If you don't mind, tell us about your Family:
I met my husband at the Southside St. Patrick's Day Parade while finishing up my final year of college. Because I was heading to Italy for schooling, and he was heading back to the military, at the end of the day we did not exchange phone numbers and parted ways. I ended up in the hospital the following day with food poising which my “now husband” found out through the grape vine. He contacted me in the hospital, we officially exchanged phone numbers and the rest is history. We have been married for 8 years and have a wonderful (and sassy) 6-year-old daughter. We love to be with our extended family and now define “Sunday Funday” as time at Nana’s with cousins and friends.

If you could choose anywhere to go on vacation, for free, where would it be? Why?
I would take my daughter and grandmother to France. I have had the privilege of traveling to France (occasionally) with my grandmother and hear her stories of growing up during the war. To allow my daughter to see how my grandmother’s experiences have molded her passion for life and love for others would truly be a gift.

What do you love about your job? Why?
I love our chain of empowerment. I love that our team has taken on and developed their own leadership positions based on their skills and the needs of the practice. I love the promotion of growth both as a professional and as a person. I love that we don’t hold employee’s hostage to their positions and often times guide them as they transition down new journeys in life. I love Dr. Bicknell’s optimistic approach when tackling hurdles and could not be more proud to call each team member an extension of my family.

What is your favorite movie and why?
I love Horror movies. The original 1970s Chainsaw Massacre is my favorite! I love the suspense and the time point/era of the film.

What do you love about your job? Why?
I love seeing our patients! Sometimes they become like family and it's cool to see people grow up and change their smile from great to AMAZING!

What was your favorite TV show growing up? Why?
Sabrina The Teenage Witch. I loved the spells and the talking cat, Salem.

What's the best place to eat in the area? Why?
Capital grill. Great food, service and atmosphere.

If you could choose anywhere to go on vacation, for free, where would it be? Why?
Tahiti or any tropical island.

What do you love about your job? Why?
I love the different ages young, teens and adults and getting to know them.

What TV show are you most likely to binge-watch and why?
Futurama. It has it all. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry, and it has legit scientific theories and equations in it. It never gets old.

What's the worst pet you've ever had?
My hermit crabs with the SpongeBob SquarePants painted shells. They were horrible with conversations.

Do you have any strange phobias or fears?
I'm afraid of things getting stuck in my ears, specifically flying insects. Even mid-conversation I will cover my ears if I see anything flying around me, but don't worry I'm still paying attention to you. 🙂

What do you love about your job? Why?
I love seeing the transformation.

What sports do you love to watch? Why?
Baseball because my mom would take us to watch the Chicago White Sox games a lot.

If you don't mind, tell us about your family:
I have 2 kids who are 10 and 11, 3 dogs and 2 cats.

What do you love about your job? Why?
There is so much to Love!! I love that I come and go everyday feeling like I am truly making a difference. I love that I work for someone who empowers me, educates me, shares his knowledge, and invests in me. I love that they allow me to pour my passion and knowledge of inventory and purchasing into this field and have cultivated a position for me to continue to grow further in my career past being a clinical specialist. I came into this field not realizing that my experience and extensive retail background would translate over into orthodontics. I can personally credit our organization for a lot of my own personal growth as an adult. I love that our culture is all about kindness, honesty, and happiness. That is the type of environment and people I want to be surrounded by on the daily.

What or who inspires you? Why?
I am truly inspired by nature and creation. I am a faith-driven person, which brings meaning and purpose to my life. Being connected to the outdoors, whether it be tending to my garden and then cooking with the things I grow, to being outside for any reason, from boating, snowboarding, hiking or just watching the sunrise or set, I feel the most in tune with myself, fulfilled and at peace.

If you could choose anywhere to go on vacation, for free, where would it be? Why?
The Arctic Bath Hotel and Spa in Sweden. I need to see the Northern Lights before I leave this earth. This is my biggest bucket list item. I would probably also tackle some snowboarding while I was there.

What TV show are you most likely to binge-watch and why?
FRIENDS! I love each character in the show, and they all have something different to add which makes it entertaining, funny to keep watching.

What or who inspires you? Why?
My older sister, Veronica. She’s strong, fearless, kind and has an amazing work ethic.

What do you love about your job? Why?
Seeing all the fabulous smiles at the end!

What or who inspires you? Why?
My inspiration is my mother. My mother has 9 kids and hasn't lost it. As an adult now I understand a lot of the decisions she had to take and it inspires me not only to be the best mom ever but also helps me be the best human I can be.

What was your favorite TV show growing up? Why?
The Wild Thornberrys. I wanted to be just like Eliza and talk to animals. Her parents were awesome and Donnie was perfect.

If you could choose anywhere to go on vacation, for free, where would it be? Why?
I would like to go to Africa. I want to see everything from the pyramids to King Tut and his relatives.

What was your favorite TV show growing up? Why?
Hannah Montana because I loved the idea of living a secret life as a pop star and also being able to live a normal life.

If you could choose anywhere to go on vacation, for free, where would it be? Why?
Greece, I've always dreamt of going there. It's such a beautiful country.

What's your favorite holiday? Why?
Halloween because it's around my favorite season and I get to dress up.

What or who inspires you? Why?
People that don't give up given their circumstances, people that always push for more despite the weight they already carry on their shoulders, people that make my life a little brighter every day just by smiling. (parents, boyfriend, friends, strangers).

What do you love about your job? Why?
The opportunity's I've been given, the family orientation, and the fact that in here I know I'll always count on someone to help me thrive.

What's the best place to eat in the area? Why?
Too many options, but I love Mexican food, so for me it would be La Michocana in the north side. It's like having my mom's cooking.

What or who inspires you? Why?
Definitely my kids! I know they look up to me, so I know I can't and won't let them down. They always inspire me to do my best and to never give up. "The sky is the limit."

What sports do you love to watch? Why?
Football, Baseball, Basketball, Softball. I grew up with only brothers, so I got taught all sports very young. I also played them and cheered for them as well.

What is your favorite 90s jam?
Anything that gets me dancing.

What or who inspires you? Why?
My daughter Ariana, she helps push me to be a better version of myself for her.

What TV show are you most likely to binge-watch and why?
Grey's Anatomy all day every day!

What was your favorite TV show growing up? Why?
Jersey Shore

Tell us about your family:
I'm SUPER close with my siblings, me being the last of 4 kiddos! My sister's and I practically do everything together, and my brother is just stuck with us. My boyfriend Nick & I have been together for 3 years and are getting are first home together this fall!

What do you love about your job?
I love being able to give people the confidence needed to show off their smile.

What or who inspires you?
My sisters! They are a constant source of inspiration and always bettering themselves while helping me grow and addressing any needs that I have!

What is your favorite movie and why?
I love anything by Tim Burton, especially Nightmare before Christmas.

What or who inspires you? Why?
My dad, he's the best person I know! He's always there when you need him, no questions asked. He's dedicated, hard-working, independent and caring.

If you were a kitchen appliance what would you be? Why?
A high quality non-stick pan. Its simple and straight to the point! A good pan can last you a long time if you take care of it!

What or who inspires you? Why?
My mom has always been an inspiration. She has always been selfless, loving and a strong person. I’m blessed to have a mother with those attributes. Hopefully it has rubbed off on me. 🙂

If you could choose anywhere to go on vacation, for free, where would it be? Why?
Fiji - it's a very beautiful and special place.

What do you love about your job? Why?
I am fortunate to work in a profession that has amazing patients that are excited about the services we offer. We also have an amazingly kind and talented team who I love working with. And I get to work with my best friend and husband every day. 🙂

What's the best place to eat in the area? Why?
Jose Maria's in Geneva IL - Laura, the owner makes everything fresh, and she gets many of her recipes from her Mother.

What do you love about your job? Why?
I love the group of people I work with. They are like family to me.

What is your favorite movie and why?
Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Tell us about your family:
I have a loving husband and son Liam that light up my world. During my free time I love spending time with family and friends and going on walks with my dog Nova.

What or who inspires you?
My parents inspire me they are both hard-working and are my guide and give me the courage to battle obstacles in life.

What sports do you love to watch?
I love watching baseball! Go Cubs!