Dr. Janakiraman obtained his dental degree from Government Dental College Bangalore University, India in 1998, and a master’s degree in orthodontics from Government Dental College NTR University of Health, India in 2002. He moved to the United States of America in 2010 after getting accepted to the Fellowship Program in Orthodontics at the University of Connecticut. In the next three years he obtained his master’s degree (M.Dent.Sc) and a certificate in orthodontics. He served as full-time faculty member at University of Connecticut from July 2014 – May 2016. Later he joined the faculty of the University of Louisville as Assistant Professor and Research Director.Dr. Janakiraman is a Diplomate of American Board of Orthodontics and member of AAO and SAO.

He has published twenty articles in peer reviewed orthodontic journals and contributed to two chapters in orthodontic textbooks. Additionally he has presented his work in scientific meetings both nationally and internationally. His research interests have primarily focused on reducing treatment time and improving the evidence and biomechanical knowledge of various orthodontic techniques and appliances. His publication have covered numerous topics including investigating new orthodontic techniques and appliances, re-evaluating routinely used orthodontic systems in order to throw greater light on them, and more recently, integrating the current 3D technologies into clinical orthodontics. One of his primary objectives as a researcher and clinician is to translate his research findings to more efficient and effective outcomes for patients.

Dr. Keith Blankenship is a Board-Certified Orthodontist and currently holds the position of Clinical Director at the Georgia School of Orthodontics (GSO). With over two decades of experience in dentistry and orthodontics, he is recognized for his dedication to clinical excellence, educational leadership, and his commitment to delivering transformative patient care.

He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, where he also completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees in microbiology. Following his service as a general dentist in the United States Navy, Dr. Blankenship pursued advanced specialty training at The Georgia School of Orthodontics, earning his Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. His connection to GSO continues today in his dual roles as Clinical Director and Assistant Professor, where he mentors orthodontic residents and leads educational and clinical initiatives.

Dr. Blankenship is one of only two orthodontists in the U.S. to hold the prestigious Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD)—a distinction that requires rigorous postdoctoral training and a commitment to lifelong learning. He has lectured nationally on topics such as cosmetic dentistry, sleep apnea, CAD/CAM innovations, and advanced orthodontic techniques.

As a published researcher, his recent works include: A 2019 study introducing a mini-screw-supported rapid palatal expansion technique and a 2021 investigation into the prevalence of caries in Invisalign® patients.
He is also an Invisalign® Fellow, allowing him to skillfully integrate aligner therapy into comprehensive treatment plans.

Dr. Blankenship began his dental career in the U.S. Navy, where he served both at home and abroad. He retired as a Commander in the Naval Reserves, having held leadership roles such as Hospital Clinic Director. His military service instilled in him the values of discipline, service, and leadership that continue to guide his work today. In addition to his academic and military achievements, Dr. Blankenship owns and operates a private orthodontic practice in Palm Coast, Florida, where he is known for his personalized, high-quality patient care.

Dr. Blankenship is a proud husband and father of five. He and his wife enjoy traveling and spending time with family. Though Buckeyes at heart, they are proud to call Florida home.

“I love what I do. Seeing our patients’ lives and smiles change is breathtaking. Being able to teach, serve, and inspire—whether in the classroom, clinic, or community—is a privilege.”
— Dr. Keith Blankenship

Dr. Stockstill attended the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and received a Bachelor of Science (’73) in Pre-Dentistry. After completing his Doctorate in Dental Surgery (’75) from Louisiana State University Health Science Center School of Dentistry he served for two years in the U.S. Public Health Service/U.S. Coast Guard as a staff dentist (rank of Lieutenant) and received an honorable discharge in 1977.Dr. Stockstill attended the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine as a Neuromuscular Research in Clinical Dentistry Fellow and completed his M.S. in Oral Sciences and Certificate in Temporomandibular Disorders/Orofacial Pain in 1987. He served as Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry and was promoted to Associate professor in 1994. He entered the Orthodontic Residency at the UNMC College of Dentistry and received his Certificate in Orthodontics in 1996. Later he joined the faculty at Creighton University School of Dentistry where he served as an Associate professor until 2001 when he joined the Medical College of Georgia College of Dental Medicine as Director of Orthodontic Research and Director of the undergraduate orthodontic curriculum.

In 2012 he joined the faculty of the ECU School of Dental Medicine as Division Director of Orthodontics and as Director of Curricula in Orthodontics as well as TMD/Orofacial Pain. After successfully developing the orthodontic and TMD/Orofacial Pain curricula at ECU, Dr. Stockstill was recruited by Seton Hill University to serve as Professor of Orthodontics within the Center for Orthodontics residency program.

Dr. Stockstill also serves as the Associate Editor of the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics. He is a past Chairman of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Special Interest Group for Temporomandibular Disorders/Orofacial Pain and is a founding member of the Association of University Temporomandibular Disorder/Orofacial Pain Programs American Dental Education Association.

Dr. Stockstill has edited, authored and co-authored numerous scientific journals and textbooks, holds patents for orthodontic instruments and has presented orthodontic lectures at the local, regional, and international levels. He is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, and Omicron Kappa Upsilon (Alpha-Alpha chapter), and is a Diplomate (Board certified) in the American Board of Orthodontics.

Dr. Mohamed I. Masoud earned his orthodontic certificate and Doctorate of Medical Sciences from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. He subsequently served as Orthodontic Clinical Director at the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and later as Director of Orthodontics at Harvard. Most recently, he held the position of Associate Professor of Orthodontics at the Howard College of Dentistry. In addition to his academic experience, Dr. Masoud has practiced clinical orthodontics in a private practice setting for nearly 20 years, bringing a real‑world clinical perspective that he applies to education and research. He has been a member of the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists since 2011, a distinction recognizing exceptional clinical excellence and leadership.

He has made a significant impact on orthodontics through the development of multiple patented technologies. This includes a hybrid method for tooth movement that makes clear aligners an effective choice for more people, as well as a 3D dentofacial system for non-radiographic diagnosis that replaces X-rays with specialized 3D photography, and the use of Artificial Intelligence to assist in aligner design.

Dr. Masoud was also the first to publish research about using IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1) as an indicator of the maturity of a patient’s skeleton. This more accurately predicts facial growth than earlier, X-ray-based methods, and earned Dr. Masoud the prestigious Harry Sicher Research Award from the American Association of Orthodontists.

Dr. Sergio Real brings over 28 years of private practice experience to GSO. Dr. Real graduated from the dental program at the Colegio Odontologico Colombiano in his native country of Colombia in 1991. He then went on to attend the Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Residency Program at the Pontificie Universidad Catolica Santa Maria de los Buenos Aires, where he graduated in 1995 with a strong background in orthopedic early treatment and the use of functional appliances. Shortly after graduation, Dr. Real moved to San Diego, CA to receive additional instruction in the MBT system of orthodontic training. He received his Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and Masters in Orthodontics at Nova Southeastern University in 2013.

In addition to his years in private practice, Dr. Real has served in the positions of Clinical Instructor, Associate Professor, and Clinical Director at NOVA Southeastern University’s Postdoctoral Program in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. He has lectured extensively and is a Member of the American Association of Orthodontists. Dr. Sergio Real is fluent in both English and Spanish.

In his spare time, Dr. Real enjoys working out, playing basketball, and spending time with his growing family.

Originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, Dr. Daniel A. Escobedo is the second of three children. He has an older brother and younger sister who are both pharmacists. At an early age, his parents stressed the importance of education and dedication as being the keys to achieving success. Dr. Escobedo’s parents always dreamed of their children becoming doctors one day and would often remind them of Dr. Hector’s P. Garcia ( an affluent leader in the community) as a role model of what happens when education and dedication persevere.  Dr. Hector P. Garcia’s motto, “Education is our Freedom, and Freedom Should be Everybody’s Business,” became Dr. Escobedo’s motivation for success. Dr. Escobedo credits his work ethic, without a doubt to his parents, who’s countless hours of work and sacrifice made education for him and his siblings possible.

He graduated with honors in 2002 from Incarnate Word Academy. He attended Texas A&M Corpus Christi and graduated magna cum laude with  a degree in Biology.

After college, Dr. Escobedo moved to Dallas and attended Baylor College of Dentistry, where he met his lovely wife, Sara. Together, they both graduated dental school in 2010. They soon married in San Antonio, Texas in February 2011. As newlyweds, they moved to Houston with their Siberian Husky named Otto and began practicing dentistry in the greater Houston area.

During his time as a General Dentist, Dr. Escobedo developed a real passion for orthodontics and became involved in multiple orthodontic study clubs. His passion for Invisalign ultimately lead him to apply for orthodontic residency. In 2021 after 11 years of practicing general dentistry, Dr. Escobedo began his Orthodontic Residency at Georgia School of Orthodontics.

In Dr. Escobedo’s free time, he enjoys traveling with his wife and being “foodies”. As an avid fisherman of the gulf coast waters, Dr. Escobedo also loves being outdoors, boating, and sports in general.

Dr. Jobran practiced dentistry for 8 years in his family practice alongside his siblings. He went on to complete an internship on dental treatment for children with special needs. Soon after he decided to advance his education and pursue a career in orthodontics. He completed a combined program in advanced graduate studies (CAGS) in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics with MSD at Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics. Dr. Jobran is a member of the American Dental Association and American Association of Orthodontics and Diplomate of the ABO. He seeks to combine his love of teaching and orthodontics by pursuing his career with Georgia School of Orthodontics. In his free time, Dr. Jobran enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. 

Dr. Yi-Ping Liu was born in Taiwan and grew up in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She studied at McGill University. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from State University of New York at Buffalo. In 2009, Dr. Liu completed her specialty training and her Master’s degree in orthodontics at Saint Louis University. Dr. Liu practiced in North Carolina and Massachusetts prior to moving to Georgia. She has been certified as an Invisalign provider since 2009, and she has the designation of an Invisalign Preferred Provider. She enjoys helping patients improve their smiles with individual customized treatment. In her spare time, she loves traveling, reading, hiking, and spending time with her family. Dr. Liu is excited to join the GSO family, and to provide orthodontic care to the local community.

Dr. Mohamad Abou El Nasr earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Beirut Arab University in Lebanon in 2010 graduating at the top of his class. He was then accepted into the Orthodontics residency at BAU as one of five residents. He completed his residency in 2014. Immediately after completing his residency, he was accepted into the Fellowship Program in Orthodontics at the University of Connecticut.

During the Fellowship Dr. Mohamad worked with legends and Pioneers in the Orthodontics field such as Dr. Ravindra Nanda in his faculty practice and he had the opportunity to attend the biomechanics class of Dr. Charles Burstone.
Dr. Mohamad continued his dental path in the U.S. by joining Tufts University and graduating in the top 5 percent of his class. In 2022 Dr. Mohamad joined the Georgia School of Orthodontics as an Assistant Professor after passing the American Board of Orthodontics written Examination.

Dr. Mohamad is also involved in creating many platforms for orthodontists around the world to share their work and experience. He is the Co-founder of the Facebook page “The Orthodontics Online”. A platform that is created to share knowledge, presentations, and experience among professionals to help advance the quality of care. He has also a lot of presentations on SlideShare for various topics in Orthodontics.

Dr. Mohamad is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

Dr. Asercion attended the University of New Orleans and received a Bachelor of Science (’73) and a Masters of Science (’77) in Biology. Completing his Doctorate in Dental Surgery (’79) from LSU School of Dentistry, he chose to enter LSU’s residency program and was awarded a certificate in orthodontics in 1981. During his professional career, Dr. Asercion practiced the specialty of orthodontics in Louisiana, Arizona, and Colorado for more than 30 years. He retired from private practice in January 2016 to participate in the development of the GSO orthodontic program. Dr. Asercion was a member of the LSUSD Curriculum Committee and the Director of Clinical Operations at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Department of Orthodontics.

Notable academic awards include Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society, C Edmund Kells Dental Honor Society, Mosby Scholarship Award, and the American Association of Orthodontics Oral Facial Development Scholarship Award. He has presented different research papers to the International Association of Dental Research, the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the American Association of Orthodontics. He was Director of Clinical Advancement for Orthodontic Centers of America.

Dr. Asercion was a member of the New Orleans and Louisiana Dental Associations, the Metropolitan Denver and Colorado Dental Associations, the Rocky Mountain Association. He was awarded Life Active Membership of the American Association of Orthodontists.

His orthodontic philosophy is founded upon evidence-based outcomes and result-directed clinical efficiency.

Dr. Fred Der graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1980 and maintains a private practice in Bond Head, Ontario. He completed the Academy of GP Orthodontics training program in 2000 and earned his Orthodontic Certificate from Georgia School of Orthodontics in 2025.

Dr. Der has trained under Drs. Roy Holexa, Ron Austin, and Larry White. He has served as a host dentist and clinical instructor since 2002 and is a past President of the Academy of GP Orthodontics.

He currently teaches orthodontics courses throughout Canada and the United States. Dr. Der received his Fellowship in Orthodontics from both AGpO and IOA in 2008 and earned his FAGD and MAGD in 2005.

Dr. R. J. Damien Grant is originally from Kingston, Jamaica and moved to the United States in 1985.
He completed his dental and orthodontic training at Howard University in Washington, D.C. During his dental education he was awarded several academic and dental certificates. He was also presented an award at the American Dental Association meeting in New Orleans.

Dr. Grant was then recruited by an orthodontist in Georgia to help with his practices in Columbus and Macon. Soon thereafter he was asked by other local orthodontists to help in their practices in Duluth, Dunwoody, Union City, Douglasville, Stone Mountain and Newnan.

Dr. Grant is an active member of the Southern Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, North Georgia Dental Society and the American Association of Orthodontists. Dr. Grant enjoys soccer, golf, fishing and spending time with his family.

Specialties: Orthodontics and Invisalign

Dr. Anahita Javadpour is originally from Tehran, Iran, where she lived until the age of 18. She then relocated to Portland, Oregon, to pursue her undergraduate studies in Biology at Portland State University.

She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry. Driven by a passion for orthodontics, Dr. Javadpour completed a three-year residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the Georgia School of Orthodontics in Atlanta, Georgia. She further distinguished herself by becoming board-certified and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor, Dr. Javadpour is committed to educating the next generation of orthodontists while continuing to provide exceptional patient care. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys ballroom dancing and staying active through regular workouts.

Dr. Jumaili has been practicing dentistry since 2006. He and his wife of 18 years have two kids. He enjoys traveling and attending sports events. He worked for the U.S. military in the health and education sector.

Dr. Lazzara is a Florida native and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Emory University in 1966. He received his Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the American Association of Orthodontists Supervised Preceptorship Program in 1969. Dr. Lazzara joins GSO with more than 40 years of experience in the field of orthodontics. His experience includes maintaining private orthodontic practices for 25 years and serving as Founder/CEO/Director/Chairman of the world’s largest orthodontic management company, Orthodontic Centers of America (OCA) from 1985-2001. Additionally, Dr. Lazzara has lectured on a variety of orthodontic and business-related topics at numerous professional conferences.

Dr. Lazzara retired as a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics and a member of both the American Association of Orthodontists and the Southern Society of Orthodontists.

When out of the office, he enjoys traveling, golfing, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.

Dr. Ouellette serves as Clinical Professor at the Georgia School of Orthodontics. He received his dental degree from Loyola School of Dentistry, Chicago, Illinois in 1970. He completed his orthodontic residency and Master’s Degree in Oral Biology in 1972 after which he joined the orthodontic faculty at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, as an assistant professor of orthodontics until 1975.

Dr. Ouellette practiced Orthodontics in Brevard County Florida for over 40 years before joining Jacksonville University College of Health Sciences Orthodontic Department. The advent of 3D Imaging in dentistry opened new areas of interest for Dr Ouellette in Adjunctive Orthodontics and Implant Dentistry.

In October 2013, Dr. Ouellette credentialed in Implant Dentistry receiving the Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AFAAID).

Dr. Adrienne L. Perry was born in Mutlangen, Germany and spent most of her childhood in suburban Georgia. Dr. Perry developed a desire to alleviate health disparities early in life due to multiple travel experiences and community service. She attended the Howard University College of Dentistry as part of the class of 2014. Immediately afterwards she relocated to New York City to complete a General Practice Residency with the BronxCare Health System. She then moved to Watertown, NY to practice independently as a general dentist. She moved to Elmira, NY about a year later and practiced there until she was accepted into the Howard University Orthodontics Residency in 2017.

Prior to joining the clinical team at GSO, Dr. Perry spent roughly two years providing orthodontic care for youth in the underserved communities of Washington DC. She currently serves as a Captain in the District of Columbia Army National Guard.

Dr. Perry has held leadership roles in the American Dental Education Association and the National Dental Association. She has served as an ambassador for the Summer Health Professions Education Program and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Dr. Perry has enthusiastically mentored countless high school and dental students who have approached her for advice, recommendations, and shadowing experiences.

In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, exercising, golf, reading, and culinary arts. Adrienne’s top priorities include mindfulness, mentorship, and social responsibility.

Dr. Perry is a licensed speech-language pathologist and speech scientist. She is a Professor at East Carolina University where she conducts research using magnetic resonance imaging and 3D computer technology to study the anatomy, speech, and surgical approaches used to treat cleft palate. Her research is funded through the National Institute of Health. Her current collaborative work aims to examine how the variations in presurgical anatomy affect postsurgical speech outcomes in children born with cleft palate. Dr. Perry is the Editor in Chief for the Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal.

She serves on the cleft palate craniofacial team at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC. She is the director of the Speech Imaging and Visualization Laboratory at East Carolina University. Dr. Perry serves as the coordinator for the resonance disorders clinic where she provides speech evaluations and therapy to individuals with errors related to cleft palate and resonance disorders. Dr. Perry also provides support and training through surgical mission trips to third-world countries.

Dr. Alisa Raglin, a proud Atlanta native, brings a lifelong passion for dentistry to her role at the Georgia School of Orthodontics. Inspired from a young age to pursue a career in dentistry, she followed that dream with dedication and excellence throughout her academic and professional journey.

She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Valdosta State College in 1993 and went on to receive her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Howard University College of Dentistry in 1997. Following dental school, Dr. Raglin completed a General Dentistry Residency at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, in 1998.

After returning to Georgia, she practiced general dentistry for over a decade before choosing to further specialize in orthodontics. In 2007, she earned her postdoctoral certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics.

Dr. Raglin is a licensed orthodontist in both Georgia and South Carolina. She finds immense fulfillment in helping patients achieve confident, healthy smiles—transformations that often boost self-esteem and social confidence. Beyond clinical care, she is passionate about education and takes great pride in mentoring the next generation of dental professionals.

Dr. Raglin is a member of the Georgia Dental Association, The American Association of Orthodontics, The American Dental Association, Northern Georgia District Dental Association and is board certified with The American Board of Orthodontics.

In her personal time, Dr. Raglin enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring culinary experiences. She is honored to join the faculty at GSO and looks forward to contributing to the School’s mission through teaching, mentorship, and clinical excellence.

Dr. Pari Saeedi is a board-certified orthodontist with more than 20 years of experience in dentistry and orthodontics. She earned her DDS from Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, graduating first in her class, and completed her orthodontic specialty training at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. She further advanced her clinical training at the Georgia School of Orthodontics in Atlanta and holds a fellowship in clear aligner therapy from Align Technology.

Dr. Saeedi has treated more than 3,000 orthodontic patients and has extensive experience managing a wide range of cases, including impacted teeth, growth modification, orthognathic surgery cases, and clear aligner therapy. Prior to joining the Georgia School of Orthodontics, she served as an Assistant Professor of Orthodontics at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, where she taught orthodontic biomechanics, diagnosis, and treatment planning.

She has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in orthodontics and achieved the highest score in her GSO’s history on the American Board of Orthodontics written examination.

In addition to her academic and clinical accomplishments, Dr. Saeedi is an accomplished martial artist, holding a 6th-degree black belt in karate. She was a member and coach of the Iranian National Karate Team and has earned several medals in national and international championships.

Dr. Saeedi is passionate about clinical education and dedicated to mentoring residents while promoting excellence and evidence-based care in orthodontics.

Dr. Sharma has distinguished herself by becoming Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and treats both children and adults. She is one of only a few orthodontists in the U.S. who is also a board-certified pediatric dentist, making her dual trained in both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics.

She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine and completed her Pediatric Dentistry Residency at the prestigious Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University. She also completed a General Practice Residency in New York and received her Certificate in Orthodontics from the Georgia School of Orthodontics. As a dual specialist, Dr. Sharma focuses orthodontic excellence, utilizing growth development and detail-oriented clinical skills to manage comprehensive dental development.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Sharma loves traveling to new and exciting places and spending time with her family.