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The Abby behind AbbyCare actually is Christina Abernathy, a co-owner of the practice. Her business partners gave her the nickname Abby — inspired by her last name — to distinguish her from others named Christina in the office.

“The clinic was named that, because I’m one of the partners in ownership, but I’m also the hands-on, day-to-day partner who runs the clinic,” Christina said. “I will do everything needed for the clinic, from working the front desk to triaging patients. I’m wherever I’m needed every day.”

Christina and the other co-owners plan to expand services to include hormone replacement therapy, women’s health care, and aesthetic and rehabilitation services. The staff of five medical professionals may grow by one; the owners plan to hire another physician this year.

Dr. Carroll Odem has 20 years of experience in primary care and internal medicine, and eight years in addiction medicine. A graduate of ETSU Quillen College of Medicine, he has been board-eligible in internal medicine since 2003, and also has worked with orthopedic and cancer patients.

Julia Thorne, FNP-BC, a family nurse practitioner, is board-certified by the

PHOTO BY DIANNA FRAUSTO

From left, front row: Autumn Brown; Cristy Witcher; Jorgi Philips; Marysol Marquez; and co-owner Christina Abernathy. Back row: Dr. Carroll Odem; Jacob N.; Teresa Zittrauer, FNP; and Julia Thorne, FNP-BC.

American Nurses Credentialing Center. She earned a bachelor’s and a master of science in nursing from the University of Central Florida. She specializes in injection therapy and has spent a good portion of her career training fellow nurse practitioners, physician assistants and physicians in mastering injection techniques.

Teresa Zittrauer, FNP, is a family nurse practitioner who is board-certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing at Georgia State University. Her goal is to detect problems before they arise, by addressing early warning signs and developing a care plan with the patient.

Cecelia Mack, LPC, received her master’s in counseling from Georgia School of Professional Psychology in 2001. With more than 15 years’ experience working in the addictions field, she helps families by empowering them to effectively intervene with children dealing with addiction issues. She works with adults and adolescents, individuals, couples and families.

ranging from primary medical care to counseling and weight loss assistance. Metabolic and cardiac screenings, as well as testosterone and suboxone treatments, can be done on-site.

“Our providers are experienced in an array of different areas, from weight loss and hormone replacement to medication-assisted treatment. They truly care about each and every patient who comes through our doors,” Christina said.

As a co-owner, Christina is gratified to hear positive comments from patients. One comment frequently made is how thankful the patients are that AbbyCare accepts their insurance. She points out that, while not all insurance is accepted, the practice tries to provide services within multiple networks of insurance carriers. An effort is made to keep self-pay services affordable. “We have some of the most affordable rates on bloodwork, X-rays and more,” she said.

“One of the greatest compliments we receive from patients is them trusting the health of their loved ones with us,” she said. “We see many family units, and that couldn’t make us happier. That truly is a demonstration of trust and success, in our eyes.”