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Steering Committee
Cassie Harter | Chairperson - Cassie is a project coordinator at Michigan Public Health Institute where she leads strategic initiatives spanning mental health emergency preparedness, oral health integration, and public health infrastructure bringing a strengths-based, facilitative approach to coalition-building, technical assistance, and program implementation. Her career bridges clinical, academic, and public health spheres, with past roles in research coordination, community network management, and oral health care delivery. Previously, she was a practicing dental hygienist for over 10 years. She’s been a member of the KCOHC since 2023.
Elaine Flemming - Elaine is the Executive Secretary of the West Michigan District Dental Society and West Michigan Dental Foundation.
Chinyere Aririguzo - Chinyere is a community outreach manager and clinical social worker who has been providing therapeutic, case management, and other social work services in the greater Grand Rapids area for the past 10 years. She is a proud cultivator of community and healing, and finds joy in using her experience and skills to intentionally partner with individuals and teams seeking to expand their knowledge of self or the systems around them.
Megan Schreier - Megan is a Program Officer at the Delta Dental Foundation, where she leads grantmaking, program development, and strategic initiatives to advance oral and public health. Since joining the foundation in 2018, Megan has overseen key programs like the Girl Scout Smile Squad, Centers for Inclusive Dentistry and Community Mini-Grants, managed special events, and built strong partnerships across the health and philanthropic sectors. She actively contributes to statewide coalitions focused on oral health, equity, and workforce development.
Dr. Mario Ferrari - Dr. Ferrari is an Associate Professor in the Master of Public Health program at Grand Valley State University. Dr. Ferrari worked as a dentist in Brazil and Germany until 2012. He holds a PhD in Public Health from the University of São Paulo, a Master of Science in International Health from the University of Heidelberg, and a Master of Science in Forensic Dentistry. He completed a postdoctorate in Public Health from the University of São Paulo in 2018. Dr. Ferrari has worked across Brazil, Germany, Australia, and the United States, initially in Tennessee and now in Michigan. His professional journey includes teaching and mentoring students, leading research initiatives in modern dental technologies and public health practices, and engaging in global health initiatives. At GVSU, Dr. Ferrari is committed to advancing public health education, with a particular focus on health evaluation, program planning, and the integration of modern technologies in health practices. He actively participates in collaborative research and service-learning opportunities, contributing to both local and international public health efforts.
Alicia Smith, RDH - Alicia is a dedicated dental hygienist and health educator with over 15 years of clinical experience across a variety of care settings. Since graduating from the Dental Hygiene Program at Grand Rapids Community College in 2009, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences from Ferris State University in 2023 and earned a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Michigan, where her research focused on the social determinants of health affecting pediatric caregivers. Her passion lies in advancing health education and advocating for equitable access to oral healthcare. In her current role as the Oral Health Program Coordinator for the KOHA (Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment) program in Kent County, she works to promote children's oral health and reduce health disparities within the community. She also serves as an adjunct clinical instructor at Grand Rapids Community College in the dental hygiene program, where she mentors and supports the next generation of dental professionals. She is an active member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, the American Dental Education Association, the Kent County Oral Health Coalition, and West Michigan Dental Foundation.
Dr. Leigh Ann Wahl - Dr. Wahl is a dedicated general dentist with a broad scope of experience spanning clinical care, public health, and organized dentistry leadership. She completed a General Practice Residency in Hospital Dentistry at Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan. She holds a Doctor of Dental Medicine and a Master of Business Administration from Roseman University of Health Sciences, along with dual undergraduate degrees in Neuroscience and Political Science from Michigan State University. Dr. Wahl is deeply involved in organized dentistry and oral health advocacy, currently serving in multiple leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. She is particularly passionate about advancing equity in oral healthcare, with a focus on hospital dentistry, geriatrics, and public health. With a strong foundation in clinical care, policy, and leadership, Dr. Wahl continues to advocate for systems-level change while providing compassionate care to underserved populations.
