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.
Associate Prosthodontist
Dr. Michael Ho
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.
Esther Yerena has recently joined the Emerald Isle Dental Studio team as a Registered Dental Hygienist, bringing with her over a decade of experience in the dental field and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Originally from California, Esther began her career as a Registered Dental Assistant before advancing her education to further serve her patients and community. She recently returned to California after spending the last few years in Utah, where she gained invaluable experience working in a variety of practice settings and caring for diverse patient populations. Her background includes both general dentistry and periodontics, allowing her to provide comprehensive, well-rounded care tailored to each individual’s needs.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Weber State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and was honored with induction into the Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society. She is also an active member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and is passionate about continuing education and staying current with evolving techniques in preventive and therapeutic care.
Esther brings a calm, thoughtful presence to patient care, taking the time to truly listen and understand each individual’s needs and comfort level. She believes that feeling safe and respected is an essential part of the dental experience, and she strives to create an atmosphere that feels supportive, gentle, and unrushed. Her approach is rooted in trust, empathy, and a genuine desire to help patients feel more confident not only in their smiles, but in their overall well-being.
Outside of the office, Esther enjoys living a balanced and active lifestyle. She loves spending quality time with family and friends, exploring new places through travel, and weightlifting at the gym. She also values quiet moments at home indulging in reading and maintaining a relaxed, clean, and organized environment.
Melissa Cervantes is a dedicated Registered Dental Assistant at Emerald Isle Dental Studio. She previously worked alongside Dr. O’Mara during her time as an associate and was excited to reunite professionally when Dr. O’Mara opened the practice. Melissa values their collaborative approach to patient care and is grateful to continue supporting Dr. O’Mara throughout her journey as a practice owner.
Melissa graduated from Concorde Career Colleges’ dental assisting program six years ago. During that time, she has also been pursuing coursework at a local community college with the goal of becoming a dental hygienist. While she enjoys her role as a dental assistant, she looks forward to expanding her skills and making an even greater impact in patient care.
She takes pride in educating patients and helping them achieve healthier, more confident smiles. Melissa is committed to creating a comfortable, positive experience for every patient who visits the office.
Outside of the dental office, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog Monty. She also loves exploring new restaurants, going to the movies, and taking relaxing walks.