Meet the Team

dr DEREK MARTIN
Meet the Doctor
Enjoy small town dentistry with the advanced technology of a metropolis from Derek L. Martin, DMD — a trusted DDS in San Marcos.

Dr. Martin graduated from UCLA and The Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health. It is there where he had the opportunity to be surrounded by the latest in dental technology.

At The Hills Family Dentistry, your treatment revolves around you. Dr. Martin truly will take the time to get to know you, your dental health, and your goals and priorities. Always putting your comfort first.

dr alexander george
Meet the Doctor
A native southern Californian, Dr. George attended Pitzer College in Claremont, CA before earning his dental degree from the University of Michigan. He moved back to the west coast to do a general practice residency at the VA Hospital in La Jolla. He and his wife Shannon, an elementary school teacher, decided San Diego was the place for them to start a family and further their careers.

An avid learner, Dr. George is constantly pursuing the latest advancements in maintaining pristine oral health. He has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education in the areas of endodontics (root canals), oral surgery, crown and bridge work and cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. George is an active member of the North County Spear Education Study Club. He is also a member of the San Diego County Dental Society, the California Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association.

In his free time, you can find Dr. George watching his beloved Atlanta Braves or his Michigan Wolverines. He loves the beach and all things outdoors. He and his wife live in the Torrey Highlands area and are kept very busy with their three daughters.


My Nguyen
Patient Care Coordinator
I take great pride in building meaningful relationships with our patients and assisting them in every way possible—whether it’s guiding them through their insurance options or simply brightening their day with a warm welcome.

Outside of work, my family is my greatest priority. I cherish every moment spent with my two young boys, Hunter and Caleb, exploring new places and creating lasting memories.

Watching them grow and experience the world is my greatest joy and most treasured gift in life.

peggy wren
Treatment Coordinator
I was born and raised in Rhode Island, but I moved to sunny San Diego in 1994, and have been dedicated to the dental field for over 30 years.

Customer service is my top priority. I take great pride in building lasting relationships with our patients. With a warm smile, a bubbly personality, and a positive attitude, I strive to make every visit a welcoming and comfortable experience.

As a proud cancer warrior now in remission, my health journey has led me to work part-time. You’ll often find me in the office during the mornings or working behind the scenes when the office is closed.

Outside of work, I cherish time with my family, caring for my aging mother who lives with me, and spending quality moments with my wonderful son and two beloved Shih Tzu puppies.

I truly value the relationships I build, both in and out of the office, and I look forward to welcoming you with a friendly smile!

Maria Hannawacker
Insurance Coordinator
With over two decades of experience in the dental industry, I bring extensive knowledge and expertise to my role at The Hills Family Dentistry in San Elijo Hills. I have been a part of this dedicated team for 12 years, where I’ve formed lasting friendships and contributed significantly.

Now based in North Carolina, I serve as the Insurance Specialist, overseeing dental coverage verification, accounts receivables, and customer relations. Despite working remotely, I ensure all our patients’ insurance needs are addressed meticulously and with compassion.
Outside the office, I cherish the time spent with my granddaughter and maintain an active lifestyle. I’m passionate about outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and tennis, and I never miss an opportunity to attend live music events. Indoors, I take pleasure in cooking, watching movies, engaging in board games, and bowling.

My friendly and approachable demeanor has made me a valuable member of our team, and I take pride in assisting our patients to navigate their insurance needs effectively and confidently.

Carlo Victa
Dental Assistant
I have been in the dental field since 2000, but my journey began even earlier when I graduated from Dental Tech School in 1996—the same year I moved to San Diego from Brawley. My background in dental technology has given me the knowledge and skills to help create the best fabricated teeth for our patients.

I have been proud to be part of The Hills Family Dentistry team since 2012. Outside of work, I enjoy riding my bike and spending time outdoors. Cycling is a true passion of mine, and I’m excited to be launching my own cycling apparel company.

Stay tuned for product listings and website details coming soon!

Stephanie Ortiz
Dental Assistant
I was born and raised in the tranquil hidden valley of Escondido, where my fascination with dentistry first took root. As a child, I frequently visited our local dental office, an experience that ignited my passion for oral health and steered me towards a career in dentistry.

I pursued my education at Palomar College, enrolling in the Registered Dental Assisting program. This program offered me extensive hands-on experience through internships in pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, and general dentistry. Upon graduating, I earned my Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license.

The fulfillment I derive from helping patients achieve confidence through healthy, beautiful smiles continues to inspire my dedication to the field. I am thankful for the opportunity to contribute to this remarkable team.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I cherish spending quality time with family and friends. I am committed to volunteerism within my community, finding joy in life’s simple pleasures—whether it’s watching a sunset, savoring a delicious meal, listening to music, or playing the piano.

ELAINE HUBBARD
Registered Dental Hygienist
Elaine Hubbard, an RDHAP dental hygienist with 28 years of experience, is on a mission to provide comprehensive and compassionate oral health care to her community.  Elaine is a Hygienist with our team and she is also the owner of “Smilewithelaine.com”   As a clinician, she assesses individual oral health needs and tailors personalized plans to prevent disease and improve overall well-being. Elaine’s dedication and expertise continue to make a positive impact on the oral health and lives of those she serves.
Meena Halverson
Registered Dental Hygienist
I am originally from New Mexico and bring over 14 years of dedicated experience as a registered dental hygienist to my practice. Having graduated from the University of New Mexico, I have developed a profound passion for dentistry, particularly in the field of periodontics.

Outside of my professional life, I cherish time with my two young boys and our beloved dog, Kirby. I am an avid reader, mostly of fiction, and I have a great love for travel. One of my most cherished memories is my wedding in the breathtaking German Alps.

I place a high value on trust and respect in all aspects of dental care, ensuring that each of my patients feels comfortable, confident, and well cared for. To me, dentistry is more than just a profession—it’s an opportunity to build enduring, compassionate relationships with my patients.

Rachel Blackwell
Registered Dental Hygienist
As a dedicated dental professional, I have been passionate about oral health since beginning my career as a dental assistant in 2004. In 2010, I earned my degree from the Southwestern Dental Hygiene Program and have since been committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care.

With years of experience in patient care and oral health education, I strive to create a comfortable and positive experience for every patient while helping them achieve and maintain a healthy smile. Outside of my profession, I am a proud mother of two wonderful boys who inspire me every day.

Gia Scacco
Patient Care Coordinator
With over 30 years of experience in dental hygiene, I am committed to providing patients with gentle, thorough, and preventive care. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, I bring a strong foundation of Midwestern values—integrity, compassion, and a strong work ethic—to every patient interaction.


After the birth of our two children, my family and I relocated to Southern California and made San Marcos our home. I take pride in building trust with my patients and believe that long-term relationships are essential to delivering effective oral health care.


Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and our dog, Teddy. Whether exploring local trails or simply enjoying the community, San Marcos continues to be a wonderful place to live and work.

I look forward to helping each patient achieve and maintain a healthy smile.