Meet our Extenders

Wendy Copeland, MPAS, PA-C

Dr. Smith’s Team

Wendy Palen Copeland, MPAS, PA-C, is a Cape Girardeau, Missouri native who has been a board-certified physician assistant since 2009. She earned her Bachelor of Chemistry from Valdosta State University and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from South University in Savannah. Before joining Valdosta Family Medicine, Wendy worked as a physician assistant alongside a general, vascular, and thoracic surgeon at Archbold Hospital. Wendy’s medical interests include general family practice, adolescent mental health, migraine management, women’s health, hormone replacement therapy, and wellness exams. She is passionate about providing personalized care and helping patients feel comfortable, supported, and confident in their health.

Outside of work, Wendy enjoys spending time with her husband, Nick, and their two children, Caroline and Collier. Family is an important part of her life, and she values building meaningful connections with the patients and families she serves.

Matthew Thomas, PA-C

Dr. Bishop’s Team

Matthew Thomas was born in San Diego, CA and enlisted in the United States Air Force after high school. He spent 10 years as a dental technician and was then selected for the Physician Assistant Program. Matt received his Masters degree from the University of Nebraska. He spent over 10 years as a Physician Assistant in the United States Air Force with one deployment to Afghanistan. He joined Valdosta Family Medicine in September of 2011.

Matt is married to Amy and they have five children together: Brianna, Jacob, Maggie, Hannah, and Hayden.

Pollyanna Boykin, FNP-BC

Dr. Williams’ Team

Pollyanna M. Boykin, BSN, RN, MS, FNP-C, is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Pollyanna was born in Illinois. She moved to the Valdosta area from Belgium in 1989 due to her father receiving orders to be stationed at Moody Air Force Base. Pollyanna attended Lowndes High School for her senior year and graduated in 1990. She then attended Valdosta State University where she obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. She was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the honor society of nursing, in the Epsilon Pi Chapter in 1996. She worked at South Georgia Medical Center as a registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit for two years. Pollyanna then moved to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida in order to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing in the Family Nurse Practitioner track. While attending the University of Florida, she was employed by Shands where she worked in the Medical Intensive Care Unit. Pollyanna graduated from the University of Florida in December 2000. Upon graduation, she worked in north Florida until 2014 when she joined Valdosta Family Medicine. She has one son, Benjamin. She enjoys running, reading, spending time with her family, and college football (GO Blazers!, GO Gators!).

Hunter Clanton, FNP-C

Dr. Bishop’s Team

Hunter Clanton is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Hunter is a graduate of Berrien High School. He attended Valdosta State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2018. He worked as a Registered Nurse at SGMC in the Emergency department for 5 years where he achieved several different accreditations including his Certified Emergency Nursing and Trauma Nursing Instructor credentials. He then returned to Valdosta State University and obtained his Master of Science in Nursing in 2022, graduating at the top of his class. Hunter joined Valdosta Family Medicine in 2022. He enjoys spending his time with wife and two daughters. His hobbies include weightlifting, golfing, and hunting. He is an avid football fan and doesn’t miss a Georgia Bulldog or Denver Bronco football game.

Luke Collins, FNP-C

Dr. Williams’ Team

Luke Collins is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. He relocated to Valdosta in 2015 and pursued his education at Valdosta State University, where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in December 2017. Following his graduation, he started his career at South Georgia Medical Center’s Emergency Department as a registered nurse. While working in the Emergency Department, he enrolled in Georgia Southwestern State University’s Master in the Science of Nursing program. During his many clinical rotations, several were at Valdosta Family Medicine where he made his mind up this is where he wanted to establish his career as a Nurse Practitioner. He received his Master’s degree in May 2023 and began working at Valdosta Family Medicine in June of that year. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, friends, his two dogs, as well as watching Georgia football.

Anna Grant, FNP-C

Dr. Bennett’s Team

Anna Vaggalis Grant is a Family Nurse Practitioner who joined our team at VFM in September 2018. Anna is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She is an alumna of Lanier County High School and later attended Valdosta State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2015. Following her undergraduate studies, Anna worked as a Registered Nurse at South Georgia Medical Center in the Cardiac Progressive Unit for two years. She then transferred to the SGMC-Lanier Campus and served as the Patient Care Coordinator for the swing-bed/inpatient facility. To further her education and clinical expertise, Anna attended South University in Savannah, GA, where she obtained her Master of Science-Family Nurse Practitioner degree in 2018. One of the unique aspects of Anna’s care is her personal experience with breast cancer. As a survivor, she is deeply passionate about preventative health screenings and has an intimate understanding of the fears and concerns that patients may experience regarding their health and treatment plan. Anna uses her cancer journey to better understand the needs and concerns of her patients, making it her mission to provide all with compassionate insight and exceptional care. Away from her professional duties, Anna enjoys reading, going to church, serving others, spending time with family and friends, and kayaking with her husband and bonus son.

Ashlyn Hancock, FNP-C

Dr. Bennett’s Team

Ashlyn Hancock is a Family Nurse Practitioner, board-certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She is a proud graduate of Clinch County High School and Valdosta State University, where she was awarded a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 2018. Ashlyn was distinguished as the top BSN graduate of the VSU College of Nursing and Health Sciences, an honor that reflects her dedication to her field. Ashlyn gained valuable experience as a registered nurse at South Georgia Medical Center, where she worked in the Medical Surgical Intensive Care Unit for three years. She returned to Valdosta State University to further her education with a Master’s of Science in Nursing. During this time, she had the privilege of completing her training at Valdosta Family Medicine. In November 2021, Ashlyn officially became a part of the VFM team, where she strives to provide outstanding patient care. Beyond her professional commitments, Ashlyn cherishes spending time with her family and her dog, Brodie. She is also an avid supporter of her husband’s coaching endeavors, and enjoys attending his football and baseball games, as well as swim meets. She proudly cheers for the Blue Devils!

Christopher Poore, FNP-C

Dr. Smith’s Team

Chris Poore is an experienced nurse practitioner with a passion for providing compassionate and comprehensive healthcare. His journey in the field began in 2008. Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, he pursued his education as a nurse practitioner and graduated in 2022. Throughout his career, Chris has worked in various healthcare settings, gaining a deep understanding of diverse treatments and conditions. He has chosen family medicine and emergency medicine as his primary interests, allowing him to care for patients of all ages and backgrounds. Outside of work, Chris cherishes the time he spends with his wife and children. He finds joy in the love and support they share, which fuels his commitment to providing the best possible care for his patients.

Kayla Schroepfer, FNP-C

Dr. Smith’s Team

Kayla Schroepfer earned a Master of Science degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from South University. Since starting her career in healthcare in 2013, she has committed herself to enhancing the health and well-being of both individuals and their families. Her areas of interest in family medicine include pediatrics, women’s health, mental health, and occupational health, in addition to offering comprehensive care for both short-term and long-term health conditions. Outside of her professional duties, Kayla values her time with her spouse, children, and extended family, while also enjoying activities such as traveling, sports, and music. Kayla looks forward to offering care that empowers you and collaborates with you to reach your health and wellness goals.

Blake Taylor, FNP-C

Dr. Smith’s Team

Blake Taylor is a Family Nurse Practitioner who has been in healthcare since 2011. He graduated as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2017 and has since devoted himself to improving the health and well-being of his patients. With a strong background in emergency room care, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his current role in family practice. Blake finds great satisfaction in the comprehensive approach of family practice, where he can treat a wide range of conditions and forge meaningful relationships with his patients. He is particularly passionate about managing hypertension, diabetes and promoting men’s health. For Blake, the most rewarding aspect of his profession is witnessing the positive impact he has on his patients’ lives, empowering them to make lasting improvements in their overall health and well-being. Outside of his professional endeavors, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters.

Brandy Van Jura, FNP-C

Dr. Williams’ Team

Brandy VanJura, BSN, RN, MS, FNP-C, is from Hahira, GA. She graduated from Lowndes High School. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Valdosta State University in 2001, graduating with honors. Brandy then worked at Emory University Hospital for 5 years, specializing in the care of patients undergoing liver and kidney transplants. Brandy then attended Georgia State University to pursue a Masters of Science degree. She graduated in 2006 and moved back to Valdosta where she joined the Valdosta Family Medicine. Her areas of interest include women’s health and wellness exams. Brandy is married to Matthew VanJura and has one daughter.