April 20, 2026 Facing the next chapter of her life, Professor Christine Dobberstein is preparing for retirement as the 2026 Michigan Dental Association Allied Dental Professional Educator Award recipient. She has taught at Grand Rapids Community College since 1998 and has served as the community dentistry instructor for 10 years. Dobberstein leaves a legacy of compassion, mentorship and enthusiasm for the industry that has defined her life’s work. The Start of Her Career Dobberstein began her dental hygiene journey at Ferris State College. While working as a front desk receptionist in a dorm, she discovered a talent for teaching and decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in allied dental health education. After working as a hygienist for 6 months and student teaching at KVCC, she was offered a teaching position but declined. “I didn’t feel comfortable walking into a teaching position without knowing more about the industry firsthand,” Dobberstein said. “When you're teaching in a field like mine, you can't tell students what it's like in the real world if you haven't really been there.” Instead, she spent the next 10 years working as a dental hygienist and eventually teaching part-time. Seeking a change of pace, Dobberstein later earned her master’s degree and transitioned into full-time teaching when she accepted a position at Sheridan College in Wyoming, where she gained valuable classroom experience. “I had a mentor tell me she wanted to hire me whenever she had a position open,” Dobberstein said. “She knew I needed teaching experience, so she encouraged me to find that out west. I think back on how wonderful it was that someone was there to encourage me — someone who told me they wanted me to work with them when an opening came up.” After three years in Wyoming, she and her family returned to Michigan when a position opened at GRCC. “I know I’m in this position at GRCC because of so many mentors who saw in me what I didn’t always see in myself,” Dobberstein said. “I wanted to pay that forward to my own students throughout my career.” Giving Back to Community As the community dentistry instructor for the dental hygiene program, Dobberstein has served on several committees, including the advisory committee for Exalta Dental Clinic and the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District. “I love learning,” Dobberstein said. “I went to national conferences and found mentors within the dental public health field.” Though she did not initially envision herself in the role, she said it became the right fit. “I also learned from great mentors in local public health, like Dr. Colette Smiley, how to become an advocate for the community. Together we work to make dental hygiene available to everyone in our area, not just those who can afford it.” Award Recipient Dobberstein’s work as an educator and her role in the community earned her the 2026 Michigan Dental Association Allied Dental Professional Educator Award. She has maintained a passion for the industry while continuing to work actively within it. “I still like working with patients,” Dobberstein said. “It’s been incredibly valuable to continue working in the field. I can lead students not just because I’ve been teaching a long time, but because I also know what it's like to work in a dental team. I can stay relevant by continuing to practice our craft.” With the MDA award being less than a decade old, Dobberstein said she appreciates its significance. “I think it’s wonderful that the Michigan Dental Association recognizes people who are doing good work teaching in the allied health fields,” she said. “I don't think many people know how hard teachers work. It’s a great honor not just to be considered for this award, but to join the others who have received it.” A Synergy in the Department During her tenure in the dental hygiene program, Dobberstein experienced several leadership changes. She welcomed new perspectives and fresh ideas that helped move the department forward. Recognizing the ever-evolving nature of the field, she has embraced continuous learning and growth. “I realize how quickly our field changes,” Dobberstein said. “I haven't been overwhelmed by the idea of change, but I’ve been honest about the fact that change can be difficult. We have such an amazing department. Some of the new faculty and leadership have been instrumental in bringing fresh energy into the space.  I’m entering retirement feeling very grateful for all the support from my GRCC team over the years.” Dobberstein credits her long tenure at GRCC to the department’s camaraderie and shared commitment to a common goal. Paying It Forward Dobberstein attributes much of her success to mentors who guided her throughout her career. In turn, she has passed that support on to her students. “I was recently asked what my teaching ‘superpower’ is,” Dobberstein said.  “I believe I’ve learned over the years how to walk through our clinic doors and be present for my students and their patients no matter what is going on in my personal life. It is important to model excellence and resilience for our students. Words are encouraging, but actions set the example for behaviors that lead to professional success.” She has also seen former students return as colleagues. “Recently, I was in a staff meeting,” Dobberstein said. “When I looked around the room, I saw six of my former students among our teaching team. We’re all colleagues now. Watching them listen, engage and demonstrate their passion for our field and what we’re doing as a department was a full-circle moment for me. I felt like we’ve done our job at creating the next generation of educators, and I can pass the baton now.” Visit the Dental Hygiene program web page to learn more about their areas of study. This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell.  

April 16, 2026 Food has brought people together for centuries. Whether during holidays, special occasions or a night out, gathering around the table fosters connection. Sasha Ahmed, an associate professor at the Secchia  Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College, incorporates that sense of community into her teaching. Ahmed began as a student before returning to GRCC as an educator. “I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to come back and teach,” she said. “I’m in a department that works so well together. I also have a great program director, Dr. Werner Absenger. He encourages me to explore new ways to enhance our program. Even if something isn’t strictly culinary-focused, I have support. As a department, we understand how important it is to be part of the community. We take our role as the community’s college very seriously.” Sharing Resources With the Community The culinary program maintains strong ties to the community through partnerships with local organizations. Ahmed has worked with Spring GR , an organization that provides business education to underserved communities. Recognizing the talent of culinary students seeking to grow their businesses, Ahmed partnered with Spring GR’s Kitchen Accelerator Program to support aspiring food entrepreneurs. “I’ve had the privilege of teaching workshops for each cohort, as well as additional classes for alumni,” Ahmed said. “Topics range from basic kitchen skills and culinary math to platter design and event planning. I enjoy sharing knowledge, brainstorming and getting to know participants. It’s rewarding to help people gain skills that can contribute to their success.” Ahmed also partners with West Michigan Welcome Plan Collaborative and A Glimpse of Africa , organizations advocating for immigrants and refugees. “I believe access should be equal for everyone,” she said. “Being involved is a way to use what I have to help open doors or provide support to those entering the culinary world. The work can feel small, but it matters to the people you’re helping.” Focusing on Experience Ahmed’s commitment to sharing knowledge is central to her teaching. She works with both students and community members, emphasizing practical skills and professional growth. “Our culinary program is dedicated to education and excellence,” she said. “We want to share what we know to help people succeed in an industry we love. If we want our students to be employable, sharing knowledge is essential. We aim to help them grow.” Ahmed noted the program’s strong alumni network. Graduates stay connected for job references and updates, reflecting the program’s ongoing support. “We exist for the community, and that shows in many ways,” she said. Expanding Learning Beyond the Classroom   Ahmed also helps lead study abroad experiences, giving students opportunities to engage with different cultures and cuisines. “We think it’s important for students to become better global citizens, and travel plays a role in that,” she said. “Experiencing food where it’s made — like tasting balsamic vinegar in Italy — is very different from trying it at home. These experiences help students grow in both passion and understanding.” She has seen significant personal growth in students during these trips. “Some students had never been outside Michigan,” Ahmed said. “Watching their transformation from the beginning to the end of the trip is remarkable. They gain a deeper appreciation for different cultures and develop stronger social skills with their peers as they spend extended time together. It’s incredible to watch them build relationships and a stronger sense of community. It’s a meaningful experience for all of us.” Bringing It All Together For Ahmed, teaching at GRCC provides a foundation for community engagement and service. She continues to explore new ways to connect with others and support students. “I feel supported in finding ways to connect with the greater community,” she said. “This industry can be stressful, and we need each other.” With that support, Ahmed began teaching a stress management course focused on responding to the hospitality industry. “We wanted to focus on stress management as a department. I was especially interested in teaching this topic and helping others recognize how valuable it is to know how to decompress,” she said. “With encouragement from Dr. Absenger, I pursued training in this area. We secured funding, and now I teach techniques like meditation and breathing. We love what we do and want to be able to teach others how to stay sustainable in their passions.” Ahmed said the program reflects a broader commitment to community. “It’s meaningful to be part of a department that keeps food — and everything connected to it — at the center of community,” she said. Visit the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education web page to learn more about their areas of study. This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell.