Vision

To become the preeminent platform for orthodontic services in the Southern United States

Values

Excellence

We will foster excellence in service and patient outcomes. Our CTS team’s priority is being responsive to our partner locations. We will thoughtfully execute our strategic plan; driving successful growth for our partners. We will own our mistakes and resolve issues quickly.

Innovation

We will create a culture of open-mindedness and responsiveness to the changing market. We choose innovation over imitation. We seek to go beyond simply delivering what works — we choose to discover what delights.

Integrity

We are committed to a daily focus on doing the best thing for our stakeholders. We value honesty and transparency. We openly collaborate in pursuit of the truth. We will build our reputation by standing for what is just and right.

Passion

We arrive every day inspired to make a positive impact in our industry through our talents, passion and hard work. We have a passion to deliver a great patient experience at every partner location.

Teamwork

We believe all roles are important, and we win and lose as a team. We are made up of amazing individuals, but it’s only through teamwork that we achieve greatness. We are committed to working together with equal parts humility, empathy, and ambition.

Leadership

Chief Executive Officer

John Nelson

As CEO, John is responsible for implementing and leading SOP’s strategic growth plan while creating a people-1st servant culture that is always focused on our partners’ employees and the great people they treat.

John was previously the COO of Results Physiotherapy, a Nashville, TN-based physical therapy network, where he helped the company implement acquisition and de novo growth opportunities. Under John’s leadership the company grew to over 160 sites across the southeast. While COO, John was responsible for long-term strategic planning, managing the sales and business development teams, and promoting a culture of performance and continuous improvement. As he has transitioned to the Orthodontic industry, John’s background as a physical therapist has been of immense benefit in understanding the doctors, the challenges of patient care and how to best meet the consumer.

John also was a founding partner at the Institute of Advanced Musculoskeletal Treatments, one of nations’ leaders in physical therapy education and training programs.

John received his Physiotherapy degree from the University of South Australia. He lives in Nashville with his wife Jennifer and their 3 kids: Adelaide, Jameson and Charlie, along with their boxer Lady James. Travel, golf, cooking and great wine are a few of the things you’ll find John enjoying with his family and friends.

John Nelson

Chief Executive Officer

Chief People Officer

Emily Leonard

As Chief People Officer, Emily is responsible for developing and leading SOP’s human capital strategy.

Prior to joining the company, Emily was the Chief Human Resources Officer at ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy & Education where she led the Human Resources function for a 2,500+ employee organization.  Before ChanceLight, Emily served as the Chief Talent Officer for Ampersand Health, SVP of Human Resources at e+CancerCare and helped found LifeBridge, a conflict management firm focused on family and civil mediation.

A native of Atlanta, Emily earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Furman University in Greenville, SC and her Master’s degree in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University.  She is married to John, a lifelong educator and military officer.  They have two college-aged children – Adelaide and Sam.

Emily Leonard

Chief People Officer

Chief Development Officer

Jeremy Garner

As the Chief Development Officer, Jeremy is responsible for leading all business development efforts for Southern Orthodontic Partners.  

Prior to joining Southern Orthodontic Partners, Jeremy was Vice President of Acquisitions and Development for Surgery Partners, SGRY (NASDAQ) where he was responsible for executing an aggressive growth strategy in partnering in physician owned outpatient surgical centers.  Jeremy has held similar M&A roles with Community Health Systems and Covenant Surgical Partners. 

Jeremy is a former Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.  He earned his MBA from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University.  Jeremy earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy where he was team captain of the men’s varsity golf team.  He lives in Nashville with his wife Sara and their three daughters.  He enjoys golf, hunting, and watching Navy football. 

Jeremy Garner

Chief Development Officer

Chief Orthodontic Officer

Dr. Scott Blackman

As Chief Orthodontic Officer, Dr. Scott Blackman represents the “doctor voice” of SOP on a variety of internal forums, playing an integral role as an advocate in creating doctor alignment and developing practice leadership.

Dr. Blackman is the owner and founder of  Reflections Orthodontics, a two-location practice based in Clarksville, TN. Since 2010, Dr. Blackman has worked extensively with the Ritz Carlton Leadership Center to create and develop a culture of leadership and service, and has developed systems for delivery and execution of a unique patient experience. Dr. Blackman’s professional leadership and clinical expertise enable him to share best practices for growing and operating the Southern Orthodontic Partners affiliation network.

Dr. Blackman received his undergraduate education at the University of Tennessee, in Knoxville, and continued his dental education at the U.T. Center for Health Sciences in Memphis.  He graduated from the University of Tennessee department of Orthodontics in 1997.  Dr. Blackman has been recognized for his platform for patient experience, and as a leader in the orthodontics industry.

Dr. Blackman has been married to his wife, Jennifer since 1995, and has three boys, Connor, Griffin and Brennan.  Outside of his family and career, he loves all things outdoors, including running and cycling, and having competed in seven Ironman Triathlons and over 25 marathons!

Dr. Scott Blackman

Chief Orthodontic Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Chase Hall

As Chief Financial Officer, Chase is responsible for SOP’s financial planning. The goal of his role is to deliver reporting to help the business create and achieve its strategy, while managing SOP’s relationships with investors and lenders.

Previously, Chase served as Senior Director at Shore Capital Partners, leading finance and growth playbooks for Shore’s portfolio companies at acquisition or supporting them in interim executive roles during high-growth periods. Before Shore, Chase served as Director of Corporate Strategy and Market Expansion at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, leading the national hospital network’s FP&A hub as well as growth initiatives through acquisition or de novo builds.

Chase is a graduate of DePauw University (Greencastle, IN), earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. Chase and his wife, McKenzie, live in Nashville. Together they enjoy reading, running, and hosting get togethers at their home with friends and family.

Chase Hall

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Marketing Officer

Ben Goodman

Ben is responsible for heading SOP’s marketing department, building and implementing a comprehensive marketing plan for the company and all partners – inclusive of all things digital, paid campaigns, SEO, website templates, B2B strategies and B2C campaigns. He is charged with ensuring SOP is the leading orthodontic platform in engaging and winning in the rapidly changing consumer landscape.

A native to Nashville, Ben earned his Bachelors degree in Marketing & Management from Lipscomb University. Prior to joining SOP, Ben led the marketing efforts at a $300 million urgent care platform. He also previously managed a similar sized sector in surgery centers and a 300-location business sector for Pizza Hut. His background in both multi-site healthcare and highly competitive consumer sectors prepares him to lead this department at SOP.

Outside of his professional career, Ben lives in Nashville with his wife, Brittany, and three daughters – Blake, Andi, and Emmy. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, skiing and being outdoors.

Ben Goodman

Chief Marketing Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Eric Maaske

As Chief Operating Officer, Eric oversees the design and implementation of business operations across SOP. He plays a critical role in SOP’s ability to deliver next-level support and operational efficiency to our partner practice locations.

Eric has significant multi-site operational experience in both provider and payer organizations, including experience cultivating strong, effective relationships with healthcare providers through trust and transparency. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer for a national healthcare company with 1200 primary care physicians across 45 states, where he led onboarding, account management and retirement/succession planning. Before that, he served as Chief Operating Officer for a 45-physician nephrology practice, overseeing operations across 60 hospitals, 40 dialysis facilities, 2 vascular access centers, and 1 ambulatory surgery center. Eric has proven track record of developing strategic initiatives to address short- and long-term objectives.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Illinois and a Master of Management from the Kellogg School of Management. Outside the office, Eric enjoys golfing, skiing, and spending time with his wife and two adult children.

Eric Maaske

Chief Operating Officer

Chief Growth Officer

Stacie Pawlicki

As Chief Growth Officer, Stacie is responsible for owning key initiatives outside of our day-to-day operations that enable us to achieve our strategic plan.

Stacie brings to SOP over 15 years of experience as a results-driven marketing and growth executive, entrepreneur, and ICF-accredited coach. Before joining SOP, Stacie founded Nessa Leaders, a consultancy dedicated to helping businesses grow through innovative go-to-market and talent development strategies.

Stacie has held executive roles at fast-growing healthcare companies, including InQuicker, an Inc. 500 online scheduling provider for health system patients, where she led the marketing department during a period of high growth (4X), culminating in the company’s acquisition by Stericycle, SRCL (NASDAQ). She held a similar role at Healthcare Bluebook, scaling marketing and inside sales teams for the private equity-backed healthcare price and quality transparency provider with 4,500+ employer customers nationwide.

A native of Chicago, Stacie earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Vanderbilt University and fulfilled pre-medical requirements. She and her husband Alex call Nashville home. In her spare time, Stacie enjoys lecturing at Vanderbilt’s Business School, traveling, reading, Pilates, and spending time with family and friends.

Stacie Pawlicki

Chief Growth Officer

Vice President of Internal Operations

Shannon Brockway

Shannon’s role as Vice President of Internal Operations enhances our network by providing next level support and increased engagement for our partners.

Shannon has over 26 years in the industry with extensive knowledge of the business of orthodontics and operations, visiting over 1,700 orthodontic locations worldwide. She has helped hundreds of practices bring order to chaos with strategic planning and follow through. Shannon has spent a majority of her career at impact360 & Gaidge as a Consultant, Analyst & Implementation Specialist. She has experience in building out a variety of functional departments including compliance, finance, and HR.

Shannon is originally from Suwanee, Georgia and enjoys spending her free time cooking, traveling, and finding adventure outdoors with her two daughters.

Shannon Brockway

Vice President of Internal Operations

Vice President of Operations

Elizabeth Conforti

In her role as Vice President of Operations, Elizabeth provides key support to the rest of the field Operations team by accelerating the thoughtful development and implementation of key initiatives. Elizabeth’s 22 years of experience in Orthodontics – at the practice leadership level, as an Align faculty educator, and most recently in management consulting roles at Hummingbird and Conforti Consulting, LLC – will meaningfully enhance SOP’s operating capabilities.

Elizabeth graduated from Cardinal Stritch University with a Bachelors in Business Management and received her Human Resource Professional Certification. She has been married to her husband, Fred, for 23 years and have three children – Caroline, Luca, and Marco. They also have a dog named Sunny! Elizabeth spends her free time on the golf course, enjoying a good book, drinking her favorite wine, or traveling to a new place!

Elizabeth Conforti

Vice President of Operations

Vice President of Operations

Barbara Baker

In her role as Vice President of Operations, Barbara provides leadership support, and strategy to the field Operations teams through a focus on developing our human capitol and successful integration of strategic initiatives and focusing on key outcomes.  Her passion is the consistent growth of access, care and experience while building teams and the business.

Barbara’s extensive experience in multi-industry Operational leadership with large organizations such as The Ritz-Carlton, Target Corporation as well as previous experience in a Vice President Operations role for Pinnacle Dermatology overseeing over 70+ locations in over 6 states –brings  a strong growth  and solutions mindset to the team.

Barbara is originally from Metro Detroit, Michigan and holds her bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University.  She and her husband Jake have three children, Graelyn, Asher, and Kolson.  In her free time, she loves anything outdoors from golfing, to hiking and camping as well as trying new foods and wines along the way!

Barbara Baker

Vice President of Operations

Vice President of Operations

Ashlie Pinson

Ashlie’s role at SOP is to be a collaborative resource to our field Operations team, leading with culture and providing supportive guidance to help grow our people and practices.  Her efforts are focused on our ability to bring strategic and operational insight to our partners and their teams through the thoughtful art of blending independent practice with enterprise initiatives.

Her career background in the financial industry serving doctors and various business units in both start up and scaled environments has contributed to a strong ability in problem-solving as well as the development of sound business principles. She has spent the last 7 years in Orthodontics, learning from and building into various sized practices with many talented doctors and teams.​​

Ashlie is a graduate of the University of Missouri with dual degrees in Finance & Banking and Real Estate. She resides in St. Louis with her husband and children.  She is a (very) amateur golfer and enjoys gardening, traveling and football!

Ashlie Pinson

Vice President of Operations

Vice President of Information Technology

Barry Turney

As Vice President of Information Technology, Barry helps us bring next-level IT support to our partners and has helped us transform the platform’s IT capabilities into a position of strength. Barry comes to us from Vision Source, a premier network of 3,300 private optometry practices across North America, where he spent 10 years building a first-class IT function from the ground up. Prior to Vision Source, Barry co-built and sold multiple software companies.

Barry is originally from Lubbock, Texas, but now resides in Nashville, Tennessee. He has two children – a daughter, Brianna, and a son, Blake. Outside the office, Barry loves to fish, hunt, and do just about anything outdoors! He is a die hard college sports fan – especially football and basketball.

Barry Turney

Vice President of Information Technology

Vice President of Human Resources

Andrew Beach

As Vice President of HR, Andrew is responsible for supporting Partners and their Teams while helping drive essential human capital initiatives at SOP.

With a diverse background in HR, Andrew’s journey began working for Valeo Automotive and Kelloggs, with responsibilities such as Talent Acquisition, Compensation, and Team Member Relations. Prior to joining SOP, Andrew worked for Upperline Health, a Podiatry and Lower Extremity Care Management Company as the HR Director. As the first HR professional onboard at Upperline Health, he established the foundational HR infrastructure as the company grew from 150 to over 850 Team Members.

Andrew is originally from Ohio and attended University of Cincinnati where he earned his dual degrees in Psychology and Organizational Leadership with a specialization in Human Resources. Outside of work, Andrew and his husband Cruse enjoy spending time on the lake, traveling, and hosting friends and family at their house on the weekends.

Andrew Beach

Vice President of Human Resources

Vice President of Finance & Business Intelligence

John Hardy

John serves as SOP’s Vice President of Finance & Business Intelligence, where he partners with our business leaders to deliver data-driven analysis and insights that move the business forward. On a daily basis, he works to analyze and communicate overall operational and financial performance to key stakeholders of the organization. John is charged with managing SOP’s revenue accounting process and procedures. It is his goal to build an industry-leading finance team whose main focus is to serve our partners!

Before his time at SOP, John started his career in Assurance Services at EY serving clients in the Healthcare and Entertainment space. John graduated Cum Laude from Presbyterian College with degrees in Economics and Business Administration. He also has a Masters of Accountancy degree from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University and is a licensed CPA in the State of Tennessee.

John and his wife, Allie, reside in the East Nashville area with their golden retriever named Hank. Together they enjoy spending time with friends, playing golf, and enjoying the local food scene.

John Hardy

Vice President of Finance & Business Intelligence

Vice President of Integration

Caroline Smith

As Vice President of Integration, Caroline is the key relationship manager and point of contact for new partners during their first 90 days of partnership. Engaging with doctors and other practice leaders, Caroline serves to understand each practice’s unique team dynamic by investigating practice operations and understanding teams’ ways of working. She strives to provide comprehensive support and clarity on life with SOP, delivering white-glove service to all new partners and their teams.

Prior to Southern Orthodontic Partners, Caroline worked at eviCore Healthcare, a subsidiary of Cigna, as a project manager for their implementations team. Caroline graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2016 with a double major in Science-Business and Spanish.

Outside of work, Caroline is very active in the Nashville community. She is a member of the Junior League of Nashville and serves on the Board of Directors for the Nashville Rescue Mission. In her spare time, she loves to travel, exercise, and spend time with her fiancé, Eddie.

Caroline Smith

Vice President of Integration

Board Doctors

Co-Founder, Board Doctor, & Chief Orthodontic Officer

Dr. Scott Blackman

Dr. Blackman is the owner and founder of Reflections Orthodontics, a two-location practice based in Clarksville, TN. Since 2010, Dr. Blackman has worked extensively with the Ritz Carlton Leadership Center to create and develop a culture of leadership and service, and has developed systems for delivery and execution of a unique patient experience.  Dr. Blackman’s professional leadership and clinical expertise enable him to share best practices for growing and operating the Southern Orthodontic Partners affiliation network.

Dr. Blackman received his undergraduate education at the University of Tennessee, in Knoxville, and continued his dental education at the U.T Center for Health Sciences in Memphis.  He graduated from the University of Tennessee department of Orthodontics in 1997.  Dr. Blackman has been recognized for his platform for patient experience, and as a leader in the orthodontics industry.

Dr. Blackman is a fellow of the International College of Dentists, and has served as an officer in the Tennessee Dental Association. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, the Tennessee Dental Association, Southern Association of Orthodontics, Tennessee Association of Orthodontics and the Eighth District Dental Society.

Dr. Blackman has been married to his wife, Jennifer since 1995, and has three boys, Connor, Griffin and Brennan.  Outside of his family and career, he loves all things outdoors, including running and cycling, and has been a competitive triathlete since 2000.

Dr. Scott Blackman

Co-Founder, Board Doctor, & Chief Orthodontic Officer

Board Doctor & Chair of Doctor Advisory Committee

Dr. Vladimir Tabakman

Born in Moscow, Russia, Dr. Tabakman moved to Houston along with his parents in 1991. Always having a passion for taking care of people and having an impact on their lives, Dr.Tabakman knew from a young age that he wanted to be a doctor.  While earning his undergrad degree at the University of Houston, Dr. Tabakman decided to pursue dentistry but wanted to discover which area to specialize in. He obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio before heading to the University of Detroit Mercy in Michigan to simultaneously earn his master’s degree in orthodontics while completing his two-year orthodontic residency.

Dr. Tabakman is the owner and founder of Houston Orthodontic Specialists with locations in in Houston and Bellaire, Texas.  His mission is to use personalized care to change lives through orthodontic treatment by giving people a smile they will be confident with.  Dr. Tabakman is an award-winning orthodontist, specializing in his cutting-edge treatments with Invisalign.  He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, World
Federation of Orthodontics, Southwestern Society of Orthodontists, Texas Dental Association and Greater Houston Dental Society.

Dr. Tabakman and his wife Yana have been married since 2005.  They have a daughter Mila and son Sasha.  Outside of Orthodontics, Dr. Tabakman loves to fulfill his passion for travel with his wife and children.

Dr. Vladimir Tabakman

Board Doctor & Chair of Doctor Advisory Committee

Board Doctor

Dr. Michael Hess

Dr. Hess created Hess Orthodontics seventeen years ago with a passion for creating beautiful smiles and a commitment to achieving the highest level of quality for patients. Hess Orthodontics is one of the largest and most impressive practices in the South with unbelievable growth in recent years.

Dr. Hess is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, The West Coast Dental Association, The American Association of Orthodontics, The Southern Association of Orthodontics, and The Florida Association of Orthodontics, as well as other local and regional dental societies.

He attended the University of Florida College of Dentistry where he received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine and graduated as the valedictorian of his class. He earned his master’s degree in Orthodontics from the University of Michigan.

Outside the office, Dr. Hess most enjoys spending time with Julianna and their son Jackson. Their family loves to travel and take on new adventures, like boating, scuba diving, and skydiving.

Dr. Michael Hess

Board Doctor

Board Doctor & Doctor Advisory Committee Member

Dr. Jeff Mastroianni

Dr. Mastroianni is a Missouri native, born in the Metro East. He partnered with Dr. Becky Schreiner in 2017 – through three acquisitions, they created a practice group of seven locations and three brands including Amazing Smiles Orthodontics, Alizadeh & Schreiner Orthodontics, and Unger Orthodontics. Dr. Mastroianni practices specifically at Amazing Smiles Orthodontics, a three location practice in the Greater St. Louis area.

Dr. Mastroianni has been involved in a variety of professional organizations, including the Roth-Williams Society, the Schulman Study Group, American Board Orthodontics (Board-Certified), the American Association of Orthodontists, and the Midwest Society of Orthodontists.

Dr. Mastroianni completed undergraduate studies at University of Missouri-Columbia, his dental degree from Southern Illinois University of Dental Medicine, and his MS Orthodontic Residency from St. Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Educations.

At the heart of everything Jeff does is his family. There is no doubt about the passion he has for spending time with Julie, his wife of 22 years, as well as their daughters Anna and Nikki. Jeff really enjoys relaxing trips to the beach, amazing dinners out with his lovely wife, and attending activities and sports his daughters are involved in.

Dr. Jeff Mastroianni

Board Doctor & Doctor Advisory Committee Member

Co-Founder

Dr. Damon Barbieri

Dr. Barbieri is the lead orthodontist at Barbieri Orthodontics, a practice with two locations in the Nashville area.  Dr. Barbieri’s professional leadership, clinical expertise, and progressiveness enable him to share best practices for growing and operating the Southern Orthodontic Partners affiliation network.

Dr. Barbieri has built an industry-leading practice around a unique blend of customer experience, professionalism, and fun.  Voted by dentists as one of the top orthodontists in Middle Tennessee for 9 years running, he strives to exceed expectations for his patients and team on a daily basis.  In a rapidly changing world, Dr. Barbieri believes that developing consumer-driven treatment modalities while investing in what’s special about the orthodontic profession will lead to its preservation and enhancement.

Dr. Barbieri received a Masters Degree in Oral Biology from Temple University, a D.D.S. from the University of the Pacific, and a B.A. from the University of Colorado.

Dr. Damon Barbieri

Co-Founder

Independent Board Members

John Hennegan

Chairman

Michael Burcham

Lead Director

Chris Mioton

Director

Greg Nodland

Director

Chris Puco

Director

Jay Price

Director

Trevor Maurer

Director

Locations

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