Our Team

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.

Brian P. Kramer, DDS

Dental Medicine, Dentist

Before joining the Fetter team, Dr. Kramer served as a United States Naval Dental Officer from 2014 to 2018, where he was stationed at RTC Great Lakes and MCRD Parris Island. He continues to serve in the United States Naval Reserve with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After active duty, Dr. Kramer moved back home to Indiana to practice dentistry in his hometown, however, he felt a calling to come back to South Carolina and serve the patients of the greater Charleston area. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Movement and Sports Sciences from Purdue University and earned his doctorate for Dental Surgery from Indiana University School of Dentistry.

Brianne J. Holmes, MSN, RN, CPNP

Pediatrics, Nurse Practitioner

Ms. Holmes devoted the former years of her career at Children’s National in Washington DC, staffing the DC-areas school-based health centers. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan and Master of Science in Nursing 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.

CLAIRE PROFFER, APRN, FNP-C

Family Medicine, Nurse Practitioner

Ms. Proffer has nearly 25 years of combined experience in bedside nursing and as an advanced registered nurse practitioner with expertise in chronic disease management. Proffer earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the Medical University of South Caroline and her master’s in nursing from Walden University. She also has teaching experience as a nursing program instructor through the Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.

Dana L. Simpson, MD

Family Medicine, Doctor of Medicine

Dr. Simpson is board certified in Family Medicine. She is an Air Force Veteran and prior to joining Fetter, served families across the Lowcountry region for the last 17 years at Life Center Family Medicine, Family Diagnostic Associates and Summerville Family Practice Associates. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University and her medical degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

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.

Heather Rocha, PA-C

Family & Pediatric Medicine, Physicians Assistant

Ms. Rocha received her master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Stony Brook University. Prior to becoming a physician assistant, she was a respiratory therapist. Ms. Rocha brings more than 20 years of combined medical experience to Fetter Health Care Network.

James Dove, PA-C

Family & Pediatric Medicine, Physicians Assistant

Mr. Dove graduated from the Naval Undersea Medical Institute, George Washington University and Medical University of South Carolina. Over the years, he has served as a health center administrator and clinical provider and was recognized as the recipient of the Executive Board Leadership Award. As a board-certified physician assistant, he brings experience in critical care, pediatrics and family medicine providing care at Thaddeus J. Bell Family Health Center for adults and pediatric patients.

JENNIFER FREEMAN, MS, FNP-C

Family Medicine, Nurse Practitioner

Ms. Freeman has more than 10 years of experience as a registered nurse and nurse practitioner in the health care system including surgical trauma, inpatient oncology, hospice and served as a graduate teacher assistant at Clemson University. Freeman earned her bachelor’s in nursing from the University of South Carolina and went on to receive her master’s in nursing from Clemson University.

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.

Keith Taylor, MD

Internal & Pediatric Medicine, Doctor of Medicine

Dr. Taylor is a native of Waterbury, Conn. He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in physiology and neurobiology. He went on the receive his master’s degree in biology from Southern Connecticut State University. Dr. Taylor then received his Doctor of Medicine degree in medical science from American University of the Caribbean. He completed his residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at NEOUCOM, Forum Health in Youngstown, Ohio. He is board-certified in pediatrics from the American Board of Pediatrics and has over 16 years of experience practicing medicine. Throughout his career, he has worked at FQHC in Pittsburgh, Penn., served on the teaching staff at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children’s Hospital, he was a physician at Beaufort Jasper Comprehensive Health Center in Hardeeville, SC and was a physician at the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg, SC.

KEVIN KUMAR PATEL, MD

Internal Medicine, Doctor of Medicine

Dr. Patel 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 in Shreveport, LA, where he also became a resident physician. He holds experience in a wide range of medical specialties and is 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 (OBGYN), 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.

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.

Patti Porter, MSN, APRN, WHNP

Women’s Health, Nurse Practitioner

Ms. Porter received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in nursing from the University of Cincinnati College and became board certified as a women’s health nurse practitioner in 2012. Her nursing career has been in public health working at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in OB and then with the Charleston Health Department in GYN before she joined the Fetter team. She specializes in women’s annual exams, family planning and birth control options, sick visits and in follow-up visits for controlled chronic health conditions of women.

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.

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.