Stafford Family Care
bringing common sense back to healthcare.
About Stafford Family Care
Stafford Family Care began its journey in September 2018 under the name Nurse Debi's Health & Wellness. With years of experience in primary care within the insurance industry, Nurse Debi witnessed firsthand the growing disconnect between patient needs and the constraints imposed by insurance companies. Disheartened by a system where care decisions were often dictated by policies rather than patient well-being, and where many individuals still struggled to afford the healthcare they needed, she felt compelled to find a new way forward. Her vision was clear: create a space where personalized, affordable, and patient-centered care took priority over insurance-driven limitations.
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Since then, Stafford Family Care has expanded to include two full-time family nurse practitioners and multiple support staff members, all dedicated to providing holistic, comprehensive care. We offer a full spectrum of primary care services, ranging from routine sports and school physicals, well-baby and child exams, and annual pediatric and adult check-ups, to specialized services like pap tests, medication management, and advanced laboratory testing. Our expertise extends to unique care needs, such as PANS/PANDAS treatment, biomedical support for autism, hormone testing and correction, and ordering radiology tests like MRIs and X-rays. We’re also committed to coordinating care with specialists, ensuring our patients receive thorough, well-rounded support at every stage of their health journey.
meet the stafford family care team
Whitaker Michael Smith, MD
Dr. Whitaker Michael Smith is a board-certified family physician with an impressive 27 years of practice experience. He earned his M.D. degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in 1988 and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the University of Kentucky in 1991, where he proudly served as chief resident.
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Dr. Smith began his practice in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, where he worked from 1991 to 1999 before relocating to Kingsport, Tennessee, where he continued his practice until 2016. Currently, he resides in Seymour, Tennessee, serving as a full-time urgent care physician. Outside of his medical career, Dr. Smith and his wife, Lauren, enjoy spending their leisure time motorcycling and boating.
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We at Stafford Family Care are truly honored to have Dr. Smith as our medical director, bringing his wealth of knowledge and dedication to our team.
Debi stafford Msn, Fnp-C
Debi earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from South College in Knoxville, TN, in 2010 and went on to complete her Master of Science in Nursing at Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2017. She is credentialed by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is certified as a medical examiner for the Department of Transportation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
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With advanced training through the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs, Debi is passionate about providing biomedical-based treatments for autism, as well as specialized care for PANDAS and PANS, in addition to offering comprehensive family care.
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Outside of her professional life, Debi is a devoted wife and mother to three daughters. She’s also the proud owner of our clinic dog, Bella, who often accompanies her to work. In her spare time, Debi enjoys drawing, painting, gardening, and cherishing time with her family.
glen stafford, vice president of operations
Glen earned his Bachelor of Arts from Johnson State University in Vermont in 1992 and later obtained an Associate of Science in Computer Technology in 2014. With over two decades of management experience, he has honed exceptional leadership and organizational skills that greatly contribute to the success of our team.
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Beyond his professional accomplishments, Glen has a passion for martial arts, having dedicated over twenty years to his training. He proudly holds a black belt in taekwondo, reflecting his commitment to discipline and personal growth.
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Glen is happily married to Nurse Debi, and in his free time, he enjoys engaging in marksmanship, immersing himself in gaming, and creating lasting memories with his family, both in Tennessee and Vermont. His diverse interests and dedication to family life enrich our community at Stafford Family Care.
kelli patrick, msn, fnp-c
JENNIFER GARCIA, A.A.S
Jennifer, our very first medical assistant, comes to us with extensive experience and a deep commitment to patient care. With her wealth of knowledge and expertise in the healthcare industry, she plays an integral role in our team. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and compassionate approach make her a trusted partner in our mission to deliver exceptional, high-quality healthcare to every patient. We are truly honored to have her as part of our team.
sherri garrett, Lpn
CHERI HOWLETT, A.A.S
bella, akc-gr
Bella is an AKC-registered golden retriever with a heart as golden as her coat. She became part of Nurse Debi’s family on May 5, 2019, a thoughtful gift following the loss of her beloved Lollipop. Bella has completed advanced training through Pet Smart, which has prepared her for her important role at the clinic.
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Bella’s job is to offer comfort and companionship to patients during their visits, always ready with a wagging tail and a gentle nudge of reassurance. When she’s not busy spreading love at the clinic, she enjoys chasing tennis balls with unbridled enthusiasm and keeping her feline companion in check at home. Bella is more than just a pet—she’s a cherished member of the Stafford Family Care team, bringing joy and comfort to everyone she meets.