Our Team

From our dental hygienists and dental assistants to our front office team, we are committed to creating a positive and supportive experience for every patient. We focus on providing attentive care, clear communication, and a comfortable environment at each visit.

Our goal is to help patients feel at ease, address their oral health needs, and support them in achieving a healthy, confident smile.

Together, our team brings more than 150 years of combined experience in patient care and dental services.

Dr. Louis Passauer, DDS

Dr. Louis Passauer is a New Orleans native and a graduate of the University of New Orleans, where he was a member of the Division I golf team. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the LSU School of Dentistry in 1999. During his time in dental school, he served as class president from his sophomore through senior years and participated on multiple school committees. He has been practicing general dentistry for more than 25 years and owns a private practice in Mandeville, Louisiana.

Dr. Passauer is a member of the American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association, and Northlake Dental Association, where he served as president in 2005. He was recently recognized with the ADA 25-Year Certificate of Membership. His approach to patient care emphasizes collaborative planning to address current dental concerns while supporting long-term oral health.

In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Passauer participates in continuing education as a Key Opinion Leader for Dentsply Sirona and as Visiting Faculty for CDOCS.com. He has presented educational programs for Henry Schein, Patterson Dental, and Dentsply Sirona on topics including implantology, CBCT imaging, digital dentistry workflows, CEREC, restorative techniques, InLab, and 3D printing. He also takes part in technology beta testing and ongoing professional development.

Outside the office, Dr. Passauer is active in community service. He has served as president and director of his local Babe Ruth youth baseball league, coached high school golf, and volunteered with YMCA youth programs. He and his wife, Susan, have been married for more than 30 years and are the parents of three sons, including one serving as an Army officer.

Dr. Passauer is also an avid runner and golfer. He has completed 13 marathons and is among the group of runners who have completed the Disney Dopey Challenge each year since its inception in 2014.

Darnelle is a New Orleans native and a graduate of Holy Angels High School. She earned her degree from the Louisiana State University School of Dental Hygiene and has dedicated her career to caring for patients on the Northshore for more than 40 years. She has been a valued member of the Passauer Family Dentistry team for over 20 years.

As a dental hygienist, Darnelle is known for her gentle approach, clinical expertise, and long-standing relationships with patients and families. Her experience and consistency help patients feel comfortable, confident, and well cared for at every visit.

Darnelle raised four children in the area and now enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. She takes pride in serving the Northshore community and building lasting connections with the patients she has cared for over the years.

Kim is a graduate of Destrehan High School and the Louisiana State University School of Dental Hygiene. She relocated to the Northshore more than 20 years ago and has been a valued member of the Passauer Family Dentistry team for over two decades.

As a dental hygienist, Kim is dedicated to helping patients feel comfortable and at ease during their visits. She takes pride in providing consistent, thorough hygiene care and supporting patients in maintaining long-term oral health through education and preventive care.

Outside the office, Kim enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She values building lasting relationships with patients and takes pride in caring for families throughout the Northshore community.

Val earned her dental hygiene degree from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry nearly 25 years ago. She began her professional career with Dr. Passauer in 2001 and was part of the practice for several years before returning to Passauer Family Dentistry more recently.

With decades of experience in dental hygiene, Val is committed to providing thorough, compassionate care and helping patients maintain long-term oral health. She and Dr. Passauer have also attended advanced continuing education at the Pankey Institute, focusing on Integrative Dental Medicine to further elevate the level of care provided to patients.

Val’s familiarity with the practice, combined with her dedication to ongoing education, allows her to support patients with a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to oral health.

Outside the office, Val enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She takes pride in building lasting relationships with patients and caring for families throughout the Northshore community.

Lisa was raised on the Westbank of New Orleans and is a graduate of Immaculata High School. She brings more than 25 years of experience in dentistry to Passauer Family Dentistry, with the majority of her career dedicated to serving patients on the Northshore. She has been a valued member of the practice for over seven years.

As Business Operations Manager, Lisa oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the practice, helping ensure efficiency, organization, and a seamless patient experience. Her extensive background in dentistry allows her to support both the clinical and administrative teams with insight, leadership, and consistency.

In addition to her clinical and administrative experience, Lisa has also served as an instructor in a dental assisting program, reflecting her commitment to education, mentorship, and professional development.

Lisa takes pride in helping the practice run smoothly so patients receive high-quality care in a welcoming, well-organized environment. Her depth of experience and dedication to excellence make her an integral part of the Passauer Family Dentistry team.

Ashleigh is a longtime Northshore resident and a graduate of Mandeville High School. She has been a trusted member of the Passauer Family Dentistry team for more than five years and plays a vital role in supporting patients throughout their care as a Patient Success Coordinator.

Ashleigh works closely with Dr. Passauer and the clinical team to help streamline patient care through clear communication and efficient office systems. She has traveled with Dr. Passauer to receive advanced training in Curve Dental, the practice’s software management system, allowing her to optimize scheduling, coordination, and patient communication for a smoother overall experience.

Known for her organization, professionalism, and friendly demeanor, Ashleigh helps ensure that each patient feels informed, supported, and confident at every step of their dental journey.

Outside the office, Ashleigh enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and their labradoodle. She takes pride in serving the Northshore community and helping create a positive, well-coordinated experience for every patient who visits the practice.

Karsyn is a lifelong Northshore resident and has been a valued member of the Passauer Family Dentistry team for four years. She joined the practice after graduating from dental assisting school and has continued to expand her clinical and digital dentistry skill set.

Karsyn has developed strong expertise in digital dentistry and is actively working toward advanced digital dentistry certifications through CDOCS. She has also earned multiple certifications through education and examination, including CEREC Certified for Dental Assistants, Endodontic Certified for Dental Assistants, and Clear Aligner Certified for Dental Assistants.

In her role as a Clinical Treatment Support Specialist, Karsyn helps patients understand their treatment options and ensures a smooth, well-coordinated experience throughout their care. She is known for her attention to detail, clear communication, and dedication to patient comfort.

Outside the office, Karsyn enjoys spending time with her family and her dog. She takes pride in serving the Northshore community and helping patients feel confident and informed about their dental care.