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WHO WE ARE

We have been partners since 1995, devoting our interests and energies to helping people transform their lives. The Gentle Star concept started after the new millennium when we wanted to reverse the signs of aging on ourselves after years of sun damage and environmental exposure. We quickly realized that we had the education, the skills and the personalities that were unique to the world of medical esthetics.

After several years of clinical esthetics training with renowned cosmetic surgeons, dermatologists, & estheticians, it was time to launch Gentle Star. In a moment of divine perfect order, we found an ideal space where we believe patients will find comfort and ease. Rediscover your beauty with us at Gentle Star.


Dr Thomas R Ellis

Thomas R. Ellis M.D. (President, Medical Director)
In addition to being a well-respected esthetic physician in San Francisco, Dr. Ellis is a board-certified anesthesiologist in the state of California who practices at the San Francisco Surgery Center. Previous to this, he was the Director of Anesthesia at Webster Surgery Center in Oakland, a leading outpatient surgical facility in the Bay Area specializing in cosmetic and orthopedic surgery. Dr. Ellis was also the Director of Cardiac Anesthesia at Alta Bates Medical Center in Berkeley. As a resident at Stanford University Medical Center, he was voted Outstanding Resident of the 1997 graduating class and received the Outstanding Teacher Award as voted by the medical students. He received his medical degree from the University of Michigan.


Craig T. Shishido

Craig T. Shishido (Co-Founder, Director of Esthetics)
Craig has become one of the most recognized names in medical esthetics in the Bay Area. Prior to opening Gentle Star, he was the Lead Clinical Esthetician with internationally renowned cosmetic surgeon Dr. James J. Romano where he was responsible for the pre & postoperative care and service of cosmetic surgery patients. Together with Dr. Romano, he was also in charge of managing medical skin care regimens that ensured the long-term correction and preservation of skin health and beauty. The broad ethnic diversity of the San Francisco Bay Area allowed for extensive experience in Asian, African-American, Caucasian, Latin, Mediterranean skin types with conditions such as hyper & hypo-pigmentation (spots), acne, acne scars, stretch marks, rosacea, fine lines & wrinkles, and sun damage. An MBA from University of Southern California with over 15 years in the medical industry – including positions with Merck & Company, B. Braun and McKesson – Craig has been a visiting lecturer at the San Francisco Institute of Esthetics (Paul Mitchell Partnership school) as well as the Cinta Aveda Institute in San Francisco.

Holly Anne Alviar

Holly Anne Alviar
(Senior Medical Esthetician)
Holly’s passion for finding the beauty in everyone sparked a career in professional makeup artistry and esthetics spanning 7 years. Her experience as a licensed medical esthetician has enhanced her understanding of the science behind beauty. She is a graduate of Miss Marty's Hair Academy & Esthetics Institute and has her own business: MakeupByHollyAnne.com.


 Tula Viau

Tula Viau (Laser Specialist)
Tula is Gentle Star's original laser specialist with over 5 years experience in laser hair removal, IPL, Titan, Laser Genesis, and vein removal. She has worked with Dr. Ellis for over 10 years and has 15 years experience as a surgical nurse in outpatient Bay Area surgery centers. She received her nursing degree from Bellevue College in Washington.
Kelly Meaux

Kelly Meaux (Esthetic Nurse Practitioner)
Kelly is an Esthetic Nurse Practitioner with advanced training in cosmetic consultations and treatment specialties including Botox Cosmetic injections, dermal fillers, and laser treatments. Prior to Gentle Star, Kelly worked at one of the largest cosmetic practices in the nation (Seattle). She trained under Dr. Sam Naficy, an internationally renowned facial plastic surgeon. Kelly received her Master of Science in Nursing from Texas Women’s University. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Florida.

 Nikko Villanueva

Nikko Villanueva (Assistant to the Founders)
Nikko has been assisting patients with beauty concerns from Gentle Star’s opening day. As a licensed cosmetologist and graduate from Miss Marty’s Hair Academy & Esthetics Institute, he has a unique blend of fashion & beauty insight that encourages patients to feel good about themselves and "feel the beauty" within.




Cassandra Lomas

Cassandra Lomas (Front Office Manager)
Cassandra compliments Gentle Star’s relentless commitment to delivering the very best in customer service. After earning a Bachelor of Art in Economics and minor in French from San Francisco State University, she enjoyed living in France as well as traveling around the world.