Our Staff
Our skilled, intelligent, courteous staff is here to make sure you and your child are as comfortable and satisfied as possible throughout your entire visit. Take a moment to find out more about everyone below.
The Dentist
Kelly A. Kirtland, D.D.S.
Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
I graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, TX ten years ago (06/98). Between college and dental school I worked for a pediatric dentist who inspired me. He showed me how rewarding and challenging a career in pediatric dentistry can be. As of January 10, 2008, I've celebrated five years of practice ownership. I also completed a one-year General Practice Residency in Denver, CO at Denver Health Medical Center and a two-year Pediatric Dental Residency in Cleveland, OH at Metrohealth Medical Center.
Upon completion of specialty training, pediatric dentists voluntarily seek the personal quest for professional excellence through an evaluation and critique of their abilities by their colleagues. Pediatric dentists are eligible to be examined by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a board of five peers elected by the membership of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists. This rigorous examination is voluntary and is for the purpose of validation and improvement of the pediatric dentist's clinical and diagnostic abilities. Successful examination permits one to be designated a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and to become a member of the College of Diplomates, which I have done.
You can find out more about my education and me by viewing my CV.
Office Manager
Pat Snow
I have been working for Dr. Kirtland for as long as she has owned this practice. I handle all the “behind the scenes” work: our accounts receivable, payroll, and accounts payable. I make all the arrangements with patient insurance carriers and schedule all of our little ones for dental surgeries in the operating room at the hospital or with our dental anesthesiologist who sedates children in the office for us. I have over 30 years of dental experience that I bring to the office.
Dental Hygienists
Joanna Etchison, RDH
Originally I majored in early childhood education at Illinois State University. I later received my Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene from Parkland College in Champaign, IL in 2005. Since graduation, I have worked exclusively in pediatrics. I have a true passion for working with children and special needs patients.
Tricia Barney, RDH
I am originally from Dayton, Ohio. I received my degree in dental hygiene from Sinclair College in 1993. I have worked exclusively with children and special needs patients since that time. In 2003, my husband, our three children and I moved to Illinois. We love it here, but we still say "GO BUCKEYES"!
Full Time Assistants
Sarah Serpico
I have been working full time here with Dr. Kirtland since August of 2006. I am the head assistant and am in charge of ordering all dental supplies. I am Polishing and Sealant certified by the Illinois State Dental Society and have very good radiology skills. I also assist Dr. Kirtland to Valley Ambulatory Center where we restore children’s teeth while they are under general anesthesia.
Jasmine Thorne
I started working here as a full-time dental assistant In August of 2007. I am polishing and sealant certified by the Illinois State Dental Society. I enjoy polishing kids’ teeth and making their smiles bright! I am also a graduate student in the Intercultural Studies Program at Wheaton College. I have my bachelor’s degree from Knoxville College. I am also fluent in French and Spanish.
Elisabeth Romano
I have been working for Dr. Kirtland since March of 2005 when I was sixteen years old. I am Polishing and Sealant certified, as well as Basic Intraoral and Panoramic Radiographic techniques certified by the Illinois State Dental Society. I am currently working towards a double major in Dance Performance and K-12th Special Education.
Nikki Thorne
I have worked for Dr. Kirtland since May of 2008. I am Polishing and Sealant certified by the Illinois State Dental Society. I enjoy working with children and all the people that have welcomded me here with open arms. I currently spend most of my time at the front desk with Stephanie.
Part Time Assistants
Stephanie Romano
I’ve been working for Dr. Kirtland since August of 2004. The first two years I assisted Dr. Kirtland with dental procedures. I am Polishing and Sealant certified, as well as Basic Intraoral and Panoramic Radiographic techniques certified by the Illinois State Dental Society. I have since taken over the front desk responsibilities including scheduling and estimation and collection of co-pays. I’m probably the person you talk to first when you call our office. I graduated from College of DuPage in 2007 with an associate’s degree in general studies. I LOVE KIDS! They make me smile.
Michelle Chua
I have been working as a part-time dental assistant for Dr. Kirtland since May of 2005. I am Polishing and Sealant Certified by the Illinois State Dental Society. It is going to be my 4th year at Loyola University Chicago majoring in Biology. I I work full time in the summer, and when i am not at Loyola I return to help Dr. Kirtland during the busy days. I am planning on going to dental hygiene school, and I hope to continue working with Dr. Kirtland in the future.
Erin Gergen
I have been working for Dr. Kirtland since August of 2006. I was a previous patient of Dr. Kirtland's, and she eventually offered me a job as an assistant. I will be attending College of DuPage to study Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education. I am Polishing and Sealant certified by the Illinois State Dental Society.
Kelly Rochford
I started working for Dr. Kirtland in September 2008. Currently, I am a senior at Glenbard East, where I used to be a cheerleader. I graduate from East in June 2009. After that, I plan on attending hygiene school. When I'm not working, I enjoy teaching Religious Education to the younger children at my church.
