Meet the Urgent Care of Oconee Team

Chandler Freeman, a Leesburg, GA native, earned his B.S. in Exercise Science from Georgia Southern before completing his Master of Medical Science at Emory University’s PA program. A former firefighter/paramedic, he has experience in 911 emergency services, critical care transport, and family medicine. Passionate about patient care and community service, he is excited to serve the Athens area. Outside of work, Chandler enjoys pickleball, golf, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs with his wife, Joyner.

Crystal received her Degree of Physician Assistant from The Medical College of Georgia. Prior to MCG, she graduated from Lagrange College in Biology as a collegiate athlete playing softball. Crystal's areas of interest are Orthopedics and Family Medicine. She has been practicing medicine for over 20 years. She is married to her college sweetheart. They have 4 children with whom they love to spend time together with outdoors.

Daniel is from Atlanta, Georgia. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in biology from Berry College and a Master’s Degree in Health Science from Lincoln Memorial University. Previously, Daniel worked as a Student Athletic Trainer for the Berry College of Sports Medicine Department. Daniel previously worked at the Urgent Care of Oconee as a Medial Assistant. Daniel enjoys rowing, rugby, hiking and camping.

Ellen Ortlip, from Cumming, GA, earned her Biology degree with a Psychology minor from Covenant College and completed her PA studies at South College in Atlanta. She previously worked as a physical therapy aide and a medical assistant at Urgent Care of Oconee. Passionate about women’s health, psychiatry, and nutrition, Ellen is dedicated to serving all patients. She enjoys Pilates, Creed fitness, outdoor activities, and creative projects with her husband.

Jeff is a Rome, Georgia native who has lived in Oconee area for nearly 30 years. He is a 1991 graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science/Sports Medicine. Jeff went on to earn a Masters Degree in Health Promotion from the University of Georgia in 1998. In 2000, he graduated from Emory University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program with an MMSC. Jeff has worked in both emergency medicine and orthopedics over the past 25 years. He holds board certifications in primary care medicine and a certificate of added qualification in general surgery and orthopedic surgery. Jeff’s experience prior to physician assistant school included serving as an athletic trainer for the University of Georgia and the Minnesota Twins. Jeff has also worked numerous years with local high school athletic teams providing sports medicine services, and with emergency departments in both civilian and military environments leveraging his extensive medical training in trauma. Jeff served as a Lt. Col. in the United States Air Force Air National Guard with the 187th Fighter Wing from 2014-2025 where he served as commander of the Alabama Air National Guard disaster response team. Jeff currently serves with the United States Air Force Georgia Air National Guard where he serves as Chief of Staff for the 165th Airlift Wing medical group in Savannah, GA.  Jeff, and his wife Jennifer, have three boys who are graduates of the Oconee school system and are proud to be part of the Oconee community.

Kara Whyte is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) since 1994. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Wagner College, while concurrently earning her certificate of completion from Bayley Seton Hospital PA program in Staten Island, New York. For nearly 30 years, Kara has worked as a PA in Family Practice, College Health, Interventional Radiology and Neurosurgery prior to joining Urgent Care of Oconee. Kara and her husband Brad are blessed to enjoy Lake Life while they proudly watch their two Adult children fly on their own.

Originally from Dacula, GA, Michael Hawkins brings a strong background in emergency care and a passion for helping others to the Urgent Care of Oconee team. He earned his undergraduate degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Georgia and subsequently completed his Physician Assistant studies at Lincoln Memorial University. Before becoming a PA, Michael worked as an EMT in the Athens area, where he gained valuable hands-on experience in urgent care settings. Outside the clinic, he enjoys snowboarding, kayaking, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, and spending time with his wife and their dog.

Michael Shaw, PA-C, brings over 15 years of experience as a Physician Assistant, caring for patients in both military and civilian healthcare settings. A proud United States Air Force veteran, Michael served for 22 years before transitioning into community-based medicine. He earned his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center through the Military Interservice Physician Assistant Program and completed advanced fellowship training in orthopedics.

Michael is passionate about delivering patient-centered care and takes time to truly listen, explain, and collaborate with each individual he treats. His goal is to help patients feel informed, supported, and empowered in their health journey. Whether addressing injuries, managing chronic conditions, or guiding recovery, Michael focuses on improving comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life.

He is proud to serve the community with the same dedication and compassion that defined his military career.

Natalie is from Springfield, MO, however, she has lived all over the world, including Africa. Natalie made Georgia her home 20 years ago. She earned her undergraduate degree from Georgia College and State University and her Physician Assistant Master’s Degree from the Medical College of Georgia. Natalie previously worked in Orthopedic Surgery Primary Care and Emergency Medicine. Her interests include music, reading, hiking, camping and traveling. Natalie is an avid gardener. She volunteers her time with ACC-SANE, which is an organization that specializes in helping victims of sexual assault.

Samantha is originally from the North Florida area. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Baylor University in Waco, Texas and her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from South College in Knoxville, Tennessee. Samantha joined Urgent Care of Oconee in April 2022. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, hiking, carpentry, and spending quality time with her dogs and partner.

Sarah Kennedy, a Birmingham, Alabama native, earned her B.S. in Kinesiology with a Biology minor from UAB and her M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies from Faulkner University. Before PA school, she gained hands-on experience in psychiatry, the operating room, and sports medicine. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her golden retriever, binge-watching reality TV, and discovering new sushi spots.