Meet the Team

Friendly, caring, and professional hand holders.

Our Benjamin Turnwald Dentistry team

Let Us Personally Introduce You to Our Amazing Dental Team

Select a photo to read their bios.

Your Wonderful Hy-geniuses

Leah

Dental Hygienist

Tell us about yourself.

“I was born and raised in Illinois. I lived in Colorado for five years before moving back to Illinois. I am married and enjoy being outdoors and gardening. I consider it yard therapy… it’s good for my soul.”

Why did you choose dentistry?

“I did a career aptitude test when I was young and dental hygiene was a choice I did not know anything about. Fortunately for me, it has been a perfect fit for 25 years! The best part of my job is providing a comfortable atmosphere to help patients work through their dental fears and to help them achieve their goals for their dental health.”

Previous Experience and Educational Achievements:

  • Dental assistant in high school
  • Received Dental Hygiene degree from Parkland College in Champaign, IL

What do you do outside the office?

“I enjoy the outdoors. Like I mentioned, gardening is yard therapy because it’s good for my soul. I’m married and we have a home in Wisconsin that we try to enjoy with our family and friends as often as possible. My hero has always been Abe Lincoln… he was hard-working, self-taught, courageous, and humane. Also, my mom taught me to ‘always give 100%,’ and I live by that every day. I believe if I were a flavor of ice cream, I would be mint chip because I am not vanilla – I’m sweet with bits of fun throughout!”

Jen

Dental Hygienist

Tell us about yourself.

“I grew up in a small town in central Michigan and attended Ferris State University for my dental hygiene degree. I moved to Chicago after college, met my husband, and then moved to Arlington Heights, where weʼve lived for the last eight years and have been raising our three children.”

Why did you choose dentistry?

“I chose dentistry because Iʼve always wanted to work in the medical field helping people. After having braces when I was 12, I was fascinated with working with teeth, which led me to a dental hygiene career. And I’ve never looked back. I love building relationships with my patients and helping them feel comfortable and relaxed.”

What do you do outside the office?

“I love running, reading, camping, hiking, and doing anything outdoors with my husband and kids.”

What’s one item on your bucket list?

“I want to travel to Europe.”

What’s one interesting fact about yourself?

“I’ve run 10 marathons.”

Jen

Dental Hygienist

Tell us about yourself.

“I grew up in Glen Ellyn, IL with my parents and younger sister. I graduated from the College of DuPage dental hygiene program in 2006 and have been practicing hygiene ever since.

I have a wonderful husband of 5 years and a 3 year old son, who is my everything.”

Why did you choose dentistry?

“Since I was young I loved going to the dentist, and at age 20, my childhood dentist hired me to help out at the front desk. From there I started assisting and knew I wanted to go a step further and be a hygienist.

I found dentistry fascinating and wanted to be able to help others.”

What is the best part of your job?

“Easing people’s anxiety and ultimately making sure their experience was a positive one. I want everyone to walk out with a smile.”

What aspect of your personality adds the most value to the office?

“Working together as a team and our dedication to patients’ health.”

What do you do outside the office?

“My favorite season is spring/summer, so you will find me outside most of the day when it’s warm. I love running, live concerts, wine tasting, traveling and spending time on the boat at my parents’ lake house”

What’s one item on your bucket list?

“Thailand is at the top of my bucket list destinations. Their culture, lifestyle and overall beauty is something I cannot wait to experience!”

Who is your hero and why?

“Betty White. Her love for animals, hard work and dedication in everything she did. She was witty and classy up until her final days.”

Your Personal Sidekicks

Karla

Dental Assistant

Tell us about yourself.

“I have lived in Algonquin for the past 13 years. Now, I have the company of my wonderful 5-year-old daughter, Gizelle! I recently received my dental assistant certificate from Chicago Dental Assisting School.”

Why did you choose dentistry?

“I always knew I wanted to be in the dental field. I loved the idea that a person’s smile, confidence, and health could all be positively affected in the atmosphere of a dental office. I worked in other medical atmospheres prior to becoming a dental assistant. After a few years, I accepted my passion was always meant to be in dentistry, so I went back to school for dental assisting, and I have not looked back!”

What’s the best part of your job?

“The best part of my job is that I wake up every single morning looking forward to helping others achieve their dental goals.”

What aspect of your personality adds the most value to the office?

“I’m passionate about what I do, and that affects all our patients and members of our team! I feel my humbleness also adds value because, in this field, you will meet people with different backgrounds every day! It’s important you know how to genuinely build relations with different patients you encounter.”

What do you do outside the office?

“Outside of work, I love to explore the outdoors by doing things such as hiking or going to different state parks! I love to work out, as well. It’s a fun way to relieve any stress and challenge myself daily! On the weekends, I search for new places to travel with my daughter, friends, and family! If I were an ice cream flavor, I would be neapolitan because I have a lot of different flavors mixed into my personality!”

What’s one item on your bucket list?

“One thing I would love to cross off my bucket list is to go skydiving! Every day is an opportunity to try something new and live life to the fullest!”

What’s your favorite quote?

“The best quote I ever heard is, “Nothing changes if nothing changes.” If you want something in life, you have to hold yourself accountable to initiate the first step to make a change towards success and happiness!”

Violet

Dental Assistant

Tell us about yourself.

“I’ve lived in Illinois my whole life, primarily in the Elgin area. I am a proud middle child. I have an older and younger sister, as well as a younger brother! “

Why did you choose dentistry?

“My reasoning for choosing dentistry stems from my passion of helping and building trust with other individuals. Being able to ease patients anxieties, and create a bond that encourages them to continue making healthy choices for their smile. Also that you can never truly stop learning in dentistry!”

What is the best part of your job?

“The best part of my job is being able to work as a team player and accomplish someone’s dental dreams!”

What aspect of your personality adds the most value to the office?

“Always striving to be a great listener, and being dedicated to my work.”

What do you do outside the office?

“Currently I am a full time college student, studying dental hygiene. In end goals of becoming a dental hygienist and continuing my passion for dentistry. I also enjoy traveling, and spending my days in downtown with my friends and family!”

What’s an interesting fact about yourself?

“I am 100% Assyrian!”

What would be the theme song of your life?

“Electric Love – by BORNS”

Elena

Dental Assistant

Tell us about yourself.

“I grew up in Bartlett, IL with my mom, older and younger brothers.

I currently live within 10 minutes of BTD with my beautiful son, Messiah.”

Why did you choose dentistry?

“I chose dentistry on a whim and figured I’d give it a shot and I am glad did as I NEVER imagined loving dentistry and teeth as a whole this much!! The satisfaction of seeing a case start to finish and being apart of transforming patients smiles makes me love this job as a whole.”

What is the best part of your job?

“The best part of my job is working with such a great team to help our practice’s patients feel comfortable, safe and keep their oral health in check.”

What aspect of your personality adds the most value to the office?

“My outgoing, confident and nurturing personality adds most value to Benjamin Turnwald Dentistry. It not only helps the patients feel my care, but also shows my peers how much I want to put in the work to keep our practice consistently booming.”

What do you do outside the office?

“Outside the office, you can find me doing some type of art or crafty creation, cooking/baking, or going to the gym.” 

What’s an interesting fact about yourself?

“I am left-handed.” 

What is the best quote you’ve ever heard?

“See the things you want as already yours”- Rhonda

The Customer Service Extraordinaires

Jackie

Practice Director

Tell us about yourself.

“I live in a small town with my husband, beautiful baby boy, and three dogs. I love spending time with my family and friends on the weekend, and being outdoors.”

Why did you choose dentistry?

“I didn’t choose dentistry; dentistry chose me. After working in a few other medical related jobs, I met a dentist who introduced me to the field, and I’ve never looked back. The best part of my job is helping people achieve their dental goals and transforming their smiles in a comfortable, calm and fun environment.”

Previous Experience and Educational Achievements:

  • I’ve been a dental assistant since 2014
  • Certification in Coronal Polishing and Sealants

What do you do outside the office?

“When I’m outside of work, I love to spend time with my family, husband, baby, 3 dogs, and friends. We love to be out and about and being outdoors. My personal heroes would definitely be my mom and dad, teaching me to be strong, independent, and kind. My mom has always told me to be aware of my surroundings, and I find that taking me through my life and is something I will pass on to my child as he grows. If I were an ice cream flavor, I would be moose tracks because it has all of the best flavors mixed in one.”

Sarah

Director of Marketing

Tell us about yourself.

“My family includes my husband Mike and my dog Finn. ❤ We recently moved to Texas and are enjoying a new state, especially because both of us were born and raised in the Chicago suburbs.”

Why did you choose dentistry?

“Currently, my role at Benjamin Turnwald Dentistry is the marketing director, but I originally joined the team in 2016 as a dental hygienist. Before that, I was a dental assistant, and that’s when I fell in love with the dental field. I knew I wanted to be a bigger role in a dental office and connect with patients.”

What’s the best part of your job?

“Making all the little touches behind the scenes to make a big impact on our current patients or future patients.”

What aspect of your personality adds the most value to the office?

“My creativity and making all things look beautiful.”

Previous Experience and Educational Achievements:

  • Michigan State University-Bachelor of Arts degree
  • Harper College- Associates Degree in Applied Science
  • Registered Dental Hygienist- State of Illinois
  • Nitrous Oxide certified
  • Local Anesthetic certified
  • Received HuFriedy Golden Scaler Award
  • Master of Recycling

What do you do outside the office?

“I love to go camping during the summer with my husband, dog, and any friends who want to sleep outside. If we get to stop at a new brewery along the way, then it’s an added bonus. 🙂 I also enjoy playing board games, learning new board games, puzzling, and reading any book that could help me be a better human.”

What’s one item on your bucket list?

“To see the northern lights.”

What would be the theme song of your life?

“(Nothing But) Flowers by Talking Heads.”

Kim

Treatment Coordinator

Tell us about yourself.

“I grew up in Elk Grove Village and have been in the dental field for more than 30 years, starting as a dental assistant before moving into administrative roles.”

Why did you choose dentistry?

“I love helping people achieve confident smiles in a safe and comfortable environment. I also love interacting with different patients every day from all walks of life, ethnicities, ages, and personal goals.”

Educational Achievements:

  • 2 years at Western Illinois University
  • Many years of active continuing education courses relating to the field of dentistry
  • 15 years hosting and organizing continuing education courses in the fields of general and interdisciplinary dentistry

What do you do outside the office?

“I love reading, refinishing antique furniture, and going on nature walks. My personal hero is my dad, who is respected by everyone. The lesson I still live by from my mom is ‘never tell a lie. Honesty is always best!’ I believe if I were a flavor of ice cream, I would be caramel because it’s sweet and smooth.”

Maribeth

Patient Coordinator

Tell us about yourself.

“I was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs. I have three beautiful daughters and am celebrating 30 years of marriage with my husband. I love my two grand-puppies Ollie & Cooper who make me smile everyday! I am a licensed cosmetologist and continue to see clients for over 30 years.”

Why did you choose dentistry?

“My favorite thing in life is getting to know people, listening to their concerns and stories, and being able to help them achieve great results. Dentistry is about building trusting relationships and taking the journey with patients as they work towards a beautiful, healthy smile. It’s a wonderful experience to be a part of!”

What is the best part of your job?

“Working with an amazing Team!!”

What aspect of your personality adds the most value to the office?

“Positive energy and get-it-done attitude”

What do you do outside the office?

“I enjoy traveling, love floral arranging, walks through nature, taking photos, and spending time with friends.”

What’s one item from your bucket list?

“Visit Dubai”

What is the best quote you’ve ever heard?

“Be humble and kind”

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