Meet the Team at Hart Dental

Darlene R., Office Manager

As our office manager, Darlene has been with us from the start. She has considerable experience managing the day-to-day operations of our dental office and loves working with people.

When she’s not at work, Darlene enjoys being a doting grandma. She has a grandson and another on the way! Her hobbies include interior design—something she’s highly talented in. Darlene also enjoys getting together with girlfriends over brunch and spending time with them in the city.

Jess G., Insurance Coordinator

Known for her excellent computer skills and strong work ethic, Jess has a track record of successful remote work experience and experience working closely with others. Her decision to join our team was influenced by positive feedback from a close acquaintance about Hart Dental‘s excellent reputation. The flexibility in her schedule is another aspect of her job that she greatly values.

Jess completed her degree in Exercise Science at Northern Illinois University in 2017. Following her graduation, she continued her professional development by acquiring a personal training certification. This aligns with one of her biggest passions in life—promoting healthy habits and continual learning and growth in this area.

Outside the office, Jess enjoys spending time with her family, reading, cooking, exercising, and being outdoors.

Aleksandra J. aka Ola, Front Desk Coordinator

Ola’s, pronounced “hola”,love of working with people and learning new things inspired her to enter the dental profession. A native of Poland, she earned a degree in special pedagogy from the University of Lodz in 2007, the same year she moved to the United States.

Since we had to look it up, we thought we’d share the definition of pedagogy with you! ped·a·go·gy
/ˈpedəˌɡäjē/
noun
the method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept.
“the relationship between applied linguistics and language pedagogy”

– She also has experience working as a dental assistant.

To stay abreast of the latest in the field, Ola has taken various courses in financials and claims. Ola is very shy about her achievements, she has very quickly risen through the ranks and is amazing at managing the schedule, the patients, and the staff, and she’s super good at going over treatment with patients.

When she’s not at the practice, Ola enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and dog, named Maddie. She also enjoys getting together with friends and traveling.

Kasia B., Front Desk Administration

Before joining the practice team, Kasia worked as a receptionist in the medical field for 10 years. She began her career in a family practice before transitioning to an office of ENT specialists. During this time, she also spent three years working in an optical department while simultaneously attending Estelle Skin Care and Spa Institute on evenings and weekends.

In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, Kasia became a stay-at-home mom. She also used this time as an opportunity for growth, taking online courses to become a hairstylist. Eventually, she landed a position at a dental office.

A year later, Kasia welcomed her second child and took on additional responsibilities in the beauty industry. She found a balance between motherhood and her career at our practice, where she works part-time as a receptionist.

Kasia graduated from Estelle Skin Care and Spa Institute in 2018. She is qualified to help people find the best dental care and solutions for their dental insurance. She continues her professional development by taking courses in Beauty and Phlebotomy.

Aside from her professional life, Kasia is an esthetician in her spare time, a passion she has pursued since 2018. What started as a specialization in skincare evolved into enhancing women’s beauty as a special occasion hair and makeup artist. Today, Kasia could not be happier with where her journey has taken her!

Katarzyna (Kate) B., Front Desk Administrator

What Kate enjoys most about her job at the practice is being the first point of contact for patients. It’s rewarding for her to help people feel comfortable and ensure their visit goes smoothly. She loves creating a positive and welcoming environment for everyone who walks through the door.

Kate is detail-oriented and has several years of experience in the engineering field, where she developed strong communication and organizational skills. She understands the importance of confidentiality and the need for efficiency in a fast-paced environment. Aiming to ensure that every patient feels valued is always a top priority.

For Kate, working with the team at Hart Dental is fantastic. She appreciates that everyone is supportive, friendly, and professional. “We work really well together to provide the best care for our patients, and there’s a great team spirit.”

In her free time, Kate loves traveling and exploring nature. She finds that it’s a great way to unwind. She also enjoys cooking new recipes and spending time with her family. Her closest family consists of her husband and their Boxer dog, who is full of energy and personality. “He’s definitely the goofy, affectionate one in the family, always ready for a game or a cuddle. They both bring so much joy and balance to my life.”

To recharge, Kate likes to take a walk outside or read a good book. It’s important for her to find little ways to relax and disconnect from the busyness of the day.

Bozena S., Dental Assistant

Bringing a warm light to our office, Bozena is passionate about providing excellent patient care. Well educated, she previously worked as a nurse in Poland.

When she’s not at our dental practice, Bozena loves to spend time outside gardening and walking. She is the proud and energetic mother of two daughters and three grandchildren. Bozena also speaks Polish.

Monika M., Dental Assistant

Known for being hilarious, Monika can always elicit a laugh from others. She’s also energetic, fun, hard-working and highly likable. At the end of the workday, she looks forward to getting home on time to see her son and husband. Monika also speaks Polish.

Gosia B., Dental Assistant

A native of Poland, Gosia came to the United States in 1992. For 16 years, she dreamed about working in the medical field. Her dreams became a reality when she transitioned from a dental patient to a dental assistant.

To prepare for her career, Gosia attended school to become a dental assistant. She is also certified in sealants and qualified in coronal polishing.

For Gosia, the most rewarding aspect of her job is working with people, especially children. “It is fulfilling to watch a patient’s smile transform.”

When she’s not caring for patients’ smiles, Gosia enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time with her family, including two sons and pets. She has two cats but loves dogs. Some fun facts about Gosia: she used to dance in the dance company Zespół Pieśni i Tańca “Jawor” in Lublin, Poland, for seven years., and her favorite color is Bordeaux red!

Azucena R., Dental Assistant

Azucena (Suzy) is a dedicated and passionate dental assistant with over a decade of experience in the field. A graduate of Everest Dental Assisting School in 2013, she is certified in coronal polishing and sealants. Born and raised in Mexico, Suzy moved to the United States in 2009. She is bilingual in Spanish and English, and she’s currently learning Polish through her patients.

Suzy was inspired to enter the dental field as she’s always wanted to be a part of a fulfilling career that enriches the happiness of others! She’s always eager to learn new procedures, demonstrating her commitment to professional growth. Her dedication extends beyond the workplace; despite living the furthest from work, she never lets distance deter her from serving her patients well.

Beyond dentistry, Suzy is a licensed eyelash technician, a testament to her love for fashion and makeup. She also enjoys traveling and outdoor activities, and spending time with her three wonderful children, two boys and a girl. Suzy loves cats (but can’t have them due to allergies), prefers chocolate over vanilla, and is known to misplace her eyeglasses daily.

Marzena, Sterilization Dental Assistant

Marzena was inspired to pursue dentistry by its remarkable combination of healthcare and technical skill. She finds great joy in contributing to her patients’ health and well-being and is fascinated by the intricate nature of dental procedures.
Marzena holds a certification as a Dental Assistant and has undergone specialized training in dental sterilization procedures. Recognizing the importance of maintaining a safe and hygienic environment in the clinic, she is dedicated to staying up-to-date on the latest practices in dental care.

Marzena completed her dental assistant training in Poland at a vocational medical school. This comprehensive program provided her with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for her role.

To ensure she delivers the highest standard of care, Marzena actively participates in professional development and continuing education courses. She places particular emphasis on expanding her expertise in sterilization techniques and staying abreast of new dental technologies.

For Marzena, the most fulfilling aspect of her profession lies in directly contributing to her patients’ well-being. She takes pride in ensuring that every dental procedure is conducted in a safe and clean environment, instilling confidence and trust in her patients.

Outside of work, Marzena enjoys immersing herself in American culture and exploring the diverse landscapes of the United States. She nourishes her mind through reading and finds solace in engaging in creative hobbies such as cooking. These activities provide a much-needed balance to her professional life.

Monika G., Dental Assistant

Monika was inspired to enter the dental profession as she liked the idea of working directly with patients to be part of a team that helps people and cares about them. She has seven years of experience working as a dental assistant and enjoys using her manual skills. “I also like that every day is a little different, with new challenges and no room for boredom.”

Reliable and detail-oriented, Monika is a true team player, passionate about providing patients with the best possible care. She possesses certifications in the following: coronal polishing, OSHA, HIPAA, and CPR.

When she’s not at the practice, Monika loves spending time outdoors, walking in nature, hiking, and gardening. She also enjoys hanging outside with friends and family. One of her greatest passions is art, and she has been painting (mostly acrylics) for years. Arts and crafts are her favorite activities. You can see her art in our office! We have recently purchased and put up a painting of hers! Additionally, she likes to learn things related to health, fitness, nutrition, and human performance.

Kaitlyn N., Dental Assistant

Kaitlyn takes pride in creating a comfortable and supportive environment for patients, easing their concerns, and ensuring they feel cared for. “My goal is to make a positive impact on every patient’s dental journey while contributing to a dynamic and effective team.”

Currently pursuing her degree at William Rainey Harper College, Kaitlyn is certified in CPR, Coronal Polishing, and Sealant Placement.

Kaitlyn finds fulfillment in being a dental assistant because it allows her to directly impact patients’ oral health and comfort. She also enjoys working in a hands-on, team-oriented environment and continuously growing professionally. Her role offers a sense of accomplishment in helping people feel better and providing essential support to dental procedures.

When she’s not caring for patients’ smiles, Kaitlyn enjoys spending free time with her family and staying active by running, doing Pilates, and going to the gym.

Liz F., Registered Dental Hygienist

In her role at the practice, Liz finds it rewarding to watch a person blossom after their smile has improved. “It is such a good feeling to see the confidence and gratitude in a patient when they’ve taken your advice and made positive changes in their oral hygiene routine that lead to an improvement in their smile and overall health.”

Liz cares for patients of all ages and is particularly awesome with kids. She takes the time to listen to their fears and concerns. As Liz is kind and gentle, both children and adult patients alike adore her!

She has earned the following:

• An Associate of Art (AA) from Rock Valley College in Rockford, IL
• An Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene (AAS) from Manhattan Area Technical College in Manhattan, KS
• A Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) from Wichita State University in Wichita, KS

When she’s not at the practice, Liz enjoys coffee, hiking, exercising, reading, traveling and spending time with her family, friends and her dog. Liz also has Polish roots and looks forward to learning more about her heritage.

Olga S., Registered Dental Hygienist

Kind, understanding, knowledgeable and thorough, Olga is terrific with patients. For Olga, the best part of her job is improving people’s oral health by educating them on oral hygiene and giving beneficial advice. She finds it fulfilling when a patient comes back for a recall and learns that their oral health and their home care have improved dramatically. “Being a hygienist is so rewarding!”

Olga also appreciates our patients’ many cultural differences. She speaks fluent Russian, Polish and Ukrainian.

To prepare for her career, Olga earned an Associate of Applied Science, Dental Hygiene with high honors. She also serves as a Certified Community Dental Health Coordinator and is certified in Local Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide Administration.

In her spare time, Olga loves to spend time with her children and her family. She enjoys being outside and spring is her favorite season. Olga’s other favorite activities include spending time at the beach and taking bike rides.

Karolina K., Registered Dental Hygienist

To prepare for her career, Karolina received her Associate degree in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Harper College in 2021. She is certified in diode lasers by the American Academy of Laser Surgery and is always pursuing further education to enhance patient care.

She also attends the Midwinter Dental Meeting every year, where she enriches her knowledge through multiple CE courses. Karolina also has a keen interest in orofacial myofunctional therapy and hopes to obtain certification in this area soon.

Although Karolina initially entered the field of dental hygiene without prior experience she quickly found her passion. She enjoys building relationships with her patients, educating them, and providing prophylactic and therapeutic treatments. What’s particularly rewarding for her is witnessing her patients’ oral and systemic health improvements as they adopt proper oral care habits.

In her free time, Karolina enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking with her dog, horseback riding, and beach outings. She also loves spending quality time with her husband and daughter.