I have been a practicing orthodontist for more than 25 years. During that time, I have had the opportunity to work with many patients, creating with them smiles that not only improve their appearance, but also enhance their self-confidence and self-esteem. Each patients unique orthodontic needs, and their individual personalities, make my professional life rewarding and fulfilling. One of the primary reasons I chose to become an orthodontist is because it is an area of dental care that patients seek out: not just because of necessity, but because they want to change their lives.

In addition to my formal degrees, I am also passionate about pursuing continuing education opportunities. These allow me to keep abreast of the latest orthodontic techniques, which results in my being able to provide the most up-to-date orthodontic processes and treatments for my patients.

I was born and raised in Columbus, Georgia, and moved to Pensacola more than 25 years ago. My wife Tara and I have four children: three daughters and a son. When Im not at work, chances are that I am spending time with my family, exercising, or playing golf.

Because I believe in giving back to the community, I currently serve or have served on many boards and committees, such as for the YMCA and the Boy Scouts. Additionally, I am an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Pensacola. I am particularly proud of working with other professionals to start an annual golf tournament that raises money for PSC students that do not qualify for financial aid but still need tuition assistance.

My personal and professional lives are wonderful. I not only have an incredible family, I have patients who provide me with great opportunities to get to know them as we work together to improve their smiles and their lives.

I love my work as an orthodontist. My greatest joy comes from teaming with patients to create the perfect smile, one that will increase their self-esteem, boost their self-confidence, and transform their lives. I believe in delivering the best orthodontic care possible, and enjoy the one-on-one interaction I have with my patients. I like getting to know them as individuals with fascinating lives. We learn from each other, and that is incredibly rewarding.

I also am a staunch believer in continuing education, which allows me to stay on the cutting edge of treatment options in orthodontics. This means I am able to provide the most comprehensive orthodontic treatment options for my patients.

I was born in North Miami Beach and moved to Gulf Breeze in 1972. I have lived here for more than 40 years. My wife Christy and I have two children, Jake and Kate. When not caring for my orthodontic patients, I enjoy spending time golfing, fishing, and boating. I am a long-term member of the Gulf Breeze Rotary club and I support many local charity organizations. I belong to Christ Episcopal Church in Pensacola and am an active member of my local community.

Marisha joined our team in 1997, having started in the dental field in 1993, working for a periodontist and then a general dentist. She likes working with our doctors, her coworkers, and our patient family. Marisha handles all insurance tasks, including verification, filing, and follow-ups. She also works on contracts, develops the office schedule, and is back-up for the front desk. Marisha and her husband Mike were married in 1995. They have two children and three grandchildren, Gabriel, Sophia, and Mason. Marisha loves making memories with her family, helping Mike at their family-owned business, and volunteering at church.

Missy graduated from Pensacola State Colleges Dental Assisting program and has worked in the field since 1980. She joined us in 1993 and enjoys the variety of her days. Missy handles some of the non-patient activities for the practice. She helps with our marketing efforts and assists with purchasing, inventory, and working with vendors. Missy enjoys being part of a hard working team in a relaxed atmosphere, where shes always surrounded by smiles. When not working, Missy enjoys being with her husband, two children, and the three family cats. She likes all types of crafts and DIY projects.

Debbie is both a Certified Dental Assistant and Orthodontic Assistant. Shes been with us since 1996 and is happy to meet people as theyre starting care. Debbie talks with patients and parents about different treatment plans and financial arrangements, answers questions, and makes sure people make informed decisions about care. She loves how our team feels like a family, where we come together to create perfect smiles that improve patients lives. Debbie and her husband Eric have been married more than 25 years. They have two wonderful sons, Jake and Cody, as well as three pampered cats and two spoiled, over-sized dogs. Theirs is a tightly-knit family that enjoys their time together.

Sarah has certification in orthodontics and radiation. She started working in the field in 2000, joined Woodfin Cabassa Orthodontics in 2006, and enjoys helping give patients beautiful smiles. Sarah assists the doctors with procedures, provides patient care, orders our clinical supplies, and handles staff scheduling. She enjoys spending her days with people she considers to be part of her extended family. Sarah is a mother to two beautiful daughters and a wife to a man she adores. She likes gardening, cooking, relaxing on our beautiful beaches, and time with family and friends, especially during football season: GEAUX LSU TIGERS & WHO DAT SAINTS!

Iris graduated from the Dental Assisting program at Pensacola Junior College. She interned with us in 2001 and never left! Working in the clinic, she assists the doctors with a variety of orthodontic procedures, including placing braces, adjustments, and Iriss favorite removing braces. She loves being part of a patients orthodontic experience and seeing the finished smiles. Iris has a beautiful daughter and a sweet dog, Indie. When not working, she loves volunteering with various local organizations and loves the outdoors.

Tami is a Dental Assistant and a Certified Orthodontic Assistant. She started in the field in 1997 and joined us in 2007. She likes getting to know each patient on a personal level, learning about their interests and adventures. For Tami, our patients become part of her family and she feels its a gift to get to know them. Tami takes patient records, including X-rays, impressions, photos, and scans. She also helps in the clinic with adjustments and loves being part of a caring team. Tami and her husband settled in Pensacola when he retired from the U.S. Air Force. They and their daughter love all the different outdoor activities in the area. Tami likes archery, boating, camping, and the family loves traveling.

Shawna is a Certified Dental Assistant, a Certified Orthodontic Assistant, and has been with us since 2011. She likes helping our doctors to create beautiful smiles that give patients new confidence and knows the experience first-hand: Dr. Cabassa created her smile when she was a teenager! Shawna takes patient records and impressions and assists the doctors with procedures. She loves working with both doctors, as she knows the outcome will be perfect. Shawna and her awesome husband Joseph where married in 2014. They recently adopted a rescue puppy, Bella. Along with playing with Bella, Shawna enjoys running and weightlifting.

Jan started in the field in 1979 and joined us in 2011. She enjoys meeting patients during treatment and seeing how the change in each persons smile changes their self-esteem. Jan assists the doctor with different procedures and educates patients about oral hygiene. She likes working with great doctors and a supportive, welcoming team that achieves great smiles for our patients! Originally from Metairie, LA, Jan now lives in Foley, AL, with her family. She and her husband Ed have been married almost 30 years. Jan has two daughters, three step-children, eight grandchildren, and five dogs and five cats! Jans hobbies include gardening, Mardi Gras, and cheering for the Saints.

At Woodfin Cabassa Orthodontics, we are committed to providing the highest quality clinical care and personalized service in a warm and compassionate atmosphere. Drs. Woodfin and Cabassa and our staff enjoy getting to know each patient and their families, and love creating relationships that last multiple generations.