Show section menu
  Home
  Search
   



















 

CDHA Officer Profiles: 2007-2008

 

 

Jean Honny is a graduate of Loma Linda University's class of 1997 and is currently working on her MSDH from the University of Missouri, Kansas City (UMKC) Upon graduation, she immediately joined ADHA and became the Secretary for the Tri-County Dental Hygienist's Society and has been an active member ever since. Jean has also served as President of TCDHS and has been the component Trustee for the past four years.

Jean's clinical experience includes private practice, public health and dental hygiene education. She is a full time faculty member for Loma Linda University where she teaches radiology to dental and dental hygiene students as well as supervising on the clinic floor. Jean still works in private practice in Corona, one day a week, for Dr Greg Blash, the same doctor she has worked for since graduation.

Jean has been married to her husband Patrick for over 20 years and is the mother of three beautiful daughters, Candice, Brittany, and Alexandra. In her free time she enjoys hanging out at the pool while her girls play competitive water polo and swim.


President-Elect
Noel Kelsch

 

 

Noel graduated from Cabrillo College in 1992. She has been involved in CDHA since graduation and has served in a variety of roles, from ADHA delegate to Trustee. Noel is not only a freelance cartoonist, writer and speaker, but, she is also a Registered Dental Hygienist in private practice. She has the uncanny ability to motivate and enlighten others with her passion for oral health through her humor and cutting edge information. Noel's cartoons can be seen in RDH magazine and her articles have been published in dental and nursing trade magazines as well as in books from, "Love is the Best Medicine" to "Especially for Women". Noel volunteers extensively in the community and has been instrumental in developing a free clinic in her area as well as starting "Hugs From Home" an organization that meets the needs of the underserved. Noel is has received many national awards including, Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures, RDH Magazine-Sun Star Butler Award of Distinction, USA Magazine Make a Difference Day Award, Presidents Service Award, Foster Parent of the Year and she is a five time winner of the Castroville Artichoke cook off! She has been married for 28 years to the man of her dreams, Dave, and they have 4 amazing children Serena, Moe, Brice and David. They live in Moorpark, California and we all know what that spells backward….Her hobbies include under water basket weaving, naval contemplation and water colors.

 


VP of Administration
& Public Relations
Michelle Hurlbutt, RDH, BS

 

 

Michelle Hurlbutt says she has the best of all dental hygiene worlds! A graduate of the University of Nebraska, with a BS in Dental Hygiene, her career has included private practice, public health, corporate, continuing education, consulting and dental hygiene education. Michelle teaches as well as practices dental hygiene in a high tech, cosmetic dental practice in Upland, CA. She is an Assistant Professor at Loma Linda University, teaching nutrition, pharmacology and is a senior clinic instructor. Michelle will also teach in the new online BSDH degree completion program that will begin January 2008 through Loma Linda University. In addition, she lectures nationally on herbal medicine, cosmetic skin procedures and technology. Michelle has been a faculty member for CareerFlow™, an innovative retreat designeed to expannd career opportunities for dental hygienists interested in professional speaking, writing, sales, computer skills & corporate consulting. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Dental Health Foundation, a foundation dedicated to providing leadership, advocacy, education, and public policy development to promote oral health for all. Always up for a new challenge, Michelle is a Master's of Dental Hygiene student at the University of Missouri, Kansas City online program, with high hopes of graduating in 2008. A 2003 recipient of the John O. Butler Company/RDH Magazine, Healthy Gums Healthy Life Award of Distinction and a 2006 Discus Dental/ADHA Distinguished Service Award winner, Michelle has always been active in ADHA. She is a past president of the California Dental Hygienists' Association and most recently served as Chair of the 2006-2007 ADHA Council on Public Relations. Recently appointed by the President and approved by the BOT, Michelle is serving a one year position as the Vice President of Administration and Public Relations. She is also thrilled to begin her first assignment as Editor of the CDHA Journal.

 


Diane Thomson, RDH
VP Professional Development and
Membership
Diane Thomson, RDH
 

 

Diana Thomson graduated from Cerritos College Dental Hygiene program in 1981. She has been an active member of CDHA from the time she was a dental hygiene student. (Jr. and Sr. Class VP). Diana has held various positions in the South Bay Component including trustee to CDHA. She was the CDHA Secretary Treasurer for the past four years and has served as an ADHA delegate.

Diana has been a clinical hygienist for 26 years, practicing in Torrance with two general dentists. Diana lives in Rancho Palos Verdes with her 16 year old son.

Diana’s membership in CDHA has given her the opportunity to form new friendships and network with dental hygienists from all over the state. It is a great way to grow personally and professionally.

When not involved in dental hygiene activities Diana enjoys spending time at her cabin in the mountains. She loves being outdoors and is an avid snow skier.



Secretary- Treasurer
Lisa Okamoto, RDH
 

 

A native born San Franciscan, Lisa Okamoto received an Associate of Science degree from City College of SF, majoring in math. Recognizing a desire to work more closely with people in a health-related field, Lisa earned her Certificate of Dental Hygiene and graduated with honors with an Associate of Science degree from Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, in 1980. Since that time, Lisa has practiced as a clinical dental hygienist in both general and periodontal practices. In 2000, she became an adjunct clinical instructor for the Dental Hygiene Department at Foothill College. A proud member of ADHA throughout her dental hygiene career, Lisa has been active in her local component, Peninsula, as well as at the state level serving in various offices. With family and friends, Lisa and her husband Bob enjoy downhill skiing, golf and traveling. Lisa is an avid reader, enjoys cooking and confesses to being a bonafide chocoholic.


Susan McLearan
Immediate Past President
Susan McLearan, RDHAP, MS
 

 

Susan McLearan graduated from the University of California, San Francisco, Dental Hygiene Program A desire for a broader education in the public health and educational aspect of practice lead her to a MS degree in Health Sciences from California State University, Fresno.

Susan practiced briefly in Princeton and Bordentown, New Jersey and then settled in California's Central Valley. She currently works in both general and periodontal practices and teaches clinical dental hygiene at Fresno City College.

In 2004, Susan received her license as an RDHAP, having graduated from the UOP program. She currently practices in the Sub-acute Care department of her local hospital and in a nearby nursing home, in addition to serving the homebound.

A continuous member of her local component for over 35 year, Susan served 3 years as Valley Oaks Component Trustee and two years as its President. Having been Vice President of Education and Membership for four years, she served as President Elect and then as the 2006-2007 President of the California Dental Hygienists' Association.

As a 40 year veteran, she believes that dental hygienists have yet to attain their full potential and has dedicated herself to obtaining hygienists' rightful place within the health care professions.

Her other interests include the arts, fitness and pursing avenues of dental community service.

 

  ©2005 The California Dental Hygienists' Association