Our Team
Founder, Executive & Dental Director
Dr. Bill Sasser
Dr. Sasser was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He received his BS in pharmacy from Samford University in 1966. He served as a U.S. Navy Pharmacy Officer for three years. In 1973 he received his DMD at the Medical University of South Carolina. After serving a residency in periodontics at the University of Alabama in 1976, he began a private practice.
He left a private practice of almost 30 years in 2005 to enter a "second career" focused primarily on international service. He returned to part-time private practice in 2010 while participating in multiple short-term international projects yearly.
Dr. Sasser is a fellow in both the American and International Colleges of Dentistry. He is a member of the American and South Carolina Dental Associations, American Academy of Periodontics, and is the past president of the Southern Academy of Periodontics. He was a trustee of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations and on the Christian Dental Society and Global Health Outreach advisory boards.
His mission is "To use my God-given time, talents, and experience in service of the dental and spiritual needs of those in need (tooth and soul)."
Ashton Hernandez
Executive Director
Ashton Hernandez is the new Executive Director for North Charleston Dental Outreach. She has an extensive background working in North Charleston with prior experience focusing on public health and biomedical research that led her to translate those skills into the nonprofit sector.
Her passion to help the residents of North Charleston has been her focus since her experience as an AmeriCorps VISTA where she assisted students at Title I schools on the peninsula receive school-based healthcare. She noticed that repeatedly students and their families had a difficult time getting access to dental care, which is how she was led to the work at NCDO. She was previously a board member for the organization, and felt called to serve a higher purpose when the Executive Director position was available. Her vision for the future of the clinic is to expand access to dental care for as many vulnerable residents as possible.
Outside of work, Ashton lives on Johns Island with her husband and three rescue pets. She is originally from Pittsburgh, PA and has called Charleston home for the past ten years. She has a lot of hobbies including painting, playing the piano, singing, and volunteering. She loves to travel and has visited more than 15 different countries. Her passions to help the most vulnerable come from her servant's heart and wanting to live every day for Jesus and leave as much of an impact on the world as she can.
Ann Martinez
Schedule Coordinator
Ann schedules appointments and coordinates the clinic's day-to-day operations. Because of her language skills, she is invaluable in helping communicate with the clinic's growing number of Hispanic patients. She responds to phone inquiries, interprets during clinical procedures, and provides clinical assistance when called upon.
Ann has worked in the medical field for over 30 years as a home health aide and medical and dental assistant. Ann is a mother of four and has lived in Charleston for 14 years.
Director of Operations & Development
Elijah Melendez
Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, Elijah first came to Charleston by attending The Citadel, where he was awarded a degree in English, Fine Arts, and Communication. It was there that he met Jesus and first began volunteering his time at local nonprofits.
Elijah has assumed several roles since he first joined NCDO. His love for Jesus, desire to serve people, and interest in nonprofit ministry compel him to try new things while advocating for our patients. He currently leads our development strategy, donor stewardship efforts, clinical operations.
While not serving at NCDO, Elijah spends time with his wife and two boys at home, consults for local faith-based nonprofits, and serves as an Infantryman in the SC Army National Guard.
Ellie Villasenor
Dental Assistant
Bio coming soon!
Erica Statly
Events Coordinator
Erica is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), marketing consultant, and event coordinator with years of experience in organizing impactful events. Originally from Michigan, she moved to Charleston four years ago, where she has embraced the city’s vibrant culture and coastal lifestyle.
Erica is excited to join North Charleston Dental Outreach as their Event Coordinator, where she will leverage her expertise to create seamless, memorable events that align with the organization’s mission and values. Her ability to transform ideas into well-executed strategies ensures that every event detail serves a greater purpose while fostering lasting connections within the community.
Outside of her professional life, Erica enjoys running along Charleston’s scenic routes, discovering new wines, and spending time at the beach with her energetic pup, Bettie.
Marketing & Communications Officer
Caitlin Iglesias
Bio coming soon!