NMDA Executive Committee
President: Dr. Travis Watson grew up in western Nebraska and attended dental school at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where he graduated in 2008. He began his dental career in Farmington NM where he went into practice with his father in-law. He and his wife, Deidra, bought the practice in 2011 and continue to run it together. Before becoming involved with the NMDA's Executive board, he was the three-time president of the NMDA’s Northwest District. He loves organized dentistry and is proud to serve NM. He has had the opportunity to spend time in India and Nepal treating the dental needs of the underserved in these countries. In his free time, he loves to golf and travel with his family. 
President-elect: Kay Younggren, DDS, is a 1998 graduate of Artesia High School. After high school, she moved to Texas to further her education, first graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry with a minor in biology from McMurry University, and then graduating with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M Health Science Center. She also received and completed a fellowship in Implantology with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (F.I.C.O.I.). Following graduation from dental school, she began practicing dentistry in Artesia. Two years later, she purchased Smile Xpressions. Over the past decade, the practice has expanded into a new, state-of-the-art facility featured in Sidekick Dental Magazine. In addition to the daily practice of dentistry, she is involved in several professional organizations: the American Dental Association, the New Mexico Dental Association Board, and the Eastern New Mexico Dental Association (President 2010–12). She continues involvement with her undergraduate alma mater, serving as an Alumni Association Board of Director (2008–17) and a University Trustee (2017–present) and is proud to have received the Spirit of McMurry Award, which the university bestows upon its distinguished alumni.
She is a past-president and current member of the Artesia Downtown Lions Club. She also works with the Written in Red Foundation and am a member of Artesia First Methodist Church.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband Chris Lauderman, and spending time with their dog Gabby.
Vice President: David Manzanares, DDS
Immediate Past President: Joseph R. Gherardi, DDS, was born and raised in Albuquerque. He attended Gonzaga University and the University of New Mexico. After graduating Suma Cum Laude from the UNM, he went on to receive his DDS from the University of Colorado, School of Dental Medicine. A dental degree is not the only thing he found while at the University of Colorado in Denver. During his time in Colorado, he met and married his lovely wife. They are both avid sports fans, especially when it comes to football and Lobo basketball. And whether it is skiing, fishing, hiking, or photography they love to spend time in the mountains. He and his wife, Tiffany, have three amazing kids.
Secretary Treasurer: Evan Mitchell, DDS, grew up in Albuquerque NM as the oldest of three. He attended Eldorado High School and attended the University of New Mexico where he graduated with honors receiving a Bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry. He then went on to attend the prestigious University of Washington School of Dentistry.
Speaker of the House: Michael Law, DDS, is a fourth generation Las Crucen. He attended Las Cruces High School and graduated from New Mexico State University with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. Following graduation from NMSU, Dr. Law attended the University of Colorado, School of Dental Medicine where he received the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. Upon graduation, he received two honorary awards; the Dr. Miles Markley Delta Sigma Delta Award and the Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievements in Periodontics.He is currently the NMDA's Speaker of the House. In the past, he has also served as President of the New Mexico Dental Association, the President for the Southwest District Dental Society, as well as an Alternate Delegate for the NMDA House of Delegates.
Dr. Law is also a member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and he is the secretary for the New Mexico State University Alumni International Board of Directors. He has been involved in many dental community outreaches, including the NM Mission of Mercy and traveling to Guatemala on a dental mission to address dental needs for those in small Guatemalan villages. He has been involved in various community organizations and activities, and continues to support community activities throughout the city and state.
Editor: Dr. Jennifer Oki earned her dental degree from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA. Originally from Oahu, Hawaii, she attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa for her undergraduate studies where she earned BA's in both Biology and Psychology. Dr. Oki is a member of the American Dental Association, the New Mexico Dental Association, the Albuquerque District Dental Society and the Spear Study Club. She loves learning about new techniques, materials and treatments in dentistry and attends dental conferences and continuing education courses as often as she can.
Outside of the office, Dr. Oki can often be found with her two children, Daniel and Katherine. She loves cooking and baking, tennis, running, travelling, and cuddling with her two dogs.
