Dhanota earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Guelph-Humber University in Ontario, Canada. He completed his premedical studies and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Aureus University School of Medicine. He then completed a family medicine residency at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, where he served as chief resident.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Dhanota to Parkview Physicians Group – Family Medicine in Elkhart,” said Randy Christophel, president of Parkview Goshen Hospital. “His patient-centered approach to care, dedication to preventive medicine and commitment to building lasting relationships with patients make him an excellent addition to our team. We look forward to the expertise and compassionate care he will bring to the Elkhart community.”

As a family medicine physician, Dhanota is dedicated to building meaningful relationships with patients and partnering with them to make informed decisions about their health. His clinical interests include preventive medicine, diabetes management, hypertension care and healthy lifestyle interventions.

Dhanota has experience caring for patients in a variety of clinical settings, including rural and underserved communities. He also performs a range of in-office procedures, including joint injections, skin biopsies, cryotherapy and suturing.

In addition to his clinical work, Dhanota has participated in community outreach initiatives, including programs supporting migrant farmworkers and a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic. These experiences have strengthened his commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare and serving diverse patient populations.

Outside of medicine, Dhanota enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, hiking and attending sporting events.

Patients may schedule an appointment with Dhanota by calling (574) 537-5000 or visiting www.GoshenHealth.com. 

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Hotels have a certain magic to them. You come back to your room after a long day, and the bed is made. You sit down for a full breakfast without swiping your credit card on your way out. Sometimes, the mini fridge is stocked with goodies.

Hotels make things happen, and so does Jokima Hiller.

Ever since she was young, the assistant professor of management has felt a special connection to these places. Her father was in the military, and that meant frequent hotel stays.

“If someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I could at least articulate that I wanted to work in one of those magical places,” she said.

Now, as a hospitality professional and academic, Hiller knows the work that goes on behind the scenes to make magic for guests. Her career in hospitality started when she was just 15, and her straight-A report card earned her a position as a human resources clerk. Before she was old enough to drive a car, she worked at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville.

From there, Hiller was all in. She earned her degree in restaurant, hotel, institutional and tourism management and was recruited to rescue a struggling hotel in Indianapolis. Hiller succeeded, building a strong team and mentoring an assistant manager who was ready to take the reins.

“It was time for me to move out of the way and do something else,” Hiller said. “But a general manager of a hotel is the epitome of being in the industry.”

Unsure where to go next, she called her mother for some guidance.

“My mom said, ‘I think you’re missing your calling. You think you need to be in a hotel; I think you need to be teaching it,’” Hiller recalled.

So, Hiller started her search for job openings in education and found a culinary college looking for someone to start a bachelor’s program in hospitality and restaurant management. Hiller ticked all the boxes.

Today, Hiller is all in on education. After earning her doctorate in hospitality management, she returned to her roots in Northwest Indiana to take a position in the School of Business and Economics at Indiana University Northwest.

Jokima Hiller, an assistant professor of management at Indiana University Northwest, was featured on the cover of the August 2026 issue of Global Hospitality magazine.

Her hard work in academia hasn’t gone unnoticed. In August, she was named among the Global 100 Influential Educators in Hospitality by the International Hospitality Institute.

“I look at other recipients and the institutions they work for, and these are all universities that are top-notch in hospitality,” she said. “It feels really good. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not just for me; it’s for our department and the university.”

Hiller was also recently published in Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, an achievement she’s particularly excited about.

“The Cornell Hospitality Quarterly was the only journal I had access to before becoming an educator. I never imagined that one day I would have something in that journal,” she said.

Here at home, Hiller is continuing to share her expertise with the IU Northwest community. Along with a committee, she’s helping to design a brand-new minor in hospitality management, which includes an events planning and management course.

“The city of Gary has the Hard Rock Casino and has been approved for a convention center and hotels, so we need someone in the business department with that background,” she said. “I want to make sure this course is current, and we’ll kick off our first meeting in October.”

This new minor isn’t just for students who want to manage a hotel one day. Hiller said the things you learn in hospitality are applicable to nearly any industry.

“You also walk away with a beautiful, grounded foundation in customer service, and we all have customers in some fashion,” she said. “I want students to know how to treat people. Above all else, they need social intelligence.”

Hiller is dedicated to helping students learn whether they’re sitting in her classroom or not. Beyond teaching, she’s written books on hospitality and hosts a podcast, “Your Hospitality Moment that Mentors.”

“I’m going to do my best every day, all day. I’m doing everything I can because I want to impact everybody,” Hiller said.

With a wealth of knowledge and professional accolades to prove it, there’s no one better to bring that hospitality magic to IU Northwest.

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“These physicians have established strong relationships with patients in our communities and exemplify the high-quality, patient-centered care that defines Powers Health,” said Alan Kumar, MD, chief operating officer of Powers Health. “We are excited to welcome them back to our medical group and look forward to the positive impact they will make in the lives of our patients.”

Dr. Kaur, who practices family medicine in Munster, is eager to care for individuals and families throughout Northwest Indiana.

“Family medicine allows me to build lasting relationships with my patients and support them through every stage of life,” Dr. Kaur said. “I look forward to caring for familiar faces while welcoming new patients to my practice.”

Dr. Niere-Ramos, who practices family medicine and geriatrics in Schererville, said providing personalized care remains at the heart of her work.

“It is a privilege to be part of an organization that shares my commitment to providing compassionate, comprehensive healthcare,” Dr. Niere-Ramos said. “My No. 1 priority is helping patients achieve their health goals and live healthier lives.”

Dr. Jonathan Ramos, a family medicine physician in Munster, is excited to continue serving patients close to home.

“Powers Health long has been committed to delivering exceptional care throughout our communities,” Dr. Ramos said. “I am passionate about helping patients achieve their health goals through preventive care, education and strong partnerships.”

Patients may schedule appointments by calling:

• Gagandeep Kaur, MD (Munster): 219-703-5410
• Joanne Niere-Ramos, MD (Schererville): 219-703-2425
• Jonathan Ramos, MD (Munster): 219-703-8299

Powers Health Medical Group provides comprehensive primary and specialty care services designed to help individuals and families achieve and maintain their best health. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit PowersHealth.org.

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As a part of both the front of house staff and the social media team, Ream greets customers from behind the bar and on Instagram or Facebook.

“I love the people that craft breweries bring in,” Ream said. “Between the staff and the customers, craft breweries tend to embrace everybody’s creativity while focusing on local partnerships and supporting local businesses.”

Ream has been a bar manager and shift lead on the front of house team for years. Two and a half years ago, Ream took on the added responsibility of being Burn Em’ Brewery’s social media manager.

For some, an added responsibility like this can seem overwhelming, but Ream found a way to combine the two.

“It’s actually easier to get good social media content when I’m working in the front of the house,” Ream said. “In real time, you get to see people interacting with the food and the beer and with each other – those are the good highlights worth grabbing.”

Ream’s love of the craft brewing industry goes back decades. He has spent approximately 15 years in the business, starting as a server and bartender at Greenbush Brewing Company.

What pulled him into craft brewing in the first place wasn’t the beer—it was the people. Burn ‘Em Brewery embodies that philosophy and prioritizes sourcing ingredients from local farms for both beer and food. It brings in musical talent from the Region and beyond, and it partners with other local businesses.

“Burn ‘Em Brewery is a place people want to come back to again and again,” Ream said. “It feels like a family a lot of the time – especially with our regulars and our Mug Club members.”

As a bar manager, Ream’s goal is straightforward: create moments that make people want to return.

“I obviously want them to have good service, good food, good beer – but we want them to walk away with something unique that makes them say ‘We want to come back here,’” Ream said.

On social media, that same mission takes shape differently.

Burn ‘Em’s Instagram and Facebook feeds are filled with close-up shots of food and candid photos of customers smiling. Ream also makes sure to showcase live music and unique events.

“We kind of try to get people to go, ‘What are they doing here? Why does it look like so much fun? It’s something you don’t see in other places,'” Ream said.

That spirit is on full display in the coming weeks.

On October 30, Burn ‘Em will host a bluegrass night featuring Debutants, Humbletown, and a 15-year-old fiddle player named Nolan Struppeck. On October 31, the annual Burn Em’ Halloween returns, featuring That Homegrown Halloween Show and The Erly. Guests dressed in costume can win up to $500 cash or Burn ‘Em gift cards.

“That Homegrown Halloween Show is like the scene in the movie ‘Hocus Pocus’ when all the adults are dancing,” Ream said. “It’s so good.”

For anyone wanting to stay updated on events, Ream recommends following Burn ‘Em Brewery on Facebook and Instagram, or checking the events page at burnembrewing.com/events.

To learn more about Burn ‘Em Brewery and its commitment to local sourcing and community, visit its website at burnembrewing.com.

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Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is inviting nominations for impactful university alumni to be recognized and inducted into the PNW Alumni Hall of Fame.

The PNW Alumni Hall of Fame honors distinguished graduates from across the history of the PNW Hammond and Westville campuses. Nominations are sought for alumni who are high-achieving leaders in their fields, involved members of their communities and who have engaged with PNW well beyond their time as students.

“Our alumni represent the very best of Purdue University Northwest through their leadership, service and professional accomplishments,” said Katie Holderby, director of Alumni Engagement. “The PNW Hall of Fame and Alumni Awards provides an opportunity to celebrate graduates who continue to make a meaningful impact in their industries, their communities and the lives of PNW students.”

PNW alumni nominations will be accepted through Nov. 13, 2026. Selected honorees will be announced in January 2027 and invited to be recognized at the PNW Alumni Hall of Fame reception and awards ceremony on April 8, 2027.

Nomination categories

Candidate nominations for the 2027 PNW Alumni Hall of Fame class can be completed through the nomination form by Nov. 13, 2026. To view specific criteria for each category and access the nomination form, visit pnw.edu/hall-of-fame.

Nominations are invited in the following categories:

PNW Alumni Hall of Fame Award: To recognize and honor PNW alumni who have distinguished themselves and made exemplary contributions to PNW and their community, either by virtue or by meritorious efforts. Nominees must have demonstrated good citizenship and conducted exemplary professional careers, as well as engaged with the PNW campuses to support and inspire future generations of students.

Power Onward Emerging Leader Award: To recognize PNW alumni aged 35 or younger, or who have graduated within the previous ten (10) years, who have demonstrated emerging and unique innovation, creativity and success in their chosen career, and whose accomplishments reflect admirably upon or bring honor to their Alma Mater.

Power Onward Alumni Award: This award honors individuals who embody the values and mission of the university showcasing leadership, integrity, innovation and commitment to making a positive impact on society. Recipients serve as role models for future generations of PNW students and alumni. This award recognizes alumni for their leadership and significant contributions to their specific industries and/or communities they live in.

Campus Impact Alumni Award: This award is presented to faculty or staff members at PNW who have earned at least one degree from the Purdue Northwest campuses and have made a significant contribution and impact on PNW, including the campus community and the student experience.

Previous honorees

PNW in May 2026 recognized and inducted Deno Yiankes (BS’88) to the PNW Alumni Hall of Fame during the university’s 10th anniversary gala. Yiankes is chairman of Chimera Hospitality Corporation and was the former president and CEO of Investment and Developments with White Lodging. He has accomplished more than three decades as a distinguished leader in hospitality and tourism management and has exhibited extraordinary philanthropy supporting opportunities for PNW students.

PNW alumni Ryan Elinkowski (BA’11), Erin Okamoto Protsman (BA’88; MA’01) and Spencer Summers (BS’22; MBA’23) were also honored for their accomplishments across different professional career stages.

The PNW Alumni Hall of Fame was established in 2022. To view other previous honorees and award winners, visit pnw.edu/hall-of-fame.

About Purdue University Northwest

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. As a FirstGen Forward Network Champion, PNW advances students’ socioeconomic mobility through affordable academic degrees at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. Located in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago, PNW is an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University with nationally recognized applied research that positively impacts regional workforce and economic development. For more information, visit pnw.edu.

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Rue joins Everwise from Financial Center, where she began her career in internal audit and went on to serve in several leadership roles, including Director of Internal Audit, VP of Enterprise Risk Management, Chief Risk Officer + Compliance Officer, and most recently, EVP of Credit Union Operations. In that role, Rue oversaw key operational areas of the credit union, including lending, operations, and information technology.

As Deputy General Counsel, Rue will provide legal guidance and support to teams across Everwise, including reviewing and negotiating contracts, managing litigation and outside counsel, and helping lead the credit union’s Legal team. Her broad operational experience will bring an additional perspective as Everwise works to protect the credit union while supporting the needs of the business.

“Jennifer brings a unique combination of legal expertise and hands-on credit union leadership to Everwise,” said Lyndsay Miller, Chief Legal + Risk Officer at Everwise. “She understands the complexities of operating a financial institution and how to balance legal and risk considerations with the needs of the business. That perspective will be a tremendous asset to Everwise as we continue to grow.”

Rue earned her Juris Doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis and her Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University Bloomington. She is also a Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Credit Union Compliance Officer, and a CUES Certified Chief Executive. Rue currently resides in Carmel, Ind.

Everwise Credit Union is Indiana’s largest Credit Union with more than $5 billion in assets, over 50 branches throughout Indiana and southwest Michigan, and more than 300,000 members. Everwise offers traditional financial services including checking, savings, mortgages, and credit cards, as well as wealth management services. Since its founding in 1931, Everwise has focused on making a positive impact on its members and the community. Everwise Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA and is an equal opportunity lender. For more information, visit everwisecu.com.

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Rob began his career as a therapist and clinician, serving the child, adolescent and adult populations. He has worked in private practice, group home and residential settings, and in inpatient psychiatric leadership positions. Rob is passionate about client centered care and providing a positive patient experience for our consumers.

He received both his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University, studying psychology and guidance and counseling.

Rob joins Methodist as leader of the hospitals’ new partnership with Synergy Behavioral Healthcare. Synergy is a leading provider of quality behavioral health management services.to hospitals, clinics and outpatient practices. With physician led treatment teams, coordinated treatment plans and community partnerships, Synergy’s programs are tailored to meet the needs of each facility and its community. 

“Synergy is excited to partner with Methodist Hospitals to expand and enhance behavioral health services for the Northwest Indiana community,” said Synergy President and CEO Jeff Bergren.  “We are committed to making high-quality behavioral health care easy to access and available close to home. Together, we look forward to growing services, strengthening quality and coordination, and ensuring patients and families have access to the care they need within their own community.”

With this new partnership, Methodist is committed to expanding its inpatient behavioral health services and to offering new services that improve the mental health status of the community it serves.

 “We are confident that our partnership with Synergy will enable us to improve community access to the very best behavioral health care,” said Matt Doyle, Methodist Hospitals President & CEO. “We are pleased that Rob has joined the Methodist Family to lead this effort  to expand our ability to provide the high quality, compassionate behavior health services that our community needs and deserves, “

Under Rob’s leadership, Methodist and Synergy are adding staff, renovating the existing inpatient unit and adding new units in preparation for a November opening of the expanded service.  Future plans also include adding outpatient services.

About Methodist Hospitals:  Methodist Hospitals is a community-based, not-for-profit health system with two full-service acute care facilities in Gary and Merrillville, Indiana, that has been healing Northwest Indiana for more than 100 years.  Methodist Hospitals offers a number of award – winning programs, including its Breast Care Center, Cancer Center and Neuroscience and Heart and Vascular Institutes. Its range of services also includes Women & Children’s Services, Bariatric Surgery services, Emergency services, Immediate Care Centers, Orthopedics & Spine services, comprehensive Rehabilitation services, Behavioral Health and Home Health services.

About Synergy Behavioral Health

Synergy Behavioral Healthcare provides behavioral healthcare management, with a full continuum of services including assessment and referral, inpatient programming, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, traditional outpatient and chemical dependency programs.  Synergy partners with organizations with the goal of educating the community on the signs of behavioral health issues and the range of treatments available.

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Centier Bank is proud to celebrate Marsha Plesac, Manager of the Hobart Downtown branch, and Kat da Silva, Manager of the Highland Martha branch, on their R.I.S.E. Awards recognition from the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority. Plesac walked away as one of the R.I.S.E. Awards winners, and da Silva was recognized as one of the finalists for the same award. Both Plesac and da Silva were the only honorees for this customer service and hospitality award representing a bank, while all other honorees fell within more traditional hospitality industries, including hotels and restaurants.

The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority’s R.I.S.E. Awards (Recognition of Industry Success and Excellence) is a prestigious honor designed to celebrate the achievements of individuals in leadership positions who consistently go above and beyond in their interactions with their guests. More specifically, finalists demonstrate unwavering dedication to enriching their guests’ experiences, ensuring that every interaction is memorable and enjoyable. South Shore Tourism recognizes these individuals as those that epitomize the core values of Northwest Indiana’s hospitality industry, setting a high standard for service excellence.

“Receiving this R.I.S.E. Award has been very surreal, as the relationships built with our Centier clients are genuine and the ways we help and care for them are real and comes very naturally,” said Plesac. “The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority team has really made us feel incredible with red-carpet treatment, and it is very humbling to have been recognized.”

Plesac has worked for Centier Bank for the past 16 years and has become known for her “hallmark of hospitality.” She routinely takes extra steps to make banking easier and more comfortable for clients, especially those who may be facing health challenges, mobility limitations, or difficult life circumstances. Her approach reflects a simple but powerful belief: clients deserve to be treated with dignity, kindness, and flexibility. Plesac has made a home visit to a client who suffered a stroke, allowing the client to sign a signature page to add her kids to her account. She has also helped clients manage their monthly bills and has even gone to clients’ homes to do this when they can no longer drive. Additionally, Plesac arranged Meals on Wheels and adult social services for an elderly client with no family and has even assisted with picking up groceries and prescriptions for some of her elderly clients and helping them find rides to doctor appointments.

Kat da Silva was recognized as a R.I.S.E. Award finalist at the event hosted by the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority. She has consistently gone above and beyond to deliver exceptional service to every client she encounters at Centier Bank. Whether she is helping a young client cash in coins from their piggy bank and locate their savings account or assisting a family through the process of securing a home loan, da Silva approaches every interaction with the same level of care, dedication, and professionalism. When clients are upset or frustrated, she takes the time to understand their concerns, acknowledge their emotions, and meet them where they are. She works to resolve issues while making clients feel heard, valued, and at ease throughout the process. Building meaningful relationships has earned da Silva the trust and loyalty of countless clients.

“I have the pleasure of serving clients during many of life’s big moments, as well as some of the most difficult ones,” da silva said. “My goal is always to treat clients with not only a level of professionalism, but also the utmost care and compassion.”

Both Plesac and da Silva attended an awards ceremony on September 23^rd where the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority highlighted finalists and their examples of outstanding customer service and how they go above and beyond to serve their clients and community. Finalists were also treated to well-deserved fun and pampering experiences and a generous gift basket valued at more than $1,400, all courtesy of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority.

For more information about the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority’s R.I.S.E. and R.O.S.E. Awards, visit R.O.S.E Awards | Recognition for Exceptional Customer Service.

To connect with Marsha Plesac, email her at mplesac@centier.com

To connect with Kat da Silva, email her at kdasilva@centier.com

About Centier Bank

Centier Bank is Indiana’s largest private, family-owned and operated bank, having served hometown banking across communities since 1895. With a purpose of enriching lives through financial guidance and caring relationships for an even better tomorrow, Centier Bank currently has more than $10B in assets, more than 64 offices, serving in 35 communities across 12 counties with over 1,100 associates. Centier has a long heritage of putting people first, and the company’s fifth-generation ownership remains committed to its Not For Sale promise ensuring that Centier remains a family-owned and operated bank for generations to come. Centier Bank has appeared on Forbes’ list of Best-in-State-Banks annually from 2018-2025. Additionally, Centier Bank has been among the top “Best Places to Work in Indiana” by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and received national attention by American Banker magazine as the Top Best Bank to Work For in Indiana and #5 in the U.S.A. Locally, Centier Bank was just recognized as the best bank in Northwest Indiana for business and customer service in Northwest Indiana Business Magazine’s 2026 awards. For more information on Centier products and services, visit centier.com. Member FDIC.

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The Valpo Parks Foundation invites the public to celebrate community generosity, leadership, and legacy at the annual Friends & Legends  Ceremony on Thursday, October 1, 2026. This free event will take place from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Butterfield Family Pavilion. 

The Friends & Legends Ceremony recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations who support Valparaiso Parks through their time, talent, and treasures. This year, the Foundation is proud to honor three pillars of the community: 

• Phil Ross will receive the Community Champion Award. 

• Valparaiso Sunrise Kiwanis Club will accept the John Seibert Service Award. • Linda Eyermann will be presented with the Art & Irene Malasto Legend Award. 

“We are thrilled to celebrate these local legends who have shaped the lasting legacy of our parks,” said Foundation President Tim VerSchure. “Their dedication ensures our community remains a vibrant place to live, play, and grow.” 

The evening is free to attend and open to the public. Guests will enjoy complimentary food, and a cash bar will be available. 

While pre-registration is highly preferred to assist organizers with an accurate headcount for catering, walk-ins are welcome. To RSVP in advance, please visit https://givebutter.com/friends-legends-ceremony-2026-dnaz56. 

About Valpo Parks Foundation 

The Valpo Parks Foundation brings people and community resources together to enhance and sustain the highest quality park facilities and programs provided by the Valpo Parks Department.

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