Dr. Mary Jo Lechowicz

Mary Jo Lechowicz, MD, joined Emory from the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University where she completed a postdoctoral fellowship in oncology. Dr. Lechowicz is Board Certified in internal medicine and medical oncology. Dr. Lechowicz’s research interests are in hematologic malignancies. She has been a principal investigator and co-principal investigator on a number of national and international clinical trials involving the treatment of patients with virally related cancers and particularly T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Dr. Lechowicz is currently active in the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Discovery and Developmental Therapeutics Research Program, the American Society of Hematology, and the American Association of Cancer Research. She is a member of the Discovery and Developmental Therapeutics Research Program at Winship.

Dr. Lechowicz earned her medical degree from SUNY-Syracuse in Syracuse, New York. She completed her internship and residency at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York, New York where she was Chief Resident. She then completed a Fellowship at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.

Dr. Lechowicz’s research interests are in hematologic malignancies, specifically T cell lymphomas. Her interest in HIV and malignancies began with her training at Johns Hopkins. She is the primary investigator for a number of trials at Emory University with regard to improvement of care in non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, particularly related to transplantation and diffused B-cell lymphomas; cutaneous and peripheral lymphomas; T-cell lymphomas; and HIV and lymphoma care.

Dr. Lechowicz was editor for the American Society of Hematology Daily News in 2010. She has served on multiple committees including the United States Cutaneous Lymphoma Consortium, American Society of Hematology, the Ethics Committee at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Hospital, and the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s Lymphoma Awareness Multicultural Population Advisory Committee.

Dr. Lechowicz’s recent awards include many accolades such as: Exemplary Teacher of the Year Award, Emory University, 2019, Dean’s Teaching Award, Emory University School of Medicine, 2012-2013, Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2013, Senior Superlatives Awards – Student Elected “Doctor who could take care of your Grandmother” Named “The Dr. Mary Jo Lechowicz Award,” 2013-Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2011, Senior Superlatives Awards – Student Elected”Doctor whom you would take your family to in medical subspecialties” Named “The Dr. Mary Jo Lechowicz Award,” 2011.

Dr. Aaron M. Fletcher

Dr. Aaron M. Fletcher is the Founder and Director of Georgia Center for ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery. He is a recognized authority in the fields of Otolaryngology— head and neck surgery (Ear, Nose and Throat) as well as facial asthetic and reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Fletcher is Board-Certified, and brings a range of professional and life experiences to the practice of medicine. Hailing from the Washington, DC metro area, he has been a part of the Atlanta Community since 1996. Dr. Fletcher specializes in all aspects of surgical and nonsurgical facial aesthetics and rejuvenation including Rhinoplasty (nose-reshaping), facelifts, neck lift, brow and eye lifts (blepharoplasty), facial fillers, and liposculpture of the face and neck. He will also soon be providing body contouring services to the greater Atlanta metro area via Sonobello.

Dr. Fletcher’s skills and expertise are sought after, and he has been featured in several local publications including Best Self Atlanta, In the City Magazine, Sheen, Shoutout Atlanta, and Voyage Atl. He also collaborates regularly with some of Atlanta’s most renowned Plastic Surgeons to provide aesthetic enhancements to a diverse array of clients from around the world. As an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist, Dr. Fletcher services patients with sinus issues, hearing loss, allergies, voice complaints, sleep apnea, thyroid problems and cancers of the head and neck area. He also creates and distributes health educational content via “Dr. Nosebetter,” the content marketing arm of his practice. His content can be found on Youtube and Instagram (@dr.nosebetter).

Dr. Fletcher is a standout as both a surgeon and a scholar, and has authored numerous scientific publications as well as his very own reference text. He has been named both a Top-Doctor and as one of the Top-10 best Plastic Surgeons in Georgia. Dr. Fletcher takes pride in employing and serving the community through his practice, and is excited to welcome you to his extended family as a client of his practice.

Dr. Jeremy S. Nelson

Dr. Jeremy S. Nelson is a Board Certified emergency medicine physician and Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Dr. Nelson is the co-founder, owner, and Medical Director of Purifi IV, an IV hydration/vitamin infusion lounge in Suwanee, GA with additional locations in Nashville, GA. and Charlotte, NC. Dr. Nelson also works in the ER full time at Northside Hospital Forsyth and part time for WellStar Health Systems.

Dr. Jeremy S. Nelson was born on March 21, 1981 in Macon, GA. where he lived with his mother and two sisters. He attended Central High School in Macon, GA and graduated with honors in the International Baccalaureate Program. Dr. Nelson then decided to join Dawg Nation and embarked upon a long journey to Athens, GA. He attended the University of Georgia on a full scholarship and was a member of the football team. Graduating from UGA in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a concentration in cellular biology, Dr. Nelson traveled to Music City, where he attended Meharry Medical College. During his matriculation through Meharry, Dr. Nelson became a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and has received several additional accolades.

After completing his medical education, Dr. Nelson began general surgery residency at University of Texas Southwestern in 2008. After completing two years of residency, Dr. Nelson realized he had a passion for emergency medicine and decided to change specialties. He left the General Surgery Residency Program at UT Southwestern in good standing and with full recommendation from his program director. In 2011, Dr. Nelson matched into his first choice, Emory University Emergency Medicine Residency Program and relocated to Atlanta, GA. He completed EM Residency in 2014.

Since residency, Dr. Nelson has worked in the Emergency Department for WellStar and Northside Hospitals across Metro Atlanta as an Attending Physician, Interim Medical Director, and Patient Experience Physician Champion.

In 2022, Dr. Nelson co-founded Purifi IV with business partner Johnathon Nolen, PA-C. Purifi IV is an IV hydration/vitamin infusion lounge located in Suwanee, GA. The idea of Purifi IV was started during the pandemic, as the need for IV hydration was on the rise, but the risks of coming to an ED to receive it, seemingly outweighed the benefit. Purifi IV also presented a way to employ ER and ICU nurses part time, providing them with some relief from the burnout many experienced during the height of the pandemic. Since its opening in February 2022, Purifi IV has grown and now has locations in three states, with the plans for expansion in the future.

Dezmond Sherrod

Dezmond Sherrod is a native of Columbus, MS. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University where he played on the football team under the tutelage of Head Coach Sylvester Croom (200307) that eventually catapulted him into a career of greatness. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Risk Management and Financial Planning in 2006 and a Masters Degree in General Business Administration in 2008.

Dezmond Sherrod became known both off and on the field as he entered into the National Football League. He helped win Super Bowl XLIII with the Pittsburgh Steelers in2009, defeating the Arizona Cardinals. He has played in the UFL (United Football League) and won the 2010 UFL Championship. Sherrod joined the Fire Department in 2017, after ending a four year career playing professional football and five years as a manager with Target. He is employed with Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services as a Firemedic Senior (Firefighter and Paramedic) with five years of service and is currently at Station 31 in Lawrenceville, GA. He is the husband to his lovely wife, Tiffany Sherrod, with two children, three year-old daughter, Raign (pronounced like Rain) and one year- old son, Drew.

Sherrod transitioned into his profession as a firemedic because of his genuine love for helping people, and his desire to make a positive impact on society and his community. “As a first responder in emergency situations, I get the privilege of being one of the first of many healthcare professionals that assist and help people in a variety of ways and sometimes during the most difficult part of their lives. I take great pride in knowing that the citizens of Gwinnett County receive our best efforts to help them during their time of need.” Sherrod considers himself as someone who looks at the big picture in the grand scheme of life.

Realizing that oftentimes in emergency situations, the outcomes can be less desirable, but Sherrod is resolved with the knowledge of knowing that at the end of his life, he will be able to say that he has given his best efforts to make a positive impact on his family, co-workers and community. During his free time, he enjoys working out, playing poker, watching sports and movies, and spending quality time with his family. Dezmond Sherrod considers receiving a nomination for an award in the healthcare profession truly an honor and a blessing.

Lyndon Jones, RN

I am a former EMT/Paramedic with 16 years of experience. My prehospital EMS life started in Brooklyn, New York (2000-06) where I also served during 911. I am blessed to be alive. Afterwards, my wife and I, along with our three children relocated to Georgia. It was then that I began my tenure with Grady EMS. (20062016) During that time, I began to pursue my nursing degree, never having attended college since leaving my home in Trinidad, Tobago at the age of 17. I successfully graduated from Clayton State University in 2012. Subsequently, I transferred from Grady EMS, and started working in Grady’s renown Emergency Department for another five years. During this time, I worked alongside resident doctors, gaining insightful knowledge and experience. After 14 years at Grady, I transferred to Emory and enrolled in CSU FNP program.

Dr. Lisa Marie Reyes-Walsh

Dr. Lisa Marie Reyes-Walsh has a fervor for learning. She achieved her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kennesaw State University, then completed her Master in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner from Walden Univerisity. Next, she received her post Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate from Georgia Southern University. Then she continued her education journey, receiving her Doctor of Nursing Practice, Health System Leadership degree from Emory University in 2021. She is currently working on her Ph.D. in Nursing Education from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Reyes-Walsh is an advanced practice registered nurse specializing in mental health wellness and has practiced in a variety of settings. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with additional certifications as a Family Nurse Practitioner and an advanced practice addiction nurse, Dr. Reyes-Walsh provides holistic, trauma-informed care to every client she meets. Besides having a passion for mental health patient care, she also loves teaching nursing students. Dr. Reyes-Walsh enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience with students about mental health wellness. She has been teaching in academia since 2015.

For self-care and enjoyment, Dr. Reyes-Walsh loves to spend time with her family. She has 22 grandchildren! Dr. Reyes-Walsh enjoys cooking, hiking, running, practicing yoga, and knitting.

Seferino Patino

Executive Director HHCP INC

Seferino Patino is the Executive Director of HHCP. Seferino joined the HHCP family in September 2021. His passion for healthcare, as well as bringing more caregivers back to the bedside is what our mission and goal is at HHCP.

Seferino has been in the healthcare industry for 13 years and counting. Early in his career, he began in the human services field working with adults with developmental disabilities. Seferino worked in the healthcare field for about a year before making a significant change in career to law enforcement. Seferino spent six years and worked his way up to the rank of Sergeant. What drew Seferino to Law Enforcement was growing up and seeing his uncle pursue his goals and dreams of being in Law Enforcement. Although Seferino enjoyed his career, he went back to his true calling, human services. After a few other career changes, Seferino always came back to the healthcare field where he knew God placed him, which is his passion and calling.

Caring for our aging population has given Seferino a renewed sense of being and purpose. “Serving our seniors has given me a different lens to look through.” It gives him the opportunity to help those at different stages in life’s journey to assist them in rehabilitation or to comfort them in transition. “Knowing that I am there to help them along this journey called life, is all I can ask for and receiving that second paycheck makes this worthwhile.”

Seferino has enjoyed various positions from Direct Care to Assistant & Residential Services Manager, Senior Living Director of Assisted Living and most recently Director of Memory Care. Seferino is a licensed Senior Living Administrator with the State of Georgia and was recently promoted to oversee both assisted living and memory care neighborhoods with a local senior living facility. Seferino is the proud father to three amazing children, Camden, Melody, and Kymora, proud son of his mother, Patricia Patino, and the best partner a man can ask for, Kiara Holmes. In his leisure time, Seferino enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and working on cars.

WHY HHCP: “I love the mission of helping First Responders and Healthcare workers. I also am a healthcare worker, and to see someone that cares enough to make this their life mission is remarkable. This is a unique and special program, and I am honored to be chosen to be a part of this journey.”