Meet The Team
Meet The Team
Meet The Team
Dr. JJ Koval
Founding Dentist
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
Dr. JJ Koval is a patient-centered dentist who loves asking the question: "how would I care for this person as I would care for myself?" He is committed to relational connection and the pursuit of clinical excellence on behalf of those he serves. He is passionate about providing personalized dental education and treatment options to his patients so they can make informed decisions as advocates of their own dental health.
Dr. JJ grew up in Camarillo, CA, before moving north to attend Stanford University where he majored in Human Biology and captained the men's soccer team. After graduating, he had a 3-year career in professional soccer playing for the San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer and Sacramento Republic in the United Soccer League.
When Dr. JJ decided to return to his passion for healthcare, he closed the chapter on his soccer career and moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he completed his dental education at Creighton University, finishing Top 10 in his class. In order to invest further in his clinical skillset, Dr. JJ completed a postdoctoral advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) at the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center in Long Beach, where he served our local veterans. There he provided dental care in a variety of disciplines including general dentistry, dental surgery, surgical implant placement and restoration, prosthodontics, periodontics, removable dentures, and 3D cone beam dental imaging. Before starting New Garden Dental, Dr. JJ practiced as an associate dentist in Newport Beach.
Dr. JJ is married to his wonderful wife, Karli, who works as a PA for a functional women’s health practice in Irvine as well as doing the social media and marketing for NGD! They have a sweet son, Brooks. Dr. JJ loves being an active part of his local church, spending time with family in California and Texas, and being outside, including hiking, water skiing, soccer, pickle ball, spikeball, and watching just about any sporting event.
dr. bailey aab
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
Dr. Bailey was born and raised in West Virginia and lived there until she graduated dental school. Dentistry peaked her interest early in life as she was always a curious kid and had several encounters in the dental chair that had her asking the dentist many questions during her appointments. That curiosity and education from her dentist sparked a passion about oral health that she was excited to pursue and be able to share with others.
She completed her undergraduate education at Davis and Elkins College where she played soccer and majored in biology. She then attended West Virginia University (Go Mountaineers!) where she received her Doctorate in Dental Surgery (DDS). After graduation, she moved to Savannah, Georgia, and practiced there for three years before she and her boyfriend, Andrew, excitedly made the cross-country move to Orange County with their 2 dogs (Millie and Basil). They are loving their new home and exploring all Southern California has to offer. She enjoys being outside in the sunshine and by the water, practicing yoga, and taking daily walks with her dogs.
Dr. JJ Koval
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
Dr. JJ Koval is a patient-centered dentist who loves asking the question: "how would I care for this person as I would care for myself?" He is committed to relational connection and the pursuit of clinical excellence on behalf of those he serves. He is passionate about providing personalized dental education and treatment options to his patients so they can make informed decisions as advocates of their own dental health.
Dr. JJ grew up in Camarillo, CA, before moving north to attend Stanford University where he majored in Human Biology and captained the men's soccer team. After graduating, he had a 3-year career in professional soccer playing for the San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer and Sacramento Republic in the United Soccer League.
When Dr. JJ decided to return to his passion for healthcare, he closed the chapter on his soccer career and moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he completed his dental education at Creighton University, finishing Top 10 in his class. In order to invest further in his clinical skillset, Dr. JJ completed a postdoctoral advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) at the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center in Long Beach, where he served our local veterans. There he provided dental care in a variety of disciplines including general dentistry, dental surgery, surgical implant placement and restoration, prosthodontics, periodontics, removable dentures, and 3D cone beam dental imaging. Before starting New Garden Dental, Dr. JJ practiced as an associate dentist in Newport Beach.
Dr. JJ is married to his wonderful wife, Karli, who works as a PA for a functional women’s health practice in Irvine as well as doing the social media and marketing for NGD! They have a sweet son, Brooks. Dr. JJ loves being an active part of his local church, spending time with family in California and Texas, and being outside, including hiking, water skiing, soccer, pickle ball, spikeball, and watching just about any sporting event.
DR. BAILEY AAB
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
Dr. Bailey was born and raised in West Virginia and lived there until she graduated dental school. Dentistry peaked her interest early in life as she was always a curious kid and had several encounters in the dental chair that had her asking the dentist many questions during her appointments. That curiosity and education from her dentist sparked a passion about oral health that she was excited to pursue and be able to share with others.
She completed her undergraduate education at Davis and Elkins College where she played soccer and majored in biology. She then attended West Virginia University (Go Mountaineers!) where she received her Doctorate in Dental Surgery (DDS). After graduation, she moved to Savannah, Georgia, and practiced there for three years before she and her boyfriend, Andrew, excitedly made the cross-country move to Orange County with their 2 dogs (Millie and Basil). They are loving their new home and exploring all Southern California has to offer. She enjoys being outside in the sunshine and by the water, practicing yoga, and taking daily walks with her dogs.
RYAN HACKER
Director of Operations
Ryan has consistently been passionate about building meaningful relationships and being of service to others. After graduating with his master's degree, he quickly delved into the nonprofit world, working for both local and global nonprofit organizations, as well as holding various leadership roles in other businesses. His primary background revolves around developing leaders to be better equipped to serve their local communities while also holding organizational development positions to bring greater efficiency and resources to global partner organizations.
Ryan has been married to his wife, Alexandra, since 2019, and they are excited for their next chapter as girl parents! Alexandra works for a nonprofit, serving children and adults with developmental disabilities through equine therapy. They orient their lives around making a positive impact by developing individuals and organizations to be their best.
KARLI KOVAL
Social Media and Marketing
Karli is a South OC native, born and raised in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. When Karli and Dr. JJ first met as undergraduate students at Stanford, one of the things they instantly connected on was their desire to use healthcare to bless people. They weren’t sure at the time what form that would take, but were excited to figure that out together. The early years of their marriage took them all over the country - Sacramento, Denver, and then finally landed in Omaha for graduate school. Karli attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center Physician Assistant Program and now practices as a functional women’s health PA in Irvine, CA. Karli loves her work as a PA and equally enjoys the role she plays at New Garden.
Dr. JJ and Karli have both loved seeing their dream of creating a dental practice with a unique culture where patients feel seen and truly cared for and the team feels excited to show up to work come to life over the past 2+ years. Karli wears many hats at the practice, but most officially runs the social media page and focuses on marketing efforts. Social media has been a fun way to show our community the faces behind New Garden Dental and how much we genuinely enjoy spending time with our patients and with one another. If you have any reels you want to see us make, she is always open to ideas!
Outside of the office, Karli loves being a mama to Brooks, serving at her local church, trying new recipes, hosting friends and family around the dinner table, and doing all things outdoors such as going for beach walks and playing volleyball.
Ryan Hacker
Director of Operations
Ryan has consistently been passionate about building meaningful relationships and being of service to others. After graduating with his master's degree, he quickly delved into the nonprofit world, working for both local and global nonprofit organizations, as well as holding various leadership roles in other businesses. His primary background revolves around developing leaders to be better equipped to serve their local communities while also holding organizational development positions to bring greater efficiency and resources to global partner organizations.
Ryan has been married to his wife, Alexandra, since 2019, and they are excited for their next chapter as girl parents! Alexandra works for a nonprofit, serving children and adults with developmental disabilities through equine therapy. They orient their lives around making a positive impact by developing individuals and organizations to be their best.
KARLI KOVAL
Social Media and Marketing
Karli is a South OC native, born and raised in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. When Karli and Dr. JJ first met as undergraduate students at Stanford, one of the things they instantly connected on was their desire to use healthcare to bless people. They weren’t sure at the time what form that would take, but were excited to figure that out together. The early years of their marriage took them all over the country - Sacramento, Denver, and then finally landed in Omaha for graduate school. Karli attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center Physician Assistant Program and now practices as a functional women’s health PA in Irvine, CA. Karli loves her work as a PA and equally enjoys the role she plays at New Garden.
Dr. JJ and Karli have both loved seeing their dream of creating a dental practice with a unique culture where patients feel seen and truly cared for and the team feels excited to show up to work come to life over the past 2+ years. Karli wears many hats at the practice, but most officially runs the social media page and focuses on marketing efforts. Social media has been a fun way to show our community the faces behind New Garden Dental and how much we genuinely enjoy spending time with our patients and with one another. If you have any reels you want to see us make, she is always open to ideas!
Outside of the office, Karli loves being a mama to Brooks, serving at her local church, trying new recipes, hosting friends and family around the dinner table, and doing all things outdoors such as going for beach walks and playing volleyball.
Brittany mayer
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Brittany has been a practicing registered dental hygienist (RDH) since 2012 when she graduated Cum Laude from West Coast University with her Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene. She is known for her gentle and detail oriented approach to hygiene and is passionate about helping patients understand the connection between their oral health and their systemic health.
Brittany is a homeschool mom of 3 girls and has been married to her husband Jon for 19 years. She loves spending time with her girls by cooking together and exploring new recipes- she even teaches a cooking class for their homeschool co-op!
Salena nguyen
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Salena grew up in the Bay Area before moving east to attend the University of Michigan, graduating with her undergraduate degree in dental hygiene. She then went on to obtain her MBA from Louisiana State University! Salena is known for her warm demeanor, sincere care for each patient, and collaborative attitude.
She moved to Orange County in 2025 with her 95-pound mastiff and husky mix, Milo. In her down time, she loves to read, find new recipes to cook, and drive up to the Bay Area to visit family and close friends.
colleen leblanc
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Originally from Houston, Colleen recently moved to Orange County from Seattle with her husband, Ben, and their two dachshunds, Barney and Lola. On weekends, she loves exploring California with her little crew, hitting scenic trails, trying out new restaurants, and soaking up everything the area has to offer. She also enjoys golfing and cozy days at home with her dogs.
As a dental hygienist, Colleen brings empathy, kindness, and genuine care to every appointment. She takes the time to make patients feel comfortable, understood, and confident in their care. Always learning and staying up to date with the latest techniques, Colleen is committed to providing the best possible care. She takes pride in providing the most comfortable experience possible for her patients.
Brittany mayer
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Brittany has been a practicing registered dental hygienist (RDH) since 2012 when she graduated Cum Laude from West Coast University with her Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene. She is known for her gentle and detail oriented approach to hygiene and is passionate about helping patients understand the connection between their oral health and their systemic health.
Brittany is a homeschool mom of 3 girls and has been married to her husband Jon for 19 years. She loves spending time with her girls by cooking together and exploring new recipes- she even teaches a cooking class for their homeschool co-op!
inga aguilar
Registered Dental Assistant in
Extended Functions 2 (RDAEF2)
Inga is originally from Ukraine and moved to the US when she was 21. She has been in dentistry since 2003 and has been practicing as an RDAEF2 (Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Function) since 2009. Dentistry is more than just a job for Inga. It is her passion and mission. She had a bad experience with a dentist in her childhood that created a lot of fear surrounding dental care for many years. She loves rewriting her own story through the compassionate, attentive, and patient-centered care she is able to provide to her patients.
Outside of the dental office, Inga enjoys spending every possible moment with her daughters and loves attending their volleyball games. She also loves listening to audiobooks, hosting friends and family, and watching SoCal sunsets. Fall and Christmas are her favorite seasons and makes sure she gets up to Big Bear each year to enjoy the fall colors.
Doreen rivera
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
Doreen has been working in dentistry since 2010 and has a genuine passion for caring for patients. As a mom of 2, she understands the importance of making people feel comfortable, cared for, and at home – something she loves bringing to her work at New Garden. She knows how to do it all in the dental office, whether it's assisting Dr. JJ or Dr. Bailey chair side or helping with front office administration, she’s a stud.
Outside the office, Doreen is the youngest of three siblings and very close to her family. Although she would describe herself as quiet and shy when you first meet her, once she gets to know you, her bubbly, goofy personality comes out in full force. She considers herself a bit of a “dorky cut of tea” and loves being able to make people laugh and feel comfortable. Most of all, she loves spending time with her two children and creating memories with them.
paola banuelos
Dental Assistant (DA)
Paola is originally from Barrow County, Georgia, and recently relocated to Camp Pendleton with her husband, who proudly serves in the US Marine Corps. Paola has been working as a dental assistant since 2021 and is passionate about her career. She brings warmth, kindness, and positivity to her craft and enjoys helping patients feel comfortable and confident during their visits.
When not at work, she loves spending quality time with her husband or relaxing at home with their tuxedo cat, Bootsy, and their Australian cattle dog/husky mix, Benji. You’ll often find her listening to a true crime podcast or curled up with a cozy romance novel that’s guaranteed to make her cry.
Salena nguyen
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Salena grew up in the Bay Area before moving east to attend the University of Michigan, graduating with her undergraduate degree in dental hygiene. She then went on to obtain her MBA from Louisiana State University! Salena is known for her warm demeanor, sincere care for each patient, and collaborative attitude.
She moved to Orange County in 2025 with her 95-pound mastiff and husky mix, Milo. In her down time, she loves to read, find new recipes to cook, and drive up to the Bay Area to visit family and close friends.
colleen leblanc
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Originally from Houston, Colleen recently moved to Orange County from Seattle with her husband, Ben, and their two dachshunds, Barney and Lola. On weekends, she loves exploring California with her little crew, hitting scenic trails, trying out new restaurants, and soaking up everything the area has to offer. She also enjoys golfing and cozy days at home with her dogs.
As a dental hygienist, Colleen brings empathy, kindness, and genuine care to every appointment. She takes the time to make patients feel comfortable, understood, and confident in their care. Always learning and staying up to date with the latest techniques, Colleen is committed to providing the best possible care. She takes pride in providing the most comfortable experience possible for her patients.
Inga aguilar
Registered Dental Assistant in
Extended Function (RDAEF2)
Inga is originally from Ukraine and moved to the US when she was 21. She has been in dentistry since 2003 and has been practicing as an RDAEF2 (Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Function) since 2009. Dentistry is more than just a job for Inga. It is her passion and mission. She had a bad experience with a dentist in her childhood that created a lot of fear surrounding dental care for many years. She loves rewriting her own story through the compassionate, attentive, and patient-centered care she is able to provide to her patients.
Outside of the dental office, Inga enjoys spending every possible moment with her daughters and loves attending their volleyball games. She also loves listening to audiobooks, hosting friends and family, and watching SoCal sunsets. Fall and Christmas are her favorite seasons and makes sure she gets up to Big Bear each year to enjoy the fall colors.
doreen rivera
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
Doreen has been working in dentistry since 2010 and has a genuine passion for caring for patients. As a mom of 2, she understands the importance of making people feel comfortable, cared for, and at home – something she loves bringing to her work at New Garden. She knows how to do it all in the dental office, whether it's assisting Dr. JJ or Dr. Bailey chair side or helping with front office administration, she’s a stud.
Outside the office, Doreen is the youngest of three siblings and very close to her family. Although she would describe herself as quiet and shy when you first meet her, once she gets to know you, her bubbly, goofy personality comes out in full force. She considers herself a bit of a “dorky cut of tea” and loves being able to make people laugh and feel comfortable. Most of all, she loves spending time with her two children and creating memories with them.
paOLA BANUELOS
Dental Assistant (DA)
Paola is originally from Barrow County, Georgia, and recently relocated to Camp Pendleton with her husband, who proudly serves in the US Marine Corps. Paola has been working as a dental assistant since 2021 and is passionate about her career. She brings warmth, kindness, and positivity to her craft and enjoys helping patients feel comfortable and confident during their visits.
When not at work, she loves spending quality time with her husband or relaxing at home with their tuxedo cat, Bootsy, and their Australian cattle dog/husky mix, Benji. You’ll often find her listening to a true crime podcast or curled up with a cozy romance novel that’s guaranteed to make her cry.