Waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen
Meet The Team
DR. Amelia M. Ellingson DMD
Owner / Dentist
Welcome to Swiss Biologic Dentistry! If you’re new here, I look forward to getting to know you; and, I’m sure you want to get to know me better too. And if you’re a regular, you can also get to know me better! I grew up in Tucson, where I ended up attending the University of Arizona (Bear down!). After college, I received my doctorate in dentistry in 2011 from the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League institution and top 10 dental school in the world (go Quakers!). A decade in dentistry; where did the time go!
While I was taught traditional dentistry from some of the best in the country, I felt something was missing from the bigger picture of oral health. And thankfully six years ago, I was offered the associate job at Integrative Dental Associates, one of Phoenix’s best biological dental practices. It was here that the final pieces fell into place and the light bulb went off: True oral health requires looking at the body as a whole!
To more thoroughly understand whole body dental health, I am constantly expanding my knowledge and skill-set through continuing education courses and clinics. I’ve worked at the SDS clinics in Switzerland and Costa Rica, and other top clinics in Mexico, New Orleans, Miami, Chicago, to name just a few. I will go anywhere in the world that helps me help you because the learning journey never ends!
When I can get away from the office, I like to travel to places afar. I’ve been lucky enough to travel from the Galapagos Islands to the Arctic Circle, and even to my family’s ancestral hometown of Neuchatel, Switzerland. In my free time at home, I enjoy hiking, yoga, oil painting, and taking care of my sons Raphael, Roland, and my two dogs.
DR. Alexis Yip DMD
Associate Dentist
Hi there, I'm Dr. Yip, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be the latest addition to the Swiss Biologic Dentistry team!
I was born and raised in the beautiful city of San Francisco. After completing my biology degree at New York University, I earned my DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 2021 in Boston. But, my thirst for knowledge didn't end there! I wanted to push myself even further, so I undertook an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program at AT Still University/Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health (ATSU/ASDOH) in Mesa. This program gave me the confidence to perform all sorts of dental procedures, from all-ceramic restorations to atraumatic extractions, bone grafts, implants, and cosmetic dentistry, as well as utilizing the latest technology (CBCT, digital scanners, PRF, and lasers) to ensure you receive the highest level of care.
As a provider, I take great pride in ensuring you feel comfortable and heard during your visits. I believe that effective communication and active listening are key to building trust and rapport with my patients. It's an honor to be part of a practice that shares my values and philosophy.
I'm excited to be practicing holistic dentistry because it aligns with my own values, which include nutrition, fitness, spirituality, and mental health. When I'm not in the office, you'll find me doing yoga, Pilates, aerial silks, or exploring different parts of the world to experience new cultures, foods, and histories. I'm also an avid reader, photographer, and fashion enthusiast, and I love spending time with my rescue cat, Esmie.
I'm excited to bring my knowledge and skills to the Swiss Biologic Dentistry team and to help you achieve your best possible holistic health. So, if you're looking for a compassionate and highly skilled dentist, look no further!
taylor RDH
Registered Dental Hygienist
Hi, my name is Taylor! I am born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. I have always thought teeth were “cool” but it wasn’t until I had my braces removed that I started to realize how cool they were and why oral health is so important. Oral health is tied to systemic health and I love that I get to help make a difference in a way that’s under estimated by the general public. I have been practicing dentistry for just shy of ten years and I am constantly learning new things. I genuinely love what I do and how it can help people – physically, mentally and emotionally. When I am not working, you’ll find me in high altitudes with my dog, Piper. We love to be outside and our passion is exploring new hiking or kayaking trails any opportunity we get!
Karrie RDH
Registered Dental Hygienist
Hi, my name is Karrie!
I was born in Illinois, lived in AZ for 20 yrs during my youth, and ventured for the past 22 yrs living in Durango CO, Maui HI, and Madison WI. We just returned to the valley of the sun less than a year ago where I couldn't have found a better working environment to work in than at Swiss Biologic Dentistry. My love for health and working with my hands took me into my dental hygiene career 24 yrs ago completing my degree at NAU. I truly love my career, meeting new people, sharing and encouraging better health has been inspiring over the years in practicing dental hygiene. A holistic approach to health throughout my adult years has always drawn me to want to learn more and now being part of the Swiss Biologic team seems like a perfect fit for me. I hope to make everyone of my patient's experience very positive on all levels. When I'm not working I love to be active in nature. On the lakes I enjoy wake surfing or SUP. In the mountains I enjoy snowboarding, mountain biking or hiking and when I'm back on Maui I love snorkeling, long boarding or just having fun body surfing in the waves. Now in AZ, yoga and Pilates are my thing.
kate RDA
Lead Registered Dental Assistant
Hi! My name is Kate and I have been a dental assistant for over 5 years. I was born and raised in Oregon and just recently moved to Arizona. I developed an interest in Biological dentistry after working in traditional dentistry and am blessed to now be a part of the Swiss Biologic Dentistry team. In my free time I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, cooking, and spending time with my husband and family.
Fabi RDA
Registered Dental Assistant
Hi, my name is Fabi. I have been a dental assistant for 10 years. I am proud to be a part of Swiss Biologic Dentistry since I believe we have the best approach in treating our patients. I have lived here in Phoenix since my early childhood, after my family relocated from Los Angeles. I love being a mom to my son Jonathan. I love exploring our beautiful State with my family; camping is our favorite!
Heather RDA
Registered Dental Assistant
Hi everyone! I am a certified dental assistant, completing my coursework in 2015 from Carrington College in Phoenix. I grew up in Daegu, South Korea, earning a degree in Library and Information Science before moving to the U.S. in 1998 after completing undergraduate education. I have worked in multiple general dentistry and specialty areas during my career. I love working directly with people, and it is a great feeling to be part of a great team that can help someone get out of pain, I like that I am able to make patients feel comfortable! When not working, I enjoy spending time with my longtime boyfriend, two sons, a pup, and two cats. I am an avid traveler and enjoy the Arizona mountains by hiking and camping. I also enjoy lifting weights and practicing yoga as well as experiencing new restaurants, cooking traditional Korean foods, and watching K-drama on Netflix.
Gracie RDA
Registered Dental Assistant
Hi everyone! My name is Gracie and I have recently moved to Phoenix from Washington State. I love sunshine and warm weather! I am currently dental assisting but my future goal is to become a hygienist! I am excited to continue to learn and grow my dental knowledge through the approach Swiss Biologic has to offer. Outside of work I enjoy spending time at the gym, by the pool, and being with friends and family!
Mike
Treatment Plan Coordinator
I was born and raised in central Phoenix and attended Saint Simon and Jude grade school and Saint Mary's HS. I joined the US Coast Guard at age 19 and spent 2-1/2 years on the icebreaker Polar Sea. I have sailed the seven seas and have visited 6 continents. Several years ago I started a business as a general contractor here in the valley and gave it up to come work at Integrative Dental Associates, now Swiss Biologic Dentistry. I am very pleased with my decision as I continue to learn more and more about holistic / biologic healing. I am fortunate to meet, and learn valuable information on nutrition and healing from, our diverse patient base as well as the many Valley practitioners whom we have the pleasure of serving in our office. I truly enjoy helping our patients and seeing the outstanding results of biologic dentistry everyday. My wife and I have been married since 2002, and have plans to celebrate our next anniversary in Paris. On weekends you will find me on the golf course, and then tinkering on my old house or out in the yard with Sally. Also, I drink a lot of tea and my tea is oh so wise. So, check out my tea bag tags of wisdom!
brandi
Communications Coordinator
I moved to Arizona from Boise, Idaho a few years ago where I worked as a dental assistant for over 15 years. After visiting Phoenix for a weekend one cold winter, I decided to move here. I fell in love with the sun and palm trees. I am so lucky to have landed here at Swiss Biologic Dentistry and I look forward to learning everything about the biological and holistic dental world. Being the front desk communications coordinator gives me the pleasure of being the first to greet you as you check in for your appointment. When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my 2 dogs, Gipsy and Bentley, a 65-pound pitbull and a buff cocker spaniel. I also love to travel and hope to get back to Barcelona soon as that has been my favorite place to visit, so far!
chris
Office Manager
I have been in Management for 35 years and happened to take a job in the dental field and never looked back. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Amelia years ago and when the opportunity presented itself to work with her again, I jumped at it. So, blessed to be surrounded by such professional, dedicated and caring individuals. When not at work, I enjoy time with my Partner, Sue and our 4 dogs (Harper, Jasper, Izzy and Pebble). D-backs, Cardinals and my pool….
matthew
Chief Financial Officer / Chief Executive Officer
I was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, raised in Kansas, went to college in Chicago, and finally moved to Arizona for law school and as well as a Masters in real estate development. I was a lawyer for a long time; too long. To maintain my sanity, I started buying and selling antique furniture and goods. My hobby became a bit more than that and I now have a warehouse full of crazy stuff. While that can be fun, about five years ago, Dr. Amelia and I started thinking about her plans for her own office and with the Butlers selling Integrative Dental to her, I have had the pleasure of helping Dr. Amelia run her practice for the past 4+ years! It has been a pretty wild ride and I think we have all learned a lot in the process. But, with time comes change, and the time to grow is at hand. For the past year and a half, we have been refurbishing an old grocery store into our new office. I have taken what I learned in my Master’s program with my experience in selling high end antiques to hopefully bring to the Valley the best dental office in town. It will be an office unlike any other you have ever seen and we hope you appreciate the effort we have gone to make your dental experience as positive as possible because that’s ultimately the point. Also, we will be opening a new Sleep clinic within our new space. If you have struggled with sleep like I have, our new program will be a godsend.
sally
Vice President Therapy Dog
Starting out in the therapy dog business was a difficult choice for me. I had a pretty good life of chasing balls, chasing the same balls again, and taking lots of naps. But, while that life would be rewarding for most dogs, I needed more. I asked Mike, my supervisor, if it would be possible to accompany him to work. He reluctantly agreed to give me a chance. It worked out pretty well. I did have a pretty big barking snafu when someone tried to type in the alarm code, and it still gets me from time to time, but I've learned to center myself and focus on maximizing the patient experience. I feel like it has really worked out since I know all about anxiety. I have learned to deal with my alarm panel anxieties and I have been passing it along to everyone for the past four years. If you see me, feel free to pet me, I've been told I'm a 'good girl', so I've got that going for me! I don't bite, but I may give you a small lick (or a lot of licks). That means I like you!