President: Lori McNamara, BSDH, RDH, PHDH Lori has been a Registered Dental Hygienist for over 35 years, graduating from Loyola University of Chicago. Throughout her career, she has worked in clinical settings including private practice, pediatric, public health, and dental hygiene education. She became more involved in IDHA after finding her “tribe” of dental hygiene friends. Lori's passion for oral health was renewed by attending annual conferences and component meetings. Most recently she was the chairperson of ILHy-PAC, the political action committee of IDHA. Her professional participation extended into the Access to Care Committee as well as the Legislative Committee. Lori believes that to advance our profession we need to start with EDUCATING our patients and the public about dental health, highlighting our extensive education President-Elect: Tomika Johnson-Flowers
Immediate Past President: Kym Dallstream
Kym practiced clinical dental hygiene for 20+ years in Lake County, IL. She now enjoys a career in dental sales where she is able to blend her dental knowledge and problem- solving skills to take on new challenges. Kym lives in Gurnee with her husband, Andy of 20 years and their two children. She also has a beautiful St. Bernard, Millie and a cat named Hailey that makes frequent appearances during online meetings. Kym loves to travel (especially to Disney) and try new things. It is not uncommon for her to be planning her next trip to see the mouse or giving advice to others planning their own vacations. Secretary: Rahim Bharwani Meet Rahim Bharwani, a dedicated dental professional based in Glendale Heights, Illinois. Rahim embarked on his career after graduating from the College of DuPage's Dental Hygiene Program in 2016. He honed his skills as a dental hygienist in Colorado from 2016 to 2020, while pursuing a Bachelor's degree from CU Boulder. In 2023, Rahim returned to his alma mater, the College of DuPage, as an adjunct dental hygiene instructor. Not content to stop there, he is set to embark on a new academic journey, starting a Master's degree in Higher Education Administration in January 2024. Rahim's passion for education extends further, as he plans to apply to dental school in the spring of 2024. With a dynamic blend of clinical experience, academic pursuits, and a commitment to teaching, Rahim Bharwani exemplifies a multifaceted professional dedicated to the field of dental hygiene and higher education.
General Assembly Chair: Martha Ramirez, RDH, BD, PHDH
![]() Martha Ramirez, RDH, BS, PHDH, is a dedicated oral health advocate with a remarkable 24-year journey elevating smiles. From public and private dentistry to academia, product consulting, and management, Martha's diverse roles reflect her passion for transforming oral health care. Armed with an associate degree in dental hygiene and a bachelor's from National Lewis University, Martha's commitment extends beyond professional achievements. Throughout her career, she's been a tireless advocate for patient care, providing crucial oral-systemic education and leveraging her compassionate heart and bilingual skills to connect with underserved populations. Along the way, Martha has earned the trust and respect of doctors and dental hygiene clinicians through her unwavering dedication to the profession. Her impactful contributions include service as an assembly chair and extend to other volunteer support projects and roles within the Illinois Dental Hygienists' Association and other organizations. Beyond her professional endeavors, Martha is supported by her loving husband of 28 years and two talented sons who are her biggest inspiration. Treasurer: Tasia Walker, RDH
Tasia's diverse professional background includes a notable role as the Lead Hygienist in a DSO-affiliated office. Her expertise spans both public health and private practice, showcasing a well-rounded understanding of the dental hygiene landscape. Holding a Public Health Dental Hygiene Certificate, Tasia is deeply passionate about educating the public on the vital role dental hygienists play in society. Known for her enthusiasm and commitment to promoting oral health awareness, Tasia Walker continues to be a driving force in the Illinois Dental Hygiene Association, contributing her wealth of knowledge and experience to advance the mission of the organization. |
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