Staff

Meet our Doctors

Meet our Doctors

  • Dr.
    Catherine E. Nelson

    Dr. Nelson started at Oshtemo Family Dentistry in 2013 as an Associate Dentist, and in 2016, acquired OFD from Dr. Kevin Bannow. This came after earning a Bachelor of Science degree at Hillsdale College, a doctorate degree from SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and completing a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry from the University of Michigan. Originally from Northwest Michigan, Dr. Nelson was excited to land back on the west side of the state! She is passionate about furthering her education, taking advanced courses on a variety of dental procedures, and most importantly her patients. Dentistry and technology are constantly evolving and she is focused on offering our patients the best and latest care available. Dr. Nelson is also heavily involved in multiple levels of organized dentistry. This participation is a priority to continue to move the profession of dentistry in a forward direction and to ensure she is up to date on the latest technologies, techniques, and treatment solutions. She is an active member in the following organizations:

    • Kalamazoo Valley District Dental Society,
      • Delegate to the Michigan Dental Association
      • President
      • Interim New Dentist Committee Chair
    • Michigan Dental Association
      • Peer Review and Ethics Committee Member
      • New Dentist Committee Member
      • House of Delegates Reference Committee Member
    • American Dental Association
    • Academy of General Dentistry
    • Spear Education
      • Study Club Member

    Dr. Nelson believes that each smile is unique and loves working with her patients to provide the best care possible, focusing on their comfort. Her goal is for each patient to walk out of our office confident, happy and healthy. 

    Fun facts:

    • Dr. Nelson and her husband, Derek, recently welcomed another baby boy into the family.  Baby Hayes joins Toddler Wells and their two big brother Great Danes, Boss and Samson.  At times you may even see some of those four boys around the office.
    • Dr. Nelson is a big foodie and loves to travel! She often attempts to recreate her favorite meals in her own kitchen.
    • Community outreach is a passion of hers. She regularly volunteers in the community and with her alma maters, even if it is not dental related. She has been blessed to travel internationally (usually to Africa) to donate equipment, time and her skills to help those in need, while educating others.
  • Dr.
    Sai Prathika Vedururu

    Dr. Sai Prathika joined the OFD family in July of 2018. She is a native of India and graduated from NTR University of Health Sciences, India with a Bachelors in Dental Surgery in 2010. Upon graduation, she joined a private practice for two years. In addition to her time in private practice, she also organized health awareness camps in local schools and communities to share the importance of oral health especially as it relates to the general health of an individual.  

    Dr. Prathika moved to the United States after her marriage in 2012. She began her dental career, here in Kalamazoo, at the Health and Community Services Dental Clinical. While in this role, she used her expertise to inform our community and advise the WIC program in matters of oral health. She continued her education in the U.S. and completed her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree at SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 2018. In addition to the required dental curriculum, she chose to take advanced courses in prosthodontics and lasers in dentistry.   

    Dr. Prathika strongly believes that continuing education allows her to give our patients the best care. She strives to learn and adapt the constantly evolving advancements in dental treatment to our practice. She recently completed 300 hours of education in the study of Implant Dentistry, all while maintaining her regular practice schedule!  

    She is an active member in the following organizations:

    • American Academy of Implant Dentistry
    • American Dental Association
    • Michigan Dental Association
    • Kalamazoo Valley District Dental Society

    Fun Facts

    • Prathika loves to share her Indian culture and traditions, and is very enthusiastic to learn about customs of others. She loves cooking Indian food and brining the flavors to OFD! She also has danced in a few performances at the Indian Cultural Festivals in Kalamazoo.
    • She loves to spend her free time with her family and her favorite pastime is canvas painting.
    • She loves to travel and explore. She has visited 21 states and 1 union territory over the last 5 years and hopes to cover the rest in the next few!

Our Front Desk

  • Julie: Office Manager

    Working at OFD, since June 2016, is basically an extension of my family life. We have such a great time with our patients and with each other. So many fun memories and the promise of more to come. I am blessed to be a part of the OFD family. They make my world complete.

    • I am trying hard to be “Pinteresty.” My motto usually is “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” but eventually may default to “have someone that is actually crafty make it for you.”
    • I married my high school sweetheart. Who would have thought back in the day of mullets and big hair we would be here? 3 beautiful daughters, inside and out, and a goldendoodle named Milo.
    • I am the worrier of the family! Thankfully, I enjoy having fun colors in my hair to cover all that worry up.
  • Anna: Referral/Scheduling Coordinator

    OFD welcomed me to the team in the fall of 2022.  It seems surreal to work with such splendid crew of people but here I am...living the 'working' dream!

    • I am married to a master mechanic and a momma to an energetic and adorable 14-month old son, who keeps us on our toes!  
    • In my free time, which is rare, I love to find time to keep my hands busy by crocheting and knitting.  
    • Also, if you need food recommendations, I'm your gal!  Trying new places is a favorite hobby of mine.
  • Shannon: Recall Coordinator

    I joined OFD in 2021 and LOVE it! I could not have found a nicer group of people to work with.

    • My husband and I like watching football. Go Bears!
    • On weekends I love to go thrifting
    • In the office, I enjoy chatting with and getting to know our patients!

Our Dental Assistants

  • Heather: Dental Assistant

    I started dental assisting in 2014 here at OFD. I always wanted to go into the dental field and quickly found dentistry to be so fascinating and rewarding. I am always learning something new and love taking care of patients. I love working at OFD!

    • I’m a Georgia Peach! (was born in Georgia)
    • I have been known to have a slight Chapstick addiction.
    • I love the outdoors and adventures.
  • Lindsey: Dental Assistant

    I was welcomed into the OFD team in the spring of 2021.  I love working with such a warm and caring crew. 

    • My husband and I love hiking, nature trails and traveling when we can
    • I enjoy cooking and checking out lots of cookbooks from the library
    • My happy place is being around flowers - especially growing in gardening skills and floral design
  • Kennedy: Dental Assistant

    Bio coming!

Our Dental Hygienists

  • Jessica: Dental Hygienist

    I have been a hygienist at OFD since 2017. I feel lucky to work with some of my best friends. I love being part of such a hard-working, fun-loving and passionate group of people. 

    • I just married my best friend, Tom and we love our lap dog, Lilah
    • Maize and Blue are my two favorite colors – GO BLUE!
    • I love spending time with friends and family, beach days, volleyball and traveling
  • Lindsey: Dental Hygienist

    I was welcomed into OFD in 2020 and love it here!

    • Married with two sweet girls
    • We love spending time outdoors, especially camping and boating
    • I enjoy biking, coaching my girls in sports and cooking
  • Jodi: Dental Hygienist

    OFD brings such a large amount of diversity! Each team member has something unique to offer to complete our team. This truly helps us make every patient experience that much more special while they receive the upmost quality of care!

    • I have a passion for all thing’s health and fitness- distance running, cycling and weight lifting
    • I love to travel! I went skydiving at 15,000 feet over Rottnest Island in Australia and went snorkeling in Manta Ray Bay with Manta Rays. I have even bathed Asian Elephants
    • U of M fan!! Go BLUE!!
  • Kyleigh: Dental Hygienist

    I came back to work at OFD in April of 2021, after previously working here in 2012-2013.  I absolutely love my work family and appreciate the hard work and laid back atmosphere of the office.  I can’t imagine working anywhere else and am so happy to be back.

    • I love spending time with my family and walking the KRVT with my kids
    • I love doing nails
    • I LOVE watching Michigan football
    • I love thunderstorms
  • Kyra: Dental Hygienist

    I have been with OFD since 2017. I love being a hygienist and the team I work with.  We're all focused on helping patients achieve optimum oral health. 

    • I’m married and we have a daughter and a Golden retriever
    • I am a plant lover, and have over 50 houseplants in my indoor jungle 
    • I’m a big foodie, and love to try new and interesting foods

Contact Us

Send Us an Email

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed