Our Mission: To provide the highest quality primary care services in the region, while maintaining a traditional and family friendly environment.
1009 Novus Dr, Johnson City, TN 37604
Tel: 423-282-2516
Fax: 888-264-2167

Meet The Team

Founder, FNP
William Clever
William Clever, FNP, is a highly skilled family nurse practitioner and the founder of Appalachian Family Care. He brings a passion for personalized care to his practice, striving to enhance the health and wellness of residents of Johnson City, Tennessee, and beyond. Education has always shaped William’s path. He earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University in Nashville and a Bachelors of Science from ETSU in Johnson City, Tennessee. William continues to seek out opportunities to expand his medical knowledge and skill set. Upon entering professional life, William focused on delivering excellent internal, pediatric, and adolescent medicine services. William is dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to top-quality care, regardless of where they fall along the socioeconomic scale. To that end, he spent a decade providing free health services to low-income housing residents in his community. William’s professionalism and high level of service are acknowledged by 4- and 5-star ratings from Humana, United, and Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance providers. He is also honored to serve new patients introduced to Appalachian Family Care by friends and family who enjoyed their experience working with William. When not working with patients, William can be found enjoying time with his wife Susan, his dogs Arthur and Eleanor, and his family. He also makes time for mountain sports, travel, and is a member of the Methodist Church.

FNP
Thatcher Card
Thatcher Card, FNP, is a family nurse practitioner who delivers personalized and passionate care to the patient’s of Appalachian Family Care. Thatcher grew up in Blountville, Tennessee and still calls it home. After graduating from Central highschool, Thatcher obtained an associates of science at North East State Community College. During that time, he worked as a patient transporter and felt a calling to nursing, pushing him to pursue the Bachelor’s nursing program at ETSU in Johnson City. He eventually obtained his nursing license, working as a nurse intern all the while and gaining experience. Upon graduation from nursing school, he spent time working as a nurse at Franklin woods both in their medical surgical unit and emergency room. Feeling a greater sense of wanting to prevent health problems and deliver primary care to the surrounding area, he decided to pursue a master’s in nursing with the goal of becoming a family nursing practitioner delivering primary care to the residents of east Tennessee. Upon graduating from Tusculum College in 2019, he has now been a part of our family at Appalachian Family Care for greater than 3 years and loves care for patients across the lifespan. When not working, Thatcher enjoys spending time with his wife Shannon, his daughter Salem, and his family. You can often find him mountain biking or outside during his free time, or chasing after his dog, Hashbrown.

FNP
Chelsy Elkins
First, and above all, I have a wonderful family whom my life is dedicated to. My husband, Phillip, my daughter Logan, and my twin boys, Jayce and Camden. I spend my free time chasing my kids around mostly! But, otherwise, I love to spend any free time I do have outdoors, rain or shine. I earned my Bachelor's of Science in Nursing in 2017 and Master's of Science in Nursing in 2022, both from East Tennessee State University. I have a 5 year background in cardiovascular and pulmonary critical care medicine. My passion for family practice started with taking care of patients on their deathbeds in the ICU, as well as living through tragedies within my own family. I knew there was a significant need for preventative medicine in today's society, and this was the Lord's reason for the losses in my life; to put me in a position to help prevent families and patients from suffering. I have a special interest in women's health from teens to older adults. The most important lesson my dad taught me before he passed was to never give up, and never quit anything, nor anyone. I was once told that a good provider treats the disease, but a great provider treats the person who has the disease. I strive to never stop trying to give my patients the best quality of life achievable. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men," Colossians 3:23

CCMA, Vice President of Clinic Operations
Travis Walker
I am from Elizabethton and still reside there today. I have 25 years of medical experience in a variety of areas. I have a servant's heart and enjoy helping people get the best care possible. In my freetime, I enjoy riding my bike, spending time with my family and my dog Buddy.

Clinical Assistant
Myra Higgins
Myra has lived in the Johnson City area for 8 years and worked for AFC for 5 years. Her sweet dog Cooper come with her to work daily to sleep for 8-9 hours. She has four daughters and two granddaughters. She loves getting to know the patients and getting to be with her work family.

Medical Assistant
Jena Terry
I am a native of Johnson City, I have 2 young boys ages 11 and 15. I enjoy spending time with them in my spare time. I am a passionate medical assistant dedicated to providing passionate care and efficient support.

Medical Assistant
Tabitha Miller
I am from Tennessee and live with my family of 7 in Chuckey. I have a lot of experience in the medical field and I love getting to help people. I have 3 sons and 3 daughters as well as 3 dogs.

Phlebotomist
Patience Copas
I currently live in Piney Flats on Boone Lake. I enjoy the outdoors and doing things with my son. I have 2 dogs, a gecko, and 3 birds.

Chronic Care Manager
Sue Allison
I am from Virginia and am retired from Ballad Health. I enjoy working part time at AFC because of the wonderful people and patients. In my spare time I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family, especially my grandson Carter.

Front Office
Shelia Smith
I am from Johnson City. I enjoy traveling and spending time with my son and daughter and two grandchildren .

Patient Coordinator
Jessica Elam
I am from East Tennessee and reside locally. I have 15 years medical experience and I am the patient navigator at the office. Navigating the complexities of healthcare with compassion and expertise to empower patients every step of the way. I am here to ensure everyone gets the care they deserve along with support and resources they need for optimal wellness.

Medical Assistant
Amy Shipley, RMA, PhT
Amy joined the Appalachian Family Care team in 2025 bringing with her more than 16 years of experience as she thrives to provide compassionate care, help aide and promote quality health and wellness in serving our patients and their families. A native of East TN and a graduate of American National University at Salem, VA with a career focus in Pedicatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Internal Medicine. She loves God and is very thankful for the talent to continue to serve others that he has blessed her with. When not at work, she loves spending time and being outdoors with her husband and their children along with family and friends.

Office Mascot
Cooper Higgins
"I was born in California, I am. 7 years old my person tells me. I like long walks, playing with my favorite toys and I love my daily treats. I love spending everyday with AFC and look forward to coming every morning!"