Dr. Frederick Ballard was born and raised in Baltimore, MD home of the Baltimore Ravens! After graduating from high school from Milford Mill Academy, he ventured off to the United States Army where he became a combat medic/dental assistant. During his time in the Army, he was stationed in Fort Riley Kansas, Camp Paige, Korea, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina serving in the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper.
After leaving military service, Dr. Ballard attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, earning a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology. Once completing his undergraduate studies, he attended the prestigious Howard University College of Dentistry where he found his love for pediatric dentistry.
During my senior year in dental school I was torn between endodontic and pediatric dentistry. In my mind, I thought that pediatric dentistry was the furthest thing from my mind until I realized that this was my true calling in life. It is truly a blessing that I found pediatric dentistry, without this opportunity I would truly be incomplete.
During Dr. Ballards time in dental school, he met Dr. George Thomas, the Chairman of Howard University College of Dentistrys pediatric dental program, where he was groomed to become a pediatric dentist during his two-year pediatric dental residency.
Five years ago, Dr. Ballard, along with his familymigrated to South Jersey where he took a position with a large dental group and was given the opportunity to sharpen his skills and learn to become the best pediatric dentist that he could be for his patients. Through the development of a special needs and hospital dentistry program, he was able to offer complete service to all of his child/special needs patients to ensure adequate treatment.
With a continued commitment to training and service, Dr. Ballard intends to serve his patients at Kool Koala Pediatric and adolescent dentistry with the latest a greatest techniques and materials, for the highest quality results.
Dr. Ballard currently resides in Southern New Jersey with his wife Nia, daughter Jordan, son Mason, and newborn baby Raven. Spending time with family is his priority outside the office, but when given the chance, Dr. Ballard enjoys gardening, landscaping, and catching up with the Baltimore Ravens football team.
Dr. Sophia Yi received her dental degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur a Dugoni School of Dentistry. She completed her Pediatric Dental residency at Interfaith Medical Center where she served as Chief Resident. Following her residency, Dr Sophia served in the U.S. Army as a dentist. Dr Sophia is a Board Certified Pediatric dentist and a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Her memberships include: The Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. In Dr. Sophias free time she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and two dogs.
Dr. William Wils' Desonne grew up in South Orange, New Jersey and attended the College of William & Mary where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, Dr. Desonne attended Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and received a degree as a Doctor of Dental Medicine. He then went on to complete his two year Pediatric Dental Residency at Jacobi Medical Center located in the Bronx, New York.
Dr. Wils wanted to be a dentist from a very young age because of the positive experiences that he shared with his pediatric dentist. It is his goal to extend those same experiences to children and parents alike in creating an inviting environment where children feel comfortable. His goal is to promote prevention from an early age and to foster a life long dental home.
We recognize that all of our young patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your child to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.
Nia has been our operations manager since 2015, a position that allows her to manage our office, accounts receivable, and human resources. She holds a B.S. in Psychology and MBA in Project Management. Her outstanding skills and knowledge allow her to train new employees and continue to guide our practice forward. Nia considers being part of Dr. Ballards team a truly rewarding and educational experience.
Outside of work, Nia loves spending time with her family to include her three beautiful children, husband and bull terrier 'Teddy'. Her favorite pastime is traveling, experiencing new cultures and trying new cuisine. Nia is also an advocate for youth, adult mental health and mental well-being. She enjoys learning about homeopathic remedies, and mental health literature.