Dentist, Owner
Dentist, Owner Dr. Fukano has lived in the Seattle area all his life. He grew up on Mercer Island and graduated from Mercer Island High School. Kyle spent nine years at the University of Washington where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology and his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree. Kyle had a well-respected private practice in Edmonds for 10 years before coming to Freeland in 2010. He is a member is the American Dental Association, Washington State Dental Association and Snohomish County Dental Society. Kyle is an avid fisherman and when he is not in the office he can usually be found with a fishing pole in his hands, surrounded by his wife, four children and friends.
Practice Manager, RDA
Practice Manager, RDA Jennifer was born and raised right here on South Whidbey. She graduated from South Whidbey High School and has been in the dental field her entire life, first working in her father’s dental practice here in Freeland. Jennifer brings 25+ years of full-time experience, a positive attitude, and a wealth of knowledge to Freeland Family Dental as a dental assistant and as a patient care coordinator. She has been our practice manager since 2010 and Jen thoroughly enjoys the challenges it brings. Her sweet personality and kindness bring a calming touch to our office atmosphere. When she’s not in the office Jen loves photography, cooking, singing, politics, traveling and spending time with her husband, Ivan, and their family and friends!
Patient Care Coordinator, Lead Dental Assistant
Patient Care Coordinator, RDA Shannon joined the team in 2012. While working side-by-side with Dr.Fukano, she earned her Associates in Applied Sciences, and gained an abundance of knowledge in the dental field. That knowledge, upbeat attitude, and hard work ethic has made her an essential member of the team here at Freeland Family Dental which has expanded into administration, where she is now able to assist in almost every aspect at the office. Her friendly and comforting demeanor makes her an absolute pleasure to engage with for both patients and staff alike, while working towards her goal of ensuring patient ease and happiness. Shannon grew up in the Pacific Northwest and has settled down on Whidbey. She and her husband Jeff have two children, a son Terry and daughter Charlotte, two cats, and a dog. The family loves spending quality time together and with their extended family. Shannon is often found cooking or baking with her kids. Her family also loves to travel and plans one big trip every year.
Dental Hygienist
Dental Hygienist Valarie has been practicing dental hygiene since 1986. She received her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene at UCSF School of Dentistry. She was trained alongside dental, medical, and pharmacy students, giving her a full spectrum education under multiple disciplines. Her years of experience, continuing study of new research, give her the knowledge to provide up to date and thorough patient care. She also has baccalaureate degrees in International Studies and Art History. When Valarie isn't working as a hygienist, she works as a licensed Small Animal Massage Practitioner, helping post-surgical and geriatric animals. She and her husband Scott moved to Whidbey in 2005 and enjoy hiking, gardening, reading and cooking.
Dental Hygienist
Registered Dental Hygienist Meghan graduated with her Dental Hygiene degree with honors from Lake Washington Institute in 2015 and has been happily serving her patients ever since. With a family background heavily involved in the dental field, Meghan started out as a dental assistant before earning her dental hygiene degree, giving her a well-rounded approach to patient care. The mouth is a mirror to one’s overall health, and therefore providing the upmost care in periodontal health is essential for living a healthy life. Meghan's combination of administering the latest techniques for disease prevention and attention to patient comfort allows for a thorough and comfortable dental cleaning. Meghan and her husband James were both born and raised in western Washington and love spending their time skiing and snowmobiling in the winter and hiking and boating Lake Entiat in the Summer. They love spending time with their family and friends.
Registered Dental Hygienist Mallarie was born and raised on beautiful Whidbey Island and she has a long family history here. She went to grade school on South Whidbey and continued on to Lake Washington Institute of Technology where she first studied as a dental assistant in 2007. She fell in love with dentistry and decided to return to LWIT for her Dental hygiene degree. Mallarie graduated from LWIT in 2013 and went on to obtain her Bachelors in Science and Dental Hygiene through Easter Washington University in 2015, graduating with Honors: Magna Cum Laude. Mallarie is passionate about educating her patients about the oral-systemic link and she enjoys building a rapport with each individual. She believes that involving patients in their dental care builds trust and that trust ensures that the patient is comfortable in the dental chair. Mallarie’s compassion and positivity make her an integral part of Freeland Family Dental’s team. When Mallarie is not in the office she enjoys her time with her husband, two children and her three dogs. She loves being outdoors and riding horses and most often she is at the Taekwondo School she owns with her husband. “A family that kicks together, sticks together!
Lead Dental Assistant, RDH Linda has lived most of her life on Whidbey Island. She graduated from Langley High School and has been working in the dental field since 1976. She started with Dr. Hansen in Freeland, first as a dental assistant then as a receptionist. Linda went on to earn her dental hygiene degree in 1994 and was in the field for many years. She has since retired from dental hygiene nut continues as a dental assistant here at Freeland Family Dental. Linda has three children and two grandchildren who all live here on Whidbey as well. Linda brings a wealth of knowledge about oral health and patient care. Her endearing, compassionate demeanor and gentle touch make patients feel safe and cared for. In her free time, Linda enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, camping, walking, knitting and being on the water anywhere!
Registered Dental Assistant Kristi is a Whidbey Island native. She went to school on South Whidbey and her parents even grew up on the Island. Kristi has three grown sons, whom she raised on Whidbey and is a brand-new grandmother. Kristi Attended Sno-Isle Vo-Tech school in her senior year of high school where she studied dental assisting. She has been in the field for more than 20 years and has worked for several dentists on the island. Kristi is a team player and is always willing to jump in wherever necessary. She brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to our practice and is a jack of all trades in the assisting chair. When Kristi is not working, she enjoys horseback riding and even competes in speed events. She enjoys being outdoors with her husband camping and riding trails all over the Northwest.