A CULTURE OF KINDNESS
Your experience is the most important thing in our practice — flat out.
It’s about the way a patient feels when they walk through our doors for the first time, how they feel when they leave with that beautiful smile that they’ve always wanted, and every interaction in between. It all matters, and not just to the doctors.
Each and every person on our team understands that they have the ability to enhance or detract from that feeling. That’s why together, we make the conscious choice to treat every patient with kindness, compassion, and honesty.
Dedicated to Excellence
Each member of our Clinical Team is a Certified Specialized Assistant.
Tell us about your family.
I met my husband at the Southside St. Patrick’s Day Parade in my last year of college. We didn’t exchange phone numbers at the time, because I was headed to Italy for school and he was headed back to the military. But the next day, I ended up in the hospital with food poisoning, and he heard about it through the grapevine. He contacted me in the hospital, we exchanged phone numbers, and the rest is history! We’ve now been married eight years and have a wonderful, sassy, 6-year-old daughter. We enjoy spending “Sunday Funday” at my grandmother’s with our extended family and friends.
I met my husband at the Southside St. Patrick’s Day Parade in my last year of college. We didn’t exchange phone numbers at the time, because I was headed to Italy for school and he was headed back to the military. But the next day, I ended up in the hospital with food poisoning, and he heard about it through the grapevine. He contacted me in the hospital, we exchanged phone numbers, and the rest is history! We’ve now been married eight years and have a wonderful, sassy, 6-year-old daughter. We enjoy spending “Sunday Funday” at my grandmother’s with our extended family and friends.
If you could go anywhere on vacation for free, where would it be, and why?
I would take my daughter and grandmother to France. I’ve had the privilege of traveling there on occasion with my grandmother and hearing her stories of growing up during World War II. I would love for my daughter to see how my grandmother’s experiences have molded her passion for life and love for others. That would truly be a gift.
What do you love about your job, and why?
I love that our team develops their own leadership positions based on their skills and the needs of the practice. I love that they promote growth as a professional and as a person. I love that we guide employees as they transition through new journeys in life. I love Dr. Bicknell’s optimistic approach when tackling hurdles, and I couldn’t be more proud to call each team member an extension of my family.
What is your favorite local restaurant, and why?
Capital Grill. Great food, great service and great atmosphere.
Capital Grill. Great food, great service and great atmosphere.
If you could choose anywhere to go on vacation for free, where would you go, and why?
I would go to Tahiti or any tropical island.
What do you love about your job, and why?
I love the different ages of our patients — young, teens and adults, and I love getting to know them.
Who or what inspires you, and why?
My mom has always been my inspiration. She has always been so selfless, loving and strong. I’m blessed to have a mother with all those attributes. Hopefully, it has rubbed off on me.
My mom has always been my inspiration. She has always been so selfless, loving and strong. I’m blessed to have a mother with all those attributes. Hopefully, it has rubbed off on me.
If you could choose anywhere to go on vacation for free, where would it be, and why?
I would go to the Fiji Islands. It’s a very beautiful and special place.
What do you love about your job, and why?
I am fortunate to work in a profession with amazing patients who are excited about the services we offer. We also have an amazingly kind and talented team, with whom I love working. I get to work with my best friend and husband every day.
Who or what inspires you, and why?
My inspiration is my mother. She has nine children and hasn’t “lost it.” As an adult, I now understand a lot of the decisions she had to make, and it inspires me not only to be the best mom but also to be the best human I can be.
My inspiration is my mother. She has nine children and hasn’t “lost it.” As an adult, I now understand a lot of the decisions she had to make, and it inspires me not only to be the best mom but also to be the best human I can be.
What was your favorite TV show growing up, and why?
The Wild Thornberrys. I wanted to be just like Eliza and be able to talk to animals. Her parents were awesome, and Donnie was perfect.
If you could go anywhere on vacation for free, where would it be, and why?
I would like to go to Africa. I want to see everything from the pyramids to King Tut and his relatives.
What is your favorite local restaurant, and why?
Jose Maria’s in Geneva, Illinois. Laura, the owner, makes everything fresh, and she gets many of her recipes from her mother.
Jose Maria’s in Geneva, Illinois. Laura, the owner, makes everything fresh, and she gets many of her recipes from her mother.
What do you love about your job, and why?
I love working with this group of people. They are like family to me.
What is your favorite movie, and why?
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
What's your favorite color?
Right now, yellow.
Right now, yellow.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
X-ray vision that allows me to see cancer cells and disease so we can catch and treat them early.
What are your favorite hobbies?
Board games, puzzles, gambling, sewing and crafts
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 and funny and keeps me watching.
Friends! I love each character in the show, and they all have something different to add, which makes it entertaining and funny and keeps me watching.
Who or what inspires you, and why?
My older sister, Veronica. She’s strong, fearless, and kind and has an amazing work ethic.
What do you love about your job, and why?
I love seeing all the fabulous smiles at the end of treatment!
What's your favorite music?
Bachata, Cumbia, Spanish Pop, 90’s and 2000’s
Bachata, Cumbia, Spanish Pop, 90’s and 2000’s
What is your favorite color?
Blue.
What's your favorite food?
Green spaghetti and Molé
Tell us about your family.
I have a loving husband and a son, Liam, who light up my world. I love spending my free time with family and friends and going on walks with my dog, Nova.
I have a loving husband and a son, Liam, who light up my world. I love spending my free time with family and friends and going on walks with my dog, Nova.
Who or what inspires you, and why?
My parents inspire me. They are both hard working and are my guides. They give me the courage to battle obstacles in life.
What sports do you love to watch, and why?
I love watching baseball! Go Cubs!
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is Shrek. It's a classic! It never fails to make me laugh.
My favorite movie is Shrek. It's a classic! It never fails to make me laugh.
What TV show are you most likely to binge?
Superstore! It gives "The Office" vibes which I love and it's just so funny!
What's the worst pet you ever had?
I had a hamster named Snickers, all she loved to do was bite people.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be, and why?
I would like the power to heal. There is nothing more frustrating than seeing a loved one sick.
I would like the power to heal. There is nothing more frustrating than seeing a loved one sick.
What do you love about your job, and why?
I love making retainers. It is an art form for me. There is something so rewarding about knowing that I can use my hands to create something that will be so beneficial for someone else.
What was your favorite TV show growing up, and why?
Saved by the Bell, it was relatable!
What's your favorite Disney movie?
Aladin
Aladin
What's your biggest pet peeve?
"I need to tell you something... oh never mind" -__-
Where would you like to go in the world?
Cuba but it's too hard to get there.
What was your favorite TV show growing up?
Mighty Morphin Power Ranger. Why? Because I have taste.
Mighty Morphin Power Ranger. Why? Because I have taste.
What are your pet peeves?
When someone leaves their turn signal on, and people who don't return their shopping cart.
What or who inspires you?
Danny Devito! What a career!
What's your favorite flower?
Sunflowers.
Sunflowers.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Go back in time!
What's your favorite drink?
Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew!
What's your favorite holiday and why?
My favorite holiday is Christmas because I love going to see the Christmas lights. I enjoy spending time with my family and just seeing my nieces and nephews eyes lit up when they open their presents.
My favorite holiday is Christmas because I love going to see the Christmas lights. I enjoy spending time with my family and just seeing my nieces and nephews eyes lit up when they open their presents.
What are you afraid of?
Heights! Roller Coasters are terrifying.
What's your favorite ice cream?
My favorite ice cream is from the original rainbow cone because I can taste all the flavors melting in my mouth!
What was your favorite TV show growing up?
I love a good series! This is a hard decision because it depends on the mood I am in, but overall I would say Friends. All of the different characters, stories, and personalities keeps me entertained and laughing.
I love a good series! This is a hard decision because it depends on the mood I am in, but overall I would say Friends. All of the different characters, stories, and personalities keeps me entertained and laughing.
What do you love about your job?
I love that I am able to walk into an uplifting environment. It pushes me to work harder and be the best version of myself. I feel content going home and knowing I was able to be a part of the start of a new journey towards a beautiful smile!
What was your main goal in life when you were 10 years old? Why?
At 10 years old my main goal was to live with purpose in all that I do so that one day when I have a family I can share all of my accomplishments and lessons. With an open mind I learn something new each day and try not to take anything for granted. In a world that is constantly changing, I have found it is important to keep educating yourself and keep evolving. I hope to raise a family and through my hard work leave a legacy for them!
What is your favorite movie?
I love Aladdin because Princess Jasmine has always been my favorite.
I love Aladdin because Princess Jasmine has always been my favorite.
What's your favorite holiday?
Christmas, I love that it brings my family together and has good food, nice presents and family traditions.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the atmosphere and knowing we all have each other's back.
What is your favorite movie?
Lucy Shimmers and the prince of peace. WHY? Really gives me miracle vibes that happen a lot in life without noticing it happening daily.
Lucy Shimmers and the prince of peace. WHY? Really gives me miracle vibes that happen a lot in life without noticing it happening daily.
What sports do you love to watch? Why?
Football, my kids are little football players
What do you love most about your job?
Being able to be part of their smile transformation journey.
What TV show are you most likely to binge watch and why?
Stranger Things - Every episode has you on your toes wanting to know more.
Stranger Things - Every episode has you on your toes wanting to know more.
What sports do you love to watch? Why?
I love to watch baseball and football! The excitement around you with the crowd chanting and banging just brings a different experience to light and makes the time go by so fast!
What's your favorite holiday? Why?
4th of July ! Bright lights and good vibes everywhere really screams summer to me !
What is your favorite movie and why?
My favorite movie is Mulan. I love what Mulan stands for - she's protective of her family, strong and courageous woman, she stays true to herself, and she's determined to beat the odds no matter what or who she's up against.
My favorite movie is Mulan. I love what Mulan stands for - she's protective of her family, strong and courageous woman, she stays true to herself, and she's determined to beat the odds no matter what or who she's up against.
What's the worst pet you've ever had?
I'm an animal lover, but I would have to say a hamster. It would bite me every time I tried to take it out of its cage.
What do you love about your job? Why?
I love connecting with patients and getting to go through their orthodontic journey with them and seeing their confidence boost by the end of treatment.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Any holiday really just because for my family. It’s pretty common for us to just get together and have a blast as usual. We don’t need a special occasion in order for us to get together 🙂
Any holiday really just because for my family. It’s pretty common for us to just get together and have a blast as usual. We don’t need a special occasion in order for us to get together 🙂
Do you have any strange phobias or fears?
Trypophobia! EWW I HATEEE HOLES, When SpiderMan shoots out his webs, and cotton being pulled apart.
Do you have a hidden talent? What are they?
I can roll my tongue up like a taco
What do you love about your job? Why?
I love how my job is very hands-on and you get to learn something every day.
I love how my job is very hands-on and you get to learn something every day.
What's the worst pet you've ever had?
I actually never had any other pet besides my dogs, but I also only like certain dogs.
Do you have a hidden talent? What are they?
One hidden talent I guess I can say is I love being crafty at planning events.
In the story of your life, which Hollywood actor would play you? Why?
Selena Gomez would play me because I love her. She stands for a lot of things I stand for. We both believe mental health is important.
Selena Gomez would play me because I love her. She stands for a lot of things I stand for. We both believe mental health is important.
What was your main goal in life when you were 10 years old? Why?
My main goal in life was to become a pastry chef. I always liked seeing my mom bake cakes for our birthdays and I wanted to do the same.
Do you have a hidden talent? What are they?
My hidden talent is I am double jointed.
What do you love about your job? Why?
There is so much to love about my job. My favorite part has to be when a patient finishes treatment and sees their smile for the first time. All of their hard work and dedication pays off and you get to see how much it means to them.
There is so much to love about my job. My favorite part has to be when a patient finishes treatment and sees their smile for the first time. All of their hard work and dedication pays off and you get to see how much it means to them.
What's the best band/musical group of all time?
Best band/ musical group of all time, for me, has to be One Direction.
What's the worst pet you've ever had?
Do siblings count? Just kidding. I currently have a cat who doubles as an alarm clock. Except, her internal clock is off by about 2 hours.
What's your favorite movie? Why?
The Notebook, It’s such a classic
The Notebook, It’s such a classic
What's your favorite holiday? Why?
Christmas. I love buying gifts for others, and enjoy seeing all of the decorations.
What's the worst pet you've ever had?
A hamster. They don't do much.
YOU DESERVE THE BEST
To be certified by the American Association of Orthodontists, each of our team members has achieved a minimum of 2,250 hours of experience, graduated from an accredited program and also had to score highly on a rigorous test.
At Advanced Orthodontic Specialists, we require every member of our clinical team to be a Certified Specialized Assistant. Not because it’s required by the state — it’s not. Simply because we strive to be the best! And we’re proud to say that you won’t find another orthodontic office around with such a highly-trained team.
