Our Staff
We want to make all our patients feel right at home! Our treatment team has years of experience providing patients the highest level of care while always maintaining a fun, approachable environment. Our staff stays abreast of the latest in technological advances by regularly attending continuing education courses and seminars, so you know you’re benefiting from state of the art orthodontic care.
Laya Baltazar - Assistant
What she does at work: Laya is an orthodontic assistant and helps take records for all of our new patients. She is certified by the Academy of Orthodontic Assisting
What she does outside of work: Born and raised in the Philippines Laya has played volleyball from grade school to college. She enjoys sports, music and the arts. Watching movies and trying out new restaurants is what she enjoys most in her free time.
Kaori Jedlicka
What she does at work: Kaori began working at Nelson Orthodontics in 1994 as an Orthodontic Assistant and is now the Clinical Coordinator. She is certified by the Academy of Orthodontic Assisting.
What she does outside of work: A native of Japan, Kaori enjoys making traditional Japanese tea and wearing kimono dresses. She also likes hiking, badminton, gardening, reading, and watching movies.
Kelly Uhrich
What she does at work: Kelly is an Orthodontic Assistant. Prior to joining Nelson Orthodontics she worked as a Dental Assistant. She is certified by the Academy of Orthodontic Assisting.
What she does outside of work: She loves spending time with her husband and two nieces, working out, boating, and four-wheeling.
Kristy Christianson
What she does at work: Kristy is a product of the Nelson Orthodontics legacy as Dr. James Nelson was her orthodontist. Even in Junior High, she loved orthodontics and proudly wore her headgear to school. Now she brings that passion to the team as a Treatment Coordinator.
What she does outside of work: With two young children, Kristy doesn’t have a lot of free time, but when she does, she likes to vacation with her family and to play soccer on her co-ed team.
Lanis Bly
What she does at work: Lanis is an Orthodontic Assistant and worked as a Dental Assistant before joining Nelson Orthodontics. She is certified by the Academy of Orthodontic Assisting.
What she does outside of work: She spends time with her friends and family, walking her dog as well as enjoying the great outdoors by hiking, snowmobiling, inner tubing, wake boarding and kite flying.
Leesa Paulson
What she does at work: Leesa is one of Dr. Nelson’s orthodontic assistants. She makes sure our patient’s time here is fun and enjoyable rather than those typical dental visits. She has been assisting for ten years now and enjoys every part of her job. She also helps in the marketing department by thinking up fun contests and prizes.
What she does outside of work: Leesa’s favorite thing to do is jog around Greenlake. She also occasionally plays tennis and golf when the weather agrees. Traveling and being with her friends is what she enjoys most in her free time.
Melissa Gorey
What she does at work: Melissa is the Financial Coordinator and will assist you with insurance matters.
What she does outside of work: Melissa has spent her whole life in the Northwest, except for four years when she studied and played tennis at the University of Redlands. She keeps busy playing with her German Shepard and Shih Tzu, traveling, playing cribbage, and running around tennis courts and golf courses all over Washington.
Reiko McKenna
What she does at work: Reiko is a Lab Technician and keeps busy making retainers and other orthodontic appliances.
What she does outside of work: Growing up in Japan, Reiko always dreamed of living in America. Now her dream is a reality! In her downtime, Reiko reads and plans the menu for her Friday dinner parties, which occur weekly.
Erika Steele - Treatment Coordinator
What she does at work: Erika plays a key role in helping you understand your options for orthodontic treatment. She will familiarize you with our office and assist Dr Nelson at your initial exam. Erika loves to be a part of this team. She loves building relationships with our patients and their families. She says the most rewarding part of her day is meeting new patients and helping them on their way to a beautiful smile.
What she does outside of work: Erika is a busy mom of two elementary aged children. When enjoys spending time with her family which includes two cats and a Shih Tzu puppy. She doesn't have much time for herself but when she does, she enjoys reading, scrapbooking, gardening and shopping.
Keaton Rhodes - Receptionist
What she does at work: Keaton is the first friendly face you will see at our office. She helps assist our patients with scheduling all of their orthodontic appointments.
What she does outside of work: Keaton enjoys spending time with her friends boating, trying new restaurants and going to football games. Her favorite thing to do is to take her dog on a hike when the weather is nice. Keaton loves being with her family in Seattle and visiting Montana where she is originally from.
