Staff

Leila Younger, DDS, MS

Executive Director
615-314-5647

Dr. Leila Younger is the Executive Director with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. 

Dr. Younger graduated with honors from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, where she was inducted into OKU National Dental Honor Society. She completed her residency at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago and received a master’s degree from Northwestern University. She maintained a solo private practice in Algonquin, IL, for many years, followed by a group practice in the Chicago suburbs. She is a Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry at The University of Southern California Ostrow School of Dentistry.

Dr. Younger has been Board Certified since 1998. She served as an examiner for the Oral Clinical Examination since its inception in 2005.  From 2005-2015, she served on the Advisory Committee and the Renewal of Certification Subcommittee. In addition, she served as a Director for ABPD from 2015-2021, having served as President of the Board of Directors from 2019-2020.

She has served on councils and committees for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) from 1992-2004, including the Scientific Program Committee and Clinical Affairs Committee. Most recently she served on the AAPD Safety Committee from 2018-2021 and the AAPD Nominations Committee in 2020. She was awarded a Master Clinician Certificate in 2013 by ADEA/AAL Institute for Teaching and Learning. She is a member of the AAPD/AAPD Foundation Kellogg Leadership Cohort VI.

Dr. Younger has served the American Dental Association (ADA) on the ADAT Test Construction Committee in 2017 and 2018, and on the DLOSCE Test Construction Committee from 2019-2021. She became an ADA Evidence-Based Dentistry Champion in 2012 and is a member of the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. She is an FBI Trained NCIC Dental Coder. 

Dr. Younger and her husband, Dr. Terry Younger, reside in Barrington, Illinois. They enjoy biking, hiking, and travel. They are frequent visitors to the Los Angeles area where their two adult children reside.

Laura Leigh Blair

Deputy Director

Laura Leigh Blair has taken the position of Volunteer and Project Manager with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Laura Leigh manages volunteer data and development, policies, procedures, and history documentation and the grantmaking program.  She also works with several ABPD committees and task forces.

Laura Leigh graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Public Relations degree. She has worked in event management since 2015 and completed her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) program in 2019 and her Project Management Professional (PMP) program in 2020. She began her career working on large cheer and dance competitions all over the country and internationally. Most recently, Laura Leigh worked with a dental network company in Arizona putting on live continuing education events and membership meetings.

In her spare time outside of the office, Laura Leigh enjoys spending time with her husband, their sons, and their two dogs. 

Jasey Bratek

Certification Programs Director
 

Jasey Bratek is the Certification Programs Director with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Jasey oversees all aspects of ABPD’s examinations and assessment programs which includes the Qualifying Examination, Oral Clinical Examination, and the Renewal of Certification Examination and Process (ROC-P).

She has been working with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry since 2008. Jasey earned her Bachelor’s in Business Management from Hamilton Business College in 2003 and earned her certificate as a credentialing specialist from the Institute of Credentialing Excellence in 2020.

In her spare time, Jasey enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her husband, family, and friends.

Laura Evans

Operations Manager
 

Laura Evans is the Operations Manager for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She assists with the operations of ABPD and manages volunteer data and development, policies, procedures, and history documentation.

Laura received her Bachelor’s in Sociology from Pepperdine University in 2018 and a Professional Designation (A.A.) in Beauty Marketing and Product Development from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising the following year. She started her career working in content marketing for start-up beauty companies in the Los Angeles area. Most recently she worked in banking in South Central Kentucky.

In her free time, Laura enjoys hiking, antique shopping, creating social media content around her vintage makeup collection, and spending time with her boyfriend and two dogs.

Dorie Bridgeman

Senior Certification Manager

Dorie manages the operations of ABPD examinations and assessment programs, which includes managing the Qualifying Examination, Oral Clinical Examination, Renewal of Certification Examination and Process (ROC-P).  She also works closely with residency program and their directors.

Dorie earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs from Indiana University and a Master of Public Administration from DePaul University. Dorie has worked in credentialing and testing since 2007. Dorie’s prior experience includes working with certification programs in the medical and culinary industries.

In her spare time, Dorie enjoys listening to music, attending concerts and spending time with family and friends.
 

Kayla Hill

Certification Coordinator  

Kayla Hill is the Certification Coordinator for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She performs certification maintenance and administrative functions for ABPD and is the first point of contact for diplomate and volunteer inquiries.

Kayla started her career in restaurant leadership and human resources. She has a passion for technology, which she uses in the administrative aspects of the role. She will complete her Business Management degree in May of 2024. Most recently, Kayla worked as an HR administrator for a large restaurant franchise.

In her spare time, Kayla enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time at home with her fiancé, and their two dogs.

Dina O'Rourke

Meetings Manager   

Dina O’Rourke is the Meeting Manager for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She assists with the meeting logistics for all ABPD Meetings and Events.

With over 25 years of experience in the meeting, conference, and event industry, Dina has coordinated conferences, exhibitions, and trade shows with up to 3,000 attendees, ensuring optimum experience and value. As a versatile and highly accomplished event planner, Dina excels at overseeing event planning with impeccable attention to detail and strong negotiation skills. She is passionate about interior design and creativity, which she applies to make attractive event spaces. Dina prides herself on professionalism and customer service.

In her free time, Dina enjoys reading, yoga, gardening, and spending time with her three boys and dogs.

Sarah Nolan

Marketing Manager   

Sarah Nolan is the Marketing Manager for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Her role is responsible for all channels of communication and marketing strategy for ABPD, as well as the development of original content and digital resources. 

Sarah graduated with a degree in Graphic Design in 2020, and has worked in Web Design, Digital Marketing, and Senior Level marketing positions over the past 7 years. Most recently, she worked in the technology industry leading a team of young marketing professionals. 

In her personal life, Sarah is very active in her faith and with her church. She loves finding new hobbies, playing and writing music, and travelling.