Donna Martin, FNP-BC

Donna Martin received her nursing to degree from North Georgia College (now University of North Georgia) in 1992. Over the years she worked as a RN in various settings including medical/ oncology, hospice, and neurosurgical intensive care.

She received her Masters of Science Degree in Nursing in 2001 from the Medical College of Georgia (now Augusta University) and became certified by the American Nursing Credentialing Center as a Family Nurse Practitioner.  I was at this point she started working with Dr. Walpert in the Neurosurgical setting. In 2016 Dr. Walpert started a new practice at Athens Regional Medical Center.  Together they worked hard to make Piedmont Neurosurgery what it is today with 3 MDs, 5 advanced practice providers, and a full team of employees to take care of our patient’s needs.

Donna loves working in neurosurgery. It is very fulfilling to see patients in the office and help them with their cranial and spine problems. Being able to make life more enjoyable for patients is a privilege.

When she’s not working, Donna enjoys spending time with my husband, two teenage daughters, and dog Charlie. She enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, and traveling.

Erin Womack, RN

I love nursing and have been a nurse in the Neuroscience/Neurosurgery field for 4 years. I chose to work in the medical field because I want to help people. I love working for Piedmont Neurosurgery because our practice is patient focused. We treat the individual patient and strive to give the best quality of care possible and return the patient to the best quality of life possible.

Donna Mobley, RNFA

Donna has specialized in the Neurosurgical field for over 30 years.  She was a Surgical Technologist for many years prior to becoming a Registered Nurse in 2017.  She has since completed a Registered Nurse First Assist program and functions daily as an RNFA in surgery with the Piedmont Neurosurgeons.  She is CNOR certified.  

In her spare time, Donna enjoys spending time with her family, baking, gardening, and beautiful days on the water.

Ashley Robinson - Referral Coordinator

Nessie Samuel - CMA

Nessie has been a medical assistant since 2011. She’s been at Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery since 2023.
When not at work, you’ll find Nessie with her two boys and husband. She enjoys traveling.

Tracy Autry, Surgery Coordinator

Tracy Autry is one of our Surgery Coordinators at Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery.

Tracy joined our team in 2023 and has been in the medical field for over 20 years.

She loves her patients and staff just like family, She loves helping others with anything and everything. Trys to make everything easier for all.

 Tracy has lived in Georgia her entire life as you can tell with the southern draw as well as her comforting demeanor. She has a 21-year-old son and a 30-year-old step daughter who just gave birth to her first Grand daughter. She has a Boxer named Molly Belle who she adores.

LaToya Wiley - CMA

LaToya has worked in healthcare for over 15 years, spending most of her years in Critical Care as a Unit Secretary/Monitor Tech. She is the mother of an 8-year-old girl, Khloe, who is the light of her life. When she’s not at work, Latoya enjoys making memories with her, watching GA football games, and being at the beach. Latoya has said that Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery has been a blessing for her in many ways. It has allowed growth, challenges, and flexibility for her family.  And she enjoys the challenge and says it is a stretch outside of her comfort zone. What Latoya enjoys most about working at Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery is the closeness of everyone. It’s almost like a family vibe. She loves feeling appreciated by her peers, manager, Nurse practitioners, and providers.

Kathleen Miller, LPN

Kathleen began her healthcare journey at the age of 16 working weekends, after school, and summer at a small hospital in Montecello, GA. She entered the US Army before turning 18 and worked as an OR Tech at a major trauma center in Washington State. She met her husband there and as a wedding gift, the Army sent both of them to LPN school, together.

Kathleen and her husband have two children and the most amazing rescue pup named Jolene. They love being outdoors and can never seem to get enough time to go fly fishing. In her off time you’ll find her exploring with good food, good music, and good friends.

“The medical field has given me so many different areas to explore ranging from neonatal, preventive medicine, school nursing, OR, bedside nursing to clinical settings. Healthcare is ever changing, but how we treat our patients should consistently be with respect, dignity and when appropriate some sense of humor.” - Kathleen

Kelly Graham, PA-C

Kelly Graham is a nationally certified physician assistant. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in

Biology at LaGrange College in Lagrange, GA and then earned her Master of Science in Physician

Assistant Studies at South University in Savannah, GA. She has been practicing as a physician assistant

since 2007 and has spent most of her career in Neurosurgery. She is a member of the American

Academy of Physician Assistants.

Kelly did not always know that she wanted to be in medicine, but she has always had a love for science.

The thought of being able to combine her love for science, use critical thinking skills, problem solving

skills and ability to help others is what sold her on a career in medicine. She enjoys working at Piedmont

Athens Neurosurgery as she truly sees the difference her physicians make in their patient’s quality of

life.

When not at work, Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and dog Murphy!

Tania Alvarado - Front Office Assistant

Tania Alvarado is the Front Office Assistant at Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery. She has been with Piedmont Healthcare for over 10 years. Tania said she enjoys Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery because she gets to be a part of an amazing and very talented team. She also gets to do what she loves, which is helping people in any way that she can. She loves working in the healthcare field because it’s so diverse and the possibilities are endless! In her spare time, Tania loves spending time with her husband and son doing fun outdoor activities. She also loves to read books, watch documentaries and listen to podcasts.

Tiffany Hull - Front Office Assistant

Originally from Arkansas, Tiffany has been working in the medical field for over 15 years now and enjoys interacting and getting to know patients.  She enjoys working at Piedmont Neurosurgery because of the meeting new people and the great doctors and staff.  Tiffany says she always feels appreciated, and that’s a really big deal for her. Piedmont is a nice place to work. When she’s not at the office, Tiffany enjoys binge-watching Netflix, and spending time with her family.  She enjoys dancing and seems to giggle at almost anything. 

Penina Finau - Front Office Assistant

Penina is the Front Office Assistant at Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery. She’s originally from California but has lived in Georgia for most of her life. Penina graduated from University of Georgia with a degree in Music and is a violinist, but has not transitioned into the medical field. She loves working for Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery and finds the science of the brain and spine fascinating. Penina is grateful for all she learns at Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery finds serving her community very rewarding. She said it’s great seeing how satisfied and relieved patients are when they leave after their appointment.

Panina still plays the violin, but mostly for family and friends.

Deborah Butler - Referral Coordinator

Deborah is a Referral Coordinator at Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery. She has over 22 years in the medical field. She is a certified medical assistant. Deborah has worked in Family Practice, Pediatrics, and now in Neurosurgery as a referral coordinator. She was born and raised in Winder, Ga. Deborah enjoys watching tennis, loves basketball, reading spiritual books, and spending time with her family.

Karley Dixon, RN

Karley received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Auburn University. After graduation from Auburn University, she moved to Durham, North Carolina to work on the Neuro Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Duke University Hospital. In order to refine her skills, she spent the last couple years on Emory University Hospital’s Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit. Recently, Karley and her Fiancé relocated to Athens, Georgia in order to start their life together. Outside of work you can find Karley spending time with her family and friends and relaxing at the lake.

Nicole Harris-CMA, Procedure Scheduler

NIcole Harris has been in the healthcare industry for over 15 years. She started as a medical assistant at Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery in 2020 and has since moved into the surgery coordinator position. Nicole enjoys that everyone in the office brings something different to the table and works so well together. She enjoys coming to work every day!
Nicole is married with two daughters. She credits her family for keeping her motivated daily. In her free time you’ll find her watching sports or binge watching Law & Order. And if she is looking to relax, Nicole will be at the beach.

Stephanie Smith - Practice Manager

Stephanie Smith is from Barrow County. She is married and has two children that keep her very active. Stephanie and her family are members of the First Baptist Church in Winder, GA. She has worked in Athens in the medical field for 15 years and loves working with people! Helping patients and their families is her passion. Stephanie is the Practice Manager for Athens Regional Specialty Services as well as Office Manager for Athens Brain and Spine.