Meet Our Expert Team
Our team is dedicated to making every visit as welcoming and easy as possible. From scheduling and financial questions to helping you feel at home, we’re here to support you every step of the way. You can count on friendly guidance, clear communication, and personalized attention to ensure your orthodontic journey is smooth and stress-free. We look forward to seeing you and your family in our office!
Gabrielle
Office Manager
Gabrielle enjoys working with the doctors, staff, and patients, striving to keep everything organized so the practice runs smoothly. She handles all our insurance and financial responsibilities. In her free time, she enjoys being with her husband, three kids, and the dog. She loves going on long walks.
Abby
Front Desk Coordinator
Abby is responsible for answering calls, scheduling appointments, and getting to know the patients. She's someone who finds inspiration in the little things—whether it’s getting lost in a great book, discovering a new favorite song, or tracking down the best bite in town (recommendations always encouraged). Outside of work, you'll find her with her headphones on, diving into a new album or reading a book start to finish. She's someone who is always looking for new perspectives, meaningful connections, and memorable experiences.
Peggy
Front Desk Coordinator
I love working with patients and parents from our community—it’s incredibly rewarding to care for the friends and families I’ve known for many years, as well as the new relationships I’ve built through work. In the office, I manage the front desk, coordinate patient flow, and help keep everything running smoothly day to day. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband of over 30 years and our three grown children: Brian, Jack, and Lizzy. I stay active with pickleball, bike rides, and long walks with friends. I also enjoy reading, playing mahjong, and my favorite leisure activity—scrapbooking. I’ve created more than 100 albums and treasure the memories they hold.
Janice
Orthodontic Assistant
Janice prepares patients for their treatment by taking diagnostics and treatment records and presenting treatment plans. She joined our office in 1999 and finds it a true pleasure to work in an office that is so comfortable and full of wonderful people. Janice was born in Jamaica and came to the US when she was 17 years old. She love to spend time with her husband, two sisters, four nieces and three nephews, and volunteers at her church.
Lina
Orthodontic Assistant
Lina has Master’s degrees in Bulgarian language and literature and earned her certificate for dental assisting before joining us in 2002. She’s great at helping patients go through their orthodontic treatment and enjoys the smiling faces at the end. Lina loves spending her free time reading, going on long walks and spending time with her husband and thirteen-year-old son Hristo.
Lori
Orthodontic Assistant
Lori has been a valued member of team since 2012. She began as a clinical assistant and later expanded her role to include lab technician, where she now balances both responsibilities. Inspired early on by her mother’s career in orthodontics, she comes from a family deeply rooted in the dental field. What she finds most rewarding is supporting patients through their unique orthodontic journeys, especially helping children feel seen and encouraged during treatment. Whether working chairside or in the lab, she brings compassion, attention to detail, and a deep commitment to patient care. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her 5 year old son and family, horseback riding, making music and art, learning new skills, and spending time in nature.
Megan
Orthodontic Assistant
Megan enjoys welcoming patients and helping them feel comfortable the moment they walk through the door. She manages the front desk with a warm and calming presence, handling scheduling, patient check-in, and communication with care and efficiency. Megan also assists with new patient paperwork, coordinates referrals, and helps explain office procedures to patients and families. Outside the office, Megan is a certified yoga instructor with a passion for holistic well-being. She enjoys practicing and teaching yoga, meditation, and self-care. In her free time, you’ll find her exploring nature, reading, or spending time with friends and family. Megan finds joy in helping others feel balanced and supported—both in the office and beyond.
Valeriia
Orthodontic Assistant
Valeriia joined our office in 2025 and has quickly become a valued member of the team. She enjoys assisting patients with their orthodontic treatment and finds it rewarding to see their confidence grow throughout the process. Valeriia is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment, helping patients feel comfortable at every visit. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and boyfriend, going on walks, and exploring new places. Valeriia also loves reading and discovering new things, always looking for opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
Legacy
At Janzen & Chwa Orthodontics, our legacy is built on decades of trusted care, innovation, and community dedication. The foundation laid by past doctors and team members continues to inspire our practice today—guiding us with the same commitment to personalized treatment, lasting relationships, and confident smiles for generations to come.
Dr. Ernst K. Janzen
Dr. Ernst Janzen earned his degree in General Dentistry at the Royal Dental College, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands. He then graduated with a Doctorate Degree from the University of Zurich, Switzerland, where he had attended the Orthodontic Department and Cleft Palate Institute. Upon coming to the United States, he earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery and Master of Science degrees from Northwestern University Dental School. In 1966, Dr. Janzen received the Milo Hellman Research Award from American Association of Orthodontists. He also has held position as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Orthodontic Department of Northwestern University Dental School.
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A Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontists, Dr. Janzen is also a member of the:
- Dutch Dental Society
- Dutch Society of Specialists in Dento-Maxillary Orthopedics
- G.V. Black Society (Life Member)
- Chicago Dental Society
- Illinois State Dental Society
- American Dental Association
- Illinois Society of Orthodontists
- American Association of Orthodontists
- College of American Board of Orthodontists
Dr. Janzen grew up in The Netherlands and has lived in Northbrook since 1965. He and his wife Agnes have three lovely daughters, Dr. Marita Janzen, Annette Schneider, and Dr. Nikki Janzen. He also has seven grandchildren, Shannon, Bill, Monica, Chris, Tim, Ava, and Tycho. Dr. Janzen’s interests include tennis, golf, swimming, and playing bridge.
His community interests include:
- Member, Dutch Society of Chicago
- Trustee, Presbyterian Church, Northbrook, IL
- Member, Northbrook Rotary Club
- Member, Art Institute, Chicago
- Member, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Dr. Marita K. Janzen
Dr. Marita Janzen grew up for the most part in Northbrook, though she was born in Holland. When her father, Dr. Ernst Janzen, decided to continue his education in orthodontics at Northwestern University, the family moved to Chicago. Dr. Marita went to Greenbriar School, Northbrook Junior High (NBJH), and Glenbrook North High School through junior year. After finishing at the American High School of The Hague, Dr. Marita went to the University of Amsterdam before coming back to Chicago for dental school and her training in orthodontics at Northwestern University. She has practiced orthodontics exclusively since 1991.
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Staying abreast of the latest technologies and innovations in orthodontics keeps Dr. Marita interested in her profession, and gives her the ability to deliver the best possible care to her patients. As a member of the AAO, Dr. Marita enjoys the Annual Session meeting each spring, as well as the Midwinter meetings. She is also active in the Illinois Society of Orthodontics, of which she is a current member of the Board of Trustees.
- Chicago Dental Society (Past-president of North Suburban Branch of the CDS)
- Illinois State Dental Society
- American Dental Association
- Illinois Society of Orthodontists
- American Association of Orthodontists
- World Federation of Orthodontists
Dr. Marita currently resides in Northbrook with her wonderful husband Bill and a new puppy named Hope. Hope encourages Dr. Marita to seize the day each morning, though much earlier than she would like. She also has two adult step children.
In the summertime you can find Dr. Marita playing tennis, trying to improve her golf game and riding her bike. In the winter, she loves playing paddle tennis, snowshoeing, and being physically active. She also enjoys reading, traveling, cooking, and trying new recipes on her friends and family.
Dr. Marita is currently involved with the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois, on the organizing committee of the annual “Strides Against MG” walk.