Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists Leadership
Our Executive Board
Officers & Directors
We pride ourselves on being a small and efficient professional organization, and this is due, in part, to our excellent Executive Board Officers and Directors. Their experience and passion for helping fellow dentists allows them to accomplish so much for the IPSD and its members. They are committed to building upon progress, so you can become the very best version of yourself.
Executive Officers
Our Executive Board enjoys forming relationships with each and every member of the ISPD, and before you join us, you can learn a little more about them and their credentials.
drtehemina@care4kidsteeth.com
Dr. Richardsons President's Message
While in our daily lives we are leaders in the fight against cavities, it is when we unite as an organization that we become a force to initiate meaningful change in support of our patients, our colleagues, and the children of Illinois. It is my great honor and privilege to serve as the president of the Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists, and I invite you to reach out at any time with ideas or concerns. Please join our ranks to stay abreast of the latest information, find camaraderie with our wonderful colleagues, and experience exceptional continuing education.
ISPD Directors
An outstanding team of directors supports our Board. They ensure that the ISPD continues to run well and provides excellent value for our members. You will find a little information about each of them below.
hurwich.risa@gmail.com
erin.petrik@gmail.com
mariliamf05@gmail.com
rpatel32@gmail.com
mrabinowitz.dds@gmail.com
amandapappas@gmail.com
ntomas822@gmail.com
evekrat@uic.edu
alsalehm@uic.edu
Ashlee Vorachek, DDS
President
Dr. Vorachek has been a member of the ISPD for 10 years and is thrilled to serve as President of an organization she truly believes provides so much value for both dentists and their patients. She has been practicing for 11 years and earned her dental degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. This was followed by her pediatric residency at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital., where she is currently the residency Program Director. She is also a Diplomate of the ABPD and a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Society and the Chicago Dental Society. Dr. Vorachek has taken part in multiple published studies, including “Inhibition of Autism Spectrum Disorder Associated Bacteria by Polyols.” She’s an advocate for resident research and was the first chair of the Dr. Indru Punwani Graduate Student Research Award from the ISPD.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Vorachek enjoys baking sweet treats, golfing with her husband, and traveling to visit her sister in Charleston, SC. She regularly takes classes at The Barre Code and likes to spend her weekends painting, taking her dog Nugget for a walk, or just sipping a nice cold margarita.
Reena Shah, DDS
Immediate Past President
drshah@growingsmileschicago.com
Dr. Shah has been practicing for 20 years and been a part of the ISPD for 14 years. As a pediatric dentist, she loves that every day is different but always fun because children bring such a unique happiness and energy to the world. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and completed her GPR at the University of Illinois. After practicing general dentistry for a few years, she earned her pediatric certification at Northwestern University. When she eventually joined the ISPD, she initially didn’t know what to expect, but she felt it was important to give back to the profession. As time went by, she learned the importance of organized dentistry and realized the power that a combined group has to better the profession versus just individuals. Today, she has a great appreciation for what the organization does, and she loves that she gets to meet and work with so many like-minded individuals with whom she can seek advice and share ideas. She is also a member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Originally from Michigan, Dr. Shah and her husband have two teenage daughters and a new Australian Labradoodle puppy. When not spending time with family, she loves to frequent Chicago’s many terrific restaurants, play tennis, and practice yoga.
Miranda Albert, DDS
Director
Dr. Albert joined the ISPD the same year she started practicing dentistry—2006. She chose pediatrics because she loves helping children be happy and healthy, and she saw that the ISPD would give her the opportunity to collaborate with other like-minded dentists and advocate for the profession. She earned her dental degree from the University of Michigan and obtained her Master's degree and certificate in pediatric dentistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a member of the ISDS and is a national spokesperson for the AAPD. She is also involved with the ABPD on their examination committee.
Dr. Albert is married with two children and a dog, so she likes to spend the majority of her off time with her family. Some of their favorite activities include skiing, watersports, and traveling.
Tehemina Richardson, DDS
President Elect
Dr. Richardson has 15 years of dental experience, all of which she has spent as a member of the ISPD. She is a graduate of the NYU College of Dentistry and earned her Pediatric Dental Certificate from the same institution. She says that her mentors taught her early that organized dentistry is important because it helps dentists represent themselves to the outside world in a unified way, plus it enables them to advocate for their patients (which is especially important when it comes to children). She is a member of the ADA, AAPD, ISDS, CDS, and College of Diplomates of the ABPD.
Dr. Richardson is a proud mother and describes her family as “warm, loving, and crazy in a good way!” She is a passionate avocational singer and enjoys performing for her patients and is a member of an a capella group. She also likes to knit, cook, and bake.
Marilia Montero, DDS
Executive Director
Dr. Montero comes to us all the way from Fortaleza, Brazil, and she has 28 years of experience in the dental field. After graduating from the Federal University of Ceara, Brazil, she then completed a two-year AEGD at the Eastman Dental Center. This was followed by a GPR at the University of Rochester, and she received her pediatric dentistry certificate in 2000 from the University of Connecticut.
This was followed by a pediatric dentistry fellowship at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Dentistry. Today, she is also a member of the ADA, AAPD, ISDS, and CDS.
Risa Hurwich, DDS, MPH
Secretary-Treasurer
Dr. Hurwich is a pediatric dentist because she wants to positively impact the lives of children. This is also what drew her to the ISPD. She values a voice in organized dentistry and works to adequately represent the ideals of the local pediatric dental community. A graduate of the Indiana University School of Dentistry, Dr. Hurwich obtained her pediatric certification from the UIC College of Dentistry. She is an active member of, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Society and the Chicago Dental Society. She is also a founding member of the Chicago Pediatric Dentistry Study Club.
When she is not helping patients or supporting fellow dentists, Dr. Hurwich likes to spend of her free time with her family and friends. She enjoys practicing yoga, traveling with her husband and exploring the vibrant Chicago restaurant scene.
Allyson Feinstein, DMD
Director
Dr. Feinstein has been a pediatric dentist for 10 years, and she truly loves the profession because she gets to be a positive role model for children and play an active part in their lives, ensuring they grow up healthy. She attended the University of Pittsburgh for dental school as well as her pediatric residency. She joined the ISPD because she believes that organized dentistry is critical to providing the best care for children, which is why she is also a member of the ADA, ISDS, AAPD, AAP, and CDS.
At home, Dr. Feinstein stays nice and busy thanks to her husband and their three children. She enjoys playing with her kids, needle pointing, reading, and cheering on her beloved St. Louis Cardinals (she is originally from St. Louis).
Michael Rabinowitz, DDS
Director
Dr. Rabinowitz is honored to serve on the Board of the Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists having been a member for the past seven years since he began practicing. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and completed his specialty training at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC. Dr. Rabinowitz has practiced in the Chicagoland area since 2014, primarily in the Lakeview community, and loves the quick pace and high energy of the city. He is excited to get more involved with organized dentistry through the ISPD because they promote continuing education so that pediatric dentists can remain on the forefront of new techniques and research that affect how patients are cared for. He also serves on the Examination Committee of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry & is a member of the ABPD, AAPD, ADA, CDS and ISDS.
Dr. Rabinowitz lives in Lakeview with his husband and cat, Gizmo. He is an avid fan of music & theater and loves spending time with his friends & family playing board games.
Rupal Naik Patel
Director
Dr. Naik has been practicing dentistry for 16 years and been part of ISPD for 9 years. She is a Board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a member of the following organizations: AAPD, COD, ISDS, ADA, ISDS, and CDS.
She attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Biology and dual graduate degrees as a Doctor in Dental Surgery and a Master of Science in Oral Sciences. She went on to complete her residency in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Southern California and Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles.
She loves the practice of pediatric dentistry, watching children grow, from infants to young adults, while having a positive impact on their health and life.
She is excited for her role as an ISPD board member because of the opportunity to contribute to improving the practice environment for dentists, patients, and the broader community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters, cooking, and practicing hot yoga in 100 degree studios.
Erin Petrik
Director
Dr. Petrik believes a pediatric dentist should support and strengthen the lives of their patients in a fun and caring way. Serving on the board of the Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists is her way of supporting and strengthening the vibrant community of pediatric dentists in Illinois. Dr. Petrik received her dental school education at the UIC College of Dentistry in Chicago, IL and her pediatric specialty training at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI.
She is committed to life-long learning and staying up-to-date with modern dentistry and is Diplomate and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Being part of the ISPD is a great way to connect with colleagues and stay current in all areas of the dental profession. When Dr. Petrik likes to stay active by running, walking her dog, or continuing the never-ending quest to find the best cup of coffee.
Dr. Amanda Pappas Shaffer, DDS
Director
Dr. Amanda Pappas Shaffer is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. During dental school at the Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Dr. Shaffer became interested in community dentistry and concurrently received her Master of Public Health. Following dental school, Dr. Shaffer returned to her hometown of Chicago where she earned her Certificate of Pediatric Dentistry and a Master of Oral Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). As a lifelong learner and believer of Organized Dentistry, Dr. Shaffer is very excited to be a member of the Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentistry's Board. She is a member of the AAPD, ISPD and ADA.
When she is not at organized dentistry events with her colleagues or with treating patients, Dr. Shaffer enjoys traveling with her husband and checking out new restaurants in Chicago.
Dr. Natalie Tomás, DDS
Director
Dr. Natalie Tomás is a Miami, Florida native who moved to the Midwest for her dental education. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Nutritional Sciences with a minor in Spanish from the University of Florida in 2014. Go Gators! While at UF, she was able to partake in several dental mission trips to Panama where her love for children and dentistry grew. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee in 2018.
Dr. Tomás moved to beautiful Chicago for her advanced specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Illinois at Chicago along with earning a Masters of Science in Oral Sciences.
As a first generation American from Spain, Dr. Tomas is bilingual and speaks Spanish fluently. In addition, she is kind, compassionate and upbeat and strives to create a fun and safe dental experience for her patients.
Dr. Tomás is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, American Student Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society and Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity.
Dr. Tomás currently lives in Vernon Hills, IL with her husband Luke and her two Cavapoos, Theo and Cooper. She enjoys partaking in group fitness classes, cooking, and traveling to visit her family in Florida.
Dr. Eveliina Kratunova, DDS
Director
Dr. Evelina Kratunova is an Associate Professor in Pediatric Dentistry at the College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, holds a clinical doctorate in Pediatric Dentistry from University of Dublin, and a specialist fellowship degree in Pediatric Dentistry from the Faculty of Dentistry of the Royal College of Surgeons. Dr. Kratunova has 20 years of clinical experience working with children in community, private practice, hospital and University settings. Her research interests include pulp therapy and restorative dental materials for primary teeth, local anesthesia for children and developmental dental anomalies.
Dr. Majd Alsaleh, DDS
Director
Dr. Alsaleh is a Clinical Assistant Professor and co-coordinator of the predoctoral pediatric dentistry program at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. With over 20 years of experience, she is also a practicing dentist who still maintains a position in private practice. Dr. Alsaleh completed an AEGD residency at NYU/Langone and Marquette University School of Dentistry. Additionally, she holds an MS Degree in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Alsaleh is a member of several professional organizations, including the AAPD, IAPD, ADA, CDS, AGD, and ISPD.
Dr. Alsaleh is dedicated to lifelong learning and volunteers with Global Dental Ambassadors to lecture at universities overseas. Through her involvement in academia and organized dentistry, she stays connected with colleagues and peers while keeping up to date with the latest trends in dentistry. She is committed to giving back to the dental community.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Alsaleh enjoys traveling with her husband, practicing yoga, cycling, and spending time with her nephews and niece.