- Pediatric CareRaised in Riceville, Tennessee, Dr. Rachel Jestrab Worley spent her youth as an active member of the Athens community. In 2000, upon graduating from McMinn County High School, she was one of twenty students accepted into the elite Honors College at East Tennessee State University. In 2004, she graduated Cum Laude with her Bachelor's Degree in Foreign Language with a minor concentration in Chemistry. She then attended medical school at Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City, TN. During her college and medical school career, Dr. Worley was active in groups encouraging the empowerment of women and advocating for children. While in medical school she helped reestablish Student Women in Medicine and held officer positions in Women’s Health Student Interest Group and Pediatric Student Interest Group. In these positions she chaired activities providing education to students at various schools, supporting the Domestic Violence Shelter, and aiding the local Child Advocacy Center. At her medical school graduation, Dr. Worley was the recipient of The Ann Tranum Hawkins Award for Excellence in Women’s Health and The Katheleen M. Stern Award for ExcelIence in Developmental/Behavioral Pediatrics. In 2009, she moved to Columbia, SC to complete her three year pediatric residency at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital. Throughout her pediatric residency she received numerous awards for her teaching abilities and she was the graduating recipient of the Biadin Roldan Resident Teaching Award. Additionally, during residency Dr. Worley was again honored for excellence in Developmental Pediatrics as the recipient of the USC Developmental Pediatrics Award.
- Family PracticeMelanie Long obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 1996 and her Master of Science in Nursing degree in 1998 from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN. She is board certified in Family Practice by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She was a critical care Registered Nurse in the medical/surgical/neurosurgical intensive care units at Holston Valley Hospital in Kingsport, TN. She then practiced Internal Medicine from 1998 to 2001 in Chattanooga, TN, before joining Athens Pediatrics in 2001 where she is now the owner. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Gamma Beta Phi Honor and Service Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and was recognized for having the overall highest GPA in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at East Tennessee State University in 1998. While working in Pediatrics, she has been actively involved in the education of new nurse practitioner and physician assistant students. Melanie lives in Athens, TN with her daughter, Hailey, and enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
- Constipation
- ImmunizationsWe offer a variety of preventative care services including annual physical exams, well baby visits, sports physicals, and immunizations. With Athens Pediatrics PLLC, you will find compassionate, experienced providers delivering quality medical care for your child. Our staff will get to know you and your child so that we can offer the best care possible.
- Internal Medicine
- AutismChronic medical conditions in the pediatric population can be difficult to manage. Our providers are very comfortable addressing most of the common chronic problems including ADHD, abdominal pain, acne, allergies, asthma, constipation, behavioral disorders, depression, eczema, and obesity. We also serve as a medical home for children with special needs such as those with autism, Down Syndrome, and intellectual disability. If your child is frequently complaining of a symptom or has a chronic medical condition that is not well controlled, we encourage you to schedule a consult visit with us soon. Our goal is to optimize your child’s functioning with use of available resources and appropriate medications.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)Ms. Betty Fisher, LCSW obtained her Masters in Social Work from the University of Tennessee. She has been a therapist for over 35 years and has worked with patients in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. She has also provided employee assistance programs for multiple organizations as well as military personnel. She has experience working with adults, children, and adolescents. Ms. Betty joined Athens Pediatrics in 2017 and enjoys working with our pediatric population. She values the opportunity to work with children and help them address issues that often are not discussed until adulthood. Ms. Betty says “I hope I can help them have a better start in life.” She works with patients on developing healthy coping skills and incorporating mindfulness practices into their lives. She also teaches patients about the benefits of relaxation techniques. She is experienced in providing cognitive behavioral therapy, behavior modification therapy, and developing conflict resolution plans. Most patients meet with Ms. Betty for individual therapy but families are frequently given information regarding interventions that can be beneficial for the patient. Since Ms. Betty sees patients on-site she is able to easily communicate with the involved providers so that the entire team is up to speed on the patient. Ms. Betty treats patients with many different diagnoses including ADD/ADHD, ODD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation, and other behavior problems.
- Depression
- Mental HealthEmotional and mental health concerns can be some of the most challenging pediatric conditions to manage. At Athens Pediatrics we understand that early psychological intervention is key to improving functioning in children who are struggling. Pediatric mental health resources are scarce in our area so we employ an on-site counselor. Ms. Betty Fisher is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides therapy for multiple child and adolescent mental and behavioral health issues including depression, anxiety, oppositional defiant disorder, and ADD/ADHD.
- Behavioral HealthWe provide free prenatal visits for the expectant family to meet the providers and the staff. This is an opportunity for parents to learn about our practice philosophy, discuss any prenatal concerns, receive support for breastfeeding, and understand the typical visits for newborn babies. Our goal is for new parents to build a relationship with their provider and to feel comfortable discussing any concerns that develop. We especially want new parents to leave our office feeling confident that the provider addressed all their questions. If you are expecting, please call to schedule a prenatal consult!
- Anxiety
- DermatologyThough she loved life at the beach, the desire to be close to family prompted a decision to move back to the hills of Tennessee. In May 2018 Dr. Worley signed on with Athens Pediatrics LLC the practice where she had been a patient throughout her childhood. Inspired by her own pediatricians Dr. Ackaouy and Dr. Snider, she was only three years old when she first proclaimed her desire to become a pediatrician. Dr. Worley is thrilled to be able to provide comprehensive pediatric care for children from birth through high school years. She views every patient encounter with enthusiasm and genuinely loves developing relationships with the families that she serves. Dr. Worley is Board Certified in General Pediatrics and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Her professional interest include breastfeeding education, dermatology, and providing care for children with special needs.
- Acne Treatment
- Eczema
- Sports Medicine
- Allergies