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.
Welcome to the Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists!
My name is Risa Hurwich, and I am honored to be the ’25 – ’26 President. The ISPD is
comprised of local pediatric dentists and our allies. Our mission is to serve to support the oral
health of all children by engaging membership through quality education, advocacy, and
volunteer opportunities. The vision of our Society is to work together to achieve optimal oral
health for all children. We stand united in our mission and vision and honor community
engagement for the betterment of children in Illinois.
Let’s be in touch!
-Risa
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.
erin.petrik@gmail.com
flavia_lamberghini@yahoo.com
mariliamf05@gmail.com
ntomas822@gmail.com
amandapappas@gmail.com
alsalehm@uic.edu
evekrat@uic.edu
lexixnash@gmail.com
rfacko@gmail.com
Risa Hurwich, DDS, MPH
President
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.
Erin Petrik, DDS
President Elect
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.
Flavia Lamberghini DDS, MS, MPH
Secretary - Treasurer
Flavia Lamberghini is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, Clinical Associate Professor in Department of Pediatric Dentistry and founder of Apple Dental Care. She is the Illinois Public Policy Advocate for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Examiner of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, CODA Site Visitor, and proud Secretary/Treasurer of the ISPD.
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.
Dr. Natalie Tomás, DDS
Director - 2025
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. Amanda Pappas Shaffer, DDS
Director - 2025
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. Majd Alsaleh, DDS
Director - 2026
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.
Dr. Eveliina Kratunova, DDS
Director - 2026
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. Lexi Nash, DMD, Diplomate of ABPD
Director - 2027
Dr. Lexi grew up in Southern Illinois and knew since high school that she wanted to be a dentist, work with children and serve her community. Her studies led her to McKendree University and then Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine.
After dental school, Dr. Lexi completed two years of specialty training in pediatric dentistry at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University.
Dr. Lexi loves getting to know her patients and making their appointments fun! She considers herself a lifelong learner and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society and American Dental Association.
When not in the office, Dr. Lexi enjoys spending time with her husband, Tyler, and their friends and family. Dr. Lexi also enjoys yoga, baking, and exploring Chicago’s diverse food scene.
Richard Facko, DDS
Director - 2027
Dr. Richard Facko is honored to serve the pediatric dental community in Illinois. He practices at Palos Pediatric Dentistry, PC, a practice he founded in the neighborhood where he grew up. He earned both his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and his certificate in pediatric dentistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Deeply committed to both his profession and his community, Dr. Facko currently serves on the Board of Education for Palos Heights School District 128. He and his wife, Cassie, have four children. Their youngest daughter, Annie, has Down syndrome, inspiring Dr. Facko’s passionate advocacy for all children, especially those with special needs. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Facko enjoys coaching three of his children’s hockey teams, spending time with his family, and staying active through regular exercise.