Nash OB-GYN Staff / Physician Spotlights
Keena Washington, RMA
December Staff Spotlight
Keena has been an Registered Medical Assistant for 9 years. She previously worked in Urology in Greenville for 10 years before deciding she needed a change and came to work with us in November 2022. Keena currently rotates and works with all of our providers to help ensure that their schedules run smoothly. She is an invaluable part of our clinical team! In addition to being a medical assistant, Keena has been a CNA for 10 years and works part-time as a CNA in a long-term care facility. Outside of work, Keena enjoys spending time with her family. She has 2 children and recently became a grandmother (called Mimi!) to a beautiful little girl. She also enjoys making jewelry, and going to the beach. Thank you so much, Keena, for all that you do for our office and our patients!
Anna Joyner
November Staff Spotlight
Anna Joyner is one of our Patient Service Representatives and has worked at with us since December 2022. Anna currently works at check out but is willing and able to help anywhere needed. She has quickly become an invaluable part of our team! In her free time, Anna enjoys spending time on the lake, baking and with her puppy, Lester. Thank you, Anna, for all you do for Nash Ob-Gyn!
Lisa Thorne, CCMA
October Staff Spotlight
Lisa Thorne, CCMA has been with our office since July 2022 and she currently works as Dr. Hammons’s medical assistant. Before coming to Nash Ob-Gyn, Lisa first worked in urology for 12 years before deciding she needed a change. Being a proud mother for 24 years and a loyal patient of our office for 20 years, she decided OB-Gyn was a great fit for her and she began working with us last year. Her favorite place is with her family and at the beach any time of year. Thank you, Lisa, for all you do for our office and our patients!
Dr. Dennis Van Zant
August Physician Spotlight
Starting in January 2024, Dr. Van Zant will focus exclusively on gynecology care. He will be available for gynecologic appointments and perform gynecologic surgeries at the office and at UNC Health Nash.
Dr. Van Zant is not retiring completely, however, it’s important to note note that Dr. Van Zant will no longer see pregnant (obstetric) patients after Friday, December 29th, 2023. He will not be accepting any new obstetric patients at this time. If you are a current obstetric patient, you will continue seeing him until December 2023. His decision to transition to gynecologic care reflects his expertise and commitment to providing specialized care. READ MORE >
Karen Johnson, CNM
July Provider Spotlight
After 18 years as a labor & delivery nurse, Karen chose to further her education and recently graduated from the ECU School of Nursing where she received her Masters in Nursing Midwifery. Karen will be seeing obstetric and gynecologic patients in the office as well as supporting our physicians as part of our midwifery team at Nash Women’s Center. We are very excited to have her as part of our team! Read her bio >
Dr. Crystal Hammons
June Provider Spotlight
Welcome Dr. Crystal Hammons to Nash Ob-Gyn! Dr. Hammons served for 9 years as a medical officer in the US Army before joining our practice on June 1st. Read her bio >
Ashley Friedrich, CNA1
May Staff Spotlight
Ashley Friedrich is a Certified Nurse Assistant who joined our office in June 2022 and she has quickly become an important part of our team. You will find Ashley working in many areas of our office as she regularly assists different providers and staff each day. Her flexibility and adaptability are only a few of her strengths! When Ashley is not at work you can find her doing school work, planning her wedding for May 2024, traveling with her fiancé, loving on her puppy, Sadie, and cooking. Thank you, Ashley, for all you do!
Brittni Webb, RDMS
April Staff Spotlight
Brittni Webb began working with Nash Ob-Gyn in April of 2022. She currently works as one of our sonographers, performing ultrasounds for our gynecology and obstetric patients. Brittni has been a sonographer for 8 years and quickly became an integral part of our team! When not working, Brittni enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children, taking trips and making memories. When finding free time for herself, she loves taking a yoga class and watching a good TV show or movie! Thank you, Brittni, for all you do for our office and patients!
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Ashley Turner, CMA
March Staff Spotlight
Ashley Turner, CMA is completing her first year of employment with Nash Ob-Gyn. Ashley has been a medical assistant for over 10 years and she joined our office in March of 2022. She currently serves primarily as the medical assistant for Rebecca Daniels, our Nurse Practitioner. In her free time, Ashley loves to read, spend time with her husband Rusty and their dog, Tucker. She and her husband also love traveling to the mountains, and they have found their church home at Redeemer Church. Thank you, Ashley, for all you do for our office!
Leah Cade
February Staff Spotlight
Leah Cade joined our practice in December 2020 and serves as a Patient Care Representative at our front desk. In her free time, Leah enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, spending time outside and going to ATV parks. She is a vital member of our administrative team. Thank you, Leah, for all you do for Nash Ob-Gyn and our patients.
Sarah Butts, LPN
January Staff Spotlight
Sarah Butts, LPN joined our office in September 2020. She has worked in several roles but is currently serving as Dr. Hancock’s primary nurse. Sarah is a calming influence on everyone she meets and is an invaluable part of our clinical team. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, watching her favorite TV shows, and napping. Thank you, Sarah, for all you do for Nash Ob-Gyn and our patients!
Genesis Hines, MD
August Provider Spotlight
Dr. Hines is a native of Philadelphia, PA, but she spent her summers in Goldsboro, NC with family. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, practicing yoga, salsa dancing, and relaxing by the water. Dr. Hines will be joining Nash Ob-Gyn Associates in September of 2022.
Rebecca Daniels, WHNP-BC
March Provider Spotlight
We are excited to welcome Rebecca B. Daniels, WHNP-BC to Nash OB-GYN! Rebecca has most recently been working at an OB-GYN office in Raleigh but lives locally and is excited to begin working closer to home. She has special interests in contraception counseling, family planning, and preventative care and will begin providing in-office obstetrical and gynecological care later in March. We are so happy to have her as part of our team!
Christie Gentile, CNM, WHNP-BC
October Provider Spotlight
We are very excited to welcome Christie Gentile, CNM, WHNP-BC to Nash OB-GYN! Christie is originally from St. Louis, Missouri but came to North Carolina in 2017 after serving in the United States Air Force. She most recently worked as a Certified Nurse Midwife and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner in Sanford, NC. Christie will be seeing obstetric and gynecologic patients in the office as well as supporting our physicians at Nash Women’s Center. Please join us in welcoming Christie to our team!
Nikki Bulluck, LPN
August Staff Spotlight
Nikki Bulluck joined our clinical team in July 2020 and works primarily with Dr. Hancock. After graduating from nursing school in 2016, Nikki first gained Ob-Gyn experience at an office in Raleigh before joining our team last year. In her free time, Nikki enjoys taking road trips with her boyfriend, camping, going to the beach, and spending time with her puppies, Sebastian and Jax. Thank you, Nikki, for all you do for our office and our patients!
Dr. Christina Peyton
July Physician Spotlight
Dr. Peyton graduated Magna Cum Laude from Roanoke College in 1997 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry and Biology and received her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio in 2001. Dr. Peyton completed her residency in OB/GYN at Drexel university in 2005 before starting her first job in Lewes, Delaware.
In November 2008, she moved to North Carolina to join Nash OB-GYN. Dr. Peyton has no children, but she loves spending time with and spoiling her two nephews. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. In her free time, Dr. Peyton likes to eat, cook, travel, read, watch football and work in her yard. Thank you, Dr. Peyton, for all you do for our office and our patients!
Janet Intini, CNM
June Staff Spotlight
Janet joined Nash Ob-Gyn in August 2019 as our Certified Nurse Midwife. Janet was a labor and delivery nurse for 25 years, 10 of those years at Nash General, before returning to school and earning a Master’s in Midwifery from ECU in 2012. Enabling women to make informed decisions about their healthcare is an emphasis in her care.
One of the greatest joys in her career was delivering her grandchildren. When not busy delivering babies she loves to read, work on her latest stained glass creation, travel and spend time with her family. Thank you, Janet, for all you do for our patients and our office!
Joni Brantley
March Staff Spotlight
Joni currently serves as our Director of Business Operations and recently celebrated 25 years of service with Nash OB-GYN. Over the years Joni has worked in many different capacities and she is an asset to the practice. Joni’s current responsibilities are for the administrative and day-to-day operations to make certain that the practice runs smoothly.
Her dedication to ensuring that every patient, physician, and staff member feels heard and supported is demonstrated in her efforts daily. Joni truly cares about all patients receiving the best care and that her colleagues have a safe and positive work environment. Anyone who knows Joni realizes her passion for healthcare and her genuine care and concern for everyone.
In her free time Joni enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Daenna Chavez, LPN
November Staff Spotlight
Daenna Chavez, LPN has worked with our office for over 2 years! She graduated with her practical nursing degree in 2016 and would like to become a registered nurse in the future. Daenna is quiet when you first meet her but she has a great sense of humor! In her free time, she is busy with her 2 precious boys, planning her upcoming wedding, and catching up on her favorite Netflix shows. Daenna has always wanted to be a nurse and serve others and we are so blessed to have her! She has been Dr. Collins’s nurse since July 2018 and works hard to keep his busy schedule running smoothly. Thank you, Daenna, for everything you do for Nash Ob-Gyn and for our office!
Amanda Hux, NAI
August Staff Spotlight
Amanda Hux joined Nash OB-GYN in March 2017. She pioneered a new position we created to help serve our OB patients better when they are here for their appointments. Amanda is a permanent part of the obstetric area of our office and ensures it runs smoothly. Amanda is mom to two girls and in her spare time she enjoys watching them on the soccer field or at Taekwondo tournaments. She also enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends. Thank you, Amanda, for all you do for Nash OB-Gyn and for our patients!
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Sarah Layton, CMA (AAMA)
July Staff Spotlight
Sarah Layton, CMA(AAMA) has been with Nash OB-GYN for 4 years. She has a number of job duties but her primary role is as Dr. Peyton’s medical assistant. She excels at keeping Dr. Peyton’s busy schedule running smoothly. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her 2 children and watching them grow into their own little people, both full of personality! She also enjoys spending time with family and friends and relaxing at the beach or anywhere outside. Thank you, Sarah, for all you do for Nash OB-GYN and our patients!
Kerry C. Bullerdick, MD
February Physician Spotlight
Dr. Bullerdick will be celebrating his 5th year with Nash OB-GYN this year. Dr. Bullerdick was born in Virginia but grew up in the Carolinas and Arizona. He did his undergraduate training at Cornell University where he discovered his passion for the practice of medicine. He moved to Winston-Salem for medical school and residency training at Wake Forest University. When not providing medical care, Dr. Bullerdick enjoys cooking, gardening and hiking as well as spending time with his family which are spread throughout the country. He is also an avid animal lover and bird-watcher. Recently Dr. Bullerdick was elected by his peers to be the chair of the OB-GYN department at Nash hospital. He looks forward to working with the hospital to ensure continued exceptional healthcare for our patients. Thank you, Dr. Bullerdick, for all you do for Nash OB-GYN!
Nancy L. Hancock, MD, MPH
December Physician Spotlight
Dr. Hancock joined Nash Ob-Gyn in 2015 and quickly learned she had a joined a fantastic office with the nicest patients. She’s a North Carolina native, from near Charlotte, but graduated from Clemson and Tulane before coming back to UNC for medical school. She completed her Ob-Gyn training at Wake Forest. She loves being outside, whether that’s doing yard work, reading in a hammock, or walking on the beach. Eating delicious food, playing with her tuxedo kitties, and exploring eastern NC are some of her favorite activities. Thank you, Dr. Hancock, for all you do for our office and our patients!
Ericka Arias
November Staff Spotlight
Ericka Arias has been with Nash Ob-Gyn for over 6 years! She is one of our patient services representatives and you will mostly see her at our check out desk. Ericka takes great pride in decorating the check out area and it is always fun to see what she has planned each holiday! She is also our resident event coordinator and holiday helper. In her free time, Ericka enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two nephews. Thank you, Ericka, for everything you do to make our days more cheerful!
Melinda Pressley
October Staff Spotlight
Melinda Pressley, RN has been with our office for over seven years. Although she has a number of duties, her primary role is as Dr. Van Zant's nurse. Her calm demeanor and kind ways make her an asset to our office team and she is a pleasure to work with. Melinda is married with two children and one granddaughter. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the pool, reading and also baking desserts. Summer is her very favorite season and she loves the beach anytime of the year.
Thank you, Melinda, for everything you do for our office and our patients!
Danielle Williams
September Staff Spotlight
Danielle Williams has been with Nash Ob-Gyn since May 2011. You will see Danielle's smiling, laughing face at our front desk where she serves as one of our Patient Services Representatives. She has several duties in our front office and handles each one with her unique sense of humor and unfailing honesty. Prior to coming to work with us, Danielle gained valuable OB-Gyn experience by working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Nash Women's Center beginning in 1996. She is also a retired DONA-trained birth doula.
Danielle is married with three beautiful children and one "heart" grandbaby whom she spoils and adores. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and co-workers and cheering on the Northern Nash Knights.
Thank you, Danielle, for all you do for our office and our patients!
Maria Ortiz
August Staff Spotlight
Maria Ortiz, RN is our Director of Clinical Operations and has been at Nash Ob-Gyn for almost 15 years! Maria began with our office in November 2004 and worked for over 10 years as part of our clinical staff before transitioning to her current role in August 2015. Maria is an extremely important part of our team. She supervises and supports our clinical staff and implements quality improvement measures to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care. In her free time, Maria enjoys reading, spending time with her family and pets, and cheering on her alma mater, the UNC Tarheels. Thank you, Maria, for everything you do for our office and our patients.
Alison Mills
July Staff Spotlight
Alison Mills, RDMS is one of two ultrasonographers here at Nash Ob-Gyn. She began working with us as a part-time ultrasonographer in September 2005 before changing to full time in 2017. Alison has over 20 years of ultrasound experience and is an extremely valuable asset to our clinical team. Both of our ultrasonographers stay extremely busy and play vital roles in our continued efforts to provide the best possible care for our patients.
Alison has been married to her husband, Randall, for 25 years and has 2 sons who will be playing baseball together at NC Wesleyan College. When she is not on the ballfield, she enjoys spending her time at Gaston Lake with her family and friends. Now that she has an empty nest, she said she will be looking for new things to do!
Thank you, Alison, for everything you do for Nash Ob-Gyn and our patients!
Teresa Davenport
April Staff Spotlight
Teresa Davenport has been working with Nash Ob-Gyn for nearly 15 years! She joined our office in 2004 as one of our Insurance/Billing Representatives. She has continued in that role through the years and is an extremely valuable member of our team. Teresa is always available to talk to patients who need help understanding the complicated world of insurance plans and benefits. In her free time, Teresa enjoys volunteering with the Tri-Community Baseball League and spending time with her family. Thank you, Teresa, for all you do for us and our patients!
Beth Bulluck
March Staff Spotlight
Beth Bulluck has been with Nash Ob-Gyn for over 15 years! She works at our front desk as one our Patient Service Representatives and always greets patients with a smile. In her free time, Beth enjoys spending time fishing and going to the beach with her husband, son, and two dogs. Thank you, Beth, for everything you do for our office and our patients!
Dr. Matthew Collins
February Physician Spotlight
Dr. Matthew Collins has been with Nash Ob-Gyn for nearly 17 years! After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine in 1998, he went to Charleston, SC for his OB-Gyn residency and then joined Nash Ob-Gyn in 2002. In his free time, Dr. Collins enjoys golfing, raising honey bees, going to Avett Brothers concerts, and spending time with his wife, Sarah, their 5 children, and their pets, Honey and Tessa.
Thank you, Dr. Collins, for everything you have done and continue to do for Nash Ob-Gyn and our patients!
Dorie Coppedge
January Staff Spotlight
Dorie Coppedge is our appointment coordinator and is currently in her 20th year of employment with Nash Ob-Gyn. She is the primary contact person for our appointment call line and is in charge of setting up our office and physician on call schedules. Dorie is extremely meticulous which serves her well in the often time-consuming and detailed work that goes into creating and managing the schedules. When she is not working, Dorie enjoys camping and spending time with her family and beloved pets.
Thank you, Dorie, for all you do to keep our days running smoothly!
Dr. Dennis Van Zant
December Physician Spotlight
Dr. Dennis Van Zant has been with Nash OB-Gyn for over 20 years! After graduation from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1990, he began his medical career in the Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was honorably discharged from the Army after 8 years of service and joined Nash Ob-Gyn in July 1998. Dr. Van Zant and his wife Melinda have 4 children and 1 grandchild. They enjoy spending time together as a family on camping trips and doing anything out of doors.
Thank you, Dr. Van Zant, for all you do for Nash Ob-Gyn and our patients!
Paula Barnes, RT
November Staff Spotlight
Paula Barnes, RT is one of two ultrasonographers employed by Nash OB-Gyn. Paula has 32 years of ultrasound experience and is currently in her 18th year of employment with our office. During this time, she has provided our physicians with valuable diagnostic information through her sonographic images. Paula also finds great joy in providing that first glimpse of a patient's baby. When asked what she likes about her job, she stated "Over the years, I have enjoyed providing parents with their first image of their baby and enjoying their excitement." When not at work, Paula enjoys traveling with her husband of 34 years and spending time with her three grandchildren, daughter and son-in-law.
Thank you, Paula, for all you do to provide excellent care of our patients!
Dr. Mel Fryar
October Physician Spotlight
A Special Message from Dr. Fryar:
It is with truly mixed emotions that I inform you of my decision to retire from the practice of medicine and the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology as of the end of this year. The City of Rocky Mount/Nash County and the surrounding counties and communities have been extremely kind to me and my family over the past 26 plus years, originally with Rocky Mount Obstetrics and Gynecology and for the past 13 years with Nash Obstetrics and Gynecology.
To the patients I have had the privilege to care for, I am honored for the trust you placed in me over the years. It has been a rewarding career. Please rest assured that the physicians at Nash Ob/Gyn will provide you with superb medical care. All of them possess excellent medical and surgical skills. As important, all are of the highest character. I encourage you to continue your obstetric and gynecological care with them.
I wish for everyone good fortune, good health and a good life!
Sincerely,
Mel Fryar, M.D.
Dr. Mel Fryar recently completed his 13th year as a physician with Nash Ob-Gyn. After medical school and residency in the mid-1980s, Dr. Fryar first worked as an Obstetrician-Gynecologist in Virginia and Clinton, N.C. before making his way to Rocky Mount in 1992. He joined our office in July 2005 and quickly became an integral part of our physician team.
In 2016, Dr. Fryar made the difficult decision to stop delivering babies and instead now focuses entirely on gynecologic care. When Dr. Fryar is not working, he can often be found cheering on the UNC Tarheels or playing golf with his son. Thank you, Dr. Fryar, for all that you do for Nash Ob-Gyn and our patients!
LORI PERRY, RN
September Staff Spotlight
Lori Perry, RN recently celebrated her 23rd anniversary as an employee of Nash OB-GYN. For many years, Lori worked with the physicians as one of our clinic nurses, but she now serves as our Perinatal Nurse Educator, a role she took on in December 2015. When she is not working, Lori enjoys cheering on the NC State Wolfpack with her husband and daughter. She is an invaluable part of our Nash OB-GYN team and we are extremely lucky to have her!