ABOUT
WE'RE YOUR DENTAL
HOME, CLOSE TO HOME
Hillcrest Dental Center was established with family friendliness in mind. Our founding doctor, Raymond G. Klockow, DDS, is a Rensselaer native and sought to create a family-based practice accessible to the communities of Jasper County.
For over 20 years, we have operated with the health and happiness of our patients at the forefront – your smiles make us smile!
Thanks to the commitment of our staff and patients, we have expanded over the years to offer a broader variety of services, support more staff, and incorporate state-of-the-art technology.
We continue to be dedicated towards improving our patients’ dental hygiene, at all stages of life!
GENERAL, COSMETIC
AND EMERGENCY
DENTIST SERVICES
As Hillcrest has grown, our team has grown with it. Dr. Jack Drone, a local Jasper County resident, joined the practice in 2011, and Dr. Rachel Adams joined in 2026. Together, Drs. Ahler, Drone, and Adams direct their efforts and energy toward providing comprehensive, quality care and emergency dentist services in one location close to home. The Hillcrest priority remains the same: the highest standard of oral healthcare and beautiful smiles for the whole family.
MEET OUR TEAM
John Ahler, D.D.S
Dr. Ahler is a Rensselaer native who returned home to raise his family after college. He earned his undergraduate degree from Miami University in 1987, served in the U.S. Navy from 1987 to 1991, and completed a master’s program in cellular biology at IUPUI before graduating from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1997. He has practiced general and family dentistry at Hillcrest ever since, and is a member of both the American Dental Association and the Indiana Dental Association.
Dr. Ahler and his wife, Melissa, married in 1988 and have raised seven children together, with nine grandchildren to spoil along the way. He stays active in the community as a Scout leader, Rotarian, and member of St. Augustine Church, and spends his free time archery hunting, camping, canoeing, and gardening.
Jack Drone D.D.S
Dr. Drone has been part of the Hillcrest Family Dental team since 2011, a familiar face in the Rensselaer community. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Notre Dame and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Northwestern University, and brings a steady, experienced hand to all phases of general dentistry.
A Jasper County native, Dr. Drone, his wife Jana, and his family have long called the area home. After more than a decade at Hillcrest, he still finds the most rewarding part of the job to be the relationships he’s built with patients he’s come to know over the years.
Abby
Abby is a Rensselaer native who has been part of the Hillcrest team since 1999. She holds certifications in dental assisting and expanded functions from Ivy Tech and Indiana University, earned her associate degree in dental hygiene from IU Northwest in 2005, and became certified in local anesthesia in 2013. Beyond patient care, she manages everything from treatment planning to sterilization and is always ready to lend a hand wherever the team needs her.
Hometown: Rensselaer, IN
Fun Fact: A self-proclaimed pickle enthusiast who will try just about any kind
Favorite Activity: Spending time with her husband Scott, their two dogs, and gardening
Diane
Diane has been part of the Hillcrest family since 1998, when she was hired before she had even finished her training at Indiana University Northwest, where she also earned her radiology certification. She works chairside with the doctors on everything from fillings to crown and bridge temporaries, helping keep each day running smoothly. Diane is known around the office for being friendly, caring, and always on time.
Hometown: Fair Oaks, IN (now living on Sandy Pines Golf Course)
Fun Fact: Loves cleaning her house almost as much as watching football and golf on TV
Favorite Activity: Spending time with her family, working out, and golfing
Madyson
Madyson has been part of the Hillcrest team since 2018. She completed her dental assisting certification in Indianapolis in 2018 and her EFDA training in 2020. She’s especially drawn to root canals and extractions, and is always willing to jump in up front or help with scheduling when needed. A Rensselaer native, she’s known for being flexible, dependable, and genuinely interested in getting to know her patients.
Hometown: Rensselaer, IN
Fun Fact: A big Purdue fan who has recently picked up golf as her newest passion
Favorite Activity: Golfing, traveling, and catching concerts and sporting events with friends
Lisa
Lisa returned to her hometown of Rensselaer in 2020 to join Hillcrest, after years split between Indianapolis and Elkhart. She holds certifications in dental assisting, expanded functions, coronal polishing, and radiology from Indiana University School of Dentistry, and has pursued continuing education in Invisalign and composite restorations. She has a special interest in Invisalign, implants, and full mouth restorations, and also helps keep the office running smoothly through ordering, training, and mentoring new team members.
Hometown: Rensselaer, IN
Fun Fact: A lifelong Survivor superfan who loves helping teammates and patients feel seen and supported
Favorite Activity: Keeping up with her three kids’ activities, watching Adam Sandler movies on Friday nights, reading, and painting
Jack Drone D.D.S
Dr. Drone has been part of the Hillcrest Family Dental team since 2011, a familiar face in the Rensselaer community. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Notre Dame and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Northwestern University, and brings a steady, experienced hand to all phases of general dentistry.
A Jasper County native, Dr. Drone, his wife Jana, and his family have long called the area home. After more than a decade at Hillcrest, he still finds the most rewarding part of the job to be the relationships he’s built with patients he’s come to know over the years.
Rachel Adams, D.M.D.
Dr. Adams joins Hillcrest as an associate dentist in 2026, bringing fresh energy and a passion for cosmetic dentistry to the practice. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Transylvania University before completing her DMD at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry in May 2026. She has a particular love for crown and bridge work and anterior esthetics, and looks forward to pursuing continuing education in Invisalign treatment, implant placement, and facial esthetics as she grows her practice.
Dr. Adams moved to the area from Lexington, Kentucky, where she lived for eight years, after her husband Corey accepted a job in Rensselaer. The couple married in 2024 and recently bought their first home together in Wheatfield, where they live with their two dogs, Remy and Weenie. Outside the office, she enjoys reading, Pilates, and a good shopping trip.
John Ahler, D.D.S
Dr. Ahler is a Rensselaer native who returned home to raise his family after college. He earned his undergraduate degree from Miami University in 1987, served in the U.S. Navy from 1987 to 1991, and completed a master’s program in cellular biology at IUPUI before graduating from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1997. He has practiced general and family dentistry at Hillcrest ever since, and is a member of both the American Dental Association and the Indiana Dental Association.
Dr. Ahler and his wife, Melissa, married in 1988 and have raised seven children together, with nine grandchildren to spoil along the way. He stays active in the community as a Scout leader, Rotarian, and member of St. Augustine Church, and spends his free time archery hunting, camping, canoeing, and gardening.
Abby
Abby is a Rensselaer native who has been part of the Hillcrest team since 1999. She holds certifications in dental assisting and expanded functions from Ivy Tech and Indiana University, earned her associate degree in dental hygiene from IU Northwest in 2005, and became certified in local anesthesia in 2013. Beyond patient care, she manages everything from treatment planning to sterilization and is always ready to lend a hand wherever the team needs her.
Hometown: Rensselaer, IN
Fun Fact: A self-proclaimed pickle enthusiast who will try just about any kind
Favorite Activity: Spending time with her husband Scott, their two dogs, and gardening
Andi
Andi joined Hillcrest in 2026 as the team’s front desk receptionist. She brings a varied background to the role, having studied nursing at Ball State University and earned degrees in medical assisting and culinary arts from Ivy Tech. A lifelong resident of Fair Oaks, she handles scheduling, appointment confirmations, and checkout, and is often the first friendly face patients see when they walk through the door.
Hometown: Fair Oaks, IN
Fun Fact: Ran a bakery business from home for over 25 years while working full-time elsewhere
Favorite Activity: Going to concerts, baking, and watching her favorite sports teams
Chloe
Chloe joined the Hillcrest team in 2025. She graduated from Indiana University Northwest with a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, earning the Student Total Achievement Recognition award and graduating with high honors. She has a special interest in pediatric dentistry and loves staying current on new dental technology through continuing education. Patients know her for her patience, whether she’s walking them through a procedure or taking extra time to answer their questions.
Hometown: Schererville, IN (now living in Crown Point)
Fun Fact: Has a passion for wildlife and dreams of visiting Australia Zoo
Favorite Activity: Spending time with family and her two Labrador Retrievers, Jax and Finn
Tielyr
Tielyr joined the Hillcrest team in 2026. She earned her Dental Assisting Technical Certificate from Ivy Tech Community College, graduating on the Dean’s List, with certifications in radiology, coronal polishing, caries prevention, expanded functions, CPR, and infection control. She grew up in Earl Park and now lives in Fowler, and was drawn to Hillcrest by Rensselaer’s welcoming, small-town feel. Her colleagues describe her as empathetic, always working to understand how a patient is feeling and make them feel comfortable, heard, and cared for.
Hometown: Earl Park, IN (now living in Fowler)
Fun Fact: Active with Bent Steel Promotions, which keeps her involved in community events year-round
Favorite Activity: Spending time with her partner Tanner, and catching country concerts and rodeos
Payten
Payten joined Hillcrest in 2026. She trained at the Dental Assistant Training School of Northwest Indiana and earned her radiology license in 2020. She’s especially passionate about patient education, helping people better understand their oral health and treatment options. Patients find her caring, relatable, and easy to talk to.
Hometown: Roselawn, IN (now living in DeMotte)
Fun Fact: Loves hunting for antique items with a little history behind them
Favorite Activity: Spending time with her grandma
Keely
Keely has been a dental hygienist at Hillcrest since September 2016. A graduate of Kankakee Valley High School, where she competed in three sports, she went on to earn her associate degree in dental hygiene from Indiana University Northwest in 2012 and became licensed to administer local anesthesia in 2016. She has pursued continuing education in periodontal disease treatment, including laser therapy for periodontal bleeding, and takes pride in helping patients restore both their oral health and their confidence.
Hometown: DeMotte, IN (now living in Wheatfield)
Fun Fact: An avid cattle sorter who has won multiple competition awards
Favorite Activity: Traveling, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding with her husband Matt and their two sons
Jodie
Jodie brings over three decades of dental experience to Hillcrest, where she’s worked since October 2025. She earned her expanded functions certification from Indiana University Northwest in 1990 and her associate degree in dental hygiene in 1995. She is passionate about patient comfort and oral health, and takes pride in building the kind of trust that helps patients feel safe during every visit. Colleagues describe her as dependable, calm under pressure, and always willing to help out wherever she’s needed.
Hometown: DeMotte/Wheatfield, IN
Fun Fact: Loves organizing so much that her dream job would be working in a library or as a grocery store cashier
Favorite Activity: Cooking and entertaining for family, shopping with her daughter, and antiquing with her mom
Chloe
Chloe joined the Hillcrest team in 2025. She graduated from Indiana University Northwest with a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, earning the Student Total Achievement Recognition award and graduating with high honors. She has a special interest in pediatric dentistry and loves staying current on new dental technology through continuing education. Patients know her for her patience, whether she’s walking them through a procedure or taking extra time to answer their questions.
Hometown: Schererville, IN (now living in Crown Point)
Fun Fact: Has a passion for wildlife and dreams of visiting Australia Zoo
Favorite Activity: Spending time with family and her two Labrador Retrievers, Jax and Finn
Andi
Andi joined Hillcrest in 2026 as the team’s front desk receptionist. She brings a varied background to the role, having studied nursing at Ball State University and earned degrees in medical assisting and culinary arts from Ivy Tech. A lifelong resident of Fair Oaks, she handles scheduling, appointment confirmations, and checkout, and is often the first friendly face patients see when they walk through the door.
Hometown: Fair Oaks, IN
Fun Fact: Ran a bakery business from home for over 25 years while working full-time elsewhere
Favorite Activity: Going to concerts, baking, and watching her favorite sports teams
“I’m happy to be back and helping my community by volunteering with sports activities, a scholarship program, school activities, and working at Hillcrest!”
OUR OFFICE IN THE COMMUNITY
The Rensselaer community means the world to the Hillcrest Family Dental – our patients are our priority, and we love seeing them thrive beyond our office doors. Many members of our team are Rensselaer natives or grew up nearby, and know the value of the people who live here.
The Hillcrest team extends care and compassion to the community as we do our patients. Our employees coach little league teams, support local businesses, and volunteer.
Hillcrest Family Dental is thankful for the people of Rensselaer!