Meet the Kato Family: Keeping Stafford Smiling & Creating Community
Photo by Karen Presecan & Sweet Me Photography
When Ashlee and Joshua Kato moved to Lake Estates in January 2025, they brought more than just their young family to Stafford. The Katos brought a legacy of service, a passion for community, and a philosophy centered on one simple yet powerful gesture: smiling.
"I would encourage our neighbors to keep smiling and find joy in each day," Ashlee says. "We tend to get so caught up in routine and the busyness of the world, it's easy to take small things for granted. Your smile is one of the most important things you'll ever carry."
It's a fitting message from a woman who has dedicated her career to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for Stafford's youngest residents.
A Third-Generation Legacy
Ashlee is a third-generation dentist, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, father, and brother. But her journey from Buffalo, New York to Stafford, Virginia is anything but ordinary. After earning her Bachelor's degree from Howard University in 2013, she completed her doctorate at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2017, then returned to Howard for her Pediatric Dentistry residency, earning her specialty certificate in 2019.
Today, she's the proud owner of Suite Tooth Pediatrics, a dental office specializing in children's dental needs for ages 0-18. The practice is more than just a business—it's an extension of the Kato family's commitment to community service.
"My office, Suite Tooth Pediatrics, is also a proud community partner with Stafford County Public Schools, so we've had the pleasure to engage with students of all ages and interests," Ashlee explains. The practice frequently participates in health fairs and community health drives that promote not only dental wellness but also overall health.
One of Ashlee's favorite ways to give back is through Team Smile, a non-profit that partners with NFL, MLB, and NBA teams to provide free dental care to children in need. It's the kind of work that combines her professional expertise with her deep commitment to ensuring every child has access to quality care.
A Howard University Love Story
The Kato family's story began on the campus of Howard University back in 2012, where Ashlee and Joshua first met. While Ashlee graduated in 2013, Josh earned his degree in 2014, later adding an MBA from American University to his credentials. Today, he works in Product Strategy and Operations at Airbnb.
When asked about their best memory together, the couple doesn't hesitate. "One of our favorites would be our wedding day in 2018 in Bealeton, VA at Morais Vineyards and Winery," Josh shares. "It was a beautiful day with family and friends. It rained before the ceremony, and right before it was scheduled to begin, the sun came out shining. We always say it was good luck!" Ashlee adds.
That sunny optimism has clearly carried through to their life together, which now includes four-year-old Jordyn and five-month-old Joshua Jr., affectionately known as JoJo.
Raising the Next Generation
Little Jordyn is already showing signs of her parents' adventurous spirit and zest for life. "She's very brave like her dad," Ashlee says proudly. "We once did indoor skydiving when she was only 3 years old and had a blast!"
Currently immersed in gymnastics and dance, Jordyn is "full of personality and loves to perform," with current obsessions including Frozen and K-Pop. Meanwhile, baby JoJo's arrival last August has been "such a blessing to watch our family grow," and Jordyn is "loving her big sister era."
Why Stafford?
The decision to move to Stafford was intentional and thoughtful. "Work-life balance is important to us, so I wanted to make any commute time as convenient as possible," Ashlee explains. "Stafford is also growing, and we loved how family-focused this area is,” Josh adds.
The family has embraced their Lake Estates neighborhood with enthusiasm. "We love the spaciousness of our community; there's tons of foliage, and we're located right next to the lake, so it's always nice to go for walks and take in the views," they note.
With Ashlee's parents residing in Fredericksburg and other family members in Maryland, Stafford provides the perfect home base for quality family time—something the Katos treasure deeply.
A Family of Athletes and Achievers
Sports run deep in the Kato household. Ashlee played basketball and ran track in middle and high school, while Josh played football and basketball. Their love of sports continued beyond their playing days: Ashlee is a devoted Buffalo Bills fan, while Josh bleeds black and gold for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
During the spring and summer months, Josh enjoys golfing, cycling, and playing organized basketball. He's also a car enthusiast who participates in track days and instructs students in high-performance driving. While living in Miami for Teach for America, "he coached a high school Boys basketball team at Miami Northwestern, feeding his passion, while giving back."
Beyond athletics, both Ashlee and Josh have impressive accomplishments. Ashlee served as Miss Howard University in 2011-2012 and Miss Black Maryland USA in 2016. She's a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, while Josh is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated—Greek organizations known for their commitment to service and excellence.
Looking Forward
When they're not working or cheering on their favorite teams, the Katos love to travel. Recent adventures have taken them to Disney World for Christmas, and over the years, they've explored Costa Rica, Cabo, Dubai, and Jamaica.
But perhaps their greatest adventure is building a life in Stafford—one smile, one patient, one community connection at a time. With their unique blend of professional excellence, community commitment, and genuine warmth, the Kato family isn't just settling into Stafford—they're helping to shape its future, one bright smile at a time.
