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.
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 further achieved her certification to administer local anesthetic through the University of Illinois College of Dentistry and is licensed to administer nitrous oxide. Vanessa also holds certification in the use of dental lasers through The Academy of Laser Dentistry.
With over 30 years of experience in both general and periodontal practice,
Vanessa is highly skilled in all aspects of periodontal therapies. She believes in delivering the highest level of comprehensive periodontal and oral care to each patient to ensure the stability of their overall health. She recognizes that each patient is a unique individual and that no two patients are the same. Therefore, each patient receives the treatment best suited for their individual needs for a positive outcome.
Patient education has always been the foundation of Vanessa’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. To ensure her patients receive the cutting edge of information on oral health, Vanessa developed a series of educational videos tagged “The Hygiene Connection”, focusing on the oral systemic link.
Vanessa is a proud member of both The ADHA and The American Academy of Oral Systemic Health. She was extremely humbled to receive the RDH PIRA Recognition Award for excellence in making a difference in the dental community.
During her free time, Vanessa enjoys her second passion in life singing acappella music with the International award-winning chorus of Sweet Adelines International, The Melodeer Chorus.
Vanessa married her high school sweetheart Steve and they are the proud parents of five wonderful children and two sweet granddaughters.
When not working she and her high school sweetheart now husband can be found supporting their twins or spending time with family.