About

Dr. Stephanie Cruz, DDS, is proud to offer expert pediatric dentistry with a heart. Raised right here in Southern California, she brings both clinical excellence and a deep-rooted love for her community to Griffith Pediatric Dentistry. With a warm and thoughtful approach, Dr. Cruz makes every child feel safe, seen, and supported—whether it's their first dental cleaning or a more complex procedure.

Dr. Cruz earned her undergraduate degree from UCLA and went on to dental school at UCSF, one of the nation’s top programs. She then completed her general practice residency at New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell and her pediatric specialty training at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Her advanced education and real-world experience give her the expertise to care for children of all ages, including those with special healthcare needs or dental anxiety.

Her passion lies in guiding families toward healthy habits early so that lifelong smiles can flourish. She uses age-appropriate language, gentle techniques, and an encouraging demeanor to make dentistry understandable—and even fun—for kids. Whether she’s explaining dental hygiene to a toddler or calming nerves during fillings, her intentional, joy-filled chairside manner is what sets her apart.

Together with Dr. Grant Gleason and a growing team of dental professionals, Dr. Cruz is building a practice centered on empathy, empowerment, and education—because every child deserves to smile with confidence. She has served on the board of the Greater LA Hispanic Dental Association, participated in a dental mission trip to Kenya with Tomorrow Smiles Today, and remains an active member of the ADA, AAPD, CDA, and ABPD.

Outside the office, Dr. Cruz enjoys playing tennis and traveling with her husband, Matt. She’s also a proud dog mom to two miniature dachshunds, Dodger and Sorrel!

Born and raised in Canada, Dr. Grant Gleason brings a lifelong passion for helping others. As the youngest of four, he grew up hearing his siblings call him “Dr. Grant” during their childhood play — a nickname that unknowingly set the course for his future. Influenced by two uncles in dentistry, he found himself drawn not just to the profession, but to the opportunity to make a meaningful difference early in people’s lives.

Dr. Gleason earned his dental degree from Boston University and completed a General Practice Residency at St. Barnabas Hospital in New York. It was during this time that he discovered his love for working with children and decided to specialize in pediatric dentistry. He went on to complete his pediatric residency at The Mount Sinai Hospital, followed by board certification — a distinction that reflects his dedication to delivering the highest level of care.

With a focus on prevention, gentle behavior guidance, and whole-child wellness, Dr. Gleason believes dentistry can (and should!) be a positive experience for kids. His favorite part of the job? Watching patients grow over time and helping them build healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Now based in Los Angeles, Dr. Gleason co-founded Griffith Pediatric Dentistry with a vision to create an engaging, anxiety-free space where families feel supported and kids leave with big, confident smiles. He received a prestigious academic scholarship during dental school and was honored with the Project Stretch International Service Award for his global outreach—including a dental mission trip to Kenya—as well as the Special Care Dentistry Association Award for his work with patients with special health care needs. Dr. Gleason is an active member of the ADA and a Board-Certified Diplomate of Pediatric Dentistry.

When he’s not in the office, you’ll likely find him out on an 8-mile run, cooking something new, or exploring the world—he’s visited over 40 countries! He and his husband share their home (and hearts) with their adorable dog, Pickle.

Board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Anisha Uppal believes every child deserves a dental experience that feels safe, fun, and empowering. With advanced training in pediatric dentistry and a naturally warm, upbeat personality, she’s passionate about helping kids feel confident and comfortable at every visit.

After earning her dental degree from Boston University, Dr. Anisha completed a general practice residency at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, followed by a pediatric fellowship at Montefiore and a two-year residency at Woodhull in Brooklyn—where she served as Chief Resident and was named “Resident of the Year.” She’s currently a faculty dentist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) and previously taught as a Clinical Professor at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco. Dr. Uppal is a board-certified pediatric dentist who thrives on building trusting relationships with her patients (and their parents!).

She understands how much a child’s early dental experiences can shape their lifelong relationship with oral health, and she’s committed to making those moments as positive and stress-free as possible. Whether she’s cracking a silly joke or talking kids through a tricky procedure, she meets each child right where they are.

Outside the office, Dr. Anisha loves hiking, writing spoken word, catching up on mystery thrillers, and soaking up quality time with her nieces and nephew when she visits her family in Boston.

From the first phone call to your child’s first big “ta-da!” smile in the dental chair, we’re here to guide your family through an easy, positive experience. During your first visit, we’ll complete a comprehensive exam and cleaning, take necessary x-rays, and—most importantly—get to know you and your child. With a gentle and behavior-focused approach, we ensure that even our most hesitant patients begin to associate dentistry with comfort and trust.

We’re more than just a dental practice—we’re proud to be part of the Los Feliz community. At Griffith Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that healthy smiles start with strong relationships, and we’re excited to grow alongside the families we serve. From sharing dental tips with parents to creating a welcoming space kids enjoy visiting, our goal is to make a positive impact that goes beyond the chair.