Dr. Mark Humenik was born and raised in Northbrook, Illinois, and enthusiastically followed his father, Dr. Joseph Humenik, into the dental profession. He graduated with honors from the University of Illinois-Chicago Dental School in 1988 and was fortunate to practice with his father for eight years before Dr. Joes retirement.

Dr. Mark is committed to maintaining excellence in the art and science of dentistry, and eagerly attends continuing education courses to advance his knowledge and skills, regularly integrating the latest dental technologies into the practice. He appreciates the opportunity to work closely with his wife, Mary Beth, both at Humenik Dentistry and in a variety of charitable dental events and organizations. Dr. Mark treats patients of all ages and especially enjoys caring for families.

Throughout his career, Dr. Mark has been active in organized dentistry. He is a past president of the North Suburban Branch of the Chicago Dental Society (CDS) and served as a trustee of the Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS). He is currently a delegate to the ISDS and the American Dental Association (ADA) House of Delegates and participates on numerous committees at state and local levels. He is a fellow of the American and International College of Dentists and a director on the ISDS Foundation.

Dr. Mark served as co-chair of the ISDS Foundations 2010 Mission of Mercy and was state chair of the ISDS Foundations 2012 Mission of Mercy, an organization he and his wife and many of their friends and family members work tirelessly to support. Mission of Mercy events across America have been providing free dental services for the underserved since 2000. Additionally, Dr. Mark is the president of Americas Dentists Care Foundation board of directors (the non-profit parent organization of Mission of Mercy). He is a founding member of El Nino Rey, a mission organization that brings dental care to the people of Quechultenango, Guerrero, Mexico. Dr. Mark will serve as the general chair for the Chicago Dental Societys 2015 Midwinter Meeting.

Kristan Clifford developed her affinity for dental hygiene as a high school student, working part-time as an assistant for her father, a periodontist. She has been a dental hygienist for 25+ years, and joined Humenik Dentistry in 2001.

Kristan received a bachelors degree in dental hygiene from The Ohio State University in 1993. Along with the other hygienists at Humenik Dentistry, Kristan possesses an ARESTIN Certified Expert (ACE) certification, demonstrating her expertise in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease and she is CPR-certified.

She is committed to spreading the healthy mouth, healthy body message to her patients, to increase their awareness about untreated tooth decay or gum problems and the impact those conditions can have on overall health. Kristan provides personalized, thorough patient education, in partnership with Dr. Mark, and works with her patients to develop effective treatment plans.

Kristan and her husband Bob, a vice president of sales and marketing for a manufacturing company, have two daughters, Martha and Kay. She has volunteered her time through the Mission of Mercy in Illinois, providing both administrative and clinical expertise. When she isnt working, Kristan likes to travel and spend time with friends and family. She also enjoys taking spin classes and spending time on the beaches of Lake Michigan.

Casandra Hayes has practiced dental hygiene in Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois and began her association with Humenik Dentistry in 1982. She holds an Associate Degree in Science from Kellogg College, (Battle Creek, Michigan), where she graduated with honors. Along with the other hygienists at Humenik Dentistry, Cassandra possesses an ARESTIN Certified Expert (ACE) certification, demonstrating her expertise in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease and she is CPR-certified.

Casandra enjoys working with patients of all ages, but after spending seven years in a pediatric dental specialty practice, caring for children has become her particular passion. She strives to help her young patients establish lifelong oral health, and encourages them to develop good habits at an early age. Her contributions to the process include scaling and polishing teeth, administering fluoride treatments and providing friendly, personal feedback. Casandra believes all people (and especially children) prefer positive reinforcement so she always makes sure to compliment them on what they are doing well, before suggesting ways to improve how they care for their teeth.

Together with the other staff members at Humenik Dentistry, Casandra has volunteered her time through the Mission of Mercy in Illinois. She also provides dental care for the residents of Little City and visits elementary school children in Chicago and Northbrook during Dental Health month.

Casandra lives in Northbrook with her husband and two children, Kendall and Jack, and enjoys attending their sporting events and other activities. In her spare time, she likes to knit, read, cook and create scrapbooks.

Jennifer Shanahans career in dentistry was launched at the ripe old age of 17, when she began working as an assistant and handling front desk duties for her family dentist in Mundelein, Ill. She enjoyed working in the dental office environment so thoroughly that she went on to graduate from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Ill., in 1989 with her Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene. Jennifer joined Humenik Dentistry in 2003.

In addition to her many years of experience in general dentistry practices, Jennifer possesses a license to administer local anesthetics and maintains a current CPR certification. Along with the other hygienists at Humenik Dentistry, Jennifer received an ARESTIN Certified Expert (ACE) certification, demonstrating her expertise in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease. Her day-to-day responsibilities at Humenik Dentistry include scaling and polishing patients teeth, taking and developing digital radiographs, dispensing topical anesthetic and oral antibiotics when necessary and providing personalized, thorough patient education. Jennifer is involved in organized dentistry and receives continuing education credits on a regular basis.

Jennifer and her husband Jim have four children, two boys and two girls, Payton, Reese, Ryan and Nia. They are a licensed foster care family and are involved with Safe Families for Children through the Willow Creek Community Church. Since 2005, Safe Families for Children has offered sanctuary to thousands of children, minimizing the risk for abuse or neglect and giving parents the time and tools they need to help their families thrive. The ultimate goal is to strengthen and support parents so they can become Safe Families for their own children. Jennifer gives back to dentistry, along with the other staff members at Humenik Dentistry, by volunteering her time through the Mission of Mercy in Illinois. She stays active by running, biking and swimming and enjoys reading in her downtime.

As a general and pediatric dental assistant, Larissas duties include assisting Dr. Mark chair side by preparing materials, delivering instruments and ensuring and maintaining patient comfort during a variety of treatments. She also assists with laboratory procedures such as taking impressions of patients teeth and helps keep the office running smoothly by managing inventory control and ordering dental supplies and equipment. Together with the other staff members at Humenik Dentistry, Larissa has volunteered her time through the Missions of Mercy in both Illinois and Wisconsin.

Larissa is the proud mother of one son, Nicholas, who enjoys football and music. When shes not working, Larissa likes to garden and exerciseespecially when the weather is warm. She is also interested in interior decorating, which is exercise for her creative side!

Zosia Ellwanger joined the Humenik Dentistry family as a dental assistant in September 2016. She has worked in healthcare since 2012, when she graduated from Illinois State University. Zosia and her family came to the United States from Poland in 1996. She always intended to have a career in healthcare and is glad to have the opportunity to work with Humenik Dentistrys patients. Zosia enjoys attending dental industry events, such as the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, where she can expand her skills through lectures and hands-on courses.

Zosia and her husband Greg welcomed their first son Grayson in October 2019.They enjoy family activities and playing with their pet rabbit named Hops. ZZ (as shes known to Humenik Dentistrys staff and patients) loves arts & crafts, cooking, exercising and finding new shows to watch on Netflix.

Mary Beth and Mark met in 1993 and married in 1995. She joined him in managing the dental office after a successful career in the publishing industry. As a representative for college textbook publishers, she traveled extensively for 10+ years and was happy to apply her outgoing personality and outstanding organizational skills to the practice.

Mary Beth is involved in organized dentistry and attends many regional and national meetings with Mark. She is very active with Americas Dentists Care Foundation and participates in the planning and execution for several Mission of Mercy events each year. Shes an avid reader and loves spending time with her family, especially her 20+ nieces and nephews.

When not working, she loves to be outdoors. She has 10 nieces and nephews and three siblings with whom she spends time sailing, golfing, cooking, camping and going to the beach. She graduated from DePaul University in Chicago and was a member of the schools inaugural womens varsity soccer team. Mary Pat currently resides in Chicagos Lakeview neighborhood and takes full advantage of the areas nightlife and restaurant scene.

When asked to identify her favorite color, Janelle remarked vertical stripes. With that reply, it was obvious that her fun and enthusiastic personality made her a perfect fit for Humenik Dentistry. We know our patients will enjoy their interactions with her. When shes not at work, Janelle likes to cook, read, travel and spend time with her husband, Andrew, and their two small children, daughter Bronwyn and son Payne.

On school holidays and weekends, the front desk team is assisted by Greta Frehner. She has eagerly embraced her duties at Humenik Dentistry. Greta greets patients, answers phones and works with the computer system.

She attends Lyons Township High School where she is a member of the tennis and cheerleading teams, as well as being involved in many after school clubs and activities. Greta has two younger brothers and many cousins who live nearby. When she isnt at school or working, Greta loves spending time with her large extended family.

Amara came to Humenik Dentistry as a patient when she was 3 years old. Shes now in high school and helps out as a Dental Office Assistant two-to-three days each week. Amara is happiest when she is busy, and she makes sure that Humenik Dentistrys take-home patient bags are filled and organized. In addition to helping the front desk team with paperwork, she also keeps the sugarless gum, lollipop and toy canisters full.

When shes not at work or school, Amara attends weekly art and exercise classes. She also enjoys yoga, music, dancing and participating in her healthy supper club. Amara lives at home with her parents, and has three older siblings who live in Chicago. She has a wonderful sense of humor and is a great addition to the Humenik Dentistry team!