Our Team
From internal medicine to pediatrics, pharmacy, dental, and OB-GYN, our team of dedicated providers have extensive experience in a wide range of health care services. Along with the rest of the Fetter Health Care Network team, our providers are committed to providing the best possible care to all of our patients within the Lowcountry.
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ALLAHNA COGGINS, MD
Medical Doctor
Dr. Coggins received her bachelor’s in psychobiology with honors from the University of Miami and went on to earn her M.D. in medicine from Tufts University. In addition to more than a decade of experience in Ob/Gyn, she was also an assistant professor for various universities and served as a scholar for the National Health Service Corps.
Caitlin Briggs, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Family Medicine, Nurse Practitioner
Ms. Briggs is certified as an Adult Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). With more than 12 years of nursing experience, she addresses critical patient needs with high-quality, evidence-based care. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Francis Marion University and a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University. Ms. Briggs holds a post master’s certificate from the Medical University of South Carolina..
Charles Effiong, MD
Internal Medicine, Doctor of Medicine
Dr. Effiong obtained his doctorate at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He completed his residency at the College of Physicians & Surgeons at Columbia University Harlem Hospital and his fellowship at Long Island Jewish Medical Center while residing in New York. He is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician specializing in Nephrology. Dr. Effiong joined the Fetter Health Care Network team in 2009.
CHRISTOPHER BOWERS, PA-C
Family & Pediatric Medicine, Physician Assistant
Mr. Bowers received his Bachelor of Science in Pre-Med Cum Laude from Murray State University and earned his Master of Science in Physician Studies from New York Institute of Technology. Aside from his experience as an emergency medical technician and physician assistant, Bowers has contributed to a poster publication with fellow physician assistants as well as served in the Carolina Honduras Health Foundation Medical Mission. Bowers joined Fetter Health Care Network as a physician assistant in 2021.
Dana LaForte, APRN, NP
Chief Nursing and Quality Officer
Our chief nursing and quality officer, Ms. LaForte, brings more than 14 years of healthcare experience to Fetter Health Care Network. As chief nursing and quality officer, she manages and coordinates all clinical operations, programs and grant initiatives for the organization and oversees Fetter’s continuous improvement by ensuring mission, vision, value and goal alignment across all initiatives. Prior to this leadership role, Ms. LaForte supported Fetter patients as a family nurse practitioner at our Cross, SC, location.
Eleanor Jenkins-Alford, MD
Family Medicine, Doctor of Medicine
Dr. Jenkins-Alford has more than 27 years of experience in family medicine and has practiced in private practice, urgent care and physical medicine. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina. She earned her medical degree at the Medical University of South Carolina, where she also completed her residency in family medicine. Dr. Jenkins-Alford is active in the community and enjoys participating in health-related activities through her affiliation with several community service organizations.
Joye Fordham, MD
Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN), Doctor of Medicine
Dr. Fordham was born a Charleston native and earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine and her bachelor’s degree in biology from Spelman College. She has administered OB-GYN care at practices throughout the Lowcountry, specializing her skill set to provide patients with the compassionate, knowledgeable and high-quality care they deserve.
Kay Berland, FNP-BC
Family Medicine, Nurse Practitioner
After receiving her master’s degree in nursing from Florida State University, Ms. Berland worked at FQHC in Savannah for 16 years. For the past three years, she worked two and a half days at pediatrics site. Kay has attended the Contraceptive Technology conference annually for women’s health focus for three years.
KEVINKUMAR PATEL, MD
Internal Medicine, Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Dr. Patel is the current Medical Director at Fetter Health Care Network. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the American University of Antigua, graduating summa cum laude. He then went on to complete his internship at Louisiana State University, where he also became a resident physician. He holds experience in a wide range of medical specialties and is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is also multilingual in the languages of English, Gujarati, Hindi and Urdu.
Kimberly Wright, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Family Medicine, Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Wright is a board-certified FNP-C by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She has earned both her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Carolina and Anderson University, respectively. Ms. Wright continued her education at the Medical University of South Carolina, where she received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
Larry Wilson, MD
Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN), Doctor of Medicine
Dr. Wilson graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in 1989. He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology in 1993 at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Wilson became board certified by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1995 and has 25 years of private practice experience. He provides a full range of obstetrics and gynecological care at 51 Nassau Street in downtown Charleston.
LEKEYA MITCHELL, LPC
Behavioral Health, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Ms. Mitchell earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Savannah State University and received her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from South University. Mitchell has gained years of experience as a case manager and therapist. She was also an adjunct psychology professor at her alma mater, Savannah State University. With certification as a licensed professional counselor, she joined Fetter Health Care Network in 2022.
Mary E. Creed, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Family Medicine, Nurse Practitioner
With more than 15 years of nursing experience, Ms. Creed is dedicated to providing Fetter clients with the patient-focused care they need. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Thomas Edison State College and her master’s degree in nursing from Aspen University in Colorado. Ms. Creed is a member of the American Heart Association and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Neckael James, DDS
Dental Medicine, Dentist
With a doctorate in dental surgery from Meharry Medical College, Dr. James dedicates himself to promoting dental hygiene in his patients. He considers himself an enthusiastic life-long learner of the art and science of dentistry. He has served at several South Carolina dental practices before joining Fetter, as well as joined dental missions with Meharry Medical College (2012) and Fortis College (2019).
Olumide M. Mughelli, MD, FACOG
Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN), Doctor of Medicine
Dr. Mughelli is a graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Harlem Hospital Medical Center. He is a member of several medical associations, including the South Carolina Medical Society, the American College of OB-GYN, the American Association of Gynecology Laparoscopy and others. Dr. Mughelli is also a past president of the Charleston Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association.
Pamela Johnson, FNP-C
Family Medicine, Nurse Practitioner
Ms. Johnson is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where she received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing. She is certified by ANCC as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has been with Fetter Health Care Network since 1996 as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Pooja Paunikar, MD, MPH
Medical Doctor
Dr. Paunikar earned her Masters of Public Health from Dartmouth Medical School and her Doctor of Medicine degree from The American University of Antigua. Alongside her role with the Fetter team, she serves as Program Director of Family Medicine at HCA Trident/Summerville Medical Center.
Richetta Deas, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC
Adult Medicine, Nurse Practitioner
Ms. Deas received her Master of Science in Advance Practice Nursing and served as an Adult Nurse Practitioner at Fetter Health Care Network, specializing in family medicine.
Sharvette Slaughter, MD, FAAP
Pediatric Medicine, Doctor of Medicine
Dr. Slaughter is the chief medical officer and is a board-certified pediatrician who has worked with the Fetter Health Care Network for the past 16 years. She is primarily responsible for providing leadership and oversight to the medical, dental and pharmacy programs to include supervision of the providers, pharmacists and dental team. Dr. Slaughter is instrumental in the design and implementation of new projects and innovations for the improvement of patient care.
Shawntell Phoenix-Martin, LPC, LCMHC, MAC, NCC
Behavioral Health, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Dr. Phoenix-Martin earned her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling and Doctorate of Education in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University. She has served her community in various roles throughout her career, including director of counseling services at Savannah State University, New Parent Support Home Visitor for Marine Corp Community Services, and various service projects.
Wakesha J. Evans, PA-C
Family Medicine, Physician Assistant
Ms. Evans serves as a physician assistant for Fetter Health Care Network. She attended Claflin University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry. Ms. Evans has received both her Masters in Biomedical Science and Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Medical University of South Carolina. Prior to joining Fetter, she provided care in internal medicine and family practice offices for 14 years. She is also a licensed fitness instructor and is heavily involved in the community through her church and a variety of community organizations.