Gary L. Nelson, DMD
Dr. Nelson was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, graduated from Union College and received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his General Practice internship and residency at Albany Medical Center. Dr. Nelson is a fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and holds Board Eligible states in the International Association of Orthodontics. He is also a member and past Treasurer of the Third District Dental Society and the New York State Dental Society.
Dr. Nelson is the proud sponsor of the Tri-Village Little League team Nelson Dental Healthcare. When he is not cheering on the team, he enjoys playing golf, driving his sports car and spending quality time with his adoring wife, Peggy and their three children and six grandchildren.
Robert M. Nelson, DMD
A New York native, Dr. Rob Nelson grew up in Bethlehem and is the youngest of three children. He attended St. Bonaventure University where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Biology. He later attended the University of Pennsylvania's School of Dental Medicine for his Doctorate.
After finishing his doctorate, he was a resident at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, completing hundreds of hours of study and specialized training for all aspect of dentistry. He is dedicated to excellence in cosmetic and general dentistry and keeps up-to-date on the latest technologies.
Dr. Rob is a current member of the American Dental Association, the New York Dental Association, and the local Third District Dental Society. When he is not practicing dentistry he spends most of his time with his children. He is a huge automobile enthusiast and loves the outdoors.
Rhonda Owen, RDH
Rhonda graduated with Honors from Hudson Valley Community College in 2001. In recognition for her outstanding scholastic performance, Rhonda received the highest honor for academic and clinical proficiency in dental hygiene. As a result of her dedication to her studies she was awarded the "Gerard A. Ripp Memorial Award" and the "Albert H. Stevenson Award."
Rhonda has been a part of the dental community for nearly 18 years and has been practicing dental hygiene since 2001 with Nelson Dental Healthcare. She is enthusiastic about her profession and cares deeply about her patients' dental health. Patients appreciate her confidence and knowledge of dentistry along with her gentle touch.
A resident of Columbia County, New York, since childhood, Rhonda enjoys spending time with family, traveling, the beach, sailing, and running.
Michele Pezzano, RDH
Michele earned her Bachelor's Degree from SUNY at Oneonta in Psychology in 1993 and then continued her education at Hudson Valley Community College where she obtained her Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene.
Michele has practiced dental hygiene for 13 years throughout the New York State and enjoys calling Nelson Dental Healthcare "home." Michele is eager to educate her patients on the latest technology that may enhance their smiles for years to come.
Michele resides in Schenectady with her husband and their two children. She enjoys vacationing in New Jersey with her family.
Rachel Brate, Dental Assistant
Rachel has been a member of the Nelson Dental Healthcare team since 2009. She enjoys working chair-side with both Dr. Nelson and Dr. Rob. She is currently pursuing her Dental Assistant certificate from Penn Foster Career School. Rachel enjoys in assisting in all of areas of dentistry, especially Orthodontics.
Rachel is a town native! When not assisting our doctors and patients, Rachel has a knit for hunting, fishing, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Jessica Higgins, Office Manager
Jessica joined Nelson Dental Healthcare in 2009 and truly enjoys her profession. She especially likes interacting with our patients whether the conversation is dental related or not. Jessica is devoted to not only maximizing your dental insurance benefits, but will also work with you to set up an affordable plan to pay for the dental care you deserve.
Jessica graduated magna cum laude from Sage College of Albany and earned her Bachelors Degree in Law & Society. Also, Jessica loves volunteering; she is currently the President of the Ladies Auxiliary within the Selkirk Fire Department and also serves within the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Shawn and their families and friends.