Meet the Staff
Dr. Derek O’Connell
Dr. Derek O’Connell, is originally from Eau Claire. He attended the University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. During his time there, he was a member of the UW-Oshkosh cross country and track and field teams all four years. His passion for running and athletic performance led him to pursue a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. He then coached collegiate cross country and track and field at Columbus State University in Columbus, GA. Wanting to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, Dr. O’Connell continued his studies and graduated from the University of Louisville Dental School, with a Health Professions Scholarship with the Army.
Following dental school, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army and served as a general dentist at Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. With a focus on exodontia in the Army, Dr. O’Connell completed Oral Maxillofacial Residency externships and mentored local anesthesia courses. Working mainly with young recruits with little dental backgrounds, Dr. O’Connell enjoyed getting patients out of pain and easing them into their dental care. After four years of active duty Army service, Dr. O’Connell is excited to make Kenosha his home and help his patients achieve a healthy, beautiful smile in a comfortable environment. Dr. O’Connell is a member of both the American Dental Association and the Wisconsin Dental Association.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children, Claire and Ethan, and cheering on sports of all kinds, especially his Wisconsin teams and Louisville Cardinals.
Dr. Dennis Fahey
Dr. Dennis Fahey is a Marquette University School of Dentistry graduate and holds a business degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He completed a post-graduate General Practice Residency program at City Hospital and Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore prior to entering private practice.
His wealth of experience includes a ten-year teaching position at Marquette School of Dentistry, the Presidency of Component and Constituent American Dental Association and Wisconsin Academy of General Dentistry groups, fellowship in two prestigious dental organizations, and numerous professional and civic representations. He also has a long-standing relationship with the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Haiti where he has traveled many times to volunteer his services.
Dr. Fahey and his wife Jane have raised three children, Meredith, Meghan, and Martin, who enjoy rewarding careers. Dr. Fahey’s interests include golf, travel, Haitian Art, all U of WI athletic events, Brewers baseball, and any activity with his children and grandchildren.
As Dr. Fahey eases into retirement, he is proud to see the next generation of the family in the office, continuing to provide the same quality of care to patients.
Dawn- Practice Manager
Born and raised in Kenosha, Dawn has been with Fahey O’Connell Family Dentistry since 2003. After being Dr. Fahey’s assistant for 18 years, she transitioned into the role of Practice Manager in 2021. Her dedication to helping our patients, bubbly personality and her continued loyalty to the practice makes her an integral part of our day-to-day operations.
Dawn enjoys reading, dining out and listening to live music with her husband Dave and spending time with their three grown sons lan, Jordan and Riley and daughters-in-law Em and Hope. Dawn is a passionate supporter of animal rescue and is a proud rescue mom to her three dogs, Bailey, Cooper and Lucy.
Ashley- Dental Assistant
Ashley has been an essential addition to Fahey O’Connell Family Dentistry as Dr. O’Connell’s assistant since 2021, bringing kindness and devotion that our patients appreciate. Her warm and calm chairside presence can put any patient at ease.
Her passion for dentistry started at a young age and she has been in the field since 2007. After growing up in Michigan and finding herself living in Florida for many years, she and her husband Brandon relocated to Kenosha to raise their boys, Mason and Miles.
She is the consummate soccer mom, traveling the Midwest year-round. In her “spare time”, Ashley is an avid bookworm and loves trying new recipes.
Kristy- RDH
Kristy is a Wauwatosa native and has been a valued hygienist at Fahey O’Connell Family Dentistry since 2005. She has enjoyed building relationships with her patients over the years and helping them maintain their healthy smiles. Her “above and beyond” approach to patient care is evident in the patient following she has. Kristy has a love for fitness and is a dedicated runner and spinner. When she gets the chance to enjoy her free time, Kristy and her husband Greg love to travel to new and exciting destinations (where they can hike or ski) and spend time with their four children: Will, Grace, Noah, and Alex.
Shayna- RDH
Shayna has been warmly welcomed to the Fahey and O’Connell team since joining the practice in March 2023. Having started her dental journey in 2006 as an assistant. she quickly found her calling and pursued dental hygiene. Shayna’s kindness, patience and meticulous care allow her patients to relax and enjoy their visit. Born and raised in Kenosha, Shayna and her husband Dan have one son, Cody. Shayna loves spending her personal time gardening, traveling and enjoying art ofall genres.