPAC represents not just the protection of our profession, but also increased oral hygiene prevention for our communities and upholding patient safety standards for dental hygiene procedures.”
“Being a part of CalHyPAC is a unique opportunity to advance dental hygiene from the perspective of a PAC. With advice from Aaron Read and Associates, the PAC makes mindful yearly contributions to candidates for state office. As a Director I appreciate having a behind-the-scenes look at the non-partisan aspects of candidates for state office. Many of these candidates have a history of serving on key Senate and Assembly Committees that affect our profession. I am excited and grateful to be part of a profession that is so much more than an eight to five job, a profession that encourages life-long professional growth, networking, advocacy, professional standards and service to the community.”
Joan Ong is a RDH with over 14 years of experience, and is also a practicing RDHAP. Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and a Master of Public Health from USC, advocating for those who do not have access to care remains an important thread in her professional journey.
“CalHyPac was something that I just heard about while in dental hygiene school. I didn’t really know what they did, and why they were asking for contributions. It really wasn’t until I was looking into becoming an RDHAP did I realize I took for granted all the things an RDH or RDHAP can do in the state of California. There are so many forces that can shape and change my profession, with or without my voice. I finally understand why it is so important to continue to be a member of CDHA, and to contribute to CalHyPac.”
Rachel Gonsalves, RDH, BSDH
“I’m truly honored to serve on the board of directors for the CalHyPAC. Having married into a political family of lobbyists, I bring a unique perspective to the table as a hygienist with a deep understanding of both our profession and the political landscape. I firmly believe that advocacy starts at the grassroots level, and I’m excited to contribute to advancing and protecting the field of dental hygiene through my work with this board. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the future of our profession.”