Mindfulness and Community Impact, Here Dr. Balakrishnan's Shares Her Journey

DOWNERS GROVE–Dr. Balakrishnan’s volunteer path has been influenced by her journey as a business owner, a mother, an orthodontist, and an active member of the Downers Grove and Hinsdale communities.

Finding a work-home balance that matched her goals was Dr. Balakrishnan’s biggest challenge.  As a mom, it became apparent in 2020 that mental health is paramount, which ignited her passion to teach mindfulness and meditation locally and nationally.

“First learn to love yourself and take care of yourself,” she says.  “This unleashes your creative ability and only then can you take care of others.  Meditation takes you into this vast peaceful inside world that has everything you need to be your best self everyday.”

As the owner of Downers Grove Orthodontics for the past 18 years, Dr. Balakrishnan makes sure to attend seminars bringing the latest technology to her practice, embracing high standards, while also giving back by teaching orthodontic and dental residents at the University of Illinois-Chicago Dental School.  She is Board-Certified and a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the American Association of Orthodontists, and the Midwest Society of Orthodontists.

Dr. Balakrishnan’s greatest source of pride is her husband and teenage sons, and ensuring to carry on her mother’s legacy by supporting other working moms whenever possible.  As a big believer in balancing body, mind and spirit, Dr. Balakrishnan knows it takes true commitment and hard work, but is indeed the only path to a joyful state of mind.

 -Kristen Kucharski, Photos Submitted