Our friendly team is excited to help you achieve a more beautiful smile! We love welcoming patients of all ages to our office and will work with you to help you feel at ease and receive the treatments you need. Call us today to make an appointment with our dentists in Chicago, Illinois, and find out more about our dental services!
Meet our Skokie & Chicago Dental Team
Kristy M: Practice Administrator
Kristy attended Marquette University for degrees in psychology and philosophy and joined our team in July 2021. She loves how dentistry can change a patient’s health and happiness, and she works hard to keep our office running smoothly and ensure that each patient who visits us has a positive dental experience.
When not in the office, Kristy enjoys hiking, fishing, knitting, crocheting and spending time with her family.
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Marina M: Registered Dental Hygienist
Marina graduated magna cum laude from Loyola University with a Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene. She has also completed a Master of Fine Arts degree. Marina taught clinical dental hygiene at the University of Illinois for five years and joined Dr. Chaiken’s practice in 2007. She loves having the opportunity to work with such wonderful patients and with a sweet and caring team, and she works to stay current with what is new in dental hygiene and dentistry so that our patients can receive the best possible care.
Marina is married to her handsome Irish husband, whom she met in England many moons ago. They have two daughters, one who lives in England and another who lives in Chicago. Outside the office, Marina loves traveling and enjoys cycling and walking for exercise as well as a good glass of Prosecco.
Tracey W: Registered Dental Hygienist
Tracey received her dental hygiene degree from Northwestern University Dental School and started working at our practice in 2022. She loves working with people she has established a relationship with over the years and looks forward to establishing new relationships. Tracey is a team player, and she enjoys serving all her patients.
Tracey is married and has three sons, three daughters-in-law, and one and a half grandchildren. Outside of the office, she loves biking, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.
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Nikita Thapaliya, Registered Dental Hygienist
Nikita was born in Kathmandu, Nepal, and relocated to the US in 2013. Coming from a place with limited access to dental care, she witnessed that people typically seek dental treatment only when they experience severe pain or emergencies. In doing so, when they went to see a dentist, it would be too late. This is also a reason why Nikita’s interest in preventative dentistry developed. One of Nikita’s life goals is to volunteer in underserved communities, including her own, and educate people about the importance of oral health, which significantly impacts overall well-being.
Graduating with honors from Malcolm X College in 2023, she is deeply passionate about oral health and dedicated to educating individuals to promote healthy smiles. Seeing patients improve their oral hygiene and witnessing their smiles transform overtime is truly rewarding. Creating a worry-free environment and ensuring that every patient feels heard are essential aspects of her approach.
During her spare time, Nikita enjoys going out with family, reading books, watching movies, cooking, and trying new dishes. She is fluent in Nepali and English, and having grown up watching Bollywood movies, she is also proficient in Hindi and Urdu.
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Jill P: Dental Assistant
Jill joined our team in 2011 but has been working in the dental field since 1993. She loves the relationships she has developed with our patients and focuses on ensuring that each person who visits us is comfortable and has a VIP experience.
Jill and her husband, Rob, have two Boston Terriers, Millie and Arlo. Outside the office, her hobbies include cooking, gardening, and collecting vinyl records.
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Kristina P: Dental Assistant
Kristina recently joined our team and brings experience and multiple certifications to her patient care. She enjoys our personal approach to dentistry and takes every opportunity to educate patients on their care in our office and how to keep their smiles healthy at home. Kristina brings a positive attitude to your dental care visit.
The proud Mom of a teenage son, Kristina spends her free time cycling, cooking, and volunteering at church and throughout the community.
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Tserena Ayush, Dental Assistant
Tserena has been in the dental field for 17 years and has been a great dental assistant at Dental Friedstat Dental Associates for four 4 years. She is very knowledgable and is also certified in coronal polishing, scaling and certified in applying sealants.
Tserena has been a terrific addition to the office. Tserena lives with her husband and daughter in Glenview. In her spare time, she enjoys reading books, stitching, doing yoga, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.