Larissa Barrera

Dental Assistant (General and Pediatric)

Larissa Barrera’s technical skills include expanded training and expertise in restorative and esthetic dentistry, including coronal polishing. She has been with Humenik Dentistry since 1999.

As a general and pediatric dental assistant, Larissa’s 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.

In her free time, Larissa enjoys working out, gardening, reading and playing piano. Larissa and her son, Nicholas, like to cook together, and often watch auto racing and football on weekends. They also love to travel and explore new places.

Zosia Ellwanger

Dental Assistant

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 Dentistry’s 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 have two young sons, Grayson and Parker. They enjoy family activities and playing with their pet rabbit named Hops. ZZ (as she’s known to Humenik Dentistry’s staff and patients) loves arts & crafts, cooking, exercising and finding new shows to watch on Netflix.