Practical leadership. Thoughtful strategy. Real-world experience.
Meet Meghan
Founder & Principal Consultant
Carlson Consulting Collective
After more than two decades leading teams, improving operations, and navigating the day-to-day realities of private businesses and healthcare practices, I founded Carlson Consulting Collective to help growing organizations build stronger teams, smarter systems, and healthier businesses.
Throughout my career, I've served as a practice manager, operations leader, HR partner, strategist, and trusted advisor. I've experienced firsthand the challenges business owners face—from hiring the right people and strengthening workplace culture to improving operational systems, navigating difficult conversations, and leading organizations through growth and change.
Carlson Consulting Collective was built to fill a gap. Many growing businesses need experienced strategic and operational leadership but aren't ready—or don't need—to hire a full-time executive. My role is to provide practical, customized guidance that helps organizations move forward with confidence while protecting what matters most: their people, culture, and long-term success.
Today, I partner with business owners as a fractional advisor, providing strategic HR, leadership, and operations consulting tailored to each organization's goals and stage of growth. Every recommendation is grounded in real-world experience, thoughtful strategy, and a commitment to building sustainable solutions that strengthen organizations today while helping owners build a lasting legacy for the future.
I believe the strongest organizations aren't built by chance. They're built intentionally—with great people, clear systems, strong leadership, and a culture that supports long-term success.
Continuing Professional Development
Meghan is currently pursuing the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential, further strengthening her expertise in strategic human resources, organizational leadership, workforce strategy, and people operations.
This continued professional development supports the expansion of Carlson Consulting Collective’s fractional HR advisory capabilities, particularly for independent practices and growing organizations that need experienced people and operational leadership without the infrastructure of a full-time internal HR department.
If that sounds like the kind of partnership you're looking for, I'd love to start the conversation.
Meet Jessie, EFDA, EFODA
Principal, Strategic Clinical Advisory
Carlson Consulting Collective
Jessie Andrews brings more than 18 years of experience across clinical dentistry, operational leadership, workforce development, and professional education to Carlson Consulting Collective.
Beginning her career as a dental assistant and advancing into regional management, Jessie has developed a rare perspective on the connection between strong clinical systems, well-prepared teams, and successful practice operations. Her experience spans Oral Surgery, General Anesthesia, Pediatrics, General Dentistry, and Endodontics, giving her firsthand insight into the varied demands placed on clinical teams across multiple practice environments.
Throughout her career, Jessie has maintained a strong focus on developing people. She previously served as a dental assistant instructor for a large Dental Service Organization, training and mentoring assistants entering the profession. Today, she serves as a Dental Sciences Instructor at Willamette Career Academy, where she develops career-ready dental professionals through technical education, professional development, and industry-aligned training.
Jessie holds EFDA and EFODA certifications and successfully completed the WREB Examination for Restorative Functions. She is also certified by the Oregon Board of Dentistry to teach Radiology.
Beyond the classroom and clinical environment, Jessie contributes to the future of the dental workforce as a member of the State of Oregon Dental Assistant Workforce Committee, helping strengthen education and training pathways for the profession. She was recently nominated for Oregon Career and Technical Education New Teacher of the Year.
Continuing Professional Development
Jessie is currently completing her Career and Technical Education (CTE) licensure, further expanding her work in career and technical education. Following completion, she plans to pursue additional certification focused on asepsis and infection prevention, continuing to deepen her expertise in clinical education, safety, and workforce development.
As Principal of Strategic Clinical Advisory for Carlson Consulting Collective, Jessie brings her experience to clinical operations, workforce strategy, team development, training, and clinical systems. Her work focuses on helping practices build capable teams, strengthen clinical infrastructure, and create sustainable systems that support exceptional care and long-term organizational growth.
Meet Tess
Senior Strategic Advisor
With more than two decades of leadership experience in dentistry, Tess brings a thoughtful, practical perspective to Carlson Consulting Collective's advisory team. Throughout her career, she has helped practices navigate operational growth, strengthen teams, and build sustainable business systems across general dentistry, oral surgery, implant dentistry, and specialty practice environments.
Known for her calm leadership style and ability to see both the operational details and the bigger strategic picture, Tess serves as a trusted advisor on practice management, organizational development, and long-term business planning. Her experience provides an additional layer of executive insight for practices facing periods of growth, transition, or operational change.
Beyond healthcare, Tess has been elected to multiple executive leadership positions within nationally affiliated nonprofit organizations, serving as both Vice President and President of regional Corvette clubs, including the High Desert Corvette Club and the Prescott Vette Sette Corvette Club. These roles reflect her long-standing commitment to leadership, community engagement, strategic planning, and organizational excellence.
As Senior Strategic Advisor, Tess collaborates with Carlson Consulting Collective on select client engagements, providing both virtual and on-site strategic support. Whether advising leadership teams remotely or working alongside practices in person, she brings decades of executive experience, practical insight, and a collaborative approach to helping organizations build stronger teams, healthier operations, and lasting success.
Meet Rich
Senior Business Advisor | Contracts & Client Strategy
Rich brings decades of experience in business development, client communications, sales, and contract management and is bringing that excellence to Carlson Consulting Collective. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with organizations and clients to develop clear agreements, strengthen business relationships, and support strategic growth through thoughtful planning and effective communication.
His experience includes reviewing business proposals, refining client-facing communications, and helping ensure projects are structured with clarity, professionalism, and mutual accountability. Rich's practical business perspective helps clients think beyond immediate challenges and focus on long-term success.
Outside of his professional career, Rich has spent years representing organizations through regional and national Corvette club leadership and the car show community, developing a reputation for relationship building, public engagement, and organizational excellence.
As Senior Business Advisor, Rich provides strategic input on select Carlson Consulting Collective engagements, supporting contract review, proposal refinement, business communications, and client strategy. Working alongside the advisory team, he helps ensure every engagement reflects the professionalism, clarity, and high standards that define Carlson Consulting Collective.
Let's Start the Conversation
Whether you're navigating growth, leading through change, or solving a complex people or operations challenge, I'd love to learn more about your business. Complete the form, and I'll be in touch to schedule a conversation.