Chapter Leadership

President

Kelly Scherer, OD

Dr. Scherer has been a dedicated member of VOSH-IL since 2019, actively volunteering in local clinics and serving on the board since 2020. Through her passion for service and travel, she has also participated in three international eye care missions. A graduate of Wake Forest University and the New England College of Optometry, Dr. Scherer currently serves as the Director of Clinical Services at The Chicago Lighthouse, where she practices low vision optometry. In addition to her work with VOSH-IL, she serves on the Associate Board for CommunityHealth, a free health clinic in Chicago. Dr. Scherer is deeply committed to advancing health equity and eliminating preventable blindness through advocacy and community-focused care. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, practicing yoga, and spending time with her family and her dog. 

Vice President

Christina DalPorto, OD

Dr. Christina DalPorto has been involved with VOSH since she began optometry school in 2011. She has gone on three international clinics to Haiti and Kenya and has been involved with a number of local clinics, as well. Prior to serving as Vice President of the IL chapter, she served as a board member. Dr. DalPorto recently got married and relocated to the Milwaukee area, where she practices full time in the private sector. 

Treasurer

Dennis Evashenk

Dennis Evashenk was born and raised in Oak Lawn, Illinois and has been a part of VOSH-IL since 2014. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management with minors in International Business and Hospitality Leadership & Event Management from DePaul University with honors. Dennis is a Global Sourcing Manager for Digital Technologies at Mars. In his free time, he enjoys board games, learning languages, exploring cultures, and cycling. He has lived in 4 different countries and is a member of The Rotaract Club of Chicago, which is part of Rotary International. He also serves on the Leadership Board for the Chicago Festival Association which produces the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade.

Secretary

Alexander Pitts, OD

Dr. Alexander Pitts grew up in Franklin Park, IL just northwest of Chicago. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology with a certificate in Global Health from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2018. He moved back to Chicago and attended the Illinois College of Optometry to obtain his doctorate in 2023.

Dr. Pitts has been involved with VOSH since starting at the Illinois College of Optometry in 2019. During optometry school he served as the SVOSH president and led service trips to St. Lucia and Mexico, as well as assisting with several local clinics in Chicago. After graduating he stayed involved as a board member of VOSH-IL and currently serves as the chapter’s Secretary. In addition to helping with VOSH, Dr. Pitts practices full time in the private sector in Chicago. 

Outside of optometry, Dr. Pitts loves going to concerts, exploring the Chicago food scene, cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers and traveling.

Immediate Past President

Andrew Kohn, OD

Dr. Andrew Kohn has served as the president of VOSH Illinois since 2016 but has been involved with the organization since his days as a student at Indiana University. He has participated in many VOSH trips, including international clinics to Guanajuato, Mexico City and Oaxaca. In addition to serving as president, Dr. Kohn is the owner of Wilmette Eye Care in the North Shore of Chicagoland.