Meet the Team
Sarah
Surgical Assistant & Office Coordinator
Sarah is an unashamed “Dental Geek” loving dentistry and all that it includes, with 20+ years of dental experience in both general and periodontal practice. She values creating a relaxing environment where patients can receive high-quality, compassionate care and achieve their healthiest, most radiant smiles.
When not in the office Sarah can be found cheering on her kids in one of their many sporting events, playing in the dirt “trying” to keep plants alive or baking for her side hustle.
AnnMarie
Patient Coordinator
Ann Marie is the friendly and knowledgeable patient coordinator at Naper Perio. With over 30 years of experience in dentistry as both a dental assistant and front desk professional, she excels at making patients feel welcome and ensuring their visits are smooth and stress-free. We are thrilled to have Ann Marie back with us again, as she previously worked alongside Dr. Elliott and left a lasting impression with her dedication and warmth.
When not in the office, Ann Marie can be found cheering on her son at the baseball field, tackling new adventures with her family, or savoring the transition to life with adult children.
Diane
Patient Coordinator & Dental Assistant
Diane is often the first friendly voice that greets you on the phone and the friendly face that greets you when you arrive at Naper Perio. She earned her dental assisting license from Cerritos College in Cerritos, California. Started as a dental assistant, then cross-trained to learn all aspects of the administrative side to a dental practice. Diane enjoys caring for patients and putting their mind at ease, as taking care of people has always been second nature to her.
When not in the office Diane is active in her local church, working on her latest DIY project and enjoying the great outdoors. She loves spending time with her 4 children and increasing number of grandchildren.
Debbie
Registed Dental Hygienist
Debbie is a cornerstone in our practice having started working here after earning her Dental Hygiene Degree in 2004 from Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, IL. She further achieved her certification to administer local anesthetic, holds certification in the use of dental lasers and is licensed to administer nitrous oxide. Patient education has always been the foundation of Debbie’s success with her patients. She strives daily to educate her patients on their oral health and its link to their overall health. She feels that it is a team effort between the patient, doctor and herself to ensure the success of treatment and patient education is a direct pathway to this success. Her infectious laugh can be heard throughout the office making us wonder if dentistry can really be that fun?
When not working she and her high school sweetheart now husband can be found supporting their twins or spending time with family.
Vanessa
Registed Dental Hygienist
Vanessa earned her Dental Hygiene Degree in 1986 from Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, IL. She later achieved certification to administer local anesthetic through the University of Illinois College of Dentistry and is licensed to administer nitrous oxide. Additionally, Vanessa holds certification in dental laser use from The Academy of Laser Dentistry.
With over 30 years of experience in both general and periodontal practices, Vanessa is highly skilled in all aspects of periodontal therapy. She is dedicated to providing the highest level of comprehensive care, tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each patient, ensuring their overall health and well-being.
Patient education has always been central to Vanessa’s approach. She strives to educate her patients about the connection between oral health and overall wellness, believing that successful treatment is a collaborative effort between the patient, the doctor, and herself. To further this mission, she created a series of educational videos titled “The Hygiene Connection,” focusing on the oral-systemic link.
Vanessa is an active member of the ADHA and the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health. She was honored with the RDH PIRA Recognition Award for her contributions to the dental community.
In her free time, Vanessa enjoys singing acapella with the international award-winning Melodeer Chorus of Sweet Adelines International. She and her high school sweetheart, Steve, are the proud parents of five children and two granddaughters.