Blake Lowe, DO

Blake Lowe, DO, is a Med Peds physician holding board certifications in internal medicine, pediatrics, and obesity medicine. He received his medical degree in 2016 from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Va. He completed a combined internal medicine-pediatrics (Med Peds) residency at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA in 2020.

After graduation, he worked as an adult and pediatric hospitalist and primary care physician while serving as an associate program director for the Med Peds residency program. In his new roles as a primary care physician at MPHCI and hospitalist at University of Tennessee Medical Center, he remains committed to medical education, curriculum design and mentorship.

Dr. Lowe’s other professional interests include quality improvement, healthcare utilization, continuum of care (from hospitalization to clinic), hands-on therapies (osteopathic manipulation and dry needling), and obesity medicine. As a Scott County native, he is very excited to be back home caring for Scott Countians.

Irene Duck, DMD

Dr. Duck was born and raised in Florida and moved to Tennessee in August of 2023. She loves the views of the mountains and being outdoors. She works at Mountain People’s to further the vision of increasing dental access to underserved communities in Scott County. She enjoys working with patients and loves the dental team she works with.

Jennifer Faires, LPC-MHSP

Jennifer received her bachelor’s degree in Child and Family studies from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She began her career working with children and parents in an educational setting and transitioned to counseling in community mental health. Returning to the community where she grew up was a decision driven by a deep sense of gratitude and desire to give back to the community. Her goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for her clients to explore their concerns and to develop effective strategies for overcoming challenges, utilizing their strengths to reach their goals.

Edward Capparelli, MD

Edward Capparelli, MD is a board certified family physician. He is originally from Oneida, New York and feels that he has come full-circle to now work in Oneida, Tennessee. He trained at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City and his residency training at the University of Texas. After graduation, Dr. Capparelli served as a medical missionary in Honduras and Nicaragua for 10 years. Upon his return to the United States in 1993, Dr. Capparelli began working in underserved areas of Tennessee including Parrottsville, Wartburg, and now Oneida. Although he has not delivered infants since 2007, Dr. Capparelli especially enjoys working with children and continues to provide pediatric care as one of Mountain People’s top healthcare providers. He also speaks fluent Spanish.

Shelby Burchfield Potter, FNP

Shelby Burchfield Potter, FNP is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She is a graduate from the University of Tennessee’s Master of Science in Nursing Program. Ms. Potter completed her Bachelor of Nursing degree from Tennessee Tech University. She is certified in CPR, first aid, and ACLS. Ms. Potter is board certified with the American Nurses Credentialing Center and also a member of the National Nurses Association and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Born and raised in Scott County, Shelby is excited to provide care in the local area to patients of all ages. With a focus on holistic care, not only is her focus on the physical health of the patient but also the emotional and social needs of the patient as well. Having worked as a registered nurse before becoming an FNP, Shelby has learned how rewarding it is to provide care and improve the health of those in need.

Chelsea Sexton Shelton, PA-C

Chelsea Sexton Shelton, PA-C is a graduate of the University of the Cumberland’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Maryville College. Ms. Shelton has completed an additional clinical elective in Dermatology. As part of her service to the local community, Ms. Shelton has also participated in the Community Health Educational Experience for Residents and Students. This program, sponsored by the Tennessee Primary Care Association, allowed Ms. Shelton the opportunity to work in Scott County while she worked to complete her degree as a Physician Assistant. Ms. Shelton has also had the opportunity to study abroad in Wales & Ireland. As a healthcare provider at Mountain People’s, Ms. Shelton strives to provide quality healthcare and compassion to patients of all ages. As a lifelong resident of Scott County, Ms. Shelton has a strong desire to help ensure the highest quality of medical services in the local area.

Jessica Sexton, FNP

Jessica Sexton, FNP is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in nursing from the University of Tennessee. Ms. Sexton began her career as a Registered Nurse in 2004 and later completed her training to become a Nurse Practitioner in 2012. Jessica lives in Scott County and is married to Brandon Sexton and has a stepdaughter, Madison.

Jackie (Dee-Dee) Wilson-Sharp, FNP

Jackie (Dee-Dee) Wilson-Sharp, FNP graduated from King University’s Master of Nursing program, with a Family Nurse Practitioner emphasis. King University was also where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree as a Nursing Major. She obtained her Licensed Practical Nursing certification from the State Area Vocational School. A local product, Jackie is a graduate of Scott High School. As a seasoned health care provider, she benefits from twenty years of nursing experience, most of which took place in the Emergency Room. She is looking forward to serving the community in Scott county.

Brittney Strunk, PA-C

Brittney Strunk, PA-C is a physician assistant from Pine Knot, KY, originally from Scott County. She graduated from the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, KY, with a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies in May of 2014. She received her Bachelors in Health Sciences in 2013 from the same institution where she received many awards and recognitions including induction into the J.T. Valandingham Honor Society as well as being recognized by Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities. She is a 2009 graduate of Scott High School where she was named one of the valedictorians of her graduating class. Brittney has a passion for primary care, striving to provide preventative medicine to patients to avoid chronic illness. It is her goal and desire to make her patients’ overall health better, so that they are able to live their lives to their fullest potential.

Leslie Shoemaker, FNP-BC

Leslie Shoemaker, FNP-BC is a graduate of Tennessee Tech University’s Master of Nursing program. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from King University, and her Associate of Science degree in Nursing from LMU. She began her career as a pediatric nurse at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in 2013. She is certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a member of Tennessee Nurses Association and American Nurses Association. Her certifications also include BLS, ACLS, and PALS. As a healthcare provider at Mountain People’s, Mrs. Shoemaker will provide the highest quality of care to ensure patients of all ages have optimal health and better quality of life.

Gracie Murphy, FNP-C, CPNP-PC

Gracie Murphy, FNP-C, CPNP-PC attended Tennessee Technological University and graduated with her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 2011. She moved home, to Scott County, and worked at the local hospital with experience in Obstetrics and Labor/delivery and Emergency department. When the local hospital closed, she decided to attend graduate school to receive her Master’s of Science in nursing with a focus on Family Practice and fulfill the community need of healthcare services. Again, at TTU, she graduated with Sigma Theta Tau honors and became a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner in 2015. Gracie has a strong history of dedication to this community in nursing care as well as provider services. She has a passion for her patients and the overall quality of their lives. Her experience included newborn care, pediatric preventative care and acute illness management, ADHD care, chronic illness services, and a wide variety of adult primary care management. She is local to Scott county and wants to offer the same care she would want for her own children and family!

Kelly West, NP-C, FNP

Kelly West, NP-C, FNP is a graduate of Southern Adventist University in Collegedale TN, where she attended a dual master’s degree in family care and critical care medicine. She obtained her undergraduate degree nursing from King University in Bristol TN. As a seasoned healthcare provider, she benefits from thirteen years of nursing experience, most of which was served in critical care. She is a graduate of Scott High School and strives to serve this community with the highest quality of care and compassion.

KDan Fisher, DDS

Dr. Charles Fisher attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma for his undergraduate studies and then went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Colorado School of Dentistry. Dr. Fisher has been in practice for 39 years. He enjoys working at Mountain People’s Dental Clinic to help serve the resident of Scott County. Dr. Fisher loves the outdoors and enjoys snowboarding, riding motorcycles or ATV’s, and hiking.

Jodi Cross, MSN, FNP-C

Jodi Cross, MSN, FNP-C is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Jodi earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lincoln Memorial University in 2015. Prior to becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner, she enjoyed four fulfilling years working as a bedside registered nurse in the ER and on a medical surgical unit. She then obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from Tennessee Tech University in 2019. Jodi holds a national certification with the Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). She is certified in CPR, ACLS, PALS and is able to do DOT physicals. Jodi resides in Scott County with her husband Tyler. She feels very blessed to be able to work in the county she grew up in and wants to build relationships with her patients and provide them the best care possible, just as she would her own family.

Dr. Mark Swindell, MD

Dr. Mark Swindell, MD is board certified and trained in internal medicine and has practiced for many years in emergency medicine in Scott County. Now he is excited to settle in primary care in his local community treating his neighbors and friends. Mountain People’s and their fine reputation for comprehensive care is a perfect fit for him. He is excited to be at Mountain People’s.

Alicia M. Alexander, CPNP, PMHS

Alicia M. Alexander, MSN, BA, CPNP, PMHS. Double board-certified in Pediatric Primary Care and Pediatric Mental Health. I have been providing services for pediatric primary care and mental health to children and adolescents since 2010. I started working with MPHC in 2018 at the Huntsville clinic and in 2020 moved to the new Oneida Pediatric clinic. The mental health services I provide include medication management for pediatric mental health issues and supportive resources for patients’ families. Additionally, I provide consultations and evaluations for concerns about development, behavior and emotional management. More specifically these concerns include developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, genetic disorders, neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), behavior disorders, ADHD, anxiety and depression. I am trained in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) to evaluate and diagnose Autism as well as identifying other developmental disorders.

When a child’s struggle is identified and appropriate support services are provided, only then can they feel their best physically, mentally and emotionally and reach their full potential.

Dr. Ashley Fleck, DDS

Dr. Ashley Fleck, DDS is a board certified Doctor of Dental Surgery. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO and after went on to Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, NE to complete her dental degree where she received awards in Endodontics and many recognitions. Dr. Fleck was born and raised in Bismarck, ND, but is excited to continue her career and provide quality care to her patients in Scott County. In her free time Dr. Fleck enjoys spending time outdoors and spending time with family and friends

Laura Hatchman, MD

Laura Hatchman, MD, is a board-certified family physician. She trained at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and Gold Humanism Honor Society. Dr. Hatchman completed full-spectrum residency training at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health in Pennsylvania. She is a National Health Service Corps Scholar, and has a deep commitment to providing care to underserved populations. Dr. Hatchman sees patients of all ages, and her interests include chronic care, women’s health, reproductive health, procedures, dermatology, and community health. She is excited to serve the folks of Scott County.

Aimee Marlar, FNP

Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Tennessee Wesleyan College in 2010

Prior to becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner she has 10 years of experience working as a Registered Nurse with the majority being in the emergency room. 

Obtained Master of Science in Nursing from Tennessee Tech University in 2018 and is certified with American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

Graduate of Oneida High School

Family resides in Scott County 

Enjoys and appreciates the opportunity to serve her home town community and strives to provide the best quality care and compassion to all of her patients.

Sharon K. Neal, FNP-BC

Sharon K. Neal, FNP-BC is a board certified family nurse practitioner. She received her certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2022. Sharon began her career in the medical field in 1995 when she graduated from Lincoln Memorial University with her Associate’s Degree in Nursing. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Tusculum College in 1999. Sharon has spent the majority of her nursing career providing in home care to residents of Scott County. She began her career with Mountain Peoples Health Councils in 2016 fulfilling the role of Director of Quality Improvement. During this time, she earned her Master Degree in Nursing from Tennessee Technological University in 2021. Having worked in the medical field for over 25 years, Sharon brings many years of experience to the Mountain Peoples Healthcare Team. She currently resides in Oneida and has hopes of spending the rest of her career providing quality healthcare to the people of Scott County.

Laleisha Knapple, MD

Laleisha Knapple, MD is a board certified Pediatrician. She was born in Long Island, NY and as the child of a military member she lived in many places while growing up. After attaining a Bachelor of Arts in the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY she studied medicine at George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC. She completed her Pediatric residency at the University of Tennessee-College of Medicine at Chattanooga, after which she served in the United States Air Force. While in the USAF, she taught and practiced pediatric medicine at the Mike O’Callaghan Federal Medical Center, Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, NV. Upon honorable discharge from the Air Force she returned to Tennessee with her family and accepted a position with Vanderbilt’s Children’s Hospital After Hours Clinics. After working in urgent care for 4 years at Vanderbilt she resolved to find a position providing pediatric primary care. She has moved to Scott County with her 2 beautiful daughters, Nayomi and Nalani, 10 and 13 years old respectively, and their beloved cat, Cleo. She is looking forward to providing excellent comprehensive care to the children of Scott County and their families. Her academic interests include integrative medicine and survival medicine. When not practicing pediatrics, Dr. Knapple spends time with family and friends, camping, hiking and crocheting.

Pam Thompson, LPC-MHSP

Pam Thompson, LPC-MHSP is a licensed professional counselor. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Carson-Newman University, Master’s degree from Troy University, and completed 30 graduate hours at University of the Cumberlands. As a Scott High School graduate she began her career in nursing. Pam is a seasoned mental health provider with over 30 years experience in counseling having worked in community mental health, school based counseling, and integrated primary care with children, teens, adults, and geriatrics. Having grown up in Oneida and Scott County, it is her goal to provide the best care for those in our community to live the best life possible.

Danielle Foster, LCSW

I have a LCSW, and obtained my Master’s of Science and Social Work from the University of Tennessee in 2016. I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Science, from Tennessee Tech University in 2010. I have a certificate in trauma and adolescent treatment. I am a member of the NASW (National Association of Social Work). It is rewarding to work in Scott County, because I get to see how the lives of the people in the community are changed whenever they are able to improve their mental health as well as their physical health.

Alaina Feinthel, RDH

Alaina Feinthel RDH, is a Registered Dental Hygienist. She graduated from RSCC in 2006, where she completed their dental hygiene program. Alaina loves being a dental hygienist and the many rewards that comes from serving her patients and helping them achieve total health by improving their oral health. During her free time Alaina enjoys spending time with her daughter, granddaughter and her fur babies.

J. Brooke Claborn, BS

J. Brooke Claborn, BS is a behavioral health/addiction case manager. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Technological University, and currently working towards a Masters of Arts in Addiction Counseling through University of the Cumberlands. She is a graduate of Scott High School. Brooke was a recipient of the 2021-2022 Minority Fellowship Program for Addiction Counseling through NBCC Foundation. Currently, Brooke has 11 years’ experience in addiction/mental health working in community mental health, primary care with integrated behavioral health and addiction treatment, treatment services to court program for assessments, and vaping cessation group/individual through school based program with services provided to children, teens, adults, and geriatrics.

Being a Scott County resident, Brooke hopes to offer compassion, provide person-centered wraparound services, advocate and decrease stigma related to addiction treatment. She is grateful for this opportunity to promote the counseling profession and the area of addiction treatment to help one person at a time learn they are worthy and unconditionally loved.

Mia Lasher, DMD

Dr. Lasher is a Florida native and she completed her undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida before moving on to the University of Florida where she received her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Dr. Lasher moved to Oneida with her husband and daughter and is very excited to serve the residents of Scott county, surrounding areas, and anyone who wants to visit. No one should have to go without dental care, which is one of the many reasons why she wanted to move to the area. In her free time, Dr. Lasher enjoys calisthenics, bodybuilding, kayaking, and aquascaping. She looks forward to meeting new people each day and being a part of the Scott county community.

Regina E. Carson, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Regina Carson has worked in healthcare for over 30 years and is very happy to be with Mountain People’s.

She began her career in healthcare as a Nursing Assistant in 1991, graduating with her LPN in 1997, and RN in 2005. She has worked in various area of nursing, with the majority of her career spent in the Emergency Room.

Regina returned to King University in 2015, where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. She then began the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Lincoln Memorial University where she graduated in 2017. She is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners,

Her journey as a Nurse Practitioner began with Fast Pace Urgent Care in 2018. She provided care at both Oneida and Jamestown locations and served as Clinic Director for the Jamestown clinic. She moved to Mountain People’s Elgin Clinic in 2020.

She is looking forward to spending the remainder of her career in her home community caring for friends and families she has known since childhood.