Meet Our Team
The people you see at Janzen & Chwa Orthodontics tend to be the same people every visit. Our office manager, front desk coordinators and orthodontic assistants have been here a long time. Several of them have watched patients arrive as seven-year-olds and come back later with children of their own. That continuity is not an accident. It is why so much of what happens here runs smoothly, without anyone having to explain themselves twice.
Scheduling, insurance, financial questions, and simply making a nervous eleven-year-old feel at ease: that is this team’s work, and they are good at it.
Meet the Doctors
The two orthodontists practicing here today are Dr. Kyint Chwa and Dr. Evan Chwa, father and son, working side by side.
Come and Meet Us
The best introduction is an appointment. Consultations are complimentary and no referral is needed. Call or text (847) 272-0600 or request an appointment online. We are at 1220 Meadow Rd, Ste 300 in Northbrook.
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
Peggy loves working with patients and parents from the community. She finds it incredibly rewarding to care for friends and families she has known for many years, as well as to build new relationships through her work. In the office, she manages the front desk, coordinates patient flow, and helps keep everything running smoothly day to day. Outside of work, Peggy enjoys spending time with her husband of over 30 years and their three grown children: Brian, Jack, and Lizzy. She stays active with pickleball, bike rides, and long walks with friends. She also enjoys reading, playing mahjong, and her favorite leisure activity - scrapbooking. Peggy has created more than 100 albums and treasures the memories they hold.
Janice
Orthodontic Assistant
Janice prepares patients for their treatment by taking diagnostic 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 loves to spend time with her husband, two sisters, four nieces, three nephews, and volunteers at her church.
Lina
Orthodontic Assistant
Lina has a Master’s degree 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.
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.
Our Legacy
Janzen & Chwa Orthodontics did not begin with the Chwa doctors. The practice’s foundation was built by Drs. Ernst K. Janzen and Marita K. Janzen, whose work in Northbrook shaped the way it still operates: careful diagnosis, close relationships with families, and a commitment to the profession beyond the walls of the office.
The name on the door carries their contribution deliberately.
Dr. Ernst K. Janzen
Dr. Ernst Janzen earned his degree in general dentistry at the Royal Dental College, University of Utrecht, in the Netherlands. He then took a doctorate at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, studying in the Orthodontic Department and the Cleft Palate Institute. After coming to the United States, he earned Doctor of Dental Surgery and Master of Science degrees from Northwestern University Dental School.
In 1966, Dr. Ernst Janzen received the Milo Hellman Research Award from the American Association of Orthodontists. Dr. Ernst Janzen also held the position of Clinical Associate Professor in the Orthodontic Department at Northwestern University Dental School, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontists.
His professional memberships have included the Dutch Dental Society and the Dutch Society of Specialists in Dento-Maxillary Orthopedics. He has been a life member of the G.V. Black Society. His memberships have also included the Chicago Dental Society, the Illinois State Dental Society, the American Dental Association, the Illinois Society of Orthodontists and the American Association of Orthodontists.
Dr. Ernst Janzen grew up in the Netherlands and came to Northbrook in 1965. He and his wife Agnes have three daughters: Dr. Marita Janzen, Annette Schneider and Dr. Nikki Janzen. They have seven grandchildren. His community involvements have included the Dutch Society of Chicago, the Presbyterian Church in Northbrook, the Northbrook Rotary Club, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
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Dr. Janzen grew up in The Netherlands and made Northbrook home from 1965 on. He and his wife Agnes have three daughters, Dr. Marita Janzen, Annette Schneider, and Dr. Nikki Janzen, and seven grandchildren: Shannon, Bill, Monica, Chris, Tim, Ava, and Tycho. His interests have included tennis, golf, swimming, and playing bridge.
His community involvement has included the Dutch Society of Chicago, service as a trustee of the Presbyterian Church in Northbrook, the Northbrook Rotary Club, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Dr. Marita K. Janzen
Dr. Marita Janzen was born in Holland and grew up largely in Northbrook. The family moved there when her father continued his orthodontic education at Northwestern University. She attended Greenbriar School, Northbrook Junior High and Glenbrook North High School, then finished at the American High School of The Hague. She studied at the University of Amsterdam before returning to Chicago for dental school and orthodontic training at Northwestern. Dr. Marita Janzen entered orthodontic practice exclusively in 1991.
Dr. Marita Janzen’s professional memberships have included the Chicago Dental Society, where she served as past president of the North Suburban Branch. Her memberships have also included the Illinois State Dental Society, the American Dental Association, the Illinois Society of Orthodontists, the American Association of Orthodontists and the World Federation of Orthodontists. She has served on the Board of Trustees of the Illinois Society of Orthodontists.
Outside the profession, her interests have included tennis, golf, cycling, paddle tennis and snowshoeing, along with reading, travel and cooking. She has been involved with the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois and its annual Strides Against MG walk.
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Away from the practice, Dr. Marita has lived in Northbrook with her husband Bill, and has two adult stepchildren. Her summers have been spent playing tennis, working on her golf game, and riding her bike; winters have meant paddle tennis and snowshoeing. She has also enjoyed reading, traveling, cooking, and trying new recipes on friends and family.
Her community involvement has included the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois, where she served on the organizing committee of the annual Strides Against MG walk.