The Ellis Dental St. Louis Based Team
Get to know the members of our team who are focused on providing you and your family with the best oral health care possible.
Our Doctors
Dr. Holly Ellis
Doctor of Dental Surgery and Owner
Dr. Ellis is a native of St. Louis, MO and now resides with her husband in Kirkwood, MO. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology from Missouri State University and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the School of Dentistry at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. She married her husband, Justin, in 2005. They have a handsome son who was born in January 2012, a beautiful daughter who was born in June 2014 and their pup “Ace”. In her free time Dr. Ellis enjoys traveling, the outdoors, spending time with her family and friends, and playing “Wheel of Fortune” (she was an actual contestant on the show in 2003!).
Dr. Ellis is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), the only non-profit professional association dedicated exclusively to the practice of dental sleep medicine. Dr. Ellis helps treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy, an effective treatment that is covered by most insurance plans. AADSM membership provides Dr. Ellis with access to educational resources and practice management tools that help her better serve her patients by providing the highest quality of care in the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. For more information about AADSM, visit our section dedicated to obstructive sleep apnea.
Dr. Ellis dedicates herself to quality dental work by staying up to date on the latest dental technology and product information. She enjoys taking dental continuing education courses as well as staying active in local dental groups and study clubs. She has completed many courses from the Dawson Academy and Spear Education Center as well as many others in all disciplines in dentistry. Dr. Ellis completed a specialization in Dental Sleep Medicine at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, California and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Education and Certifications
Doctor of Dental Surgery
University of Missouri, Kansas City
Bachelor of Science, Cell & Molecular Biology
Missouri State University
Certificate in Dental Sleep Medicine
Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific
Diplomate
American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
Dr. Kelly O’Shaughnessy
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Kelly O’Shaughnessy was born and raised in St. Louis, MO. She grew up in South County, graduated from Oakville High School, and attended Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville for her undergraduate studies. Dr. O’Shaughnessy received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry and advanced her studies through an Advanced Education of General Dentistry program through NYU Langone in Juneau, AK.
Dr. O’Shaughnessy is a member of the American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association, Greater St. Louis Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentists. Her philosophy centers around the compassionate, comprehensive, and uncompromising care for every patient. Dr. O’Shaughnessy loves spending time with her family, rock climbing, hiking, and camping.
Education and Certifications
Doctor of Dental Surgery
University of Missouri, Kansas City
Bachelor of Science
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program
Langone Dental Medicine, New York University (NYU), Juneau, AK
Dr. Kathryn Brennan
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Kathryn Brennan grew up in Saint Louis, Missouri, and received her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from DePaul University. She went on to receive her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Marquette University School of Dentistry, where she graduated with honors.
Dr. Brennan enjoys helping patients overcome their dental-related fear and anxiety. She believes in creating an environment that fosters effective communication and mutual respect, helping her patients feel valued and comfortable. Dr. Brennan understands the important role dental health plays in a patient’s overall health and well-being, and is passionate about delivering comprehensive and individualized care.
Dr. Brennan is a member of the American Dental Association, the Missouri Dental Association, the Greater St. Louis Dental Society, and the Missouri Valley Study Club. She volunteers annually with Give Kids A Smile and Mission of Mercy to provide dental care to children and adults in need. In her free time, Dr. Brennan enjoys watching Cardinals baseball with her husband, completing home improvement projects, and spending time with her rescue dog.
Education and Certificates
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Marquette University
Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences
DePaul University
Dr. Krista Cayo
Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry
Dr. Krista Cayo has been practicing dentistry in St. Louis since 2010. A graduate of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Cayo also earned an additional certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry in 2011. Dr. Cayo is originally from Illinois and moved to the St. Louis area to begin her dental career.
One of her most valued aspects of dentistry is building relationships to ensure trust and genuine care for her patient’s dental health, and she does this by actively listening to patients’ needs and concerns. She strives to provide a calm and compassionate atmosphere and treats patients of all ages and backgrounds.
In her spare time, she enjoys biking, pickleball, and spending quality time traveling and cooking with her husband Luis, and two school-aged children, Sebastian and Camila.
Education and Certificates
Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
Bachelor of Science
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
Advanced Education in General Dentistry
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
Our Hygiene Team
Denise
Registered Dental Hygienist
Denise graduated from St. Louis Community College at Forest Park in 1984. She has been working with patients at Ellis Dental since 1999. Denise is absolutely passionate about her profession and her patients, especially educating them how their oral & medical health are connected. She has created many friendships with her long time patients and is honored to be their hygienist.
Denise has 4 grown sons, a chef and 3 U.S. Marines. She is so proud of them as they go forth on their personal journey of life. When Denise is not working, she enjoys her home, kayaking, camping & hiking the great outdoors, and her newest fun venture is learning the Ukelele.
Education
Associate in Applied Science, Dental Hygiene
St. Louis Community College, Forest Park
Jennifer
Registered Dental Hygienist
Jen graduated from St. Louis Community College at Forest Park in 2013. She is certified in infiltration, block anesthesia and nitrous oxide.
When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family and attending her nieces sporting events. Jen loves running, cycling, and in the summer months spending weekends at the lake with friends and family.
Education
Associate in Applied Science, Dental Hygiene
St. Louis Community College, Forest Park
Sandy
Registered Dental Hygienist
Sandy is a native of St. Louis, MO and graduated from St. Louis Community College at Forest Park in 1995. She is licensed in infiltration anesthesia, nitrous oxide administration and certified in laser and oral conscious sedation dentistry. Sandy is excited and honored to be a part of the Ellis Dental Team. Being able to work together with her patients to achieve their goals for overall health and a healthy smile is her favorite part of her job. She’s at her happiest when helping others whether it be in the office or in her day to day endeavors.
Sandy met her husband in 1996 when he sat in her chair. They are blessed with one daughter who is in the high school AFJROTC program and is excited to see where her dreams will soar. She enjoys spending time with her family and pets, cycling, DIY projects, movies, gardening, the great outdoors, music and going to concerts.
Education
Associate in Applied Science, Dental Hygiene
St. Louis Community College, Forest Park
Sam
Registered Dental Hygienist
Samantha is a registered dental hygienist with Ellis Dental. She is licensed in infiltration/block anesthesia and nitrous oxide administration. She is passionate about education, patient comfort, and treating her patients with optimal care.
Outside of the office, she is living her dream life with her 2 sons and adoring husband. As a family, they love to travel and enjoy activities outdoors. Samantha has a deep love for photography and hiking. Fun Fact: Samantha assisted Dr. Ellis back when we were both fresh graduates :-)
Associate in Applied Science, Dental Hygiene
St. Louis Community College, Forest Park
Medina
Registered Dental Hygienist
Megan
Registered Dental Hygienist
Our Assisting Team
Vicki
Certified Dental Assistant
Vicki graduated from Missouri College and has been applying her talent and expertise in the dental field since 2002.
She enjoys singing, reading, listening to music and spending time with her family.
Education
Certified Dental Assistant
Missouri College
Jordan
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Jordan graduated from Missouri College as a certified dental assistant in 2015. She continued her education and quickly acquired her expanded functions to further assist the doctors. Jordan is thrilled to be part of such a great dental team, and prides herself on helping patients with dental anxiety overcome their fears.
When out of the office Jordan likes to spend time with her husband, friends, and her 2 cats. Jordan enjoys movies, music, crochet, spending time outdoors and traveling.
Education
Certified Dental Assistant
Missouri College
Madison
Certified Dental Assistant
Born and raised in Wentzville, Mo, Madison is the youngest of four and has eight nieces and nephews. She lived in Virginia, near Washington D.C., for 4 years and moved back home in the summer of 2022. She spent 3 years as a Kindergarten teacher before realizing she felt more fulfilled in the dental field. She and her husband, Hunter, are thrilled to be back, closer to their families. Madison has a 4-year-old husky named Echo who is her fur-baby. In her free time, Madison enjoys watching Netflix documentaries and trashy reality shows, going to the gym, and watching Cardinals baseball.
Education
Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
Southeast Missouri State University
Daniela
Certified Dental Assistant
Daniela attended St. Charles Community College from 2019-2020 before graduating from Midwest Institute of Fenton in 2021. Daniela is excited to be able to work with a group of wonderful people who are willing to teach her different techniques in the dental field. Being able to make a patient smile and overcome any fear in the dental chair is Daniela’s goal.
When not in the office, Daniela is almost always spending time with her family and enjoying those precious moments.
Education
Certified Dental Assistant
Midwest Institute
Our Administrative Team
Rhonda
Office Manager
Rhonda attended Missouri School for Dental Assisting and comes to us with many years of front desk and dental office management experience. She is looking forward to getting to know all the patients and helping them schedule treatment that will maximize there dental insurance coverage.
In her spare time with husband of 34 years they enjoy spending time with their children and their 5 grandchildren.
Education
Certified Dental Assistant
Missouri School for Dental Assisting
Lore
Treatment and Sleep Coordinator
Lore graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. She is certified in infiltration, block anesthesia and nitrous oxide. Lore continually exceeds her annual continuing education requirements in order to provide the best possible care for her patients. Lore’s favorite part of her job is the wonderful patients she is able to meet and build a relationship with. Lore loves being able to educate them about both their dental and sleep health and the connection it has to their overall health. She enjoys helping them to plan their treatment and achieve a healthier lifestyle, healthier sleep, as well as a healthy beautiful smile!
Lore has been married to Joe over 35 years and they were blessed with 6 awesome children, Neil, Ryan, Bridget, Anna, Will, and Joey, and they are so proud of them. Their family has grown with two wonderful daughters in laws Emily and Lucy and the sweetest granddaughters Ava Rose, Elise, Louisa, and a baby girl on the way! Lore loves spending time with her family, cooking, reading, traveling, and getting out in nature!
Education
Bachelor of Science, Dental Hygiene
University of Missouri, Kansas City
Jaime
Insurance & Sleep Coordinator
Jamie graduated from Missouri College in 2016 with an Associate of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. She is certified in infiltration, block anesthesia, and nitrous oxide. Jamie’s favorite part of working in the dental field is the patients. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, her daughter Karlie, and their dog Bailey. Her weekends are filled as Karlie’s biggest fan at cheer and dance competitions.
Education
Associate of Science, Dental Hygiene
Missouri College
Danette
New Patient Coordinator
Danette graduated from Missouri College in 2011 as a Certified Dental Assistant, obtaining Dean's List honors. Shortly after graduation she earned her Expanded Functions in Restorative & Fixed & Removable Prosthodontics.
Danette loves bragging about her son, Brayden, and spending time with him. When the weather is nice out, Danette loves bicycling and traveling. On the weekends you can find her with her wonderful boyfriend, Steve, trying new places to have brunch!
Education
Certified Dental Assistant
Missouri College
Danielle
Scheduling Coordinator
Danielle, also known as D, helps patients schedule their appointments and answer questions specific to insurance coverage and verification. D originally set out to work in the medical industry however, she found herself working in the dental field by accident and she fell in love with it!
Outside of the office, D loves spending time with her husband, their son, and her three husky puppies.
Education
Associate of Science
Missouri College
Amanda
Scheduling Coordinator
Amanda works with patients to not only help schedule their exams but also any treatment they may need to help ensure a healthy smile.
In her spare time, Amanda enjoys time with her daughters, Cadynce and Jaydi, thrift shopping, playing cards, and relaxing with friends and family. She also has a rescue dog named Roxy.
Education
Associate of Science, Liberal Arts
East Central College
Bailey
Sleep Administrator
Donna
Receptionist
Donna has worked in the dental field for over 20 years, both as a dental assistant and in various administrative roles within the office. Donna excels at helping patients schedule their treatments, particularly with their busy schedules.
When Donna is not in the office, she enjoys reading and following the St. Louis Blues and Cardinals. She is one of six siblings and she has a twin sister!
Education
Certified Dental Assistant
Bryan University