Healthcare Team

Doctors

Chad Smoker MD

Undergraduate

      Goshen College 1992-96, BA Biology 

Graduate

      Indiana University School of Medicine 1996-2000, Doctor of Medicine

Post-graduate

Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program 2000-03

Professional experience

Chad Smoker MD PC- private practice, 2003-present

Other Activities & Interests

Boards Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, CareReach (vice president), Partners Aligned Toward Health (vice president), Toe Valley Soccer Association, Student Health Center Advisory Board (Medical Director)

Chief of Staff Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, January 2022-present

Sports Medicine  Mitchell High School team physician 2003-2013

Youth Soccer Coach- US Soccer "E" License, US National Youth License

BBQ Master (self-proclaimed)


Meri Stella MD 


Professional Care Team:

LPNs:

    Tina Ledford LPN

    Leann Ross LPN


Medical Assistants:

    Cara Cook MA

    Lisa Cooke MA

    Heather Proffitt CMA

    Addie Palmer CMA

    Brooke Boone CMA


CNA:

    Susan Higgins


Phlebotomist: 

     Jessica Biddix


Billing and Coding Specialist:

    Penny Creasman CPC


Care Manager:

    Christy Duncan RN


Practice Manager

    Lynda Wiseman BSN RN

Advanced Practice Providers

Tabitha Fox, FNP-

Undergraduate

Mayland Community College| ADN | 2014

Lees-McRae College | BSN | 2017 | Magna cum laude

Graduate

East Tennessee State University | MSN | 2020 | Cum laude

Professional Experience

RN: Long Term Acute Care | Labor & Delivery | Outpatient Services | Postpartum and Nursery Care | Outpatient Cardiac

FNP: Public Health at the Yancey County Health Department


Other Activities & Interests

I am a native of Burnsville who is married with two beautiful children and two dogs. 

When my husband and I are not working, you can find us camping or spending time outside as a family.


Jonathan Polgar, PA-C

Undergraduate

Dickinson College, Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts, 1992

Graduate

Long Island University/Brooklyn Hospital, Bachelor in Physician Assistant, 2003

Professional Experience

Emergency Medical Technician, Manhattan, 1999-2003

Physician Assistant, Emergency Medicine, 2003-2006

Physician Assistant, Primary Care, 2005 to present

Other activities and experiences

I moved to the area in August 2018, having from Western Massachusetts with my wife, son and daughter. 

I am a licensed skydiver and am on the leader track for the Mankind Project, a non-profit group facilitating men's work.

Rebekah Michelle Smith, NP-C

Undergraduate 

Mayland Community College ADN 2000

Lees-McRae College BSN 2004

Graduate

East Tennessee State University DNP-Family Nurse Practitioner 2015

Professional Experience

RN - Blue Ridge Regional Hospital/Mission Hospital 2000-2015

WOCN (wound, ostomy, and continence nurse) - certification from Emory University (2005) and CWOCN at Mission Hospital/Blue Ridge Regional Hospital 2005-2015

NP Certification- AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners) June 2015


Megan Vestal FNP-C 

Undergraduate

Mayland Community College| ADN | 2014

Lees-McRae College | BSN | 2017 

Graduate

South University of Georgia| MSN | 2022

Professional Experience

RN: Wound Care | MedSurg/Critical Care RN and House Supervisor at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital | Cardiac Progressive Care RN at Johnson City Medical Center | Hospice and Palliative Care | Clinical Instructor for Mayland Community College

NP Certification- AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners) November 2022

Other Activities & Interests

I was born and raised in Burnsville where I still reside with my husband and two children. We are active in our church and enjoy serving others in the community. In our spare time you can find us camping or riding the trails in West Virginia.