Our vision is that we are known for educating and guiding our patients along a path of optimal oral and dental health by providing the highest level of state-of-the-art dentistry. Our focus is oral and systemic health, cosmetic dentistry, and functional dentistry. We expect, every day, as a team of energetic professionals to earn the loyalty and trust of our patients.

Dr. Paul Etchison was born in the city of Joliet, Illinois. He spent his childhood growing up in Lockport and graduated from Lockport Township High School. Continuing his education, he graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with a Bachelor of Science and a minor in chemistry. Dr. Etchison then attended the University of Illinois College of Dentistry where he was awarded his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree along with a Bachelor of Science in dentistry.

Dr. Kathy joined the Nelson Ridge team in 2015 and grew up in Munster, Indiana. She received her Bachelors degree in biology from Purdue University, after which she attended Indiana University School of Dentistry where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery with high distinction. After graduating from dental school, Dr. Pycinska elected to continue her dental education by completing a one-year, general practice residency at the VA Medical Center in Indianapolis.

Dr. Djordjevic grew up in Lyons and graduated from Lyons Township High school before earning his bachelors degree from the University of Wisconsin. He then went on to earn his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of Michigan. Dr. Djordjevic believes that lifelong learning through continuing education courses are important to stay current with the latest advancements in dental technology and dental procedures. He treats all of his patients like family and strives to provide his patients with a dental experience that exceeds their expectations. Dr. Djordjevic and his wife, Jasmina live in Darien with their son Maks and twin daughters Katarina and Nevena. Outside of the office Dr. Djordjevic enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, reading and traveling.

Dr.Radon completed her undergraduate degree with honors from University of Illinois at Chicago. She then earned my Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree from Midwestern University. She dedicates her my free time to continuing education through Spear Academy in areas of aesthetic dentistry and orthodontics. While commuting to work, She listen to dental podcasts that cover a variety of topics that range from the latest technology in dentistry to implementing the best dental care possible to patients.

Dr. Amir Danesh earned his DDS in 2008 and received his postdoctoral specialty training in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry at New York University. Dr. Daneshs goal is to put his patients interests first and minimize inconvenience and stress by making processes noninvasive and more efficient. He is a big believer in evidence-based dentistry and uses current techniques and industry breakthroughs to provide the highest quality of care to his patients.

Joanna was born in Blue Island and raised in Homer Glen. She went to Lockport High School where she dated and eventually married her high school sweetheart, Dr. Paul Etchison. Joanna graduated from Parkland College in Champaign, IL where she received her Associates in dental hygiene in 2005. She has worked in a general and pediatric office for the past 13 years and loves her job!

Joanna oversees going to the elementary schools and educating the children of the importance of oral healthcare. She loves working with children more than anything else and getting kids to love the dentist. She takes pride in educating her patients (young and young at heart) on oral hygiene and helping build their confidence.

Amanda grew up in Oak Forest and now lives in Orland Park. She fell in love with dentistry when she started working as a dental assistant after high school. She quickly realized her passion and continued her education to become a dental hygienist. Amanda graduated from Parkland College in Champaign and is a licensed and board-certified dental hygienist. She proceeded to complete her Bachelors in dental hygiene at the University of Michigan. GO BLUE! Amanda has been in the dental field for 13 years and her passion continually grows each and every day she gets to provide quality care to her patients.

Amanda loves to create a comfortable, fun, and friendly environment for her patients while educating them on the importance of oral health in relation to overall health. Along with her full scope of dental hygiene, she loves being licensed to perform local anesthesia and nitrous oxide to create the most comfortable dental experience for her patients.

Amanda married her high school sweetheart, John, in October of 2015 on Halloween in Milwaukee. They love to spend time with family and friends, go the movies, camp at Lake Shelbyville and go to the dog park with their new fur baby, Maxie.

Pamela was raised in Chicago Ridge and graduated in 2009 from Prairie State College with a degree in Dental Hygiene. Educating her patients about prevention of oral cancer, periodontal disease, and cavities is her daily mission. One of Pamelas favorite parts of being a hygienist is the relationships she develops with her patients.

Joining Nelson Ridge Family Dental in May of 2012, she believes the quality of dentistry and the warm, positive atmosphere sets this practice well above the rest. Away from work, Pamela enjoys spending time with her husband, Kevin, and their dog, Jax, and being surrounded by family and friends.

Calla grew up in a small town in Illinois called Harding (population of 800!). She moved to Ottawa in 2002 and then moved to Champaign in 2010. She attended Illinois Valley Community College and then transferred to Parkland College to obtain her license in Dental Hygiene, where she graduated in 2013. She then attended Eastern Illinois University where she completed her Bachelors degree in 2015, and joined our practice the same year.

She enjoys furthering her education to help her patients achieve optimal oral health, and regularly takes classes and reads dental articles in her spare time. She holds certifications in CPR and other job-related training courses. She enjoys developing close relationships with her patients, helping to create their dream smiles and educating them on preventive routines for optimal oral health.

Calla and her husband have one dog named Ruby (a miniature poodle) who they enjoy spoiling, and plan on having children in the future. Calla enjoys spending time gardening, hiking, fishing, golfing, camping, boating on the river, traveling and being with friends and family. She also enjoys brewing her own kombucha and plans on taking up pottery soon.

Krista was born in Chicago and grew up in Tinley Park. She went to Andrew High School where she graduated in 2007. Krista knew her career would be in the dental field from the moment she had braces. She was determined to motivate others to help them achieve the same confidence she had watching her own smile transform. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelors degree in biological science in 2011, and then continued to get her degree as a licensed dental hygienist from Prairie State College. She is also certified in local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and CPR.

She enjoys building personal relationships with her patients and taking the time to become familiar with each patients individual needs. Krista finds the most rewarding part of her job is seeing results in her patients, as their oral and overall health improves. She also LOVES the people she works with, as they all work together very well as a team.

Krista is very close with family, growing up with her grandparents right next door! Now she has her own fur baby, an English Mastiff named Tiger who gets slobber everywhere! When Krista is not busy in the office, she loves working out, traveling, cooking/baking, reading, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.

Lauren spent time growing up in Bolingbrook, Naperville, and Plainfield, IL, graduating from Plainfield High School in 2004. She has been a dental assistant for over 9 years. She has been working chairside with Dr. Etchison since 2009 and has been at Nelson Ridge since the practice opened. She really enjoys taking care of people, providing a warm and comforting experience, and seeing smiles on their faces after a great visit.

Lauren has four children with her husband, Rob, and currently lives in Minooka. They also have a giant dog and three cats. Between work, sports, activities, and school, they still find time to enjoy camping, fishing, and traveling to visit family and friends around the states. She also loves photography, capturing still moments through the lens and creating beautiful memories someone can treasure for a lifetime. Lauren also enjoys watching sports, whether its her kids playing or the pros.

Jaclyn grew up in Lockport and currently lives in a small town (population 365!) called Bonfield. She graduated from Lockport High School in 2005 and then went on to broadcasting school in Lombard where she received her certificate in Broadcasting. She has been in the dentistry field for over 11 years and couldnt be happier! She joined Nelson Ridge in March of 2012 and feels that being able to help people overcome their fears and be as comfortable as possible is the most rewarding part of her job!

Jaclyn is married and has an amazing step-son named Charley, and an English Mastiff named Tracker. She recently became an Aunt to her beautiful nephew, Jackson, and their family is very close, enjoying as much time together as they can. In her free time, she enjoys hitting the shooting range with her husband, fishing, boating, four wheeling, hiking, (pretty much anything outdoors) and having a good time with friends and family.

Ashley has been in the dental field for over 12 years working in both the front office and as a dental assistant. She thoroughly enjoys working in both sides of the practice and feels it allows her to have great relationships with our patients.

Ashley grew up in Lockport and still currently lives there with her husband, daughter, and their two dogs, Guinness and Vader. In her spare time, she enjoys four-wheeling, fishing, and boating at their blueberry farm in Michigan.

Corrie grew up in Brookfield and currently resides in Tinley Park. She attended Riverside Brookfield High School where she graduated in 1999. Corrie is certified in CPR and loves being able to make patients feel comfortable while developing personal relationships with them.

Corrie is a mom of two young boys, so her hobbies include going to Costco and Target (by herself as an added bonus). She loves spending time with her two boys, friends, and family. They enjoy going for walks on the beach with their dog, Buddy.

Katie has lived in Tinley Park since she was a little girl. She attended Victor J. Andrew High School and graduated in the class of 2011. She loves helping patients overcome their fear of the dental office. She loves seeing them smile and feel comfortable in the chair.

Megan is a lifelong resident of Elwood, IL and has been a dental assistant for eight years. She loves that we all work together as a team to give our patients an amazing experience and make them feel comfortable.

Megan is very close with her family and they love spending time cooking out, boating, and doing water sports. She has two sisters, one brother, and a daughter named Cameron. When shes not in the office helping patients, she loves spending time at the lake, going to concerts, and cheering on her daughter at her sporting events!

Erica was born and raised in the south side of Chicago and currently lives in Lockport. She attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale where she studied dental hygiene and graduated with a Bachelors degree in 2008.

Erica loves teaching patients how to care for their smiles, and the reward of seeing the physical and emotional change patients go through when they achieve optimal dental health. Thorough, quality care for her patients is extremely important to her!

Erica married her husband, Adam, in the Bahamas in 2010. They have a son, Graham, and a puggle, Darby. When shes not in the office helping patients, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.

Amy grew up in Tinley Park and received her Associates degree from Moraine Valley before completing a semester at Governor State University. Amy has been in the dental field for 15 years and she loves what she does. Her job allows her to live her passion and do what she does besttaking care of people. She enjoys the relationships she develops with each and every patient, and loves being able to take care of their needs while helping them understand their treatment and the importance of it, as well as helping them understand insurance and financing options.

Amy is married and the proud mother of four beautiful children, two boys and two girls. They also have a dog named Storm and a cat named Seven. She enjoys gardening, reading, hiking, repurposing furniture, and most of all, spending time with her family. She especially loves weekend getaways with the kids!

Kristie attended Moraine Valley Community College and joined the Nelson Ridge Family Dental team in October 2013. She has worked in the dental field as a front desk coordinator for over 19 years in general dentistry and orthodontics. She has also worked as a dental assistant and has additional training in coronal polishing and dental sealants.

Kristie enjoys meeting new people and building personal and professional relationships. She loves helping patients attain optimal dental health and a smile they can feel proud of, and helping them understand their insurance benefits and financing options. Kristie loves spending time with family and friends, as well as reading, cooking, and traveling in her spare time.

Vicky grew up in Tinley Park and currently lives in Tinley. She has been working in the dental field for over six years. For Vicky, the best part of this job is the great relationships she builds with our patients, our positive atmosphere, and seeing how happy our patients are after their visits. She also loves the close friendships she has formed with our team.

Maggie grew up in Peotone, IL where she graduated from Peotone High School in 2008. She then went to school in Springfield, IL to study Aesthetics. After working in the skin care industry for six years, she made the transition to the dental community and couldnt be happier! She gets to continue helping people better themselves while creating a comfortable and fun environment.

Maggie loves spending time with her husband and dog in their Manhattan home. Shes also very close with her family and spends as much time with them as possible. Maggie enjoys going to concerts, practicing yoga, and going to the movies with her husband.

Deb grew up right here in New Lenox and Park Forest, and now lives in Green Garden. She went to Rich East High School and attended Northern Illinois University from 1993-1996. For Deb, the best part of this job is talking to patients and making them feel comfortable.

Justine is originally from St. Louis and has experience in personal training as well as anatomy and kinesiology. Justine is proud to be a part of NRFD since its opening in 2012. She feels the team members create a true family that cares deeply about its patients and their dental experiences. It feels great to provide outstanding care and compassion to our patients, and she loves helping them reach their oral health goals.

Justine is a mother of three beautiful young ladies and has an amazing and supportive partner that comes along with his two wonderful bonus daughters. She is a professional womens physique competitor in the International Federation of Bodybuilding, and enjoys working out, going to concerts, cooking, and reading in her free time.

Diana was born and raised in Joliet and currently resides in Shorewood. Diana had previously worked in the dental field for 15 years as both a dental assistant and office administrator, but after stepping away and continuing work in the customer service field at Joliet Jr. College for many years, she decided to come back to her roots and join the amazing, heartfelt team at NRFD. Diana loves the interaction with patients, especially greeting everyone with a friendly hello and smile! Putting patients at ease, listening to their fears, compassion and treating patients like family this is what sets NRFD apart from everyone else.

Diana and her husband Tom have two grown children, daughter Frankie and son Ian, who both live/work in the area but are still frequent dinner guests! Then, theres Ruby, their American Bulldog, who loves napping in the recliner and who also enjoys dinnertime with family.

Kailee grew up in Shorewood, Illinois and currently resides in Channahon. After four years in the dental industry as an assistant, she decided to further her education. In 2008, she graduated from Parkland College with her AAS in Dental Hygiene. With twelve years of experience as a hygienist, her favorite part of her career is developing a rapport with her patients and making them feel comfortable in the dental chair. She enjoys attending continuing education courses to stay up to date on the newest in the dental field.

When she is not at the office, Kailee enjoys spending time with her husband and their 2 year old son. She has a 70 pound lap dog Named Rico, who loves her attention. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outside, traveling, reading and baking.

Jacki was born and raised in Manhattan Area. She attended St. Josephs Grade School and Lincoln-Way Central. Her favourite part of her job is to build relationships with the patients and helping the in the best possible way. Jacki loves to watch Cubs games, taking vacations in the Florida Keys and spending time with her family. She has been married to her husband, Pat for 20 years and have 5 children and 5 grandchildren.

Julie was born and raised in Chicago Heights. She completed her education from the Prairie State College 2012-2014. Julies favorite part of the job is making patients happy and seeing them smile. She likes to spend time with family and friends, shop, and bowl.

Were all about bonding at Nelson Ridge Family Dental. Bonding involves a tooth-colored resin used to fix cracks, build out chips, hide stains, and fill gaps. If your smile could use some fine tuning without a major investment, bonding could be the perfect solution. Both cosmetic and restorative in nature, bonding can put the finishing touches on your new and improved smile.

Theres no need to find a pediatric dentist in New Lenoxwere happy to see your kiddos at Nelson Ridge Family Dental! Where many practices wont see babies or kids until a certain age, were happy to care for your babe as soon as their first tooth emerges, so schedule their first dental visit around their first birthday!

We know what youre thinking Botox at the dentist!? Its true. In fact, dentists are actually one of the most highly-qualified professionals to provide Botox injections because we are already skilled in delivering pain-free injections into delicate facial regions. Why not smooth out years of fine lines and wrinkles from the comfort of your dental home?

If youve just undergone a smile makeover or other cosmetic improvements, you deserve to frame your new sense of pride without revealing your age. Aside from eliminating fine lines and wrinkles, Botox can also provide pain relief from tension headaches and migraines associated with teeth grinding and clenching and TMJ dysfunction. Aaah thats better!