Executive Council

Gina Peksa has been a clinical dental hygienist for twelve years. She attended Loyola University in Chicago and graduated from North Central Technical College in Wisconsin with an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. She has served many roles in her component including, vice president, president, trustee, and access to care chair. She just finished serving as president elect and in the beginning of October stepped into the role as president of IDHA. For fun Gina likes to be with her niece and many little cousins, and rest of the family. She enjoys being with her friends and going for fun dinners. One of her most favorite things to do is entertain and her favorite place to travel to is Disney World.

Rita graduated from the Illinois Central College Dental Hygiene program as a non-traditional student. After practicing in private practice for most of her career, she now enjoys and is challenged by working in the public health arena. Having been a member of ADHA since being a student member, Rita hopes to mentor others in appreciating the value of supporting and being supported by our professional organization. Rita is happily married with 3 grown children, 2 grandchildren (so far), and a dog.

Kathleen graduated in 2005 from the College of Lake County Dental Hygiene Program after being a dental assistant since 1995. She has been active with her membership since being in school. She would like to continue her active role in IDHA and continue to support dental hygienists' throughout the state of Illinois.

Kim began her career in dentistry as a dental assistant in private practice in 1996. After several years at the dental clinic at North Chicago Veterans Hospital , she decided to go back to school to further her career in the field of dentistry. Kim graduated from the College of Lake County in 2005 and has been an active member in her local component as well as a member of ADHA since her student years. She is looking forward to an exciting year as the president elect and in helping further the growth of the association. Kim is the wife of a retired United States Navy man as well as the mother of three grown children, all of which are serving in the United States armed forces.