Orthopaedic & Spine Center

Christina Bellin, PA, AT-C
Specialty: General Orthopaedics

Christina was born and raised in Iowa.  She attended the College of Charleston for undergrad where she double majored in Athletic Training and Exercise Science. Then, she moved to Savannah, Georgia to attend PA school where she graduated from in 2015.  Since then, she moved to Atlanta and has been working in orthopaedics ever since.  She worked her first few years in the operating room, focusing on total hips and knees before coming to Emory in 2017 for general orthopaedics. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, running and spending time with her six-year-old golden doodle.

Carmen Benoit, MPAS, PA-C
Specialty: General Orthopaedics

Carmen is from Vermont and graduated from Springfield College with a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training. She obtained her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 2007. Carmen joined Emory Healthcare in 2016, practicing general orthopaedics. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. In her free time, Carmen enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family.

Elisabeth Berman, APRN
Specialty: Spine

Liz Berman joined the Emory Spine Center as a nurse practitioner in 2014 after completing her MSN at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Prior to that, she had a long career as a registered nurse working in medical-surgery, critical care and orthopaedics followed by several years as an RN for the Emory Spine Center. She is board certified in adult-gerontology primary care through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Liz supports spine surgeons John Rhee, MD, and Scott Boden, MD, in their outpatient clinics and also has her own clinics where she sees patients for nonsurgical treatment of spinal issues.  She offers appointments at both the Executive Park and Emory Johns Creek locations as well as virtual (telemedicine) visits. She lives in Roswell with her husband and two sons. In her off time, she enjoys traveling, gardening and cooking.

Jeannie Buffington, APRN
Specialty: Neurosurgery-Spine

Jeannie Buffington is an advanced practice provider at Emory University Midtown Hospital and the Musculoskeletal Institute who partners closely with neurosurgeon Matthew Gary, MD.  She attended Valdosta State University in Valdosta Georgia, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  She completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Emory University with a subspecialty in Adult Acute Care.  Jeannie is a board-certified acute care nurse practitioner licensed in Georgia.  She has worked primarily in neurosurgical settings and began working with Dr. Gary in 2017. 

She is involved in the continuum of care of Dr. Gary’s patients, and you will see her in the office and in the hospital. Jeannie is an active member of the American Nurses Association and American Association of Nurse Practitioners.  Jeannie enjoys spending time with family, traveling and cooking.

Victoria Carr, PA-C
Specialty: General Non-Operative Orthopaedics

Victoria L. Carr, PA-C is a certified physician assistant who joined the general orthopaedics team in 2018. She currently sees patients at our Smyrna & Brookhaven/MSK offices. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Chemistry from the University of Mississippi and her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Mississippi College. She spent several years practicing general adult orthopaedics in a private practice in Houston, Texas as well as two years in pediatric orthopaedics at Texas Children’s Hospital before joining Emory. When she isn’t working, you will find her spending time with her family. She enjoys warm weather, good eats and travel!

Amanda Chaffo, PA-C
Specialty: Spine

Amanda completed her undergraduate degree in athletic training at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After graduation, she attended physician assistant school at Elon University in North Carolina. Amanda’s special interest in orthopaedics led her to her current role in spine at Emory Healthcare. Amanda has also helped to develop a fracture liaison service at Emory Healthcare which connects patients with recent insufficiency fractures to endocrinology for management of osteoporosis. She is also currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at Emory University with a focus on health policy and management. In her free time, Amanda enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Jeff, and traveling.

Erin Dobeck, MSN, FNP-C
Specialty: Spine

Erin started her education at the University of Georgia where she was also a student athlete, competing in swimming. She graduated with a degree in Family and Consumer Science and later transitioned to Nursing at Emory University. She worked at Northside Hospital Forsyth’s General ICU for several years as a nurse, which gave her a longing to do more.

She wanted to have a larger impact on patients, so she decided to pursue a Nurse Practitioner degree. Erin eventually transitioned her professional role from Critical Care to Outpatient Recovery at Emory Healthcare’s surgery centers. There, she had the opportunity to work within different units. She became more interested in the orthopaedic and physiatry specialties which influenced her decision to pursue spine health.

On a personal note, Erin comes from a big family. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and finds any excuse to be on the water with them. She loves being active but finds joy in reading at local coffee shops as well. 

Shauntaye Findlay-Hayling, PA-C
Specialty: Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics

Shauntaye was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and later went to college at Virginia Commonwealth University. She returned to New York in 2014 and attended City College of New York to study to become a physician assistant. Shauntaye’s interests include music, theatre and the arts.

Susan Snouse, MMSc, PA-C
Specialty: Orthopaedic Oncology and Complex Reconstructions

Sue joined Emory in 2015 and works with patients who have bone and soft tissue tumors. She also treats osteoarthritis, joint replacements and complex reconstructions. She graduated from Emory’s Physician Assistant Program in 2001. Prior to becoming a physician assistant, she worked as a certified Athletic trainer with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

Leslie Sonders, PA-C
Specialty: Spine

Leslie Sonders PA-C graduated from Daemen College as a physician assistant in 2003. She was employed as a surgical hospitalist at Unity Hospital in Rochester, New York from 2003 to 2008. This helped develop her interest in neurosurgery/spine surgery and her aspiration to specialize in treating spine patients. She was employed by Greater Rochester Orthopaedics from February 2008 to February 2020 to work exclusively with an orthopaedic spine surgeon. Her position involved assisting with surgical procedures, managing in hospital patients and independent outpatient clinic. She relocated to Georgia in 2020 to be closer to family and joined Emory in March of 2020.

Sarah Taub, PA-C
Specialty: Department of Upper Extremity Surgery (Arm, Forearm, Shoulder, Wrist and Hand)

Sarah Taub is a physician assistant practicing with Eric Wagner, MD, and the upper extremity team. Sarah attended Emory University for her undergraduate degree majoring in biology while competing on their nationally ranked varsity volleyball team. Sarah completed her graduate work at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts where she received a Masters of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies while severing as her class president. Sarah is board certified by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants. Sarah also serves as a mentor and preceptor to both nurse practitioner and physician assistant students.  

Gina Toulon, APRN
Specialty: Spine

Gina Toulon is a board-certified nurse practitioner and is licensed in Georgia.  She completed her Master of Science in Nursing with a subspecialty in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  She has worked primarily in orthopaedic spine surgery and physical medicine and rehabilitation settings and began working at the Emory Orthopaedic & Spine Center in 2014. 

Gina works closely with one of our orthopaedic spine surgeons, Keith Michael, MD.  While not working with Dr. Michael, Gina sees her own patients independently for their non-operative spine needs.  Gina and her husband relocated to the Atlanta area from Long Island, New York in 2014.  While not working, Gina enjoys cooking and spending time with her husband and daughter. 

Kelsey Davis, MPAS, PA-C
Specialty: Joint Reconstruction and Sports Medicine

Kelsey was born and raised in Georgia. She graduated with a Bachelor's in Health Promotion from the University of Georgia in 2015. She enjoys having a background in health promotion as she feels that it allows her to have a better understanding of how to meet the needs of her patients. She received her Master's in Physician Assistant Studies from Lincoln Memorial University in 2017. She has been practicing total joint and sports medicine since 2018.

In her free time, Kelsey enjoys backpacking, hiking and knee-boarding. Her favorite sports include disc golf and racquetball. She spends a lot of time taking her four-legged fur baby, Mollie, to the dog park. Kelsey even celebrates Mollie's birthday each year with a doggie birthday party. Additionally, Kelsey enjoys serving the underserved. She takes an annual trip overseas to developing countries to provide care to those in need.

Mark Daniel, PA-C
Specialty: General Orthopaedics

Mark started his career at Emory in March 1987 as a new graduate physician assistant. He has worked with multiple attending physicians throughout his time at Emory and has most of his training in the world of hip and knee surgery and adult reconstruction.

Since 2015, Mark has managed his duties as a discharge facilitator at Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital as well as covering Emory University Hospital for orthopaedic and emergency consults. Mark enjoys what he does and plans to maintain his current role until retirement.

Jeannie Buffington, APRN
Specialty: Neurosurgery-Spine

Jeannie Buffington is an advanced practice provider at Emory University Hospital Midtown and the Musculoskeletal Institute who partners closely with neurosurgeon Matthew Gary, MD.  She attended Valdosta State University in Valdosta Georgia, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  She completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Emory University with a subspecialty in Adult Acute Care.  Jeannie is a board-certified acute care nurse practitioner licensed in Georgia.  She has worked primarily in neurosurgical settings and began working with Dr. Gary in 2017. 

She is involved in the continuum of care of Dr. Gary’s patients, and you will see her in the office and in the hospital. Jeannie is an active member of the American Nurses Association and American Association of Nurse Practitioners.  Jeannie enjoys spending time with family, traveling and cooking.

Kaley Lamas, PA-C
Specialty: Neurosurgery - Spine

Kaley Lamas graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science and then attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham for her Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Kaley is the advanced practice provider for the Neurosurgery – Spine service at Emory Midtown Hospital. She works for Gerald Rodts, MD, and Daniel Refai, MD.

She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistance and National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Kaley enjoys hiking, traveling and exercising. She also has a huge love for animals and enjoys walking and spending time with her fur babies.

Elizabeth Sofia, PA-C
Specialty: Musculoskeletal Oncology and Adult Reconstructive Surgery

Elizabeth Sofia graduated from Gannon University with a Bachelor’s of Science and Physician Assistant degree. She provides inpatient coverage at Emory University Hospital Midtown for Shervin Oskouei, MD and Dr. Nickolas Reimer as the advanced practice practitioner for the Musculoskeletal Oncology & Adult Reconstructive Surgery Service. Professional Memberships include the American Academy of Physician Assistants, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and antique shopping.

Elisabeth Berman, APRN
Specialty: Spine

Liz Berman joined the Emory Spine Center as a nurse practitioner in 2014 after completing her MSN at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Prior to that, she had a long career as a registered nurse working in medical-surgery, critical care and orthopaedics followed by several years as an RN for the Emory Spine Center. She is board certified in adult-gerontology primary care through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Liz supports spine surgeons John Rhee, MD, and Scott Boden, MD, in their outpatient clinics and also has her own clinics where she sees patients for nonsurgical treatment of spinal issues.  She offers appointments at both the Executive Park and Emory Johns Creek locations as well as virtual (telemedicine) visits. She lives in Roswell with her husband and two sons. In her off time, she enjoys traveling, gardening and cooking.

Melissa Childs, PA-C
Specialty: Orthopaedic Trauma

Melissa Childs has been an Orthopedic PA since 2006.  She loves taking care of patients and helping them return to the activities they love.  She is married and has two beautiful daughters.  She enjoys playing tennis and spending time with family and friends.

Nicole Schultz, PA-C
Specialty: Adult Hip & Knee Reconstruction

Nicole was born and raised in New Hampshire where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. She received her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Shenandoah University and spent five years working in orthopaedics in Virginia. Her family relocated to Georgia in 2020 after accepting a position at Emory. She spends her free time with her family enjoying any type of outdoor activity.

Elizabeth Berlin, PA-C
Specialty: Sports Medicine & General Orthopaedics

Elizabeth attended the University of Kentucky where she graduated in 2007 with her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biotechnology. She completed her graduate studies at Mercer University in Atlanta where she received her Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies. Elizabeth is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants and Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery.

Elizabeth has been working with Dr. Augustine Conduah, MD, at the Stonecrest location since 2012. She also assists Dr. Conduah in the operating room at Emory Hillandale Hospital.

Clinton Boomgarden, MPAS, PA-C
Specialty: Adult Reconstructive Surgery

Clinton attended the former Medical College of Georgia for physician assistant training and received his Masters of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Nebraska. Clinton worked in general orthopaedics for three years in Charlotte North Carolina, and has been with the Emory Department of Orthopaedics since 1991.

Monica Conner, MS, PA-C
Specialty: Knee and Hip Joint Reconstruction

Monica Conner is a physician assistant at the Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital in Tucker, Georgia. Monica has been working with Dr. Thomas Bradbury since February 2020. She has been practicing in orthopaedics and specializing in adult reconstruction and total joint arthroplasty since 2010. She also takes interest in overall health and nutrition. Monica was born and raised in East Cobb, Georgia. She attended St. Pius X High School and East Carolina University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics.

She attended New York Institute of Technology for her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies. She enjoys working with Dr. Bradbury and the continuous learning and research that Emory is involved with in hip and knee total joint reconstruction surgery.

Mark Daniel, PA-C
Specialty: General Orthopaedics

Mark started his career at Emory in March 1987 as a new graduate physician assistant. He has worked with multiple attending physicians throughout his time at Emory and has most of his training in the world of hip and knee surgery and adult reconstruction.

Since 2015, Mark has managed his duties as a discharge facilitator at Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital as well as covering Emory University Hospital for orthopaedic and emergency consults. Mark enjoys what he does and plans to maintain his current role until retirement.

Ashley Elliott, PA-C
Specialty: Joint Reconstruction, General Hip & Knee Orthopaedics

Ashley attended the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences with focus in Dietetics.  She practiced as a registered dietitian before continuing her medical education to become a physician assistant. Ashley earned her Masters of Medical Science in Physician Assistant studies from Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Prior to joining the Emory team, Ashley practiced in the Atlanta area as an advanced practice provider in general orthopaedics with particular interest in adult reconstructive surgery. Ashley lives in East Cobb with her husband and their two dogs. In her free time, she enjoys running, baking and gardening. 

Laura Pankowski, PA-C
Specialty: Adult Reconstruction with a focus in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Laura Pankowski is a physician assistant at the Emory University Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital in Tucker, Georgia. Laura joined the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in 2018 and works alongside Greg Erens, MD, who specializes in adult reconstruction and total joint arthroplasty (joint replacement of the hip and knee). She also takes a special interest in non-operative treatments of hip and knee osteoarthritis.

Laura was born in Davisburg, Michigan and attended Holly High School. After graduating from high school, she attended SUNY Brockport in Rochester, New York and obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in 2013. She then attended Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas and received a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies. Laura then went on to complete a postgraduate residency program at Emory University. It was during the postgraduate program that she gained a special interest in orthopaedics and, more specifically, total joint replacement. Shortly after completing the postgraduate program, she joined the Emory Healthcare team where she is focused on quality care and an exceptional overall patient experience.