Advanced Practice Providers

Nurse practitioners and physician assistants at CSMO are educated at the master’s or doctoral level to provide acute, chronic and specialty orthopaedic care. They blend clinical expertise in diagnosing and treating orthopaedic conditions with an emphasis on prevention. CSMO’s highly trained medical professionals support our physicians and bring a comprehensive perspective and personal touch to advanced orthopaedic care.

Lacie Black, MSN, NP-C

Nurse Practitioner to Dr. Chad Smalley

A native of Chattanooga, Lacie attended University of Tennesse at Chattanooga graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2013. After joining Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics in 2014, she subsequently continued her education at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga by completing her Masters of Science degree in Nursing in 2019. Lacie enjoys the outdoors, gardening, and boating. She and her husband have two daughters and live in Chattanooga.

Colton Cooper, PA-C

Physician Assistant to Dr. Jason Wamack, Dr. Christopher Lotufo & Dr. Jason Robertson

Colton Cooper is from LaFayette, Georgia, and has lived there most of his life. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Dalton State College in Dalton, Georgia, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then went on to complete a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from South University in Tampa, Florida. Colton is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

During an opportunity to job shadow several physician assistants at Center for Sports, the compassion and care Colton witnessed motivated him to follow in their footsteps. While completing his education and training, he worked at CSMO as a physical therapy tech in the North Georgia office. There he gained an appreciation the team effort – from physicians, nursing staff, front desk, and therapists – to ensure patients get the quality care they deserve.

Outside of work, Colton enjoys fitness, sports and spending time with friends and family, especially his wife, Mallory, and their two dogs, Dood and Doodette (two golden doodles).

Blakley Fine, PA-C

Physician Assistant to Dr. John Nash

Blakley earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, with minors in Biology and Spanish. She then completed a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. Blakley is a member of the Tennessee and American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Before joining the practice as a physician assistant, Blakley previously shadowed Kurt Pulver, PA and worked at CSMO as a certified medial assistant while she completed her education. Blakley grew up playing sports, and sports medicine was the perfect fit for her interests.

“I love the interaction that being a physician assistant allows – spending time talking with people and establishing a relationship, then helping them get to the root of their problem is really rewarding.”

Elise Greco, PA-C

Physician Assistant to Dr. Jason Rogers & Dr. Benji Miller

Elise Greco earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Auburn University and a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. She then completed a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Elise is a board-certified physician assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

During her undergraduate studies, Elise worked as a research fellow at University of Alabama at Birmingham Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics where she collected research data through experimentation, surveys and leading focus groups. She also has experience as a medical assistant.

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to care for patients at Center for Sports Medicine. When people come in with an issue or complaint and we can offer solutions to help them – that’s lifechanging,” Elise says. “I’m honored to be part of this team and provide the kind of care that I’d be proud to offer my own family.”

Tom Holcomb, MSN, APRN, NP-C

Spine Team Nurse Practitioner

Tom Holcomb is a native of Chattanooga who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2010. He worked as an RN in post-anesthesia care and the operating room while completing a Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from Middle Tennessee State University in 2014. He’s a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and joined Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics in 2022.

Tom is married and has two young boys. He’s a big Vols fan, and enjoys the outdoors, camping, coaching kids’ sports, and traveling with family.

Luke Mentzer, PA-C

Physician Assistant to Dr. Todd Grebner

Luke was born and raised in Hartland, Connecticut. He attended Wheaton College for his undergraduate degree where he acquired a degree in Allied Health Science. Prior to physician assistant school, he worked as an emergency room technician and personal trainer in Hartford. He attended Bethel University for physician assistant school and graduated in May of 2020. Once he completed his clinical rotations in Knoxville, Luke decided to stay in East Tennessee and joined Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics in 2021. He enjoys the outdoors, exercising and experiencing the beauty of the Chattanooga landscape. His favorite activities are rock climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, camping and hunting.

Annie Ripper, MMS, PA-C

Physician Assistant for Dr. Bell & Dr. Sanders

Annie earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. She then completed a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. She is a board-certified physician assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

During her undergraduate degree, Annie played basketball with Centre College and served on the Center for Career and Professional Development Advisory Committee. She also worked as a CNA in local senior living communities and spent several years studying abroad in Fiji, Africa and France.

“I am excited to join because I love the community here in Chattanooga and the positive environment at CSMO,” Annie says. “Having grown up here as a young athlete, I want to be part of the team that helps them achieve their goals.”

Jennifer Rose, MSN, RN, FNP-C

Family Nurse Practitioner

Jennifer was born and raised in Arlington, Tennessee and she has lived in the Chattanooga area since 2008.  She graduated from Baptist College of Health Science in 2005 with her RN and Southern Adventist University in 2013 with her Masters in Nursing.  As a Reservist in the United States Air Force, she continues to serve as a Flight Nurse.  Jennifer is the mother to a beautiful daughter, Amelia.  In her spare time, she loves to travel and play tennis.

Barrett Schock, PA-C

Spine Team Physician Assistant

Barrett Schock earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Mississippi State University. After graduating from Mississippi State, he took a gap year where he worked as a medical assistant at an orthopaedic clinic in Columbus, Mississippi, which solidified his love for the orthopaedic field.

He graduated with honors from South College with a Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies. He is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and a member of the American Academy of Physicians (AAPA) and Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants.

Barrett enjoys all things outdoors, and his hobbies include playing basketball, tennis, pickle ball and cheering on the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Dana Simpson, FNP-BC

Nurse Practitioner

Dana is a native of Chattanooga. She graduated from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga in 1998 with her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She practiced as an RN for eleven years prior to obtaining her Master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2009.  Dana and her husband reside in East Brainerd with their two young children.

Aaron Smith, MSN, FNP-C

Nurse Practitioner to Dr. Timothy Ballard

Aaron Smith is a native of Chattanooga who earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee. He completed a Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from Lincoln Memorial University in 2022. Aaron is board certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Before joining CSMO as nurse practitioner, he gained notable medical experience as physical therapy tech at the CSMO Chattanooga office and as a nurse tech at Erlanger in the emergency department. Outside of work, Aaron enjoys fitness, sports and traveling.

“I’ve always been interested in the realm of sports medicine and orthopedics,” Aaron says. “I enjoy being involved in every aspect of a patient’s rehab and recovery process.”

Lynne Smith, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Family Nurse Practitioner

Lynne received her Bachelor of Science degree from East Tennessee State University and her Master’s of Science in Nursing from Southern Adventist in 2016.  Prior to joining Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics, she worked as an RN in the emergency department at CHI Memorial Hospital.  Lynne is married and has two daughters.  In her free time, she enjoys cooking and traveling.

Joseph Teal, PA-C

Physician Assistant to Dr. Jason Spangler

Joseph Teal had a goal of being in healthcare since he was young man. He knew that a caring heart, a determined attitude and exceptional care would lead to developing strong relationships with his patients.

Joseph earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Tennessee before completing a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. Joseph is certified by the NCCPA and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Joseph is originally from Dickson, Tennessee, where he played football, basketball and baseball. He relocated to Chattanooga with his wife and daughter to join CSMO in 2022. His hobbies include spending time with his family and childhood best friends, playing golf, anything Vols or Titans related, and being outdoors.

Andrew Walden, MSN, AGACNP-BC

Spine Team Nurse Practitioner

Andrew Walden began his nursing career with a Licensed Practice Nursing degree from Chattanooga State Community College and an Associate of Science in Nursing from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee. He went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Science in Nursing from Southern Adventist University.

Andrew is an advanced practice registered nurse with more than 11 years’ experience and is a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. His most recent experience includes working with a cardiothoracic surgery group where he managed patient care before, during and after surgery. In his free time, Andrew and his wife enjoy spending time outdoors with their three children.

“I believe in helping patients gain better functionality and independence to improve their quality of life.”

New patient paperwork is completed on our Patient Portal. Please contact our office for instructions and a pin number.