Meet Our Team
At Southern Oak Dental Simpsonville, we never compromise our work for you. It’s because we care about each patient that we deliver high-quality services. Our staff are knowledgeable professionals, working with the latest dental technologies and always striving to improve. You can trust us to deliver the highest standard of clinical skill and quality care.
Dr. Jami Jo Studer
Dentist
Dr. Studer grew up in Indiana and received her undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and her dental degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry. She then spent some time at UNC Chapel Hill for her hospital residency before moving to Greenville in 2010. She then spent 5 years treating patients at a local community health center before entering the private practice sector. Dr Studer belongs to the American Dental Association, South Carolina Dental Association, the local Piedmont Dental Society, and the Greenville County Dental Society. Dr. Studer prides herself in providing ethical dental care, while treating her patients like family. She is also very passionate about giving back and international mission trips have been a big part of her life since her teenage days. In her spare time, she loves to workout, run, cook, read, travel, listen to and play music, and spend time with her husband, children, and sweet pug. In recent years, Dr. Studer joined a rock band, providing vocals and the keyboard.
Meredith
Office Manager
Meredith is the Office Manager who keeps the practice running with a blend of organization, empathy, and quick-thinking resourcefulness. She supports every area of the office—from daily operations to patient flow—and has become both the team’s unofficial therapist and its insurance maestro. With a natural ability to listen, understand needs, and make people feel seen, she brings a steady, compassionate presence to patients and staff alike. Meredith fell into dental management by accident eight years ago after managing restaurants but, quickly found a passion for helping patients create smiles they love and feel proud of. Her approach centers on low pressure, high comfort care, making the dental office feel a little less intimidating and a lot more human.
Outside of work, Meredith is a Broadway-obsessed mom who spends her time chasing her four-year-old, toggling between showtunes and screamy metal, and diving into DIY projects and painting adventures she fully intends to finish – someday. Guided by the motto “Throw kindness around like confetti,” she brings warmth, humor, and a bit of sparkle to every day at the office.
Lydia
Front Desk
Lydia is a Front Desk Associate who keeps the dental office running smoothly by answering phones, scheduling patients, verifying insurance, and—on busy days—restarting her computer every ten minutes. Known for being friendly, chatty, and genuinely engaged, she excels at making real connections with patients. Recognizing people by name and face is her specialty, and she loves getting to know patients as individuals rather than just appointments on a schedule.
With two years of experience in dentistry, Lydia has always felt drawn to the field and enjoys bringing a not-so-subtle sense of sarcasm to the front desk. Outside of work, she spends time with her family and fiancé, Cameron, often rewatching Gilmore Girls. Guided by the belief that honesty is the best policy, she brings authenticity to every interaction. A lifelong traveler, her favorite trip so far has been exploring Italy—especially getting lost in the canals of Venice.
Marie
Registered Dental Hygienist
Marie is a Registered Dental Hygienist who brings nearly three decades of experience to caring for patients, educating them, and making every appointment count. She began her career as a dental assistant before graduating from dental hygiene school in Maryland in 2005, and has continued building her skills—including recently completing her infiltration anesthesia course. Known for her strong time-management and ability to plan ahead, Marie is always thinking about how to support better patient health and help the team work smoothly together.
Outside the operatory, Marie loves exploring plant nurseries for landscaping inspiration, treasure-hunting in consignment shops, and experimenting with new recipes. She stays guided by her motto, “Stay positive,” and although she may seem reserved at first, she has a secret sense of humor that will surprise you. Meeting new patients and learning their stories is one of her favorite parts of the job—and she brings calm, connection, and teamwork to every day.
Francesca
Registered Dental Hygienist
Francesca is a Registered Dental Hygienist with 15 years of experience maintaining oral health, educating patients, and treating periodontal disease. She originally worked in animal care and loved cleaning teeth so much that she transitioned from pets to people—bringing the same meticulous attention and compassion to her human patients. A dedicated team player who stays on top of continuing education, she’s licensed to administer local anesthesia, CPR certified, and committed to delivering the highest standard of care. For Francesca, patient education comes first, because she knows oral health is inseparable from overall health.
Outside the office, Francesca values rest and relaxation, balancing her professional life with the joy of being a mom. She’s an animal lover through and through—and a proud Swiftie—bringing a warm, grounded, and genuinely caring presence to every patient she meets.
Blake
Dental Assistant
Blake is a Dental Assistant who brings steady confidence, strong organization, and an ability to plan ahead to every part of assisting, stocking, and ordering. With three years in dentistry, she loves being part of the process that helps patients regain their confidence through their smiles. She’s especially proud of returning to school later in life to change careers, and she brings a mother’s compassion to every patient she cares for—creating a calm, comforting experience from start to finish.
Outside of work, Blake loves spending time outdoors, crocheting, woodburning, and curling up with a good book. Her personal motto is “Give people the kindness they need, not the kindness they deserve,” and she lives it daily. When she’s not in the office, you can find her on the softball field every weekend, cheering on her two daughters.
Katelyn
Dental Assistant
Katelyn is a Dental Assistant who keeps the operatory running smoothly with her organization, efficiency, and quick sense of humor. With one year in the field, she chose healthcare—but very intentionally avoiding anything too gross—and found her perfect fit in dentistry. A graduate of Greenville Tech Dental Assisting Program and DANB certified, she brings both skill and confidence to supporting Dr. Studer and helping each day run seamlessly. What she loves most, though, is the companionship and camaraderie within her team.
Outside of work, Katelyn is all about good vibes and great hobbies: fishing (solo or with her dad), listening to country music, and hunting down her next pair of sneakers for her growing collection. Guided by the motto “Treat others how you want to be treated,” she brings kindness, humor, and a grounded, easygoing energy to the office every day.