Meet Our Team

From the front desk to the treatment chair, our team works together to make every visit comfortable, efficient, and personal. Get to know the friendly faces you'll see at your next appointment.

Our Team Members

JoAnn

Dental Assistant

JoAnn has been part of the practice since June 1998, bringing decades of experience, energy, and plenty of personality to the team. She attended Apollo College for dental assisting and Phoenix College for her X-ray certification. One of JoAnn’s favorite parts of her job is interacting with patients and her coworkers, and she contributes to the practice by always trying to keep things fun and upbeat. Outside of the office, JoAnn enjoys going to the gym, spending time with her large family, and playing Candy Crush. After so many years with the practice, she jokes that she’s been working alongside Dr. Ali Nia “since before dinosaurs walked the earth.”

Lia

Dental Assistant

Lia has been a dental assistant for 30 years, since 1993! She spent four years in the Air Force as a fuel systems mechanic on the F-15 C/D Fighter Jet. Lia makes sure the schedule runs smoothly and is dedicated to our patients and making sure they get the best care and wonderful experience. Outside of work, Lia likes to hike, ride on the back of motorcycles with her American Legion family, go on road trips and play Candy Crush.

Kasey Nel

Registered Dental Assistant

Kasey is a Registered Dental Assistant with 28 years of experience in dental assisting. She graduated from El Camino Real High School in 1994 and Bryman College in 1998, and joined the practice about two years ago. Kasey takes pride in providing excellent patient care and creating a welcoming, positive experience for everyone who visits the office. Dependable, organized, and hardworking, she is always looking for ways to improve workflows, learn new skills, and support the goals of the practice. Kasey especially appreciates her coworkers and the professional, supportive environment they have created together. Outside of the office, she enjoys painting, decorating, and gardening.

Shelly Huber

Registered Dental Hygienist

Shelly joined the practice in May 2000 and has had the opportunity to serve in several roles throughout her many years with the team. She graduated from the Rio Salado Dental Hygiene program in 2004 and became a Registered Dental Hygienist. Shelly is passionate about providing quality patient care and continuing to grow in her profession. Her favorite part of dentistry is the relationships she has built with patients over the years, helping them feel comfortable during their visits and working alongside a team that genuinely cares. Her extensive experience has given her a broad understanding of the practice and helps her work with the entire team to provide excellent care. Outside of work, Shelly enjoys hiking and paddleboarding with her family. She is happily married, a proud mother of four, and has two beloved dogs.

Claudia

Hygienist

Claudia has been a hygienist since 2011, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Northern Arizona University. She is passionate, dedicated, and committed to providing exceptional oral care. She is skilled in patient education, preventive care, and periodontal treatments. In her spare time, Claudia loves outdoor activities, exercising, and spending time with her husband and four daughters.

Alyson Casillas

Registered Dental Hygienist

Alyson joined the practice in October 2024 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. She earned her Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Mohave Community College in Bullhead City, Arizona, in 2011. During her education, she received the Colgate Star Award for her dedication and service to the field of dental hygiene within her community. Alyson’s favorite part of dentistry is getting to know her patients and helping make their time at the dental office as comfortable as possible. She strives to bring a positive attitude to the practice each day, welcomes constructive feedback, and is always ready to help wherever she can. Above all, Alyson makes her patients a priority and wants each person to feel genuinely cared for. Outside of the office, Alyson loves spending time with her husband and their three children. She enjoys running, walking, hiking, being outdoors in nature, baking, watching cooking shows, and volunteering at her son’s school. Alyson is honored to be part of the practice and appreciates working alongside such a dedicated and caring team of doctors and staff.

Joanna Dashner

Patient Care Coordinator

Joanna joined the practice in January 2008 and serves as a Patient Care Coordinator. She earned her dental assisting certificate from The Bryman School in July 2000, bringing a strong dental background to her role at the front office. One of Joanna’s favorite parts of her work is developing lasting relationships with patients and getting to know them over the years. She helps keep the practice organized and ready to go, contributing to a smooth experience for both patients and the team. Outside of work, Joanna enjoys attending concerts and Arizona sporting events. She is also a proud mom to her daughter, Amaya, and grandmother to Kayden, who keeps her on her toes.

Rose

Bookkeeper

Rose is originally from Illinois and has been in Arizona since 1998. She has been in the accounting field for over 30 years after gaining her education from Harper College and working for accounting firms. She has been with Dr. Nia and his staff since 2009 and could not ask for a better group of people to work with. In her spare time, she enjoys sporting events and spending time with her family.

Serving Gilbert & the East Valley

Our team serves families across Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, and the entire East Valley. Many of our patients have been coming here for decades — and many of the children we treated years ago now bring their own kids. That multigenerational trust is something our entire team treasures.