Tami Anderson, BASM, Assistant Director for Clinical Operations
Tami Anderson grew up in the Yakima Valley and is a graduate of Yakima Valley College, receiving her Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Business Management.
Her background includes years of experience as a Certified Medical Assistant, primarily in a hematology-oncology practice. She also served as the Clinical Administrative Coordinator in a Physician Assistant Educational Program at Heritage University. Tami has been with Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences since 2018, starting as the Regional Site Administrative Assistant – ACF and Student Credentialing for the PNWU-COM Department of Clinical Education.
For the past four years, Tami has served as the Assistant Director of Academic Technology in the Student Assessment Office where she has had direct oversight and management of the functionality and utilization of assessment and evaluation technology platforms. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending sporting events, and traveling whenever she can.
Dr. LeRoy Horton, DDS, MS, DICOI, Associate Professor of Dentistry, Director of Periodontal Education
Dr. LeRoy Horton DDS, MS, DICOI is the director of periodontal and implant curriculum at PNWU.
Born and raised in Athens, Greece, Dr. Horton’s family came to the United States when he was a teenager and settled in the Tacoma, WA area. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in biology from Pacific Lutheran University, he attended the University of Washington School of Dentistry, graduating in 2007. After 14 years as a private practice owner, he sold his offices, gained admission to, and completed specialty training at the graduate periodontics program at Oregon Health Sciences University where he also earned a master’s degree in periodontal science.
Dr. Horton is board-certified in implantology as a diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantology and enjoys a healthy lecturing schedule nationwide. He is currently chair of the scientific committee of the National Dental Association and serves the local dental community as previous treasurer, current president-elect, and upcoming president of the Seattle King County Dental Society. He is a strong believer that to be great at something you must love it, and he absolutely loves teaching.
Dr. Horton enjoys time with his family, watching shows like House of the Dragon, and has a lengthy history of competing in sports such as boxing, kickboxing, submission wrestling, spartan races, half marathons, and more.
Monica Sanchez, BA, Executive Assistant to the Dean
Monica Sanchez is the Executive Assistant to the Dean. Monica earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Golden Gate University and an associate’s degree in business from Yakima Valley Community College. Monica brings a wealth of experience in higher education administration and program coordination.
Most recently, she served as Program Coordinator for the Workforce Training and Education Program at Heritage University, where she played a key role in developing career advancement opportunities for over 1,500 employees. Prior to that, Monica spent over five years as the Administrative and Admissions Coordinator for the Physician Assistant Educational Program at Heritage University. In this role, she managed daily operations, assisted with accreditation processes, and oversaw all aspects of student recruitment and admissions.
Her experience coordinating events, maintaining budgets, and collaborating with various university departments contributes wonderfully to her role as the Executive Assistant to the Dean. Monica also has experience in business development and client relations through her roles as CEO of B2B Solutions PLLC as a Business Advisor. These experiences have honed her skills in relationship-building, problem-solving, and strategic planning.
Dr. Scott Williams, DDS, Professor of Dentistry, Director of Endodontic Education
Dr. Williams was born in Seattle and raised in Spokane, WA. He received a BA in biology from Whitman College (1971) and a DDS from the University of Washington/School of Dentistry (1976). Following dental school Scott received a commission in the US Air Force.
He practiced as both a general practitioner and endodontist during his service (1976-1985). Dr. Williams served as Training Officer in Endodontics, Department Chair and as the Consultant in Endodontics to the USAF Surgeon General in Endodontics for the United States, Western Region. Dr. Williams has completed two postgraduate residencies; a hospital based General Practice Residency (Eglin AFB, FL, 1976-1977) and a specialty residency in Endodontics (Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine, 1980-1982).
Following his service in the USAF, Dr. Williams and his family moved to Yakima, WA where he started an Endodontics specialty practice. He completed his private practice career in 2014. From May 2015 to August 2024 Scott has been an Adjunct Faculty member/Endodontics in the Northwest Dental Residency.
Dr. Williams and his wife, Jan, have been married for 51 years (and counting). They are parents to two grown children and two grandchildren.
Dr. Casey Wright, PhD, MS, Assistant Professor of Behavioral Sciences and Director of Scholarly Activity
Dr. Wright is a clinical health psychologist by training but has been working in the world of “behavioral dentistry” for most of his career. He earned his PhD from West Virginia University, completed a residency in behavioral medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, and was a faculty member at Marquette University School of Dentistry prior to arriving at PNWU.
He is passionate about understanding and teaching the human side of dentistry and is excited about the mission and vision of PNWU. His broad scholarly expertise is in biopsychosocial mechanisms of oral health and disease and the applications to public health, and he has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in well-respected dental and oral health scientific journals. Dr. Wright also holds a master’s degree in Instructional Psychology and Technology. As a result, he is passionate about improving the teaching and learning of behavioral and social sciences, as well as improving the quality and accessibility of dental education.
In his spare time, Dr. Wright enjoys being outside with his family and friends, skiing, golf, and yard work.
