We recognize that all of our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.
We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.
Barbara
Head Dental Assistant
I love assisting Dr. Collins and have been his assistant for many years now. I know all of the procedures and we work very efficiently together to provide excellent dental care to our patients. It’s been my pleasure to work with this team since 1997—I can’t imagine working anywhere else! I love my job and look forward to going to work every day.
I’m originally from Poland and am fluent in Polish and English. My husband and I have two boys who are grown now. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, cooking, traveling, and spending time with my friends, family, and our sweet dog, Puszek.
Julia
Dental Assistant
I have worked for Dr. Collins since 2019. He is a wonderful dentist; he focuses on our patients as individuals and offers a complete range of solutions to their specific dental needs. I appreciate the trust our patients place in us and make every effort to honor that trust by providing the highest level of dental care possible. I always look forward to caring for our patients, and making each person who comes to our practice smile!
Most of my free time is spent attending the College of Lake County where I’m studying to become a dental hygienist.
Shannon
Dental Assistant
I attended First Institute Crystal Lake and completed a dental assisting internship in 2012. Three years later, I became a part of the Gentle Dental Care team! I really enjoy working alongside Dr. Collins, our hygienist, and the rest of our team. They are all amazing people and have become like family too me.
I have been in a wonderful relationship for 20 years. I have a 24-year-old son and a one-and-a-half-year-old grandson who are my world! I also have a seven-year-old American bully. I love to read, play games, and watch football (Go Bears!).
Chase
Dental Assistant
I’ve always been drawn to the dental field; it’s not a surprise, as Dr. Collins is my dad! I guess you could say dentistry is in my blood! I’ve worked at the office since high school and continue to work here part-time on breaks from college. I’m currently applying to dental school and hope to attend after graduating from college in the spring. What I find most interesting about dentistry is the variety of patients I meet. They’re all fascinating people, and I love being a part of improving their lives.
In my spare time, I like to play spikeball and snow ski. I’m active in my fraternity at college and worked with the Boys & Girls Club to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Andrea
Office Manager
I am fairly new to the dental field but have a background in social work and education. When I joined Dr. Collins’ team in 2017, I brought my experience and organizational skills to the front office, where I’m in charge of hiring, policies, and administrative duties. However, the most important aspect of my job is creating a welcoming atmosphere for our patients. Everyone on our team is invested in providing the very best dental care and experience for each of our patients. We all enjoy working together and have a lot of fun, too!
I am married with three children. I love baking for my family and co-workers, and enjoy staying active as well. In winter, I love to cross-country ski, and boat and swim in the summer. I also keep busy training and competing in triathlons, from sprint to Ironman distances. In the rest of my free time, I enjoy being involved in our local church and mission trips locally and in Guatemala and Africa.
Linda
Patient Coordinator
I felt like I fit right in the day I started working at Dr. Collins’ office. Everyone here is intelligent and friendly—a really great crew! I work at our front desk where I greet patients, collect insurance information, prepare and process payments and claims for insurance, schedule appointments, and check patients out at the end of their appointment. I like meeting new people and hearing their stories. It really helps patients feel comfortable and helps build trust with them.
I am incredibly proud of my three children and one grandchild. During my time away from the office, I love to shoot pool, walk my dogs, practice yoga, ride my bike, and play card games. In the summer, I paint signs for my tiki bar!