Meet The Doctors
Dr. Heather Gabler
Dr. Heather Gabler was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. This is where she spent most of her childhood before moving to Milwaukee, WI to attend college. Her undergraduate studies consisted of a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences from Marquette University. Upon graduating, she turned her focus toward the dental field – achieving her doctorate of dental medicine from Temple University School of Dentistry. Her residency was completed at Lutheran Medical Center in Princess Anne, MD.
Dr. Gabler moved to Jacksonville in 2014 and has enjoyed being able to fulfill her passion for working as a board-certified pediatric dentist. She enjoys the opportunity to get children interested in dentistry through fun and engaging experiences and inspire them to take good care of their smiles.
Outside of the office, Dr. Gabler can be found relaxing at the beach, cruising on a bike, or hitting the tennis court. Most of all, she enjoys spending time with her family; this includes her husband, Dr. Bryce Gabler, and their two children – Kelsey and Colin.
Dr. Stephanie Acevedo-DeCandis
Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dr. Stephanie Acevedo-DeCandis moved to South Florida with her family when she was just nine years old. With several dentists in the family, she spent a lot of her childhood in dental offices, learning about oral health and taking an early interest in the profession. By the time she reached college age, Dr. Acevedo-DeCandis had chosen her field of study. Upon graduating from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in health science in 2007, she began her doctorate studies at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. During her time as a student, she volunteered at various local clinics in the area and served as president of the school's Hispanic Dental Association. In 2011, Dr. Acevedo-DeCandis received her doctorate in dental medicine.
While initially focused on general dentistry, it wasn’t until later on that Dr. Acevedo-DeCandis narrowed her area of practice to pediatrics. It was evident that she was interested in the dental field early on, and she soon realized that working with children was also an area of passion. As a dentist, Dr. Acevedo-DeCandis enjoys creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for kids and providing them with the support they need to keep their smiles healthy.
In May 2011, Dr. Acevedo-DeCandis moved to the beautiful city of Jacksonville, FL, and now calls it home. She enjoys her time outside of work by reading a great book, making crafts, or taking a trip to Disney! Above all else, Dr. Acevedo-DeCandis loves spending time with her family; this includes her husband, their two daughters, and their dog, Bogey.
Dr. John Nuveen
Originally from North Dakota, Dr. John Nuveen relocated to the East Coast for college at Colgate University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in cellular neuroscience and Spanish. He then attended dental school at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, and graduated summa cum laude with his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. As a dental student, Dr. Nuveen was awarded the Dean's Award for Exemplary Care for Patients, the Philadelphia County Dental Society Student Award, the William S. Kramer Award of Excellence, and selected into the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society. Dr. Nuveen developed a passion for teaching during dental school and served as the lead tutor for all pre-clinical science and laboratory courses. Determined to follow in his father's and grandfather's footsteps, Dr. Nuveen continued his training at Temple University's Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics 2-year residency program, where he received his specialty certificate in orthodontics and a Master of Science in oral health sciences.
Dr. Nuveen is a board-certified orthodontist and member of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), a voluntary process achieved by only 61% of practicing orthodontists. This unique achievement represents his dedication to upholding and elevating the clinical and diagnostic standards and quality of care of the profession of orthodontics.
Outside of the office, Dr. Nuveen enjoys spending time with his wife, Elizabeth, and their cat, Raya. He also likes to spend his free time weightlifting and running, watching hockey and Formula 1 racing, cooking, and exploring his new hometown of Jacksonville, where much of his family now lives.
See the orthodontic page for more info.
Dr. KenJula Brown
Dr. KenJula Brown is a well-respected professional in the field of children's dentistry. Born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Brown’s early life was marked by a strong connection to her home state. Her academic journey began at Florida State University, where she completed her undergraduate studies with distinction. Upon graduation, Dr. Brown relocated to Ohio to continue her academic pursuits at The Ohio State University. There, she achieved her Master’s of Public Health and Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree.
Dr. Brown was a highly decorated student during her college career, earning the Model Professional Scholarship, the AcademyHealth/Aetna Foundation Diversity Scholarship, and the Harold E. McDaniel Scholarship. These recognitions illustrated her dedication to her studies and the potential for her future career. She holds esteemed affiliations with the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
A question she’s often asked is what drew her to children's dentistry. To this, Dr. Brown always responds with her love for children’s honesty and sincerity, drawing a charming parallel to the popular show, “Kids Say the Darndest Things!”
Outside of work, Dr. Brown leads a vibrant personal life. She shares her home with a beloved chocolate lab named Renegade. Her loyalty extends to her alma mater’s football team, the Florida State Seminoles. In her free time, Dr. Brown enjoys traveling, cooking for friends and family, attending Florida State football games, exploring food festivals, participating in church activities, and of course, spending quality time with Renegade.
With her profound passion for children's dentistry and an unfailing commitment to her community, Dr. KenJula Brown continues to make a significant impact in her field and inspire those around her with her enthusiasm and dedication.
Dr. Joseph De Jesus
Dr. Joseph De Jesus was raised in South Florida and pursued higher education at the University of Central Florida's Burnett Honors College in Orlando. Following this, Dr. De Jesus earned a dental degree from the University of Maryland Dental School in Baltimore.
Beyond the professional realm, Dr. De Jesus has a deep passion for music, particularly jazz, and enjoys playing brass instruments-a talent honed during high school marching band and later in a class band during dental school. In his free time, you'll likely find Dr. De Jesus enjoying time at the beach, another of his great loves.
Dr. Padmalatha Gottipati
Born and raised in India, Dr. Padmalatha Gottipati embarked on a journey in dentistry by earning a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Rajiv Gandhi University, where she practiced for five years before moving to Canada. Driven by a deep passion for the field, Dr. Gottipati pursued further education at Dalhousie University, obtaining a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
In 2013, Dr. Gottipati relocated to Jacksonville, captivated by its beautiful beaches and sunny weather. It was here that a profound love for children and the fulfillment of treating young patients inspired a shift in focus to children's dentistry. Dr. Gottipati takes immense joy in creating positive dental experiences for children, helping them develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
Outside of the office, she enjoys watching Indian movies, going on long walks and bike rides with family, and exploring new destinations through travel.
