Dr. Brian Francis – Doctor of Medicine

Dr. Francis is motivated by his family, love for God and fellow man. He enjoys traveling and spending time with loved ones when he is not practicing medicine. “When I decided to become a physician it was always with the intent of returning to Williamson. I am thankful for the opportunities presented to me with joining Williamson Health & Wellness Center. It has been an honor serving the people of Southern West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky following the completion of my residency.

Stacie Beckett, PA-C

Dr. Muneel Abbas – Doctor of Medicine, Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Abbas enjoys traveling, playing golf and dining out in his free time. His favorite quote is by Leo Tolstoy, the Russian writer who is regarded as one of the greatest authors of all time; “The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity.”

Deborah Epling – Family Nurse Practitioner

Deborah is experienced in geriatrics, pediatrics, medical surgery and behavioral health. She has lived in France, Germany, California, North Carolina and South Carolina prior to settling in the area. “My roots are here and this is my home. Working at Williamson Health & Wellness Center allows me to serve an underserved area. Our patients are our friends and neighbors.”

Traci Thornsbury – Family Nurse Practitioner

Traci is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and Midwives, West Virginia Academic Mentoring Partnership and Kentucky Hepatitis Mentoring Program. Her favorite quote is by Max Lucado; “God never said the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.”

Ladina Fields – Family Nurse Practitioner

“Working in a rural healthcare setting has given me the opportunity to help patients focus on getting better. The programs available at Williamson Health & Wellness Center focus on the needs of our patients and help them to overcome barriers of healthcare.”

Gina Justice – Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Gina has worked in social work and mental health for more than 36 years within the area and is licensed in both West Virginia and Kentucky. She is one of the original employees of Williamson Health & Wellness Center and understands how essential mental health and substance abuse treatment is in the area. “As a Christian, one of my favorite bible verses is 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NKJV) ‘And now abide by faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love’ When it comes to applying this to working in mental health, you have to start by showing compassion and being genuine or no one will ever trust you enough to share their life stories. I love working in rural Appalachia because the people here are strong and loving. I’ve gone through many struggles over the years, and often times it was a patient who provided encouragement and hope.”

Durand Warren – Director of Behavioral Medicine

Durand assisted in establishing the behavioral health department of Williamson Health & Wellness Center offering programs such as inpatient treatment for substance abuse, crisis stabilization, medical assisted treatment program and intensive services programs. The behavioral health department is the first federally qualified in West Virginia. “Williamson Health & Wellness Center is a special place because we are all willing to do whatever we can to provide care to our patients. Whether our patients need primary care, behavioral health, dental or pediatrics, all departments are willing to go above and beyond to accommodate.”

Angela M. Dials – Licensed Professional Counselor

“Angie” has worked in mental health since 2014 diagnosing and treating mental health and substance abuse disorders. She says, “My patients not only allow me the honor of sharing and trusting me with their challenges, but they teach me new things all the time.” Her favorite quote is by Akshay Dubey, “Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our life.”

Kim Ellis – Family Nurse Practitioner

Kim has over 30 years of experience as a registered nurse but transitioned to behavioral medicine in 2015. She is able to address primary care issues, perform women wellness exams, treat substance abuse disorders and offer hepatitis treatment.

Jennifer McPeek – Director of Clinical Informatics, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

“I have over 15 years of nursing experience in a variety of settings, along with a management and leadership background. I came on board at Williamson Health & Wellness Center to concentrate on mental health in the adult population.”

Brandie Dotson – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, specializing in children services, Medical Director of Behavioral Health

Brandie has worked in various settings including orthopedics, emergency medicine and interventional pain management. She says, “I grew up in Mingo County where we have a strong sense of community and comradery. Working in my home town is very rewarding and it is an honor to be able to give back to the community.”

Brenda Marcum – Family Nurse Practitioner

Brenda says, “I work in rural healthcare because it is the population I connect with and understand. I was raised on welfare and am aware of the struggles some face. I am proud to be part of the Williamson Health & Wellness Center team.” She has experience in surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, emergency medicine and addiction.

Chris Fields – Professional Counselor

Chris says, “I have a strong desire to help those struggling with addiction because I know recovery is possible.” Prior to receiving his master’s degree in social work, he had a personal connection with addiction. “In my journey to find sobriety I sought several types of treatment and was finally able to succeed through a medication assisted treatment program. My experience provides me with a personal connection to my patients because I understand their struggles.”

Dr. Lora Brook Moak – Doctor of Dental Medicine, Dental Director

Dr. Moak spent three years working for the National Health Service Corps in Southwest Florida where she was able to assist in serving an underserved population. She states, “I grew up in Pike County, Kentucky, the daughter of a coal miner and teacher. I understand what it is like to grow up in a rural community. After working for the National Health Services Corps, I wanted to return to Appalachia to serve the people here. Williamson Health & Wellness Center has been the perfect opportunity for me to serve underserved patients while maintaining a high quality of healthcare.”

Dr. Robert Foit – Doctor of Dental Medicine

Dr. Foit has almost 30 years of experience in the dental field which allows him to succeed in treating many patients at Williamson Health & Wellness Center. He received his undergraduate degree from Morehead State University and went on to graduate from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry.

Dr. Leo Pajarillo – Doctor of Medicine

“Working in a rural healthcare setting gives me a sense of belonging to the community and the patients become like family,” Dr. Pajarillo claims. He has been with Williamson Health & Wellness Center since 2014 following the closing of his private practice of 36 years.

Timothy Reed – Family Nurse Practitioner

Tim has several years of experience in pediatrics and adolescents and worked in emergency medicine for ten years prior to receiving his masters in nursing from Mountain State University. His favorite quote is by Socrates; “Smart people learn from everything and everyone, average people from their experience, stupid people already have all the answers.”

Dr. David L. Nielson – Podiatrist

Dr. Nielson spent time overseas prior to joining Williamson Health & Wellness Center working on limb lengthening and diabetic wound care. He is a member of The Flying Doctors of Mercy which is dedicated to improving health and well-being of citizens in Mexico. Dr. Nielson is able to perform surgery in both West Virginia and Kentucky.

Cherri Denise Hatfield – Physician Assistant, Registered Medical Technologist

Cherri has worked in the Gilbert area since graduating from Mountain State University in 2002. She says, “Working in a rural community provides a great opportunity to serve patients and to work with them to achieve better health and quality of life. I enjoy the friendships that I have made throughout the years and it is so rewarding when a patient tells you about good news that has happened in their life since their last visit. I am grateful my patients trust me enough to refer family members for healthcare as well.”