Dr. Thomas A. Kriss, DDS
Welcome to my practice! A little about me: In junior high, after spending time with my uncle, Dr. Jay Kriss, DDS, I decided I wanted to become a dentist. Until leaving home to attend University of Kansas, I worked on the family farm in western Kansas. While I truly enjoyed my farming experience, my artistic side and love of biology again led me to dentistry, which, strangely, has proven to be a great mixture of both.
Following KU, I went to the University of Nebraska Dental School in Lincoln and bought my practice in Emporia after graduating. I enjoy playing the guitar and surfing, among other things. I am fortunate to be married to the best friend I've ever had, Michelle. We have three wonderful children, Tayler, Tessa and Emary.
I look forward to providing you with the best dental experience possible!
Jenna Morris
Hygienist
I graduated with an associate’s degree in dental hygiene from Flint Hills Technical College in 2020 and has been with Team Kriss since. I had 5 years of dental experience as I was a dental assistant before becoming a hygienist. I love helping patients set and accomplish their oral hygiene goals. I also enjoy getting to build relationships with patients along the way!
I volunteered with Team Smile, an organization providing free dental care to underserved children in communities across the U.S. I intend to continue my involvement in the future, including helping with Kansas Mission of Mercy.
I am married to my husband, Dagan, and we have one son and two dogs. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being outside and going on small road trips when life allows it!
I volunteered with Team Smile, an organization providing free dental care to underserved children in communities across the U.S. I intend to continue my involvement in the future, including helping with Kansas Mission of Mercy.
I am married to my husband, Dagan, and we have one son and two dogs. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being outside and going on small road trips when life allows it!
Kasey Besack
Hygienist
I’m a lifelong local of the Emporia area. I grew up on a small hobby farm between Lebo & Waverly raising longhorn cattle, fainting goats, chickens, rabbits, etc. I am a graduate of Lebo High and Flint Hills Technical College where I received my education in Dental Assisting and later Dental Hygiene. I currently reside between Olpe & Hartford with my boyfriend, both of our dogs, three cats, chickens, and we are also soon to be beekeepers. My boyfriend and I love living off the land and enjoy to hunt, fish, and garden together. I am a crazy dog mom, my German Shepherd “Kane”, is my baby. I am a very family oriented person and am definitely a “homebody”. The thing I most enjoy about my career is making connections with patients and educating them on the importance of oral health as an integral part of overall health.
Ashley Hernandez
Dental Assistant
I'm originally from Abilene, KS. I joined Team Kriss in 2022 and am happy to be a part of this family who have taught me a lot! I live out in the country with my boyfriend, Austin, and our 3 dogs, Thor, Buck, and Jaxon! In my free time, I enjoy anything outdoors, traveling, lake/camping season, hanging with my family/friends/dogs, watching the Chiefs, and managing my own small business of making car freshies!
Chelcie Mahan
Dental Assistant
I grew up in Madison, Kansas. I have been a dental assistant for 9 1/2 years now and I love what I do. I am married to my husband Michael, and together we have one child. In my spare time, I love to spend time with my family and friends and enjoywatching sports. I also love to spend time outside and have a good time!
Michelle Kriss
Office Manager
I am a licensed civil engineer with an MBA. I retired from the US Navy, Civil Engineer Corps. I worked as an engineer for General Motors before moving to Emporia. I enjoy traveling, remodeling projects, wake surfing, reading and improv.
Ashley Fehr
Assistant Manager
I like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain. I'm not into yoga and champagne. I like to escape to a bar called O'Malleys. I am married so I am not meeting up at midnight.
I attended FHTC in 2004 for dental assisting and worked for many years as an assistant. Currently, I work as the assistant office manager and can help with all your billing, insurance and scheduling needs!
In my spare time, I help my husband, Mike, on the family farm and together we have two beautiful daughters.
Sydney Gould
Front Desk Assistant
I graduated from Waverly High school and attended Emporia State University for college. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Jake. Together we have a son, Brody.. and we are dog parents to our mini Aussie, Milo. I enjoy arts/crafts, cleaning, shopping at home good stores and doing basically anything outdoors. I also enjoy being around family and friends, and being a Chiefs fan!