OWNER/DIRECTOR
RDAEF2, CDA, OAP, BS, MEd
Melodi has over 35 years of experience teaching dental assisting in both private and public institutions. She has served as Program Director for Dental Assisting at Sacramento City College, San Joaquin Valley College, and Western Career College. Throughout her career, she has maintained active participation in numerous Allied Dental health organizations, including serving as President and Government Relations Chair of the California Association of Dental Assisting Teachers (CADAT), co-chair of the Dental Assisting Educator’s Group of California (DAEGRs), and Director of a local component of the California Dental Assistants Association (CDAA).
In 2011, Melodi founded RDA4U, initially offering kit rentals and preparatory classes for the RDA exam. Following the removal of the practical exam requirement by the Dental Board of California in 2018, she expanded the business to include DBC-mandated certification courses for unlicensed dental assistants. She is dedicated to growing the company and empowering dental auxiliaries throughout California with exceptional education and training.
FACULTY
Kelsi Chamness has 15 years of experience in the dental field; Kelsi is a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) and dedicated dental assisting instructor who is passionate about training the next generation of oral healthcare professionals. Her journey with RDA4U began in 2023, where she brings a strong clinical foundation and a deep appreciation for the importance of education in dentistry. Kelsi also is a Training Specialist at a local community health dental clinic. As an educator, she strives to create a positive, inclusive learning environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired. Her teaching philosophy centers on building strong foundational knowledge, practical skills, and professional confidence in every student.
Heather Griffith brings 30 years of experience as a dental assistant, including four years as a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF). She has dedicated the past two years to educating aspiring dental professionals with Indigo Dental Assisting and recently joined RDA4U six months ago. Heather is passionate about dentistry and enjoys connecting with new people through teaching. In her free time, she likes to read and spend time with her family.
Cambria Grimm is a licensed Registered Dental Hygienist with over 20 years of clinical experience and a deep passion for education. She developed and teaches an introductory Dental Assisting Bootcamp through the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, helping students gain real-world confidence and foundational skills. As a contracted instructor for RDA4U, Cambria is certified to teach Dental Board–approved courses including radiation safety, coronal polish, pit and fissure sealants, and infection control. Her teaching style blends clinical insight with a supportive, hands-on approach that inspires new dental professionals.
Kris Munk teaches in the Dental Assisting program at a local community college, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, which is where she received her Dental Assisting Certificate 40 years ago. Kris has been teaching for over 35 years and joined the rda4u team in January of 2021. She is actively involved in her local dental society Diablo Dental Assistants Society and serves as their Ways and Means coordinator. Kris also participates on the Dental Assisting task force team. Kris is married with 3 daughters and has joined the Grandparent club!
Jen has been in the dental field for 37 years. She started as a DA and took the on-the-job pathway to become an RDA. In 1999 she became an RDAEF. She worked chairside for many years and eventually began teaching dental assisting in 2009.Jen has a strong passion for the dental field and in the past served on the Dental Assisting Council. She is thrilled to continue to share her passion with RDA4U students.
Tiffany Scatena is a Registered Dental Assistant with more than 34 years of chair-side experience. She currently assists doctors two days a week in a state-of-the-art private practice, where she is dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care and supporting her dental colleagues. In addition to her clinical work, Tiffany is committed to advancing the profession by training with RDA4U, where she helps develop the skills of both aspiring and fellow dental professionals.