Dental Team
DR. BRENDAN D. GRAHAM
Dentist
Dr. Graham is a LaSalle County native. Growing up, Brendan attended Grand Ridge Grade School and was a 2003 graduate of Marquette High School in Ottawa, IL. Dr. Graham is a very proud past 4-H member in LaSalle County.
Dr. Graham completed his undergraduate studies at Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville in 2006 graduating ‘Summa Cum Laude’ with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. While a student at SIUE, Brendan was awarded the ‘Rising Sophomore Award’ and was presented the ‘Chancellors Award for Academic Excellence’ at graduation.
Dr. Graham graduated ‘Cum Laude’ from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in Alton, Illinois in 2010. While a student at SIU-SDM, Brendan was the class representative to the American Student Dental Association (ASDA). As a member of ASDA, he lobbied in Washington, DC to increase access to care for underserved populations.
Dr. Graham was also very involved in community outreach, speaking to dozens of schools and eldercare facilities on oral hygiene and the importance of routine dental check-ups. In 2010 he was the recipient of the American College of Dentists ‘Outstanding Student Leader Award’ for scholastic performance, leadership, ethical and compassionate patient care, and potential to impact the profession of dentistry in the future.
Dr. Graham is an active member of organized dentistry having served as ‘New Dentist Liaison’, ‘Dent-IL-Pac’ representative, and currently as President of the Illinois Valley Dental Society since 2018.
Dr. Graham enjoys helping his patients get past their apprehension with dentistry. One of Dr. Graham’s favorite parts of his profession is getting to help patients transform their smile! He thoroughly enjoys forming strong relationships with his patients and being able to recognize and visit with them outside of the office. An avid guitar player, Dr. Graham enjoys attending a variety of concerts and shows. In his free time, he also enjoys sports and outdoor activities.
Dr. Graham resides in the country south of Ottawa and enjoys his time away from work with his wife Amy, and their children, Emily and Benjamin.
DR.KELISSA PETERSON
Dentist
Dr. Peterson is a LaSalle County native growing up in the small community of Norway, IL. Kelissa graduated from Serena High School in 2011. While growing up, she was active in 4-H: showing dairy cows and pigs at the local fairs, while also playing softball, basketball, and volleyball.
Dr. Peterson attended the University of St. Francis in Joliet, completing her bachelors in Biology. While attending USF, Kelissa was an honors student and was inducted into TriBeta, the National Biological Honor Society during her junior year.
Dr. Peterson graduated from Midwestern University in 2019 with her Doctorate in Dental Medicine. She is currently a proud member of the Chicago Dental Society, Illinois State Dental Society, the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry and the Illinois Valley Dental Society.
“I feel very fortunate to be able to return home to the Illinois Valley to practice dentistry,” Dr. Peterson says, “Being able to come back to the community who supported me as I worked my way through school is very exciting, and I look forward to being able to give back to the LaSalle County area.”
Dr. Peterson is working to become an avid world traveler. In the past, choosing to “travel with a purpose,” having attended mission trips to Bolivia and the Dominican Republic. Her most recent trip to the Dominican Republic resulted in providing dental care to many in the beautiful community of Samana.
When home, Dr. Peterson enjoys spending time with her husband, parents, siblings, and her many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Whether it be attending games, or supporting her cousins showing their 4-H animals, planning events for “Ben & Flo’s Eleven,” (her family’s Relay for Life team), Dr. Peterson’s community spirit shows through. Hobbies include reading, going to the YMCA, and everything Disney!
JENNIFER MUNTZ
Registered Dental Hygienist
Jenny is a dedicated dental hygienist with deep roots in the Streator community. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2015. Prior to joining our team as a dental hygienist, Jenny contributed to our practice as a dental assistant. She is certified in local anesthetic administration and CPR, and maintains a commitment to ongoing professional development through continuing education courses. Jenny resides in Streator with her husband, Nathan, and their beloved dog, Lily. They are excitedly expecting their first child towards the end of 2024. When not caring for patients, Jenny enjoys spending quality time with loved ones and pursuing her interests in reading, hunting and quality time with friends.
TRACIE ELIAS
Dental Assistant
Tracie Elias is a seasoned dental assistant with over 25 years of experience. A 1988 graduate of IVCC with a Dental Assisting certificate, she has dedicated her career to providing exceptional patient care. Prior to joining our practice in August 2019, Tracie honed her skills in various dental and medical office settings in Streator. She excels at chairside assisting and creating a warm, welcoming environment for our patients.
When not at work, Tracie enjoys spending quality time with her husband Mike and their sons, Hunter and Luke. Her interests include supporting the Streator High School Band, the Fighting Illini, attending movies, baking, walking, scrapbooking, personal development, and life-coaching.
CYNTHIA WHEELER
Receptionist
Cindy Wheeler joined our team in February 2019 as a dental receptionist. Bringing over 14 years of accounting expertise and extensive customer service experience, Cindy is a valuable asset to our practice. She holds an Associate’s Degree from IVCC and completed two years of study at WIU. Cindy resides in Streator with her husband, Gary. Together, they raised their two sons, Zac and Kyle. When not at work, Cindy enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, conversations over a cup of coffee or glass of good wine, and exploring her interests in reading, art, and travel.
CASIE SCHMITT
Dental Assistant
Casie Schmitt is a dedicated dental assistant with a passion for patient comfort. She graduated from IVCC’s Dental Assisting program and has been a valued member of our team since 2020. Casie’s warm and friendly demeanor creates a welcoming atmosphere for patients, and her ability to put others at ease is truly exceptional. When not assisting our dental team, she enjoys spending quality time with her dog, Olive, and pursuing various hobbies including reading, crochet, and catching up on the latest television shows. Casie’s positive and engaging personality will make your dental visit a positive experience.
THERESA LYNCH
Registered Dental Hygienist
Theresa Lynch is a Registered Dental Hygienist with extensive experience in the field. She joined our practice in April 2021 and is a valued member of our team.
A graduate of Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree, Theresa is committed to ongoing professional development. She maintains current certifications in CPR, local anesthesia, nitrous oxide monitoring, and dental laser therapy through the completion of 36 hours of continuing education every three years.
Prior to joining our practice, Theresa contributed to the dental community by working with the IVCC Dental Assisting program and in various dental settings, including periodontics, pediatrics, and general dentistry.
Theresa resides in Streator with her husband, Chad, and their two children, Clayton and Norra. When not providing exceptional dental care, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, volunteering at her children’s school, and actively participating in the St. Michael’s Commission on Education Board.
LETICIA BOLDT
Receptionist/Dental Assistant
Leticia Boldt is a valued member of our team, bringing over two decades of dental experience to our practice since joining us in April 2022. Her versatile skill set allows her to seamlessly assist our doctors and manage front desk operations.
A proud graduate of Woodland High School, Leticia and her husband, Brad, share two children together, Bella and Keegan. When not at work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, including her beloved dog Lola. Her hobbies include going to the movies, rummage sales, motorcycle rides, and family game nights.
DEBORAH LONGBONS
Receptionist
Debbie Longbons is a lifelong resident of the Wenona, Illinois area. A graduate of Wenona High School, she furthered her education by completing the Dental Assistant Program at Illinois Valley Community College in 1984.
Debbie initiated her career in dentistry as a chairside assistant, later discovering her aptitude for office management. She held this role for 25 years at a practice in Orland Park, Illinois, while concurrently providing freelance dental office training throughout the Chicago area. Upon returning to the region, she contributed her expertise to the Perio Office of Dr. Scott Stanke in Peru for 12 years before joining our team in March 2022.
In addition to her dental career, Debbie serves as the City Clerk for the Wenona municipality.
Debbie and her husband, Larry, are the proud parents of Renee and Adam. The couple raised their family in Mokena, Illinois, and are now delighted grandparents to five: twin girls Aviva and Beatrix, and 3 boys: Mason, Remington, and Fox. When not engaged in professional or civic duties, Debbie and Larry enjoy outdoor activities such as camping and fishing.
Business Hours
Monday: 8:00AM - 7:00PM
Tuesday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday: CLOSED
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED
