Meet The Dawsonville Team
Wendy Skinner, BSN, RN, VABC
Owner & Operator
Wendy Skinner is an award-winning nurse, entrepreneur, and owner of Balanced Bodies Dawsonville. With a lifelong calling to help others, she began her career serving her North Georgia community as a firefighter and first responder before becoming a registered nurse.
Wendy started her nursing career in a Level II Trauma Emergency Department, later expanding her experience into perioperative care, PACU leadership, and board-certified vascular access. She was honored with the DAISY Award for her compassion and dedication to patient care.
Today, Wendy works alongside provider-directed care plans, bringing her medical knowledge into anti-aging and wellness. She’s passionate about helping people rediscover their balance, elevate their wellness, and live fully and confidently—while supporting, educating, and advocating for every client she serves. She has been recognized as the Don Gordon Business Leader of the Year and Best of Dawson 2026 Best Non-MD Medical Professional.
Outside of work, Wendy is married to her best friend and business partner and is a proud mom of three children, along with their four dogs and two cats. She also serves as an Ambassador for the Dawson County Chamber. Giving back, lifting others up, and spreading positivity are at the heart of what drives her passion.
Kent Cohen, MD
Medical Director & Co-Founder
Dr. Cohen, MD is a Co-Founder and Medical Director of Balanced Bodies Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinics. He received his bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Georgia in 1982. He earned his Medical Degree (MD) from Emory University in 1986 and finished his specialty training in Emergency Medicine at Orlando Regional Hospital Medical Center in 1989.
Dr. Cohen performed Active Duty service in the US Air Force and received the Desert Storm Service Ribbon. He was the Director of Emergency Services at USAF Scott Air Force Base. He has practiced Emergency Medicine in Atlanta since 1993. Dr. Cohen now focuses his attention on wellness and health. Since 2016, he has focused on anti-aging and the prevention of problems that affect us as we get older.
Tim Carrega NP-C
Certified Nurse Practioner & Co-Founder
Tim Carrega, NP-C is the Co-Founder of Balanced Bodies Anti-Aging & Wellness Clinics. Tim has over 20 years working in healthcare. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Over the last eight years, Tim has focused on longevity medicine & obesity management.
Tim’s mission is to empower his clients to achieve optimal vitality and wellness using a personalized approach that’s based on science. He aims to help you reach an optimal state of health and avoid many of the diseases associated with aging. He is an active member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging medicine and stays current on changing therapies through hundreds of hours of continual education.
Shelley Sears PA-C
Certified Physician Assistant
Shelley brings over 20 years of medical experience and a decade of provider expertise. A lifelong athlete with a deep passion for health and wellness, Shelley is committed to helping others feel their best through optimized care.
She proudly served eight years on active duty in the U.S. Army, deploying to both Iraq and Afghanistan as a medic and EMT. Following her military service, Shelley earned her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, graduating with honors and receiving the Director’s Award for Perseverance.
Outside of work, Shelley enjoys raising her two “beautiful, feral” children, staying active through fitness, and exploring the world to satisfy her wanderlust. She believes hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is life-changing medicine and is passionate about educating patients on how to achieve their optimal health through hormonal balance.
Grace Kerlin
Patient Care Coordinator
Grace is a detail-oriented individual with a strong background in customer service and a genuine passion for creating a seamless, welcoming patient experience. She supports scheduling, patient coordination, and front-of-house operations, helping ensure each visit flows smoothly from start to finish.
Known for her organization, professionalism, and kind, approachable nature, Grace is the one who keeps the clinic running effortlessly behind the scenes. She is a steady, reliable presence for both patients and the team—truly the rock of our clinic and an essential part of the care we provide.
Alyssa Hershey
Wellness Experience Manager
Driven by a commitment to both patient wellness and excellence in service, Alyssa excels at creating a supportive and efficient environment where patients feel cared for from the moment they arrive. She focuses on optimizing the overall patient experience, coordinating with the clinical team, and guiding clients through services, memberships, and wellness offerings to ensure they feel informed and confident throughout their journey. Her role is essential in bridging the connection between operational flow and an elevated client experience.
Outside of the clinic, Alyssa enjoys playing volleyball with her husband and cheering on her son at his lacrosse games and band performances. A devoted traveler, she aims to explore two new countries each year. She also has a love for scuba diving, music, and creating unforgettable memories with her family and loved ones.
Brooke Mattox, PM
Paramedic
Brooke has been a paramedic since 2012, bringing over a decade of experience in high-level patient care. She has worked with both Grady and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) and continues to serve her community part-time with Lumpkin County. Her clinical skillset, quick thinking, and calm presence make her an invaluable part of our team.
Outside of the clinic, Brooke is married to her best friend, and together they share three kids and one dog. She loves traveling with her family and staying active through workouts.
Known for her strong clinical skills and down-to-earth, compassionate personality, Brooke provides high-quality care while creating an environment where patients feel at ease, informed, and well cared for.
Destiney Smith, MA
Medical Assistant
Destiney is a Registered Medical Assistant with over 10 years of experience and a true passion for patient care. She is dedicated to supporting not only physical health, but also mental health and overall well-being, believing that quality care starts with listening, understanding, and creating a space where patients feel comfortable, respected, and genuinely cared for.
Known for her compassionate nature and attentive approach, Destiney brings both experience and heart to every patient interaction, helping create a supportive and positive environment within the clinic.
Outside of work, Destiney is a proud parent of three children who keep life full and fun. She also enjoys unwinding with true crime shows and is passionate about giving back by sponsoring women working through alcoholism and addiction. Supporting others—both inside and outside the clinic—is at the core of who she is.
Areen Nagle, MA
Medical Assistant
Areen is a compassionate and outgoing medical assistant with a strong background in healthcare and a genuine passion for serving others. He is dedicated to supporting patient well-being and helping create a positive, welcoming experience for everyone who walks through the door.
Known for his friendly personality and attentive approach, Areen brings both energy and care to his role, supporting both clinical and front-of-house operations.
He is currently a student at the University of Georgia studying biology (Go Dawgs!) as he works toward pursuing his MD. Outside of the clinic, Areen enjoys biking, trying new restaurants with friends, and working on cars.
James Skinner
Owner & CFO
James brings over 26 years of experience in project management, construction, real estate investment, and capital budgeting. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, he has a unique ability to turn vision into reality and execute projects to the highest standard.
Known for his calm demeanor, strong problem-solving mindset, and ability to fix just about anything, James plays a critical role behind the scenes in keeping operations running smoothly and efficiently.
As Owner and CFO of Balanced Bodies Dawsonville, James has been a steady partner in building the clinic from the ground up. He has stood by his wife Wendy’s side, helping bring her vision to life and turning her dreams into reality.