Meet The Team
Geraldine O’Mara, DDS
Owner & Dentist in San Diego, CA
Dr. O’Mara is the Owner of Emerald Isle Dental Studio. Originally from the Bay Area, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, before completing her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. She then pursued advanced training through a hospital-based General Practice Residency at Michigan Medicine, where she gained extensive experience in treating medically complex patients. After five years in the Midwest, she moved to San Diego, a city she has loved since childhood, when her father was stationed there with the Navy.
Dr. O’Mara discovered her passion for dentistry in high school while assisting her best friend’s mother, a local dentist. That experience revealed the powerful impact a compassionate provider can have and inspired her career path. She is driven by the blend of science, artistry, and patient care that dentistry offers and is especially passionate about helping patients who have had difficult dental experiences feel comfortable, understood, and supported. Her greatest joy comes from restoring oral health, rebuilding confidence, and forming lasting relationships with the individuals and families she serves.
Dedicated to lifelong learning, Dr. O’Mara is an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the California Dental Association, and the San Diego County Dental Society. She is also a graduate of the Glidewell Guiding Leaders Program and is deeply interested in comprehensive care, digital dentistry, and staying at the forefront of modern techniques and technologies. Outside the office, she enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures, spending time with her husband Alex, discovering hidden gems and restaurants around San Diego, and keeping active with regular workouts at the gym.
Our Staff
Our staff is always happy to help you, and here is a brief introduction.
Dr. Michael Ho
Associate Prosthodontist
Jennifer Gilo is the Office Manager at Emerald Isle Dental Studio, where she has been an integral part of the practice since 2010. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Science and brings a well-rounded perspective to dentistry, blending both clinical understanding and administrative expertise. Jennifer moved to San Diego in 2009 with her husband, who was serving in the Navy, and soon found her professional home in the dental field. She was drawn to dentistry because of its vital role in overall health and wellness, and she finds fulfillment in supporting patients and the dental team from both the clinical and operational sides of the practice.
Jennifer knew she was in the right profession in 2011, when she witnessed firsthand how a collaborative dental team could transform smiles and positively impact patients’ lives. Outside of work, Jennifer is deeply passionate about animals and has rescued and helped train dogs over the years. She is currently a proud dog mom to five dogs. In her free time, she enjoys practicing hot yoga, hiking, cooking, traveling, and spending time in Palm Desert and Joshua Tree, where she embraces the beauty of the desert landscape. An avid reader, Jennifer is part of two book clubs and is known for her ability to connect with people wherever she goes, having built a strong and supportive community of friends.
Leslie Quill is a Registered Dental Assistant at O’Mara Dental Corporation with 13 years of experience in the dental field. Born and raised in San Diego, Leslie always knew she wanted a career centered on helping others. While in high school, she worked as a CNA at a convalescent hospital, which reinforced her passion for patient care. Around the same time, her own experience wearing braces and spending many hours in the dental office sparked her interest in dentistry. After graduating high school, she completed a dental assisting program and began a rewarding career that has allowed her to assist in a wide range of specialties, including general dentistry, periodontal surgery, and prosthodontics.
Leslie knew she was in the right profession after completing her dental program, when she realized she could continue making a meaningful difference by helping patients with their dental needs while ensuring they feel comfortable and cared for. Outside of work, Leslie enjoys spending time with her family. She was raised by two amazing parents, has two older sisters, and is a proud mother of two wonderful boys and a grandmother to two grandchildren. In her spare time, she loves crafting, cooking, going to the beach, enjoying live music, and taking walks with her four-legged daughter, Molly.
Margarita Matagolai has been a valued member of the Emerald Isle Dental Studio team since 2011. As a Registered Dental Hygienist, she brings a rare blend of clinical expertise, warmth, and genuine connection to every patient interaction.
Originally from the Bay Area, Margarita chose to relocate to the community for its lifestyle, climate, and sense of balance. Her educational background is firmly rooted in science and health. She earned her Associate of Arts in Science and Mathematics from Napa Valley College in 2007, followed by an Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene from Western Career College in 2008. Committed to continual growth, she obtained her Soft Tissue Laser Certification through the Academy of Laser Dentistry in 2011 and later completed her Bachelor of Arts in Health and Wellness from Ashford University in 2014.
Margarita’s path into dentistry began after a major career transition following 9/11. Encouraged by a cousin completing a dental residency at UCLA, she explored dental hygiene and quickly found her calling. What stood out most was the opportunity to help others in a hands-on, meaningful way, something that still motivates her today.
She knows she chose the right profession because it allows her to combine strong clinical care with her background in customer service. Margarita has a natural ability to make patients feel comfortable, heard, and cared for. Over the years, she has built long-term relationships with patients who trust her not just with their smiles, but with their overall health. Watching anxious patients grow into confident, loyal ones is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.
Outside of the office, Margarita enjoys spending time with her husband and son, whether that’s trying new restaurants, catching a movie, or heading to the ballpark for a baseball game. She stays active through weightlifting and dance fitness classes, but her favorite place to be is on the pickleball court. A passionate player, she volunteers twice a week with her son and a friend to help run local pickleball leagues. Community involvement is important to her, and she brings that same positive, energetic spirit into her work every day.