Meet Our Doctors
Meet Dr. Jeffrey Nichelini
Dr. Nichelini initially pursued a career in dentistry because he wanted to be in a field that allowed him to develop relationships with people, and have a positive role in his community. While in dental school, he decided to specialize in Orthodontics because he was amazed by the profound changes he saw braces making on each patient’s smile and the subsequent impact those changes had on their confidence. He is now grateful for the opportunity to bring these wonderful changes to the lives of people every day, and considers it a privilege to work with his patients. Dr. Nichelini is committed to giving every individual under his care the close attention necessary to provide them with the most healthy and beautiful results.
Education
Dr. Nichelini received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California- San Diego in Molecular Biology. While attending UCSD he helped found the school’s first undergraduate research journal, The Saltman Quarterly. He then moved to New York City to attend The Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, where he made time to start a dental clinic for homeless people, and received awards for his contribution to public-health. His Orthodontic training was completed simultaneously with a Master’s Degree in Oral and Cranoifacial Sciences at the University of California- San Francisco, during which time he served as the Chief Resident of his department.
Outside of the Office
Dr. Nichelini is a true California native. On his Mother’s side he can trace his roots to the first Spanish expedition to the area, led by Gaspar Portola in 1769. On his father’s side, his Great Grandfather helped pioneer the Napa Valley with a homestead in 1884, the location of which is still the site of his family’s winery to this day. In his free time, Dr. Nichelini helps his family run their winery, and he enjoys running, hiking, exploring, reading the news, and going to museums.
Meet Dr. Ken Shanahan
Dr. Shanahan, a fifth generation Californian, was born in Humboldt County in the town of Eureka. He attended UC San Diego where he earned his bachelor’s degree in cognitive science specializing in computation. He pursued his interest in traveling and the liberal arts when he chose to study abroad at the University of Oxford in England, during which time he met his wife, Alyson. He obtained his dental degree from the University of Southern California School Of Dentistry, from which he graduated in the top of his class. Dr. Shanahan’s interests in dental esthetics and developing beautiful smiles blossomed as a member of the exclusive USC Esthetic Dentistry Selective team. These experiences, plus his desire to work with both children and adults, led him to further his education at the Orthodontic Division at UC San Francisco, where he earned his Master’s degree in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences and his certification in Orthodontics. His training at UC San Francisco included an emphasis on care for children with craniofacial anomalies, such as cleft lip and palate, under the tutelage of notable leaders in the field. Dr. Shanahan also worked closely with the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at UCSF in completing his master’s thesis on the innovative use of 3D radiology in the virtual treatment planning of jaw surgery.
Dr. Shanahan is an active member within the following organizations: American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, and the California Dental Association.
When not practicing orthodontics, Dr. Shanahan is an active father of his three children, Finnegan, Ivy and Ethan. He also has a wide variety of interests, including basketball, golf, hiking, traveling, and enjoying good meals with family and friends.