I attended the undergraduate program at the University of Illinois and graduated in 1979 from the University of Illinois Medical Center School of Dentistry. I have maintained a practice in Marion, IL, since 1980. I am a Southern Illinois native and was raised in Metropolis by my parents Warren and Ella Mae Main. I attended K-12 Metropolis schools with my sisters Ann and Jane.

I have now resided in Marion, IL, for over thirty years and consider it my home. I am an actively involved member of Marion Lions Club, Marion Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts of America, Marion Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Southern IL Dental Society, IL State Dental Society, and American Dental Association. I have been an active grain farmer in Massac County my entire life.

I grew up in the small coastal town of Aberdeen WA and became interested in dentistry at a very early age. I attended college in Tennessee at Southern Adventist University, then pursued my doctorate of dental surgery at Loma Linda University in Southern California. I met my wife Klara Palhegyi while we were students in dental school, and we were married shortly after graduation in 2011.

I began my career in Washington State where I maintained a private practice for the past five years. I was exposed to a variety of patients and cases which helped me sharpen my clinical skills as well as develop creative ways to educate my patients on oral hygiene and other preventative topics. The most fulfilling and enjoyable part of dentistry is helping patients overcome their apprehension and fear, and seeing their dream smile become a reality.

After immigrating with my parents from Romania to Southern Illinois as a child, I spent my most formative years in this beautiful and peaceful area of the country. I graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with my Bachelor of Science degree, and then attended dental school at Loma Linda University in California. I chose this school because of its high academic standards as well as its strong mission emphasis. During my years in dental school, I had the opportunity to participate in a variety of local and international mission trips which opened my eyes to the tremendous need for quality dental care in underserved populations both in the United States and abroad.

It was also in dental school that I met my husband Nathan Leiske. Following graduation, we were married and moved to beautiful Washington State to begin our careers. The time spent working in private practice, volunteering at free clinics or on overseas missions have provided a variety of enriching learning experiences. I am passionate about continued learning and personal growth in order to provide the very best clinical care to my patients.

I am thrilled to be back in Southern Illinois, close to family and friends, and especially to be able to continue my dental career a long side my family dentist and mentor Dr. Main. In my free time I enjoy playing the piano and 'cello, swimming, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.