Office Manager
Hello, my name is Maureen and I have been the Business Manager for HDA since 1990. I enjoy working at HDA because of the fun and relaxed atmosphere created by my coworkers/second-family and patients. I am a member of the American Association of Dental Office Managers. I also work for the Illinois Academy of General Dentistry (ILAGD). The AGD provides general dentists, students, and dental team members with the education, advocacy and the information we need to advance ourselves in the dental profession while providing our patients with the best dental care possible.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family & friends! I enjoy beach vacations, boating, the Cubs and photography.
Where do you hope to travel to one day and why?
Africa. I would love to go on a safari and photograph the wildlife.
If you were going to splurge on something, what would you do or buy?
I wouldn’t buy anything but spend the money on an island beach vacation that I haven’t been to.
What is the best part of your job working at HDA?
My amazing staff!
What is your favorite restaurant in Vernon Hills?
On the Border. Margarita please!
Favorite Animal?
Loons
What something that makes you smile?
My two sons. They are amazing young men that make me prouder every day.
Dental Hygienist
I am Ann, one of the hygienists at HDA. I have been in the practice for 23 years, started as a dental assistant and became a hygienist in 2007. It has been an honor and privilege to work with a wonderful team of dentists and staff with the primary passion to provide dentistry with excellence and utmost care.
What is your favorite inexpensive family activity in Lake County?
With a picnic basket in hand, I am ready to have fun, walk and bike at Independence Grove in Libertyville.
Best part of my job working at HDA:
The best part is to attend to patients that we care about in their oral health and their overall health as well, And in a wonderful workplace!
Interesting dental tidbit
Floss...just do it!
Favorite food?
With or without points?
Dental Hygienist
My name is Gaby. I have been with HDA since 2011 as a dental assistant. With the encouragement of everyone in the office, I have graduated from the College Of Lake County Dental Hygiene Program on May 18, 2019 and now have the opportunity to work as a Registered Dental Hygienist.
I have two wonderful boys, Julian and Adrian. When not at work, we spend our time doing fun activities like going to Six Flags, Dave & Busters and hanging out with family.
What is your favorite inexpensive family activity?
Going to Six Flags Great America is our favorite thing to do. We practically live there and enjoy all the rides. During the summer you may find us at the waterpark splashing around.
Where do you want to travel one day and why?
I have always wanted to travel to Tokyo, Japan. I like the culture and would like to experience something different.
What is the best part of your job working at HDA?
I feel blessed to work with people who I consider like a second family.
Tell us about your pet!
Berry is a 4 year old male black cat. I have had him since he was about 2 months. My aunt gave him to me when her cat had kittens. I have always had cats growing up and probably will always have them. Berry is very chill and relaxed. He likes to cuddle with me only and runs from my kids, Ha! Zoey is 3 year old female cat. She came from the same family as Berry did and they get along very well. Zoey is like my little black shadow. Everywhere I go she is right by me. Zoey has a lot more energy than Berry does but she is also my trouble maker. When bread goes missing…..I know she has taken it under the bed somewhere.
Patient Coordinator
Hello, my name is Monique and I have been with HDA since 1993. As Patient Coordinator, my responsibilities include greeting patients, scheduling appointments, coordinating insurance, addressing patient’s questions and concerns and formulating treatment plans. I enjoy working at HDA very much. Working with a great group of dedicated, friendly, and patient-oriented people has proven to be very rewarding for me. I especially enjoy the close relationships we develop with our patients. At HDA, we believe that every visit to our office should be a pleasant experience!
Aside from my second family here at HDA, I am the mother of two wonderful kids, Bianca and Derik.
What is your favorite animal?
Whales are amazing, majestic, and gentle giants.
Where do you hope to travel to one day and why?
Back to Holland (where my family is originally from) to see friends & family. It has been over 20 years since I was last there.
What did you want to be when you grew up and why?
An archeologist. I am intrigued by things old, ancient civilizations, and how people before us lived.
Patient Coordinator
Hi, my name is Erin and I have been at Hawthorn Dental since 2016. I love learning all about the dental industry as well as working with such an awesome staff. When I am not at work I am home with my husband, 3 kids, a dog and fish! We love to stay active whether it’s at amusement parks, sporting events, the movies or game nights. One of the best parts of my job is getting to meet all the new patients that come in, I look forward to meeting you!
What is your favorite inexpensive family activity in Vernon Hills?
My favorite inexpensive family activity in Vernon Hills is the Castle Park! There are great bike trails, baseball fields and also a great park for kids of all ages. If you haven’t checked it out you definitely should!
Where do you hope to travel to one day and why?
I hope to travel to Australia one day to see all the immense culture.
Tell us about your pet!
I have a dog named Hurley who is a mix between a beagle, basset and lab. He’s a cutie!
What is the best part of your job working at HDA?
Dental Assistant
My name is Lilly. I am a dental assistant for Hawthorn Dental Associates. I was a CNA for 14 years before switching to dentistry. I am also a first time mom to my son, Grayson. He keeps me busy and on my toes. I am an out-going, fun person. I love Chicago-land sport teams. I also am a collector of sports memorabilia. In my spear time, I like going places and hanging out with friends and family.
Why did you pick a career in dentistry?
When I was a little girl, I wanted to be in the medical field. I loved taking care of people and helping them. After 14 years of being a CNA, I switched to dentistry. I can still help people but in a different way.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is lox and bagels with cream cheese. I could eat this every day!
Tell us about your pet!
I have 2 dogs. Cookie is a Shitzu Poodle mix and Rossy is a Pitbull Pug mix. They both get along with each other very well.
Dental Assistant
My name is Paulina and I am a CDA here at HDA. I chose a career in dentistry because I want to help others achieve the beautiful smile they deserve. The dentist always needs a hand & that's where I come in! My favorite part about working at HDA are the patients. Seeing that smile on their face after a new restoration makes it all worth it!
On my free time I like to spend quality time with my family, friends and some time to myself at the gym.
What is my favorite animal? Dogs
What is your favorite snack or comfort food? Rice cakes are my favorite go to snack
What is your favorite food? My favorite type of food is Italian
What is your favorite restaurant? My favorite spot for healthy fast food is Zupas Cafe
Tell us about your pet! My dog’s name is Popis. My dad spoils her more than me but I still lover her!
Dental Assistant
Hello, my name is Nejat. I have been a dental assistant over 14 years. I enjoy improving people’s smiles! I have two children, Shopia & Zaki. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and taking trips to Independence Grove. I love cooking different dishes and I roast and brew my own coffee.
Favorite Animal? Cat
What is your favorite family activity? Swimming and going to the park
What is your favorite restaurant in Vernon Hills? The Pita Inn
What is one gadget or piece of technology you can’t live without? My phone
What is your favorite snack or comfort food? Coffee
I am relatively new in the dental AH office and right now I am simply enjoying the experience of working with fun folks at the Family Dentistry of Arlington Heights office. It is a delight getting to know people from all walks of life and different cultural backgrounds. I learn something new every day!
Any interesting dental tidbits?
Eat sweets, and in a matter of minutes it will eat your teeth
What is your favorite restaurant in Arlington Heights?
Mitsuwa where I can buy my comfort foods
Where do you hope to travel to one day and why?
Europe, to see the magnificent architecture
What is your favorite inexpensive family activity?
Eating dinner together and sharing stories
How did you come to work at FDOAH?
I have worked for Drs. Mora for years so I pulled some strings and collected on some favors -- :)
Tell us about your pet!
Bella! She's a pineapple conure that always stays near me and understands words in both English and Tagalog. We also have a psychic dog name Nicky who likes massages and comes to me whenever I think of her, I don't even have to call her name and she's there beside me!
Dental Hygienist
Dental hygiene has been a big part of my life for over 45 years now, almost 36 right here at Hawthorn Dental Associates. On December 23, 2021 was my last day at HDA as I have RETIRED! I’m spending time traveling and enjoying life with the family and friends. I’m working on my golf game and babysitting my grandchildren. You may see me from time to time at HDA visiting my work family. Best wishes to all my patients!