Alliance Recognizes Our 10th Annual Alliance Core Value Award Recipients

Alliance Spine and Pain Centers concluded 2025 by celebrating the outstanding contributions of our top performers through the presentation of our annual Alliance Core Values Awards. These individuals exemplify our commitment to Compassion, Respect, Integrity, Excellence, and Service, consistently going above and beyond.

Every year, we are inspired by numerous deserving nominees who share remarkable stories of employees making significant contributions to Alliance and its patients. Additionally, we pay tribute to our Provider of the Year and an individual who embodies many, if not all, of our Core Values with the Chairman’s Award.

We take immense pride in unveiling the recipients of this year’s 10th Annual Alliance Core Value Awards. Learn more about each awardee and the reasons behind their well-deserved recognition!

COMPASSION AWARD

The Compassion Award recipient consistently demonstrates sympathy and concern for the misfortunes of others along with a strong desire to help. They’re often described as selfless, kind, sensitive, and determined to alleviate or reduce the suffering of patients and co-workers.

Based on the above characteristics, Emily Torrence, Charge Nurse at our Dallas location, was chosen as the Compassion Award recipient.

Here’s why:

“Emily consistently leads with empathy, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to others. She embodies our workplace values through her genuine care for both coworkers and patients, driven by a deep personal dedication to improving the well-being of everyone around her.

Emily is known for her thoughtful patterns of kindness—routinely checking in on team members, boosting morale, and stepping in wherever she’s needed. During times of staffing challenges, she went above and beyond by supporting multiple centers herself, ensuring patients received the care they deserved rather than placing additional strain on her team.

Emily’s compassion, strong work ethic, and commitment to making our locations true Centers of Excellence are recognized by our physicians and cherished by her teammates. Trusted by her managers and admired across the organization, she is an invaluable part of the Alliance team.”

Thank you, Emily, for being a true reflection of the compassion we strive to deliver every day!

RESPECT AWARD

The recipient of the Respect Award demonstrates they value their co-workers and patients by honoring their personal rights, opinions, and dignity. They’re also willing to listen and learn from others as well as lead by example while consistently treating others as they would like to be treated, regardless of their views, and always making themselves accessible to others.

This year, Lab Pre-Analytical Coordinator Lloyd Jones, who provides company-wide support, received the Respect Award.

Here’s why:

“Lloyd truly embodies everything our Respect award represents. The lab environment can be complex and demanding, yet Lloyd navigates every challenge with steady professionalism. Even in the most stressful moments, he remains patient, open-minded, and composed — setting the tone for those around him.

Lloyd is a true team player, particularly when partnering with staff in the field to resolve issues as they arise. Colleagues know they can turn to him, and he consistently responds with respect, thoughtful insight, and a genuine willingness to help. He listens carefully, values others’ perspectives, and transforms feedback into meaningful action, delivering exceptional results time and again.

Lloyd is a critical part of our lab’s success. His fair, supportive, and respectful approach not only strengthens our operations but also makes him a pleasure to work with. We are truly grateful to have him as part of our company and proud to recognize him with this year’s Respect Award.”

INTEGRITY AWARD

The Integrity Award recipient always does the right thing, even when no one else is looking. They’re also honest, ethical, have strong moral principles, and their actions consistently reflect their words. Lastly, they’re also trusted and relied upon by co-workers and patients as someone willing and able to help.

This year, Katie Perez, Certified Athletic Trainer from our Augusta centers, received the Integrity award.

Here’s why:

“For the past several years, Katie has exemplified what integrity looks like in action. Her incredible work ethic, positive attitude, and unwavering commitment to patient care set her apart. Katie takes the time to thoroughly understand each patient’s medical history, ensuring that every decision is made with complete knowledge and thoughtful attention to detail.

She is exceptional in preparing and training new employees, making certain they understand our standards and are equipped to deliver the highest level of care. Highly organized and detail-oriented, Katie takes immense pride in her work — consistently going above and beyond without ever seeking recognition.

Her teammates rely on her daily. Katie is often the first to offer support, step into leadership when needed, and guide others with confidence and clarity. Her dedication to both our patients and the well-being of our company is evident in everything she does.

Thank you, Katie, for demonstrating integrity each and every day.”

EXCELLENCE AWARD

The recipient of the Excellence Award continually strives to surpass ordinary standards and consistently go above and beyond their normal duties. The Excellence Award winner also constantly seeks to improve their performance through collaboration and being innovative as well as set specific goals before taking steps to achieve them.

This year, Julie Matthews, who provides practice-wide support as Chronic Care Manager, was chosen as the Excellence award winner.

Here’s why:

“Julie is an exceptional Care Manager for patients enrolled in our Chronic Care Management (CCM) program. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her patients are supported, informed, and cared for each and every day.

Julie is proactive in identifying ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the CCM program for both patients and staff across our centers. She consistently meets—and often exceeds—her daily and monthly goals, helping to elevate the standard of care we provide. Providers trust Julie to manage their patients with diligence and confidence, knowing she thoroughly reviews every detail and communicates information with clarity and accuracy.

Her patients trust her just as deeply. Whether she is tracking down out-of-stock medications, completing prior authorizations, or resolving unexpected challenges, Julie advocates tirelessly on their behalf. Many patients rely on her as their primary point of contact, confident that she will handle their needs with professionalism, compassion, and excellence.

Julie, thank you for exemplifying excellence in all that you do!

SERVICE AWARD

The recipient of the Service Award understands we are in business for one reason – to help patients overcome pain. The Service Award winner is someone who directly touches patients while supporting the center and, ultimately, the patient. The Service winner also continually seeks to understand the needs of those around them while being accountable, empathetic, customer-focused, and resourceful.

This year, Kristina McGill, Charge Nurse at our Cartersville location, won the Service Award.

Here’s why:

“When I think of service, I think of someone who steps forward when needed, leads with purpose, and works tirelessly to strengthen both the patient experience and the team behind it. Kristina embodies all of that and more.

Kristina consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication, professionalism, and a deep commitment to our organization’s values. Her outstanding work ethic is evident in everything she does—she goes above and beyond expectations, takes initiative without being asked, and ensures every task is completed with accuracy and care. Proactive, efficient, and reliable, she is someone her team can always count on.

Her positive attitude and willingness to support her coworkers create a collaborative and uplifting environment. When Canton needed additional leadership support, Kristina stepped in as Interim Charge Nurse—while continuing to fulfill her responsibilities in Cartersville—without hesitation. She leads by example each day, serving not only as a Charge Nurse but as a vital pillar of our team.

Kristina’s reliability, consistency, and passion for serving patients and colleagues alike have strengthened our organization in meaningful ways. We are grateful for her leadership and proud to recognize her with this year’s Service Award.”

PROVIDER AWARD

The recipient of the Provider Award is the CRNA, PA, nurse practitioner, or physician who most embodies all of our core values. This person lives by these values, thus setting an example for others to do the same. Their behavior is consistent, inspirational, and recognized by both patients and employees.

Alliance physician, Ikenna Okpareke from our Douglasville and Cartersville locations, was selected as the Provider of the Year.

Here’s why:

“At the heart of his clinic is Dr. Okpareke, whose commitment to exceptional care is evident in every patient interaction. He delivers truly outstanding patient care, treating each individual with personal attention and thoughtful consideration. No two patients are the same to Dr. Okpareke — he takes the time to understand their unique needs and consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the very best outcomes.

His clinical skills are top notch, matched by a genuine compassion that patients immediately recognize and appreciate.

Dr. Okpareke also shares that same level of respect and care with his team. He has built an outstanding relationship with his staff, treating them like family and fostering an environment of collaboration and trust. In return, the team works hard, respects his leadership, and stands alongside him in delivering exceptional care. Together, Dr. Okpareke and his staff form an extraordinary team.

We are proud to recognize Dr. Okpareke with this year’s Provider Award.”

CHAIRMAN’S AWARD

The Chairman’s Award is given to the employee who best exemplifies all of the Core Values by providing exceptional patient care and consistently being an outstanding employee and colleague.

This year’s Chairman’s Award goes to Allison Scanlon, who provides practice-wide support as Manager, Advance Practice Providers.

Here’s why:

“Allison leads with selflessness and an unwavering devotion to her profession, to Alliance, and to her patients.

For 14 years, Allison has been a dedicated and trusted member of our organization. Throughout that time, she has built and led an incredible team of APPs, cultivating a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence. Her clinical skills are exceptional, and providers across the organization trust her judgment, expertise, and steady leadership.

Allison is also an outstanding teacher, generously sharing her knowledge and investing in the growth of those around her. Most notably, she led the rebuild of eClinicalWorks, our EMR system — a monumental effort that required vision, precision, and perseverance. Her leadership in this initiative has had a lasting impact on the way we care for patients and operate as a company.

Allison is an extraordinary asset to Alliance. Her commitment, integrity, and heart for service are evident in all that she does, and we are proud to recognize her with this year’s Chairman’s Award.”

ALLIANCE IS PROUD TO HONOR OUR 2025 ALLIANCE CORE VALUES AWARD WINNERS! CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR PRACTICE.