Our Team

I have been in the dental industry since 1997, and my journey truly clicked when I began working in a pediatric dental office. Helping children feel comfortable and confident at the dentist has become my true passion. I am currently the office manager and at times miss working directly with the patients, but this gives me the opportunity to assist families in maximizing their insurance benefits to ensure they receive the best coverage for their procedures.

When I am not working, I like spending time with my family and close friends, whether it is going on some adventure or just sitting around the bonfire. Family and close friends are at the heart of everything I do, and I cherish the moments spent with them.

Fun Fact:

I google everything and call google my personal assistant.

My motto in life has always been to treat others how you would like to be treated. Therefore, here at Once Upon a Smile I treat every single patient with kindness and compassion. Whether I’m chatting with strangers or lifting up friends and family, my bubbly personality shines through in everything I do. I believe life’s too short not to smile, so I make it my mission to spread joy wherever I go!

In my free time outside of work you will find me outdoors exploring. I love trying new things and embracing new experiences since that’s what life is all about.

Fun Fact:

I have a contagious laugh.

I’ve been working as a receptionist for 9 years now and have been working at Once Upon A Smile for 2years now. I love working with kids and seeing all the cute little babies come in. I’ve always loved being around kids and I thank my sisters for that. They have blessed me with 5 nephews and 4 nieces that I adore and love so much. I am a first time mom to a beautiful baby girl and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I have been preparing for this moment since my oldest nephew was born❤️.

Fun fact:

I love to do nails outside of work. It is something I’m very passionate about, it brings out my artistic side.

I been in the dental field for 8 years. I love working with our team at Once Upon A Smile. Love working with kids and seeing all different attitudes. I am a mother of 3 kids, i have my daughter of 18 going off to college, my son of 14 going into High School and my son of 10 going in 5th grade. My kids are everything for me and i love the outdoors.

Fun Fact:

I love watching my kids play soccer. I will drop everything to go watch my kids play.

Hi there! I’m Giselle, the newest member of the OUAS family and a freshly certified dental assistant. I’m so excited to be part of a team that helps kids smile and feel brave in the dental chair! When I’m not at work, you’ll probably catch me dancing, biking around town, or catching up on my favorite reality TV shows and soap operas (yes, I live for the drama!). I’m also a big fan of concerts! I love exploring new places, so traveling is always on my to-do list. I can’t wait to meet all your little ones and help make their visit to the dentist a fun and fearless adventure!

Fun Fact:

I’m obsessed with dinosaurs! My favorite is the Brachiosaurus, I mean, how cool are those long necks?! Plus, they’re gentle herbivores, which just makes them even more loveable.

I have always lived in the Chicagoland area and live in the neighborhood I grew up in with my husband and two sons and our dog Chewy. We also take care of my Mother who lives with us as well.
I attended school at Southern Illinois University for Dental Hygiene and was lucky to find my joy for working in pediatrics early on in my career. It is always my goal to make each visit pleasant and fun for my patients while giving them the best quality care possible. I am passionate about helping patients that are very young and that have special needs find a dental home where they are not afraid and even look forward to coming for routine dental visits. Nothing makes me happier than seeing our patients smiling and excited both coming and leaving our office each visit.

Fun fact:

I love to visit Walt Disney World and consider myself a “ Disney Adult”. Although my teenage boys and husband do still love the trips as well!

I love working with all the amazing families that come through our doors. I feel like what makes what we do here so special is the way we care about our families. I have happily worked for Once Upon A Smile for over five years. My family includes my husband, Paul and daughter, Ella. We love to travel! Our favorite place to travel to is Walt Disney World.

Fun fact:

My daughter started as a patient here and I loved it so much I asked for a job.

Hi I’m Aneta, your front desk receptionist. I strive to make your experience at our office pleasant and at ease. When I’m not at the office, I love spending time outdoors with my husband Tom and my twins Emily and Dylan. We love to garden, off-road ATV riding, hiking and spending time by the bonfire.

Fun Fact:

I have 8 egg laying Chickens and love the Country Life.

Hey everyone! I’m Shalan, and I’m so excited to be one of the newest faces at OUAS! You’ll usually find me bouncing between the front and back as both a front desk assistant and dental assistant, basically your all-in-one helper! I first joined the OUAS crew as a shadowing student at our Hoffman Estates office, and I loved it so much that I had to come back as part of the family.

I’m a recent grad from Loyola University Chicago, where I completed the 4+1 BSPH/MPH program in public health. Now, I’m gearing up for my next big adventure: dental school! Working here at OUAS has been the perfect way to explore both the clinical and administrative sides of dentistry, and it’s made me even more excited for what’s ahead.

Outside of work, you’ll catch me hanging out with friends, going to concerts, hiking, or lifting weights at the gym. I’m a huge art lover too! I’m always down for pottery, singing, dancing… basically anything creative! I also teach Sunday School at my church, which is where I discovered how much I love working with kids, so this pediatric dental setting feels just right.

OUAS is every kid’s dream. From the themed rooms to the amazing team (I’m not biased, I promise), this place is full of joy, color, and comfort. With an office this beautiful and welcoming, I promise your little one won’t want to leave! I’m so excited to meet your kiddos, cheer them on, and help them conquer those sugar bugs one tooth at a time. Hope to see you soon!

Fun fact:

I’m a whistling pro! I can whistle just about any song from start to finish, just don’t make me laugh while I’m doing it!

Hi there! I’m Erika, the lead dental assistant here at OUAS and your go-to gal for making dental visits a breeze. I’ve been in the dental field for 17 years, bouncing between pediatric and orthodontic offices, but my heart has truly found a home here for the past 2.5 years! I specialize in working with our amazing special needs patients and have lots of experience in behavioral management to help every child feel safe and supported.

When I’m not in scrubs, I’m all about glam! I’ve got a huge passion for makeup, hair, and skincare. Lately, I’ve fallen in love with working out (my new happy place is the gym!). I also adore being outdoors, whether I’m camping under the stars or hiking a new trail.

But my greatest role? Being a proud mama to three beautiful kiddos who light up my world. I’m so excited to meet all our little tooth warriors and help them feel right at home. See you at your next visit!

Fun Fact:

Oh, and fun fact, I’ve been told I’m pretty good at doing voices and accents. I like to think I was a voice actor in a past life!

Hi, I’m Jazmin! I’ve been in the dental field for 17 years, and while I’ve pretty much done it all, working with kids is what I love most. Not everyone has the patience for it, but I genuinely enjoy making their visits as comfortable and fun as possible especially because I didn’t have that experience growing up. I treat every patient like they’re part of my own family, and I believe that’s the key to truly loving what you do.

I’m super family-oriented. As the youngest of three and the only girl, I grew up knowing my way around sports! I was born in Los Angeles, California, and moved to Illinois when I was six. These days, I’m living in two very different worlds as a mom to a freshman in college and a first grader. My daughter Natalie and my son Mason keep me on my toes, and most weekends you’ll find me on the sidelines cheering them on. Life is busy, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

When I get a little time for myself, I love exploring new restaurants, dancing, and taking long walks with my 2-year-old Goldendoodle, Rex.

Fun Fact:

I’m also a licensed esthetician.