Meet Our Mid-Level Providers
The professional support staff at Watauga Orthopaedics includes an incredible team of mid-level providers and physical therapists at all four of our locations.
Our mid-level providers care for patients in our office and in the hospital following surgery, while our therapists provide comprehensive rehabilitation services in our on-site facilities. Whether you have a simple sprain or need reconstructive surgery, all our providers have a passion for healing and are dedicated to improving your quality of life. Meet them below.
Robert "Bobby" Austin earned a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training at Xavier University in Cincinnati before completing a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Lincoln Memorial University. Bobby was in orthopedic practice for eight years prior to joining Watauga Orthopaedics in 2023.
A native of east Tennessee, Everett received his undergraduate degree in nursing at Milligan College in 2000. In 2013, he finished his master of science in nursing with a family nurse practitioner focus from Middle Tennessee State University. He has over 14 years of experience in nursing and has worked at Johnson City Medical Center caring for surgical and nonsurgical cardiac patients.
Everett has been an avid cyclist and endurance athlete coach for many years, which prompted him to take an interest in sports medicine and caring for orthopedic injuries. He joined Watauga Orthopaedics in February 2014.
Austin is a native of east Tennessee, born and raised on the Tri-Cities area. He attended the University of Tennessee – Knoxville where he earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 2013. He then attended the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, where he earned his master of medical science – physician assistant degree before moving back to the area to join the Watauga Orthopaedics team in February 2016.
Austin has spent most of his life participating in team sports, physical activity, and competitive water sports, adding to his interest in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine. In his free time, Austin is an avid outdoorsman and water sports enthusiast.
Jennifer Brewer, a native of Kingsport, received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Tennessee in 2009. In 2012, she completed her Masters of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies from South College in Knoxville. Prior to joining Watauga Orthopaedics, Jennifer cared for patients in the Emergency Department at Niswonger Children's Hospital. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Darin, and they have two children. Jennifer loves fall, football, hiking, being outdoors, and reading.
After 10 years in emergency medicine, she chose to work in orthopedics because she loves helping people feel better in their bodies and addressing issues that can improve their quality of life.
Douglas Carroll earned a bachelor of science in athletic training/physical education at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina, before completing a bachelor of science in physician assistant studies through Radford University. Doug has practiced in orthopedics as well as emergency medicine for over 10 years.
Sam first studied pre-med at East Tennessee State University and then received his physician assistant degree at Trevecca Nazarene College in Nashville in 1991. After becoming a PA, Sam worked one year in neurosurgical practice, 17 years in the Indian Path Medical Center ER, and nine years in an emergency room in Knoxville. In 2001, he moved to Johnson City and was an emergency room PA for seven years.
Sam joined Watauga Orthopaedics in 2008. He is a member of the Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Gracie Cross, a native of Kingsport, received her Bachelor of Education in Kinesiology from the University of Tennessee in 2016. In 2022, she completed her Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Milligan University. Prior to joining Watauga Orthopaedics, Gracie cared for patients in the Emergency Department and on the Medical Surgical Floor of Holston Valley Medical Center.
Abigail Dittig received her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition from the University of Tennessee in 2016. In 2019, she completed her Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies from South College in Knoxville. Prior to joining Watauga Orthopaedics, Abigail cared for patients at East Tennessee Spine and Orthopaedic Specialists.
Madison Ellison received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee in 2020. In 2022, she completed her Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus from King University in Bristol, Tennessee. She has over 8 years of experience in health care. Madison joined Watauga Orthopaedics in 2023.
Chris Fleming graduated from Jefferson College of Health Sciences in Roanoke, Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant studies. Since graduating from physician assistant school, magna cum laude, he has been working in local emergency rooms and orthopedic practices for more than 20 years. Chris joined Watauga Orthopaedics in 2024 to care for patients in our Greeneville clinic.
John Henritze was born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia. He graduated from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Health, Fitness, and Recreational Resources in 1997. He then received his Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the College of Health Sciences in Roanoke, Virginia in 2001. John has served Northeast Tennessee over the last 18 years through his work in Emergency Medicine, Orthopedic Trauma, and General Orthopedics. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing music, golfing, and fishing.
Brandon Jones was born and raised in Johnson City, Tennessee and graduated from East Tennessee State University with a health care administration degree in 2001. After graduating from ETSU, he moved to Roanoke, Virginia, to pursue a degree in physician assistant studies at Jefferson College of Health Sciences. Since graduating from physician assistant school cum laude, he has been working in orthopedics for over 10 years. Brandon has a love for sports medicine and treating osteoarthritic conditions of the knees. In his free time, Brandon enjoys time with his family and playing golf.
Russell Koesters grew up in Kingsport, Tennessee, and attended Sullivan South High School. He then went on to play four years of baseball at East Tennessee State University where he obtained an undergraduate degree in Health Sciences with a concentration in Microbiology in 2018. Russell then went on to attend Milligan University where he would obtain his Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2021. Russell joined the Watauga Orthopaedics team in June of 2021.
In his free time, Russell loves being around his family and anything sports-related. He enjoys playing golf, cheering on the Tennessee Vols during football season, and the Virginia Cavaliers during basketball season. Being born and raised in East Tennessee, Russell looks forward to giving back to the region practicing Orthopaedics.
Originally from Kingsport, TN, Micah McFaddin completed a bachelor of science in chemistry through East Tennessee State University in 2012. In 2018, he completed his master of medical science degree in the physician assistant program at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN. Micah’s interest in medicine grew out of a passion for knowledge, an interest in science and challenging work, and the opportunity to acquire different perspectives on life from patients.
Micah gives back to the community through various charitable activities revolving around health and children’s athletics. He enjoys physical activities and the outdoors. He firmly believes that physical activity and diet greatly affect acute and chronic health. Micah lives in Kingsport and looks forward to teaching and serving patients at Watauga Orthopaedics.
Christy McGhee earned a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Jefferson College of Health Sciences in Roanoke before completing a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Christy was in orthopedic practice for two years prior to joining Watauga Orthopaedics in 2023.
Alvin began his educational career at Science Hill School of Practical Nursing, where he earned his licensed practical nurse diploma in 1994 and ended with a degree in physician assistant studies at Jefferson College of Health Sciences in 2002.
Between 1995-2014, Alvin has worked as a licensed practical nurse, physical therapy technician, and physician assistant, and he has been employed at Johnson City Medical Center, Appalachian Orthopaedic Associates, Greeneville Orthopaedics, and even Watauga Orthopaedics from 2004-2008.
In addition, Alvin has worked as a volunteer firefighter and first responder/EMT and been on multiple medical missions to Haiti and Kenya. He returned to Watauga Orthopaedics in March 2014 to work closely with Dr. Stewart, who concentrates on reconstruction, sports medicine, and trauma.
Hannah Pettit received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Taylor University in 2019. In 2022, she completed her Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Milligan University.
Hannah grew up around sports and played college softball for four years. It was an injury suffered in high school and the impact her orthopedic physician assistant had on her care that inspired her career path. Hannah shared, "I love the ability to treat patients of all ages with the goal of getting them back to their life and doing the things they enjoy."
In her free time, Hannah enjoys exercising and spending time with family, friends, and her dog Indy.
Justin Pettit, PA-C, received his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, in 2020. He was employed by Watauga Orthopaedics as a medical assistant from 2020 to 2022 before completing his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Milligan University in 2024.
Jessica "Tess" Seagroves received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Tennessee State University in 2007. In 2021, she completed her Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus from East Tennessee State University. She has over 16 years of experience in nursing, many of those spent providing exceptional care for patients in cardiac, trauma, and surgical units.
Jordan received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from King University in 2016. In 2020, he completed his Master of Science in Nursing with a family nurse practitioner focus from Chamberlain University. He has over 10 years of experience in nursing with many of those spent caring for patients at Mountain Empire Surgery Center, Indian Path Community Hospital, and Sapling Grove Ambulatory Surgery Center.
Book Online NowStephen Steffey earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from East Tennessee State University before completing a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Lincoln Memorial University. Stephen has practiced in orthopedics as well as emergency medicine for nine years prior to joining Watauga Orthopaedics in 2023.
Born and raised in Southern California, Shawn came to east Tennessee to pursue his passion for orthopedics in the Watauga Orthopaedics PA Fellowship Program.
After developing an appreciation for the four seasons and the region’s southern hospitality, he has remained in Johnson City with Watauga Orthopaedics since 2003. Shawn works closely with Dr. Aiken in the clinic and the operating room. His practice focuses on trauma, sports medicine, and adult reconstructive surgery.
Rachel Taylor, PA-C, earned a bachelor of science degree in health science from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City with a concentration in human health. She received her master of science in physician assistant studies from Bethel University in Paris, Tennessee.
Rachel is best known for managing the walk-in clinic at Watauga Orthopaedics’ Kingsport office. She was drawn to orthopedics for its variety in level of care, hands-on approach, and enjoys working with patients to keep them moving and doing what they love.
When she’s not helping her patients, she enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors, spending time with friends, and cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers. She also has an impressive lightsaber collection from the Star Wars franchise.
Rachel is a Jonesborough native but currently resides in Kingsport with an adorable goldendoodle named Indy.
