Our Team2024 | Evans Dental | Novato, California

Dr. Lawson Evans, DDS

Dr. Evans is a native Californian who graduated from UCSF Dental School in 1987 as a Regents Scholar. He volunteered his first year practicing dentistry with impoverished children in Trinidad, and the next 3 years as an associate in Petaluma. In 1991, he joined our practice. His conservative approach, clinical skills and ethical patient oriented values have defined our successful practice. Outside of Dentistry, Dr. Evans is happily married with six children. He enjoys many outdoor activities which he defines as almost as much fun as our dental practice.

Dr. Sara Kwong, DDS

Dr. Sara Kwong was born in San Francisco and raised in Marin County. She graduated from Redwood High, completed her bachelor’s degree at UC Berkeley and doctorate studies at the UCLA School of Dentistry. Dr. Kwong graduated from UCLA magna cum laude and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society. She then continued her dental training to complete a general practice residency at the Veteran’s Affairs in Sacramento.

She is thankful for the opportunity to serve the Marin County community that has always been her home. In her free time, Dr. Kwong enjoys baking, being active outdoors, and dabbling in CrossFit.

Karyn Press, RDA

Office Manager

Native to West Marin and daughter of a pre-school teacher and college professor, Karyn enrolled into the College of Marin’s Dental Assisting program in 1978. She graduated with her Associate in Science degree and received her RDA license 1980. That same year she accepted a position at a Mill Valley pediatric practice. Then in 1982, Karyn accepted a position with Dr. Cass in his general dentistry practice in Novato. Nine years later, Dr. Evans would assume the role as her employer.

In 2003, while still working for Dr. Evans, Karyn accepted an adjunct faculty position with the dental hygiene program at Santa Rosa Junior College. There she guided students through the challenges faced when managing a dental office. After fourteen years of dual commutes, while still coordinating the daily needs of Dr. Evans practice, she returned to Dr. Evans full-time as the office manager while retaining her RDA license. Karyn enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family. Cooking, gardening, walking on beach and reading a good book on the shores of Lake Tahoe give her solace.

Debbie Del Carlo, RDH

Hygienist

Debbie Del Carlo was raised in Novato and considers it a great honor to care for patients who happen to be friends, family and neighbors. She received her under and post-graduate education at Sonoma State University, eventually leading her to a Master of Arts in Education degree. By 1995, she would earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from UCSF. As an alumna, she returned to the UCSF campus and proudly served as a clinical dental hygiene instructor for five years.

In 1997, she joined Dr. Evans practice and consistently demonstrates her talented dental hygiene skills. Her knowledgeable, gentle and comfortable approach has truly been an asset to our practice. Debbie concurrently teaches at Santa Rosa Junior College’s highly respected dental hygiene program. Throughout Debbie’s career, her natural desire for teaching and continuing education has only reinforced her passion to stay apprised with the latest dental innovations. As a contributing member to this wonderful group of professionals, Debbie’s commitment to helping patients maintain optimal long-term oral health as part of their long term physical well being is simply outstanding. Along with her professional dedication, she manages to devote her spare time to the fondest passions in her life….her family, running and knitting.

Dana Strauss Allen, RDH

Hygienist

While her soon to be high school senior classmates were enjoying their summer break, Dana Strauss Allen got a jumpstart on her career by learning dental assisting in her family’s private practice that summer. By the time she graduated in 1982, she had also obtained her license as a RDA. Utilizing these valuable skills, she enrolled into Diablo Valley College Dental Hygiene Program. By 1987, she earned her new role as a registered dental hygienist.

Following her first fives years in dental hygiene, she enrolled into St. Mary’s College of Moraga. In 1993, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Services Administration. Dana continued her hygiene career with two Novato based practices, before joining Dr. Evans team 2017. Dana brings a wealth of experience, professionalism and warmth to our practice. Her smile needs no introduction. Bringing harmony to a practice is key, but in Dana’s spare time, singing is her first love. Her guitar and love of music afford her to perform locally with a country/bluegrass ensemble and a contemporary folk rock cover band. Enjoying time with her husband, two dogs and bicycling to work on those warm summer days helps balance out her extra-curricular activities.

Kelly Napolitano, RDA

Assistant

Kelly Napolitano was born in Milpitas and lived in various areas of the Bay Area before moving to Sonoma County in 2020. Kelly originally studied to be a theater stage manager but has always been involved and interested in the dental field. As a teenager Kelly would help out at her uncle’s dental office, so in 2016, she decided to pursue a career in dentistry as a dental assistant and obtain her RDA license.

After five years of assisting in various offices, Kelly joined Evans Dental in 2020. Kelly brings an air of joy and an infectious laugh that makes all patients feel at ease even though they are in the dental chair. Kelly enjoys spending time with her fiance, Nick, and their two dogs, Star and Daisy. In her spare time you can find her crocheting up a storm, cooking anything and everything in her InstantPot, and doing yoga.

Jackie Garcia

Front Desk

Jackie is a Bay Area native. She was born in San Rafael and raised in Fairfield, Petaluma, and Novato. She has lived in Novato for the past nine years. After working as a caregiver for almost four years, Jackie decided to explore a new field of work.

She knew she enjoyed the act of helping others and uplifting their confidence. While exploring the Santa Rosa Junior College website, she discovered dental assisting and decided that it aligned with what she was looking for, and so she applied. In 2021 she graduated from the SRJC dental assisting program, and soon after in 2022, she joined Dr. Evans and Dr. Kwong’s office. She is currently prsuing a career in dental hygiene. Jackie loves animals and has a pet budgerigar named Gray. In her free time Jackie enjoys reading a good book, hanging out with her budgie, hiking, and taking long walks while listening to her favorite music.

Kate Ostby, RDA

Assistant

Kate grew up in Sacramento and moved to Novato in 2014. She graduated from San Marin High and the Santa Rosa Junior College Dental Assisting Program. She was introduced to the dental field by a family member. Once she applied and got accepted into SRJC, she decided to pursue a career in the dental field.

Kate first came to our office on an externship and went on to join our practice after graduating from her training program. She enjoys the constant momentum of this career and helping others. In her free time, Kate enjoys the outdoors with her dogs Marley and Sprocket, spending time with family, and reading.