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 movie, and why?
I love horror movies! The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre is my favorite. I love the suspense at the pivotal moment in the film.
I love horror movies! The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre is my favorite. I love the suspense at the pivotal moment in the film.
What do you love about your job, and why?
I love seeing our patients! They become like family, and it’s cool to see people grow and change their smiles from great to amazing!
What was your favorite TV show growing up, and why?
Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. I loved the spells and the talking cat, Salem.
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.
What do you love about your job, and why?
There is so much to love! I love that I come and go every day feeling as if I am truly making a difference. I love that I work for someone who empowers me, educates me, shares his knowledge with me, and invests in me. I love that they allow me to pour my passion and knowledge of inventory and purchasing into this field and that they have allowed me to grow my career past being a clinical specialist. I came into the field not realizing that my extensive retail background would translate into orthodontics. I can credit our workplace for much of my personal growth. I love that our culture is about kindness, honesty, and happiness. That is the type of environment and the type of people I want to be surrounded by daily.
There is so much to love! I love that I come and go every day feeling as if I am truly making a difference. I love that I work for someone who empowers me, educates me, shares his knowledge with me, and invests in me. I love that they allow me to pour my passion and knowledge of inventory and purchasing into this field and that they have allowed me to grow my career past being a clinical specialist. I came into the field not realizing that my extensive retail background would translate into orthodontics. I can credit our workplace for much of my personal growth. I love that our culture is about kindness, honesty, and happiness. That is the type of environment and the type of people I want to be surrounded by daily.
Who or what inspires you, and why?
I am truly inspired by nature and creation. I am faith-driven, which brings meaning and purpose into my life. I’m very connected to the outdoors, whether tending my garden and cooking the things I grow, or being outside for any reason, from boating, snowboarding, or hiking to just watching the sunrise or sunset. I feel the most in-tune with myself, and I feel fulfilled and at peace.
If you could go anywhere on vacation for free, where would it be, and why?
I would go to the Arctic Bath Hotel and Spa in Sweden. I need to see the Northern Lights before I leave this Earth. That is my biggest bucket list item. I probably would also tackle some snowboarding while 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 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!
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.
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.
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
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 was your favorite TV show growing up, and why?
The Powerpuff Girls! I loved how their dad was a scientist and created them with a special chemical that gave them superpowers and allowed them to fight criminals and save the world.
The Powerpuff Girls! I loved how their dad was a scientist and created them with a special chemical that gave them superpowers and allowed them to fight criminals and save the world.
What is your favorite holiday, and why?
Definitely Christmas, because I enjoy decorating and surprising my family and friends with presents.
What do you love about your job, and why?
I love being able to be a part of the patient’s journey while helping them create amazing smiles!
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 was your favorite TV show growing up?
That '70s Show! It's so funny and can cheer my mood whenever!
That '70s Show! It's so funny and can cheer my mood whenever!
What do you love about your job?
I love watching the journey from the beginning to the end. It brings me so much joy seeing the patients reaction when they see their brand new smile!
What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas is my favorite holiday because it makes me so happy seeing the trees and the lights and snow, it really is the most wonderful time of the year!
What TV show are you most likely to binge watch?
The Office! I can sit and watch that whole show for hours and never get sick of it!
The Office! I can sit and watch that whole show for hours and never get sick of it!
What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving. I love to see all my family together, plus you can't go wrong with all the food!
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation. I would love to be able to switch locations in the blink of an eye. Imagine the possibilities!
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'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'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'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 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'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
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.
