Meet Our Team
Where ethics are our foundation, compassion is our calling, and every child is at the heart of what we do.

Our Doctors
Dr. Natasha Larson is a board certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. With 15 years of experience, Dr. Natasha's primary goal as a pediatric dentist is to provide patients with high-quality care in a warm, friendly and fun environment. She takes great pride in the personal connections she builds with her patients and their families.
Dr. Natasha grew up in La Crosse, WI and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison before pursuing her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in Boston. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, she went on to complete a residency program at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, where she received advanced training in pediatric and adult dentistry with an emphasis on the management of dental and facial trauma. It was during this year that she made two important realizations: her passion for treating children and her love of New York City. Dr. Natasha completed her specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Connecticut and the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, where she received extensive training in all aspects of pediatric dentistry.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Natasha enjoys an active lifestyle that includes traveling, tennis, skiing, and spending quality time with her family and friends. She is an avid sports fan, particularly when it comes to the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers. As a mother of three, she is dedicated to providing the highest quality dental care to your children as if they were her own!
Dr. Loren Buonocore is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a board-certified pediatric dentist with over 20 years of experience providing exceptional, compassionate care to children. She is passionate about building lasting relationships with her patients and their families while creating positive dental experiences that foster a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Dr. Loren believes every child deserves individualized care. With an emphasis on prevention and conservative dentistry, she takes the time to understand each child’s unique needs and develops thoughtful, personalized treatment plans that prioritize preserving natural tooth structure and minimizing unnecessary treatment. She values open communication with parents and believes that education, trust, and collaboration are essential to achieving the best outcomes. She also has a keen interest in treating pediatric patients with craniofacial conditions and working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive, coordinated care.
Dedicated to clinical excellence, Dr. Loren continually pursues continuing education and mentorship to remain at the forefront of pediatric dentistry. She is proud to have served as President of the New York University Pediatric Dentistry Alumni Association.
Dr. Loren graduated with honors in Biology from Binghamton University, where she was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 2003, where she received the Dean’s Merit Scholarship. She subsequently completed her specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at New York University, where she was selected as Chief Resident and gained extensive experience treating complex cases.
After several years practicing on Long Island alongside Dr. Natasha Larson, the two became partners, bringing their shared commitment to high-quality pediatric dental care to the Chelsea and Long Island City communities.
Originally from Westchester County, Dr. Loren enjoys spending time with her husband and children, exploring New York City, and traveling. She looks forward to welcoming your family to Chelsea Pediatric Dentistry and helping your child develop a healthy, confident smile in a warm and supportive environment.
Dr. Yassmin is a board certified pediatric dentist. She believes that every child is unique and she strives to create an atmosphere that is both fun and nurturing for her patients. She is passionate about teaching children both nutrition and oral hygiene habits that will set them up for success.
She studied biology and anthropology at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, where she graduated summa cum laude and was accepted into an accelerated graduate program. She received her Doctorate in Medical Dentistry from Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine. Her interest in pediatrics led her to New York where she completed an additional two year specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Montefiore Medical Center. She received extensive training in dental restorative techniques, endodontics, orthodontics, trauma, sedation, and preventative health.
She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Dental Association. She holds certifications in CPR, the Northeast Regional Board, and the use of laser dentistry for treatment of lip and tongue ties. Dr. Yassmin resides in Chelsea with her husband and in her spare time loves to travel and explore new restaurants. Dr. Yassmin feels privileged to treat the children in her community and strives to create a lifetime of excellent oral health.
Mark Veazie DDS, MPH is a board-certified pediatric dentist and full-time faculty member of the NYU College of Dentistry. Dr. Mark strongly believes in providing personalized care, adapting treatment options and his approach to best suit each family.
Originally a native of the suburbs of Houston, Texas, Dr. Mark now calls New York home with his wife, Ammie, also a pediatric dentist. He attended the University of Texas at San Antonio for his undergraduate studies followed by the University of California, Los Angeles for his dental school training. During dental school, Dr. Mark was the recipient of numerous scholarships and awards, and in addition, served as student body president for the entire dental school. Following dental school, Dr. Mark attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for his specialization in pediatric dentistry and master’s in public health. During his residency training, he received additional training and certifications in growth and development, early orthodontic care, and the treatment of individuals with disabilities and special healthcare needs.
Outside of clinical care, you’ll find Dr. Mark exploring his new home of New York with his wife and friends. He loves trying new cuisines and enjoys seeing the newest Broadway plays. He’s also actively involved in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, serving on multiple committees and leadership positions. His overall goal is to make dental care accessible, effective, and fun for all children and families.
Dr. Ayah Rashwan is a board-certified pediatric dentist who believes that every child she treats deserves to feel safe, understood, and genuinely cared for. She is known for her gentle approach, calm presence, and ability to turn even the most nervous visits into positive, encouraging experiences.
Originally from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Dr. Rashwan’s path to dentistry began with her desire to make a difference in children’s lives. While volunteering with Streetlight—a palliative care program for children with chronic illnesses—she discovered how much she valued building trust with families and helping children feel comfortable in healthcare settings. That experience continues to guide her approach today, where compassion, patience, and prevention are at the heart of her care.
Dr. Rashwan earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Kentucky, graduating in the top 10% of her class. She then moved to New York City, where she completed an advanced training residency in pediatric dentistry at NYU Langone in Brooklyn. Now, she feels fortunate to care for children and families in the city she proudly calls home.
As both a dentist and a mother, Dr. Rashwan understands how meaningful it is for parents to know their child is in caring hands. Having two young children of her own has deepened her empathy, patience, and appreciation for each child’s unique personality and needs.
When she’s not in the office, Dr. Rashwan loves spending time with her husband and children. She enjoys scuba diving, yoga, tennis, and traveling with her family.
Dr. Andrew Danberg-Ficarelli is a board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry with 15 years of experience dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care to children in a welcoming environment. Originally from Newton, MA, Dr. Ficarelli now calls Manhattan home, where he lives with his fiancée, Ashley.
Dr. Ficarelli earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where he developed a strong foundation in clinical excellence and patient-centered care. He remained at Tufts to complete his specialty training in pediatric dentistry, serving as chief resident and gaining extensive experience in all aspects of pediatric dental treatment. His commitment to accessibility extends beyond the office—as current president of Project Stretch: Dentistry Reaching Out to Children, he leads yearly clinic trips to underserved communities, ensuring that all children have access to quality dental care.
During dental school, Dr. Ficarelli's leadership abilities and dedication to the profession were recognized when he was selected as chief resident, and for a national leadership position in the American Student Dental Association. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College of Columbia University, where he studied economics and political science. A fluent Spanish speaker, Dr. Ficarelli has lived and worked in Latin America, bringing cultural competency and multilingual care to his practice.
Outside the office, Dr. Ficarelli is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys rowing, hiking, and skiing. He also stays connected to his musical roots by singing in a men's Glee Club. Dr. Ficarelli looks forward to building lasting relationships with his patients and their families at Chelsea Pediatric Dentistry!
Front Office Staff
Natalie is the practice manager. She brought 8 years of dental experience to Chelsea Pediatric Dentistry when she joined the team in 2016 as a dental assistant. Natalie immediately took an interest in learning dental insurance, coding, billing and other challenging aspects of the dental field. She is a quick learner who has advanced expeditiously within the company. She has a breadth of knowledge in all aspects of pediatric dentistry.
Natalie is very bubbly, bright and welcoming. Always seeking professional growth, she is a proud member of AADOM, American Association of Dental Office Managers and continues her education by attending courses, webinars and conferences. She goes out of her way to truly connect with patients and parents to ensure a positive experience at the office.
Natalie grew up in Forest Hills where she still resides. She’s a foodie who enjoys trying new restaurants and traveling and loves to ice skate. Besides spending time with friends and family, she enjoys nothing more than curling up with her snuggle buddy, Michie the cat.
Lisa joined our front office team in 2020 and has been a breath of fresh air since then. She has been the welcoming voice and face of dental offices for over three decades. If you hadn’t already noticed by her “accent”, Lisa brings her vast skill set and knowledge along with her Midwestern charm in the dental field by managing all new patient calls from her home in Wisconsin. She is always excited to welcome a new patient to the Chelsea Pediatric Dentistry family and will do everything she can to help in any way possible.
Some of Lisa’s favorite things are having one of her 10 grandchildren excitedly give her the biggest bear hugs ever, spending time with her daughter and 2 stepdaughters, taking walks with her yellow lab Gunnar and tuxedo cat Katniss (yes, they walk together). Lisa and her husband, Russ, are also avid concert-goers and love to travel.
Annabelle, a Brooklyn native, brings a unique blend of creativity and experience to our team. As our Chief Treatment Coordinator, she works closely with families to help them understand and maximize their insurance benefits, bringing a keen eye for detail to every treatment plan. After obtaining a B.A in Graphic Design and Art History, Annabelle ventured into the dental field shortly after the Covid Pandemic. Annabelle brought her experience as a pediatric dental assistant combined with her years of work in customer service to Chelsea Pediatric Dentistry and became an integral part of the team. She excels at making both children and parents feel comfortable, from the moment they walk through our doors.
Outside of work, Annabelle enjoys losing herself in a good book, spending time with family, traveling, and exploring the many museums and galleries New York City has to offer. She’s also a devoted dog mom to Brooklyn, her French Bulldog.
Growing up in Washington, D.C, Jack left one big city for another to obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater. He grew up in a dental office since he was born and started working in Dentistry at 14 years old! His favorite part of working at Chelsea Pediatric Dentistry is getting to interact and make connections with the patients and their families. When not working at the front desk, he works as an audition coach for aspiring young performers. Outside of the office, Jack enjoys reading, going to see Broadway shows, and watching any new blockbuster movie coming out.
Alyssa got started in dental administration after studying English at the University of Minnesota. She has always had a fascination in the field after spending so much time in a dental chair growing up. Alyssa shines in our office because she adores interacting with tiny humans and making each visit a breeze for the whole family. Outside of the office, you can find her cuddled up with her little family, reading creative non-fiction, or frolicking through one of the many botanical gardens in NYC.
Clinical Staff
Victoria earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Plaza College in Queens, New York. Raised in Westchester, Victoria is from New York City and always knew she wanted to dedicate her career to working with children. Inspired by the positive experiences she had at the dentist growing up, she developed a passion for helping children feel comfortable, confident, and excited about caring for their smiles from an early age.
Victoria believes that every child deserves a positive dental experience and strives to create a warm, welcoming environment where patients feel safe, supported, and encouraged. She enjoys building lasting relationships with families while helping children develop healthy habits that will benefit them for years to come.
Outside of the office, Victoria enjoys taking Pilates classes, going for walks in New York's beautiful parks, and exploring new restaurant scenes with family and friends
Sam is a Registered Dental Hygienist who graduated with honors from the 2025 hygiene program at CUNY City of Technology. Sam started his dental path as an assistant back in 2015, bringing a little more than a decade of pediatric dentistry to the team. His exuberant energy melds well with all ages, allowing for a welcoming atmosphere.
Although his original goal was to become a dentist, his perspective changed after working in the field for so long and seeing noticeable patterns. In his experience, he noticed that patients spend the majority of their appointment with their hygienist, and he believes that time is the true key to establishing a relationship that can lead to lasting positive health changes
Sam enjoys playing tennis, golfing, snowboarding, and basketball. He loves Avatar: The Last Airbender, SpongeBob SquarePants, and sometimes he actually believes he’s Spider-Man.
Ben is the Lead Dental Assistant at Chelsea Pediatric Dentistry LIC! He discovered his passion for dentistry while volunteering at a dental clinic in Bolivia and joined our team with one year of dental assisting experience. Ben graduated from Stony Brook University in 2024 with a degree in Biochemistry and is working toward his dream of becoming a dentist.
When he's not at the office, you can probably find him going for a run or catching the latest movie as an enthusiastic AMC A-List member. Ben's favorite part of working at Chelsea Pediatric Dentistry is getting to know new patients and their families while teaching kids how to care for their smiles. He loves making dental visits fun, comfortable, and educational for every child who walks through our doors!
Mia loves working as a pediatric dental assistant and is passionate about creating positive dental experiences for children and their families. She enjoys helping young patients feel comfortable during their visits while teaching them the importance of good oral hygiene and healthy habits. Mia assists with a wide range of dental procedures, takes dental radiographs, and works closely with the dentist to ensure every appointment runs smoothly. Her calm, friendly personality and gentle approach help patients and parents feel at ease from the moment they walk through the door.
Originally from Kansas, Mia recently moved to the New York City area after graduating from the University of Kansas with a degree in Human Biology. She plans to attend dental school and hopes to become a pediatric dentist one day. Outside of the office, Mia enjoys hiking, camping, trying new restaurants, spending time with friends and family, and exploring everything New York City has to offer.
Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Ava brings a warm approach to our team as a Pediatric Dental Assistant. After graduating from Wake Forest University with a degree in Health and Exercise Science and Chemistry, she joined our practice while preparing to apply to dental school. Her passion for healthcare, combined with her love for working with children, allows her to create a positive and comforting experience for every patient who visits our office.
Outside of work, Ava enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, exploring the city, and discovering new restaurants. She also loves staying active through exercise and Pilates, and is excited to continue pursuing her goal of becoming a dentist and caring for children throughout her career.
Bio coming soon...
Bio coming soon...
