Meet our Doctors
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Dr.Catherine E. NelsonGeneral Dentist
Dr. Cate Nelson has been dedicated to patient-centered care at Oshtemo Family Dentistry since 2013, first as an associate and now as the proud owner since 2016. She was drawn to OFD for its warm, ethical, and patient-first philosophy—values she continues to uphold every day.
With a Bachelor of Science from Hillsdale College and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Nelson further honed her expertise through an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the University of Michigan. Passionate about advancing the profession, she is actively involved in organized dentistry and has been recognized for her commitment to ethical leadership and excellence with induction into the American College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. She is also a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Beyond the office, Dr. Nelson believes in the power of connection—whether it’s fostering trust with her patients, mentoring fellow dentists, or engaging in outreach efforts both locally and internationally. She takes pride in offering advanced, high-quality care, ensuring each patient feels informed, valued, and confident in their dental health choices.
When she's not caring for smiles, Dr. Nelson enjoys life with her husband, Derek, and their two energetic boys. Their home is shared with two Great Danes, adding to the joyful chaos. She loves exploring new foods, traveling, and finding ways to give back to the community.
Dr. Nelson’s goal is simple: to provide an exceptional dental experience where every patient feels comfortable, understood, and empowered in their care.
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Dr.Sai Prathika VedururuGeneral Dentist
Dr. Sai Prathika Vedururu joined Oshtemo Family Dentistry in 2018 after earning her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery at NTR University of Health Sciences in India in 2010, and practiced dentistry there for two years. During that time, she organized oral health camps in schools and underserved communities—an early reflection of her passion for patient education and community outreach.
After moving to the United States in 2012, Dr. Prathika began her U.S. dental career at Kalamazoo’s Health and Community Services Dental Clinic, where she advised the WIC program and deepened her connection with the local community. She went on to pursue advanced training in prosthodontics, laser dentistry, and completed over 300 hours of continuing education in implant dentistry—all while maintaining her regular practice schedule.
Dr. Prathika brings a thoughtful and gentle approach to her care, prioritizing patient comfort and open communication. Her personal motto—“Be kind and real”—guides her work and helps her build meaningful connections with her patients.
Outside the office, she enjoys sharing her Indian culture and traditions, cooking flavorful meals (we can confirm - they are delicious), and performing at local cultural festivals. She and her husband have two children, and they love traveling and exploring together.
Meet Our Administrative Team
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Julie: Office Manager
Julie joined Oshtemo Family Dentistry in 2016, bringing with her over 15 years of experience in the dental field. She began her career in orthodontics, then served as OFD’s financial coordinator before stepping into her current role as office manager. Julie values the strong relationships she’s built with both patients and her team, and feels fortunate to work alongside such dedicated professionals. Outside the office, she supports her husband’s IT networking business and enjoys spending time with their three adult daughters.
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Becky: New Patient Coordinator
Becky joined Oshtemo Family Dentistry in 2022, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in the medical and dental fields. She is passionate about patient advocacy and continues to expand her knowledge through ongoing healthcare education as a self-proclaimed medical nerd. Becky quickly found a second family among her coworkers at OFD and treasures the supportive team environment. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her two daughters, their Great Dane, and is a loyal Notre Dame fan.
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RACHEL: REFERRAL COORDINATOR
BIO Coming Soon!
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Lindsey: Social Media
Lindsey joined Oshtemo Family Dentistry in the spring of 2021 and has worn many hats since becoming part of the team. She began in administrative roles, trained as a dental assistant, and now provides remote support by managing the practice’s social media while staying home with her son. Lindsey loves being part of a team that values connection and care, and she enjoys using her creativity to share OFD’s story. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband, experimenting with new recipes, and spending time in her garden. Flowers and floral design are her happy place, and she’s always growing her skills—both in gardening and life.
Meet Our Dental Assistants
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Heather: Dental Assistant
Heather has been a valued member of Oshtemo Family Dentistry for over 10 years. With a strong background in customer service, she brings warmth and compassion to every patient interaction. Heather is passionate about helping people feel confident in their smiles and finds great reward in seeing the positive impact dental care can have on patients’ lives. Outside the office, she enjoys camping, exploring the outdoors, and getting lost in a good book.
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Megan: Dental Assistant
Megan joined OFD in July 2023 and brings eight years of experience as a dental assistant. She is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable and confident in their care and values building strong, trusting relationships with each person she meets. Megan enjoys the continuous learning her role provides and takes pride in helping patients achieve healthy, happy smiles. In her free time, she loves being on the lake, traveling, and attending concerts with friends and family.
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BROOKE: DENTAL ASSISTANT
Bio Coming Soon!
Meet Our Dental Hygienists
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Kyra: Dental Hygienist
Bio Coming Soon!
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Jodi: Dental Hygienist
Bio coming soon!
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Lindsey: Dental Hygienist
Bio Coming Soon!
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Kyleigh: Dental Hygienist
Kyleigh has been a dental hygienist for over 14 years and rejoined Oshtemo Family Dentistry in April 2021, after previously working with the practice from 2012 to 2013. She values the hardworking, yet laid-back atmosphere at OFD and feels lucky to be part of a team that truly feels like family. Outside the office, Kyleigh enjoys homeschooling her two children, hiking the KRVT, watching Michigan football, and relaxing during a good thunderstorm with her husband of nearly 17 years.
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Hannah: Dental Hygienist
Hannah is a dedicated and compassionate Registered Dental Hygienist who joined Oshtemo Family Dentistry after graduating from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She holds certifications in Local Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide Administration and focuses on providing thorough, personalized care with an emphasis on patient comfort and oral hygiene education. Hannah is passionate about helping patients feel at ease in the dental chair and takes pride in creating a positive, informative experience during every visit.
Outside of the office, Hannah enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and being around animals, friends, and family. She shares her home with two cats and four betta fish, and a fun fact about her: she was a gymnast for 13 years!