Feel at home in our clinic.
Sophie Gray
ORTHODONTIST
BDS | DClinDent | MRACDS (Orth) | MOrthRCSEd
Sophie grew up in Christchurch and moved to Dunedin to study dentistry, following in her mother and grandfather’s footsteps. Following graduation, she lived in Auckland and Christchurch for three years working in both hospital dentistry and general practice. Sophie returned to Otago and in 2014 she completed her specialist orthodontic training (Doctor of Clinical Dentistry – Orthodontics). While studying, she developed an interest in craniofacial growth and focused her thesis research in this area.
Sophie has also completed her Membership in Orthodontics for the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) and her Membership of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (in Orthodontics). She is a member of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists (NZAO) and the New Zealand Dental Association. Sophie has previously served as a committee member on the NZAO executive.
In her spare time, Sophie loves skiing, cooking, spending time with family and going for walks with her husband, children and her labrador Belle.
Leigh Blackadder
ORTHODONTIC AUXILIARY
Leigh is a registered Orthodontic Auxiliary and has worked in Christchurch since completing her training in Nelson in 2008. She originally qualified as a dental assistant in 1999 and worked in Christchurch until she had her son in 2007. She was then keen to pursue a career in orthodontics and hasn’t looked back since!
Leigh enjoys meeting patients and their families and encouraging them throughout their orthodontic journeys. She is friendly, gentle and enthusiastic about providing orthodontic care to children and adults alike. Her favourite part of the role is removing finished appliances and celebrating with each patient how their hard work has helped to achieve their beautiful new smile.
Leigh enjoys challenging walks, boxing gym and spending time with her son Alfie and their dog Reggie.
Kelly McLeod
ORTHODONTIC AUXILIARY
Originally from Little River, Kelly coached tennis in America and travelled for two years before returning to New Zealand to enter the dental industry. In the early 2000’s she trained to be a qualified Dental Assistant. In 2006, Kelly entered the orthodontic world and realized how much she loved working with children. In 2016, she furthered her qualifications and became a registered Orthodontic Auxiliary.
Kelly is great with children and enjoys being a part of something that can change their lives and give them confidence. Getting to know patients and their families is an important part of making patients feel at ease and Kelly says after joining the OrthoSouth team you really get that family feel. Kelly is calm, gentle and makes every patient feel comfortable in the chair. She loves adapting to new changes in technology and finds learning new ways of doing orthodontics to be both interesting and rewarding.
Kelly is an outdoors girl. She loves nature, fishing, free-diving, and spending time with her family and friends.
Anna Biddick
PRACTICE MANAGER
Anna began her career as a dental assistant in 2001 after finishing a Diploma in Applied Science. After working in Christchurch and the Gold Coast she moved firstly to reception and then into a practice management role. After 10 years managing a large general dental practice she is excited to move into the Orthodontic field and is increasing her knowledge daily!
Anna enjoys spending time with her family and has a keen interest in architecture and interior design, which usually means embarking on a large renovation project.
Chris Threadgall
RECEPTIONIST AND CLINIC SUPPORT
Chris qualified as a Dental Surgery Assistant in 1992 with the NZDA. Since then Chris has experience as a Dental Surgery Assistant working both in the New Zealand and the UK. Chris started her career in Darfield working for a general dental clinic before relocating to Auckland where she worked for 6 years, and then traveling to the UK in 2000. During her time in the UK Chris travelled and worked as Practice Manager of two clinics managing 21 staff as well as working as a Dental Surgery Assistant.
On her return to New Zealand Chris worked as a dental assistant for a Prosthodontist in Christchurch for 10 years before taking time off to start a family. In June 2018, Chris joined OrthoSouth as our Practice Receptionist.
Chris enjoys spending time with her family, supporting her son at his cycling events, walking her beautiful dog Blue and enjoying life to the full.
Tara Woodwiss
ORTHODONTIC DENTAL ASSISTANT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Tara started work as a dental assistant in Upper Hutt in 1992 and gained her Certificate of Dental Assisting in 1993. She then went on to complete a Diploma of Dental Therapy in 1998. From there, Tara worked as an Orthodontic Assistant in Christchurch before spending a few years in London nursing in general practice and for an Oral Surgeon.
Upon her return to New Zealand, Tara trained and worked as an Orthodontic Auxiliary and Treatment Coordinator. She had two daughters and returned to work for a local Prosthodontist and then for a Maxillofacial Surgeon, a job she thoroughly enjoyed. The next 10 years were spent raising her daughters on a dairy farm in Golden Bay.
Now back in Christchurch, Tara has joined the OrthoSouth team as an Orthodontic Assistant and has found it a pleasure to rediscover her past skills and marvel at the new technology in orthodontics. Tara has been a wonderful addition to our team. She is full of energy and commits her all to every day at work.
Tara loves to spend weekends with her daughters, supporting the Crusaders at their home games, walking her dog Bindhi, and riding her horse Capri along the beach.
About OrthoSouth
OrthoSouth was established in 2016 when Sophie had an opportunity to start her own patient base in Christchurch Central. The practice has been growing ever since and has a steady referral base from other dental professionals and from patients’ friends and families. OrthoSouth is happy to see anyone for an orthodontic assessment. No referrals are needed.
Our Practice
Our philosophy at OrthoSouth is that everyone is different so we tailor our treatment plans specific to your individuality. We cater to children and adults alike. We are fun, welcoming and enthusiastic. We want every patient to enjoy the personal experience our friendly team provides!
OrthoSouth is fully digitised and we keep up to date with regular continuing education opportunities. We apply evidence-based orthodontics in our day to day practice and endeavour to provide the highest standards of professional care.
We are community minded at OrthoSouth and Sophie is proud to provide treatment under the Wish For a Smile Trust. She also gives presentations to other dental professionals and has been a member of the NZAO executive committee.
