Meet the Pickens Family Dentistry Team
We’re Here to Help You Achieve the Smile You’ve Always Wanted
At Pickens Family Dentistry, our patients are our family. Whether it’s the treatments we recommend, the smiles you’ll be greeted with when walking into our office, or the relationships you’ll build with Dr. Pickens and the rest of the team, we want you to feel at home at our practice.
Our close-knit team of hygienists, assistants, and office staff are all here to help you feel and look your best.
“I love it here! The staff is great, and very caring. The office itself is very cozy and relaxing, Dr. Pickens was absolutely awesome, and the hygienist was super sweet. Overall best dentist ever!!”
Meet the Pickens Family Dentistry Family
Dr. Drue Pickens
Smiling is universally the most powerful human gesture and I am honored to enrich the lives of my patients through enhancing their smile and oral health. I have been consistently told that my calm demeanor and gentle touch help to put the most anxious patients at ease. Dentistry is my passion and I am committed to providing the best care possible through continually advancing my skills and implementing the latest technologies into the practice.
I earned my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, where I graduated with honors in 2007.
I am a Gold Invisalign provider and completed a fellowship with the International Dental Implant Association. I am also a member of the…
American Academy of Clear Aligners
American Society of Implant & Reconstructive Dentistry
American Dental Association
Clark County Dental Society
When I’m not caring for patients, I am a passionate fly fisherman and Seahawks fan. My wife, Amy, and I stay busy with our two young daughters. I especially enjoy outdoor adventures and exploration of the Northwest with my family.
Lauren Neiffer | Treatment Coordinator
After over 15 years in the dental field as a clinical assistant working in a lab and helping to manage a large practice, I’m thankful to have found a home here with the Pickens team. I have always felt called to serve others and appreciate the opportunities I’ve been given to do so through dentistry. My family says my smile is way too big to keep to myself, so a dental office is the perfect place for me to share it. Working together with everyone here at the Pickens practice and helping patients get the most out of their dental health, every day makes it really easy for me to do.
I grew up right here in Vancouver, and I love everything the Northwest has to offer. When I’m not at work, you might find my husband, two kids, and me helping out at his family’s farm in Eastern Oregon, hanging out at CrossFit Fort Vancouver, hiking around a national forest, or yelling “fore!” on the golf course. Feel free to ask anytime about our next adventure!
Shannon Vasko | HIPAA Officer | Financial Coordinator
I left behind (but fondly remember) 11 years as a veterinary technician, and in 2004 I began my adventures with the Pickens Family Dentistry team. When it comes to coworkers, I won the lottery. We have a great group of people deeply committed to health, patient care, and personal growth. Most often, I can be found behind the scenes, assisting with patient scheduling, insurance, and billing needs.
My days away from the office are filled with family and friends. I have teenagers now, so most of my time is spent at soccer games, music lessons, and watching them grow up to be amazing people. When my husband and I get a little down time, we enjoy cooking, home remodeling (ha ha), and hiking in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Cherri Betcher | Appointment Coordinator
I love helping people with their dental health. I especially enjoy the friendships that are built within a small practice, both with patients and those I work with.
Since becoming a Certified Dental Assistant in 1987, I have had the opportunity to work in Periodontics and Pediatrics. Now, working in a General Practice gives me the unique opportunity to use my skills to serve patients in all stages of their dental health. I joined the Pickens Family Dentistry team, in July of 2004. I appreciate that Dr. Pickens has brought forward the newest technology to be able to diagnose and treat patients in all stages of their oral health.
My husband Dave and I have been married since 1993. We have two boys, Tyler and Riley, that are in college and seeing where life takes them. Outside of the office, I enjoy taking walks, exercising, and spending time with my family.
Rona Martell | Lead Dental Hygienist
As a dental hygienist, I always strive to provide the highest level of care for all my patients. I believe the collaborative relationships between me and the patient are the foundation for successful treatment and dental health. I love getting to meet new people each day, and really enjoy working with patients of all ages!
I graduated from Mt. Hood Community College in 2009 with my Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene, and found my dental home at Pickens Family Dentistry in July 2011. I chose to pursue dental hygiene because of my love of working with people, science, and working with my hands. I strive to make each dental visit comfortable by being gentle, but thorough, and getting to know each patient’s specific needs and helping meet those needs individually. I like to work with patients on preventing disease, and also creating custom treatment plans to treat and maintain oral diseases. I love that we have the newest technologies available and practice the newest research in our office. This creates a fun and exciting work environment that I look forward to being a part of every day.
I have been Clark County, Washington born and raised, and live locally. My husband and I were married in 2009 on Cannon Beach, which is somewhere we enjoy visiting. I have a step-son and daughter who keep our family busy with school, soccer, and various seasonal kids activities. We also enjoy boating and fishing, our chickens, hiking, and yard projects.
Aly Parsons | Dental Assistant
I have worked in dentistry since 2004 and was drawn to being a dental assistant because I love working with my hands. Now, I most appreciate the relationships that I get to develop with patients and to help them develop confidence in their smiles. At Pickens Family Dentistry, I enjoy being a part of a great team that is committed to constantly learning and improving our way of doing dentistry for our patients.
Outside of work, I enjoy camping trips in my RV, taking in a good music concert, and spending time with my husband and daughter.
Emily Rush | Dental Hygienist
As a dental hygienist, I love being able to help motivate and educate my patients on the benefits of great oral health care. To me, there’s no better feeling than helping someone achieve their optimal health. I strive to keep learning and improving to become the best oral health advocate I can be for every patient.
I have lived in the Camas area for most of my life and can’t imagine living anywhere else. I received my Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Clark College in 2020. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and being able to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible by camping, hiking, and exploring more of the beautiful Pacific Northwest area that we live in.
Marya Avalos Curry | Dental Assistant
I enjoy my role as a dental assistant because it allows me to make a difference in patients’ lives. I appreciate seeing the end results of treatment and patients walking out of our office with a confident, healthy smile.
Prior to working at Pickens Family Dentistry, I worked as a hygiene assistant. Assisting Dr. Pickens has provided me with an opportunity to learn and grow; I appreciate all the cool stuff involved in dental procedures. I enjoy working at PFD and being a part of this friendly and supportive team that is always open to new ideas.
Outside of the office, I like to relax at home, work out at the gym or spend time with my friends.
Valeria Guzman | LEad Dental Assistant
As a dental assistant, I appreciate that I am able to play a significant role in the patient’s visit. I am dedicated to providing exceptional patient care and attention to detail. At Pickens Family Dentistry, I appreciate that we deliver state-of-the-art care and that I am able to thoroughly educate the patients that I work with.
My interest in dentistry began at an early age, after experiencing my own smile transformation. Feeling my confidence grow as a result of having straight teeth inspired me to work in dentistry. After receiving my dental assistant certification, I went on to further my education in science, earning my Bachelors in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Washington State University.
Outside of the office, I appreciate spending time outdoors and all the hikes that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. I also love being crafty and enjoy making hand-poured wax candles and trying out new cooking recipes.
Amy Pickens | Practice Administrator
I am passionate about helping people and after many years working in the education and nonprofits areas, I appreciate that working at Pickens Family Dentistry provides me the opportunity to help people in a very different, yet profound way. While often working behind the scenes, I strive to support the office vision of assisting patients to understand the important connection between their oral health and their overall well-being.
Outside of work, my two little girls keep me busy with their activities. I also enjoy getting outside for walks and sports and spending time with family and friends.
Maddie Vasko | Dental Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Meghan Richardson | Dental Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Dr John Le | DMD
I am a true believer in achieving optimal oral health as it relates to esthetics, function, and speech. My patients deserve a caring, comfortable, and comprehensive experience with a personalized approach and I am honored to be a part of that journey. Dentistry has a been a large part of my life from the receiving end of dental treatment to providing the best quality care possible for my patients. I am committed to staying current with the latest in dentistry by attending continuing education courses.
I graduated with honors from the Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry and earned my Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2019.
When I am not caring for patients, I enjoy photography and capturing all of the precious moments in life. My wife, Tiffany, and I are blessed to have a newborn son. I enjoy traveling and trying exotic cuisines with my family.
Our Office
Pickens Family Dentistry is conveniently located in Vancouver, WA. We’re a locally-owned, single-office practice with 5 operatory rooms.
We’ve designed our space to be quiet and relaxing. When you walk in, we want you to feel right at home!
At your appointment, you’ll be offered our extensive array of amenities, including pillows, blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and Netflix. It’s all here to make you feel your best.
