About Balanced Bodies Dawsonville
Wendy Skinner, RN
Owner
Wendy Skinner, an award-winning nurse with a passion for compassionate care and holistic wellness. Wendy’s journey into healthcare began with a deep-rooted desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. From her early days volunteering at community events to becoming a Fire Fighter/EMT and then a nurse in a Level II Trauma ED, Wendy has always been driven by a commitment to help those in need.
After completing her education with distinction, Wendy gained diverse experiences across various healthcare settings, including perioperative care and vascular access as a board-certified member of the IV/PICC Team. Her dedication to patient care earned her the prestigious DAISY Award, highlighting her exceptional skills and compassion.
Kent Cohen, MD
Founder
Dr. Kent Cohen is the founder of Balanced Bodies and the Medical Director of Balanced Bodies Dawsonville. Dr. Cohen 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 AFB. Dr. Cohen has been practicing Emergency Medicine in Atlanta since 1993.
Dr. Cohen has been treating acutely ill patients for more than 30 years. However, he 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. Dr. Cohen’s extensive experience identifying factors of acute illness and aging make him uniquely qualified to offer consultations and treatments in anti-aging and wellness.
Tim Carrega NP-C
CoFounder
Tim Carrega NP-C is the co-founder of Balanced Bodies, oversees 3 clinics and works in collaboration with Balanced Bodies Dawsonville. 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 8 years, Tim has focused on Anti-Aging and longevity medicine.
Tim’s mission is to help empower his clients to achieve optimal vitality and wellness using a personalized approach based on science to 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.
Thai Le FNP-BC
Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Thai brings a wealth of experience to our clinic. With four years of expertise in emergency medicine and interventional radiology, he has honed his skills in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. Thai’s medical journey began as a hospital corpsman, where he served two combat tours.
Following his service, Thai transitioned to the CDC’s newborn screening lab as a molecular biologist. This diverse medical background underscores his dedication to improving patient outcomes through comprehensive care and innovative health solutions.
Alyssa Hershey
Practice Manager
As the Practice Manager of Balanced Bodies Dawsonville, Alyssa brings a passion for holistic health and a strong background in healthcare operations to ensure the clinic runs smoothly and efficiently. With over a decade of experience in business administration and wellness management, Alyssa oversees day-to-day operations, staff coordination, client relations, and strategic planning to support the clinic’s mission of delivering exceptional quality in patient-centered care.
Driven by a commitment to both wellness for our patients and excellence in service, Alyssa excels in creating a supportive, efficient environment where patients and team members can thrive. From optimizing patient experience to managing the balance and performance of the team, she plays a vital role in aligning clinical goals with patient goals for success.
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.
Grace Kerlin
Secretary
Grace is a dedicated, detail-oriented secretary with a strong foundation in customer service, backed by over four years of experience. Known for her organizational skills, professionalism, and approachable nature, she excels at keeping operations running smoothly while ensuring patients and colleagues feel supported. Grace brings a unique blend of technological expertise and patient-focused service to every role she takes on.
