Meet Your Friendly Dental Team – Channahon, IL

Nicole Black, Dental Hygienist

For Nicole, the best thing about being a hygienist is watching the transformation as a patient becomes happy with their smile. She attended Northern Arizona University for hygiene school. Additionally, she has extensive training in laser tissue therapy including certifications through The Academy of General Dentistry, World Laser & Imaging Institute and Academy of Laser Dentistry in Soft Tissue Lasers.

Outside of the dental office, Nicole’s life has gone to the dogs. She is the proud parent of two “fur-children” an energetic, needy pomsky named Lola and a sleepy, snuggly chihuahua named Zoey. They like to take family trips to the Dog Barkery so the pups can get treats and then swing by the coffee shop for Mom. Nicole is also a competitive bodybuilder and has competed in multiple shows in the bikini division.

Marissa Kasuba, Dental Hygienist

By joining the Grand Dental team in January 2021, Marissa Kasuba has fulfilled a childhood dream. Growing up in nearby Minooka, Marissa chose dentistry because she loved her experience as a patient of Grand Dental – Channahon. For her, the best part of being a hygienist is helping patients set and achieve goals for their oral health. Marissa attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale to receive her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene and Community Dental Health Coordinator Certification. She is also certified in nitrous oxide sedation and local anesthesia, and CPR.

Marissa has always cared deeply about others. In 5th grade, she shaved her head to raise money for the St. Baldrick Foundation's, a charity that funds research to find cures for childhood cancers. Marissa is the middle of three sisters, and enjoys traveling, reading, watching TV and cooking (though she admits she is just beginning to learn to cook!).

Lissa Bricker, Dental Hygienist

Although Lissa’s hometown is Tupelo, MS, she attended college in Galesburg, IL. She has been a registered dental hygienist since 2008. She is certified in local anesthesia, laser therapy, and CPR. Her favorite aspect of her job is helping patients feel happy about their smiles! Providing a judgement-free atmosphere keeps her patients on the path toward improved hygiene habits.

Outside the office, Lissa enjoys hanging out with her son. Together, they love to camp, fish, play sports and go on adventures in their Jeep – with the doors off.

Becca Brod, Dental Hygienist

Before becoming a dental hygienist and joining Grand Dental in 2020, Becca was both a dental assistant and an office manager at a prior job. Her favorite part of being a hygienist at Grand Dental is the one on one time she gets to spend with each patient. She feels privileged to be part of their lives and enjoys hearing interesting stories. She is laser therapy and CPR certified.

On the weekends, she spends time hanging out with her family and their two dogs. She likes to work out, go shopping, and travel whenever she can. And she’s always ready to talk college football because she is a big Alabama football fan – Roll Tide!

Lori Cavera, Dental Hygienist

Lori became a part of our team in 2023, and she brings over 20 years of experience to our practice. She cherishes the long and trusting relationships that she builds with our patients and does her best to make sure people actually look forward to coming to see us! She is a graduate of Parkland College and started as a dental assistant before moving on to hygiene. Today, she has certifications in local anesthetic and nitrous oxide.

Lori and her husband, Chris, have three sons and two dogs. Most of her time outside of the office is spent driving her children between their various activities, so she spends most of her weekends watching them play baseball, basketball, and football. When she can, she likes to be outdoors and waterski, pontoon, and paddleboard. She is also a big animal lover and would happily work at a zoo if she wasn’t in dentistry!