A 2019 graduate of the Texas A & M College of Dentistry, Dr. El-Kashef earned her M.S. in medical sciences from the University of North Texas Health Science Center.  She completed her B.S. in biology and health care studies at the University of Texas at Dallas. She brings to CHP her experience from working in several private dental practices in Texas. Dr. El-Kashef’s continuously seeks out training and professional development in order to remain knowledgeable and current about emerging dental practices and technologies. She is fluent in French, Arabic, Spanish and English and resides in the Albany, N.Y. area.

Dr. Kana, is a practicing dentist and associate dental director of CHP, overseeing dental practices in North Adams, Pittsfield and Great Barrington. He received his doctorate of dental surgery at Ovidius University of Constanta in Romania. He first practiced general dentistry in a private practice in Damascus, Syria and also in the Syrian military. On settling in Boston, he worked in both a private practice and at Boston University’s Dental Health Center. He later worked at the Brockton Neighborhood Health Center, DotHouse Health Center in Dorchester, HealthFirst Family Care Center in Fall River and, most recently, Community Health Center of Franklin County. He is fluent in Arabic, Romanian and French.

Kristabel Vargas joined CHP Family Dental Center in 2008. She graduated in 2006 from Tunxis Community College in Connecticut with an A.S. in Dental Hygiene, and has been practicing dental hygiene since then; she is also certified as a Public Health Hygienist. Ms. Vargas is committed to making a positive impact on oral health, and has a particular interest in treating children and educating parents on good oral hygiene.

Dr. Taphaphene Young practices dentistry at Great Barrington Family Dental Center. A 2020 graduate of the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, she also holds a master’s degree in health science degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. She completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology and pre-medical studies from at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. While at Tufts, she was a student ambassador and also served as Student National Dental Association Diversity Officer. She was also chapter fundraising officer for the Academy of General Dentistry at Tufts, and, at Spelman College, was  president/vice president of the Spelman College chapter of the Pre-Dental Institute. She has been affiliated with organizations promoting diversity in dentistry, dental mentoring, career development. She is a supporter of Operation Smile. a nonprofit that raises funds for surgery for children with cleft palate conditions.