At Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge we are so fortunate to have such a fabulous and dedicated team that truly enjoys building relationships and trust with our patients.
Gerri – Registered Dental Hygienist
Gerri has been a licensed Dental Hygienist at this office site since 1992. In 2013 she followed her interest in how hygienists play an integral role in screening for sleep apnea. Which led her to become a certified orofacial myofunctional therapist – (an OMT) – and a certified Buteyko Breathing Educator.
As an OMT Gerri works to identify dysfunction of the tongue, chewing, and other facial muscles, and formulate individualized treatment plans for patients. Through teaching and coaching patient’s with specific exercises Gerri works to correct these imbalances/dysfunctions. The goal is to achieve 24/7 healthy nasal breathing, tongue posture, chewing and swallowing. Achieving this can support healthier sleep, digestion and improved overall health.
Gerri’s passion for natural solutions to achieve optimal health led her to learn more about the benefits of essential oils. As a doTERRA Essential Oil Specialist she uses them personally, educates others and offers their benefits in her practice of dental hygiene and orofacial myofunctional therapy.
Gerri lives with her husband, Don, and their miniature Schnauzer in Park Ridge. She has two adult children and four grandchildren which are the joy of her life. Her personal interests include reading, gardening, cooking, grandparenting and involvement at her church.
Beng – Registered Dental Hygienist
When Beng started in our office in 2002 she was hired as a chairside assistant but decided to continue her education to become a registered dental hygienist. Beng graduated from William Rainey Harper College in 2005. In addition to being a great hygienist, she has been trained at the Pankey Institute to work on special laboratory cases with Dr. Lowery.
Beng is very energetic and brings great enthusiasm to our office. She loves to interact with the patients and considers them friends of the practice.
Originally from the Philippines, Beng was a dentist in her home country. She loves to travel and visit her extensive family. Currently, she lives in Wheeling with her terrific and very active son.
Kristen – Registered Dental Hygienist
Kristen started in the dental field 20 years ago as a dental assistant, before becoming a licensed Dental Hygienist in 2007.
Kristen values relationships built with patients and how they can work together for better overall and oral health. Joining the Beyond Smiles team has been a simple transition for Kristen from Dr Sandy Artisuk. She is happy to be a part of such a wonderful team and is a great team player. Kristen loves seeing familiar faces from Dr Sandy’s practice and getting to know new patients.
Outside of work, Kristen loves and is a talented baker and decorator of cakes. Her two boys keep her busy with many activities and various sports they play.
Annie – Registered Dental Hygienist
I have been in the dental field for many years. I became a dental hygienist in 2002 but was a dental assistant prior to that. My favorite part of my job is providing patients the experience of great dental care and the feeling of a wonderful smile. I enjoy encouraging and educating patients throughout their dental journey. It is very rewarding to see positive changes for patients through my guidance and coaching.
When I’m not running my three children around to all their activities, I enjoy traveling and spending quality time with my family.
Mary – Beyond Smiles Office Manager
Mary started at this location in 2017 but she has been in the dental field since 2000. Mary’s extensive experience in customer service and managing insurance benefits is a huge asset for the Beyond Smiles team. Mary enjoys getting to know patients and families. Building relationships with patients and making them feel at home in the office is Mary’s specialty. She is always the face you see when you are welcomed.
As the office manager Mary is truly delighted to work with an amazing team. Having an exceptional team makes it easy to strive together to build a “dental family”
Mary is a long time Park Ridge resident and enjoys the treasures of this community. She comes from a large family and has been blessed with four amazing adult children. In her spare time Mary enjoys gardening, walking and decorating the office for every season.
Margie – Clinical Dental Assistant
Margie joined our practice as a chair side assistant in 2021, after working in the office of Dr. Artisuk for 24 years. She has over forty years of experience. She enjoys assisting Dr. Ulka and getting to know patients. Margie finds great satisfaction in making patients feel comfortable and relaxed. She values working in an office that focuses on continuing education and uses the latest technologies to help patients reach their optimal dental health. Margie holds certifications in x rays, coronal polishing and sealants.
Margie lives in Chicago with her husband. They enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. She loves going for walks and working in her garden. During the summer you can usually find her with her friends on her deck or in the pool.
Rosa – Clinical Dental Assistant
Rosa joined our staff beginning in May, 2019. She is our clinical assistant for Dr. Lowery and our hygienists.
Rosa was born and raised in Banawa, Cebu City, Phillipines. She immigrated to the US in 1979 and was married in 1986. Rosa is blessed with two children – Omar, an IT specialist and Shaheen, a physical therapist.
Rosa has been in the dental field a long time beginning with her studies at Northwestern Dental School in 1989 to become a dental technician. Since then she has worked full time at various dental offices, oncology, implant, and general dentistry.
Rosa loves to dance and is very active with service organizations – currently secretary of her local Lion’s Club and previously the Philipino American Social Services. She is a fabulous cook and baker, often treating us with her results! Rosa also loves being a new grandmother!
Sue – Clinical Dental Assistant
Sue started with Beyond Smiles in August 2021 as the newest member of our team. She brings with her over 25 years of dental assisting experience to complement our office. Sue worked for a northwest suburban dental office where she assisted with a variety of specialities such as endodontics, pedodontics, orthodontics, and general dentistry. Sue is certificated in coronal polishing, sealants and fabrication of Essix retainers.
Sue’s joys are interacting and getting to know many patients and takes pride in providing compassionate care. She loves assisting patients to feel more relaxed, recognizing their anxiety and comforting them by listening and offering empathy.
Sue was born in Savannakhet, Laos and migrated to the United States when she was 2 years old. She was raised in Hanover Park. Sue and her husband of 13 years Kevin are the proud parents of 3 handsome boys. They can often be found cheering on the sidelines of their baseball, football and basketball games. In her free time Sue enjoys volunteering at her son’s school and take road trips to a variety of different states. She also enjoys shopping and relaxing near palm tree lined beaches.
Tina – Patient Care Coordinator
Tina recently joined the Beyond Smiles dental team. Tina’s many years in medical assisting and patient advocacy make her an asset to Beyond Smiles of Park Ridge. She is very compassionate to patient’s needs and schedules and being a working mom she understands balancing it all. She truly enjoys helping patients with a variety of issues and feels her medical background has prepared her well for her new adventure into the dental field.
Being the mother of two busy children and Tina enjoys the flexibility of being able to help patients and enjoying family time. She looks forward to meeting all of the patients at Beyond Smiles and assisting them in any way she can.