Meet the Team

Maureen

Office Manager

Hello! I’m Maureen, and I’ve had the pleasure of serving as the Business Manager at Hawthorn Dental Associates since 1990. What I love most about working at HDA is the fun, relaxed atmosphere created by both our team and our wonderful patients. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone leave with a smile they’re proud to share!

I’m a proud member of the American Association of Dental Office Managers and also work with the Illinois Academy of General Dentistry (ILAGD). Through the AGD, I help support continuing education and advocacy that empower dental professionals to grow and deliver exceptional patient care.

Outside of work, I love spending time with family and friends, especially during beach vacations or boating trips. I’m also a big Cubs fan, an avid photographer, and enjoy hiking the beautiful trails of Utah. Lately, I’ve been embracing my passion for travel and exploring new destinations whenever I can.

Fun Facts About Maureen

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.

Ann

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.

Fun Facts About Ann

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?

Lauren

Dental Hygienist

Hello, my name is Lauren. I graduated from hygiene school from the College of Lake County. I chose this career because I believe a healthy body starts with your mouth. I'm excited to provide outstanding care to my patients one smile at a time. When I'm not at work, you can find me enjoying the sunshine and reading a good book.

Fun Facts about Lauren

Where do you want to travel one day?

Greece, the architecture and food!

Favorite animal:

Dolphin

Favorite snack or comfort fun:

Ice cream

Why did you pick a career in dentistry?

I wanted to make a difference in my patients health

What is the best part of your job working at HDA?

My co-workers! They are so supportive and fun!

Monique

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.

Fun Facts About Monique

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.

Erin

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!

Top fun facts about Erin

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?

Lilly

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.

Fun Facts about Lilly

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.

Nejat

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.

Fun Facts About Nejat

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