Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Kel Harper, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with over three decades of experience, practicing at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology in Atlanta and Alpharetta, Georgia. Many of Dr. Harper’s patients start seeing him during their teen years and continue throughout the many stages of women’s health needs.
A lifelong resident of Georgia, Dr. Harper earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia in Athens before earning his medical degree at The Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He then fulfilled his OB/GYN residency at the Greenville Hospital System (now called Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital) in Greenville, South Carolina, before returning home to join the experienced physicians at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dedicated to keeping up with advancements in obstetrics and gynecology best practices, Dr. Harper is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
When he’s not at work, Dr. Harper enjoys sports, especially football, and spending time with his three children.
Kalie Vinson, MD, FACOG, is an obstetrician and gynecologist at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology in Atlanta and Alpharetta, Georgia. Dr. Vinson sees patients for in-office women’s wellness exams, contraceptive planning, prenatal care, menopausal consultations, and the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.
Dr. Vinson was raised in Milton, Georgia. After high school, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to earn her undergraduate degree at Vanderbilt University, where she majored in neuroscience. She returned to Georgia to earn her medical degree at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and completed her OB/GYN residency training at Emory University in Atlanta. She started practicing gynecology in the same hospital where she was born, Northside Hospital in Georgia.
When she’s not at work, Dr. Vinson enjoys spending free time with her husband, Joseph, who is a psychiatrist in Atlanta, and her two kids. They love to take road trips and visit family in the North Georgia mountains.
Nicole Blackburn MD, FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology in Atlanta and Alpharetta, Georgia. A long-time resident of the Orlando, Florida area, Dr. Blackburn earned both her undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of Florida in Gainesville. She moved to Atlanta to complete her OB/GYN residency training at Emory University. After residency, she joined the physicians at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Blackburn welcomes all types of obstetric and gynecologic patients. She particularly loves building long term doctor-patient relationships, from assisting with their contraceptive needs, to delivering their babies, to guiding them through menopause.
Dr. Blackburn has three little boys and two dogs. She enjoys cooking, watching college football, and spending time with her family.
Education &Training:
Medical Education, University of Florida College of Medicine
Residency, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Emory
Distinctions & Affiliations:
Board Certified, Obstetrics & Gynecology
Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Michelle Picon, MD, MPH, FACOG is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology in Atlanta and Alpharetta, Georgia. She finds every aspect of her career incredibly fulfilling, from delivering babies to performing surgery and treating a variety of gynecologic conditions. Her goal is to build lasting relationships with patients by offering high-quality, educational, and patient-centered care that honors diversity and empowers her patients to make the best decisions for their health and wellbeing. She is also proud to offer all services in Spanish.
Although she was raised in Rome, Georgia, Dr. Picon is originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico and a native Spanish speaker. She attended Duke University, then moved to Miami, Florida to earn her Medical Degree and Masters of Public Health at the University of Miami. During her time there, she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to complete a maternal-child health research project working with adolescent mothers in Cartagena, Colombia. She then completed her residency at Emory University, and practiced in the Atlanta area for a few years before joining Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Picon spends her free time with her husband, daughter, and their dog Coconut. She enjoys running, swimming, spending time outdoors, and traveling, especially family trips to Puerto Rico.
Julie Zimmermann, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with over 28 years of experience at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology in Atlanta and Alpharetta, Georgia. She is committed to spending as much time with patients as needed, conducting thorough examinations, and discussing women’s health concerns along with potential treatment options to enable patients to make educated decisions about their health care.
Dr. Zimmermann started her educational journey with an undergraduate degree at Davidson College in North Carolina. She then moved to Atlanta to earn her medical degree at Emory University.
Before returning to Atlanta to join the team at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Zimmermann completed her OB/GYN residency in the Bronx, New York, at Albert Einstein College of Medicine Montefiore Medical Center. Dr. Zimmermann is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
When she’s not at work, Dr. Zimmermann enjoys theater, music, and spending time with her family.
Renita White, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology in Atlanta and Alpharetta, Georgia. Dr. White cares for women in all stages of life and treats a variety of conditions, including fibroids, menopause, and fertility.
Originally from Georgia, Dr. White earned her undergraduate degree at Duke University and medical degree at The Ohio State University. She then returned to Atlanta for her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Emory University.
Outside of work, Dr. White cohosts a podcast about pregnancy and motherhood. She also contributes to health articles to encourage patient education. In her spare time, Dr. White enjoys traveling, reading, Pilates, and trying new restaurants.
Education & Training
Duke University-Undergraduate
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Emory University-OBGYN Residency
Distinctions & Affiliations
Fellow, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Jeanette Leader, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology in Atlanta and Alpharetta, Georgia. Along with providing general gynecology and women’s health care, she uses her experience and passion to help women during pregnancy, labor, and birth — the most exciting time of their lives.
Dr. Leader earned both her undergraduate and medical degrees at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She then traveled to Florida to fulfill her residency at Orlando Regional Hospital.
Recognized by the Atlanta Top Doctors Magazine, Dr. Leader was named a top physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology from 2018-2021 and was also named Castle Connolly’s Exceptional Women in Medicine in 2020 and 2021.
To stay up-to-date with the latest in gynecology and obstetrics care, Dr. Leader is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Outside of work, Dr. Leader loves traveling the world (and has even been to all seven continents) with her daughter and husband and adores her rescue dog named Jet. She also enjoys reading all types of fiction, contemporary, mystery, young adult, fantasy, sci-fi and historical.
“If one advances confidently in the direction of [ones] dreams, and endeavors to live the life which [one] has imagined, [she] will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
Stephen Ayres, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology in Atlanta and Alpharetta, Georgia. He is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate patient-centered care for women from adolescence through senior citizens. Many of Dr. Ayres' patients have been scheduling appointments with him for over a decade. Dr. Ayres is known for his caring nature and for putting patients at ease.
Originally from Tennessee, Dr. Ayres earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, and his medical degree from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He stayed in Georgia to also complete both his residency and additional training at Emory University.
To stay up to date with the latest treatment options and technology and provide high-quality care, Dr. Ayres is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
When he’s not at work, Dr. Ayres enjoys golfing, watching football, and spending time with his wife and two children.
Dr. Michelle Dodder is a dedicated and compassionate board-certified gynecologist practicing at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn, conveniently located in Atlanta, Alpharetta, and Marietta, Georgia.
Dr. Dodder's academic journey began at Atlanta's esteemed Oglethorpe University, where she earned her undergraduate degree. Continuing her pursuit of excellence, she attended Emory University for medical school and residency training, where her commitment to patient care was evident as she served as Chief Administrative Resident during her final year.
Dr. Dodder offers a comprehensive range of services to address women's health needs at every stage of life. Additionally, Dr. Dodder is highly skilled in managing perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, offering personalized treatment plans to alleviate discomfort and promote overall health and vitality during this transitional phase of life.
Recognizing the importance of contraception in family planning, Dr. Dodder provides comprehensive counseling and access to a variety of contraceptive options tailored to each patient's individual needs and preferences.
For women experiencing abnormal gynecological changes, Dr. Dodder offers thorough evaluation and diagnosis, followed by personalized treatment strategies aimed at restoring normal life and optimizing gynecological health. In addition to these specialized services, Dr. Dodder provides routine gynecological care, including annual wellness exams, preventive screenings, and management of common gynecological conditions such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, and pelvic pain.
Embark on a healthcare journey tailored specifically for you by requesting an appointment with Dr. Dodder today. Contact the office nearest to you or utilize our convenient online booking tool. With Dr. Dodder at your side, your wellbeing is her utmost priority, ensuring you receive the compassionate and capable care you deserve.
Dr. Anamaria Uceda combines advanced surgical skills, a warm and approachable bedside manner, and deep local ties to provide exceptional women’s health care at North Atlanta OB/GYN. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is proud to serve the diverse communities of Metro Atlanta with personalized, patient-focused care.
Born in Lima, Peru, and raised in Roswell, GA, Dr. Uceda’s commitment to women’s health is rooted in both her cultural heritage and her strong connection to the area. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master’s in Chemistry from Georgia State University before attending Mercer University School of Medicine in Savannah, where her passion for obstetrics and gynecology was sparked by inspiring mentors.
Dr. Uceda completed her OB/GYN residency at Henry Ford’s Warren Campus in Michigan, where she served as Academic Chief and Surgical Representative to the Graduate Medical Education Resident Council. She developed her residency’s educational curriculum and earned recognition for her leadership and dedication to teaching.
With specialized training in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and certification in Da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgery, Dr. Uceda offers her patients advanced, evidence-based treatment options for a variety of gynecologic conditions. She has extensive experience in laparoscopic and robotic procedures, with a particular interest in gynecologic pathology and helping patients achieve wellness through less invasive, faster-recovery approaches.
Her research includes presentations on labor management in obese patients and cost-effectiveness in gynecologic surgery, and she regularly shares her expertise at national and regional medical conferences. She is an active member of the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.
Outside of the office, Dr. Uceda enjoys spending time with her husband, young son, and Labradoodle. She loves cooking new recipes, attending outdoor art festivals, jogging, and hiking with her family.
Patients searching for a caring, highly skilled OB/GYN in North Atlanta who speaks both English and Spanish will find a trusted advocate in Dr. Uceda. She is honored to care for women through every stage of life, from adolescence and pregnancy to menopause and beyond.
Sitra Mekonnen, MD, is an adept and caring board-certified obstetrics and gynecology physician at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn, which has locations throughout Alpharetta, Marietta, and Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Mekonnen completed her undergraduate degree at Emory University here in Atlanta. She then received her medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health and Science Center, located in Memphis, Tennessee. She completed her residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Orlando Regional Medical Center. During her residency training, she was recognized for Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology. She is also certified to perform da Vinci robotic surgeries.
Dr. Mekonnen is originally from Memphis, Tennessee, but she has relocated and settled down in Atlanta. She enjoys all aspects of women’s health care and has special interests in high-risk obstetrics, contraceptive care, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Mekonnen is passionate about empowering her patients, providing individualized care, and being an advocate for women.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mekonnen and the team at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn, call the office or book online today.
“Dr Sitra took the time to sit with me and really ask questions. She didn’t try to rush me out of her office. I really appreciate her for taking great care of of me !”
Dr. Sitra Mekonnen, MD
OB-GYN
1523 Johnson Ferry Road
Suite 150
Marietta, GA 30062
5.0(3)
Dr. Jana Illston, MD
Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgeon 40.4 mi
1523 Johnson Ferry Road
Suite 150
Marietta, GA 30062
Jana Dopson Illston, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and urogynecologist serving patients at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn, which has locations in Alpharetta, Marietta, and Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Illston specializes in the care of prolapse, overactive bladder, urine leakage, accidental bowel leakage, vaginal changes of menopause, painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis, and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Dr. Illston was a Foundation Fellow and CURO Scholar at the University of Georgia, and her undergraduate degrees in Anthropology and Microbiology were enriched through travel study opportunities around the world. She went on to attend medical school at the Medical College of Georgia, where she developed a passion for women’s health through her involvement with the American Medical Women’s Association. She completed residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Greenville Health System in Greenville, South Carolina, before going on to complete fellowship training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (urogynecology) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingham, Alabama. For the past two years, she has been practicing in Atlanta, and she is thrilled to be part of the team at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn.
As a fellowship-trained, board-certified urogynecologist, Dr. Illston is well prepared to offer the full range of available therapeutic and treatment options for pelvic floor disorders. These include vaginal prolapse repairs without mesh, prolapse repairs with mesh augmentation, midurethral slings, pubovaginal slings, bladder Botox, sacral and peripheral neuromodulation, bulking agents, and pessaries.
Dr. Illston is passionate about helping restore the quality of life for women with bothersome pelvic floor disorders and has been a wonderful addition to the team.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Illston, call the office nearest you or book online today.
While visiting a friend who had recently returned home from New Mexico, Ellen felt the call of midwifery for the first time as a young woman entering the adult world around forty years ago. This friend had practiced Midwifery with Traditional Hispanic midwives, the Curandera-parteras. These traditional Midwives played a vital role in Ellen’s understanding of the underserved mothers and babies of Northern New Mexico. Her heart thrilled as she listened to the stories of the mothers bringing life into the world into the sacred hands of Curandera-parteras who served this underserved region for many years.
After much prayer and contemplation Ellen decided to follow the path of Midwifery through Nursing. She lived and was raised in Nashville, Tennessee and completed her A.D. in nursing in 1988, followed by her BSN in 2009. Ellen went to work as a labor and delivery nurse at the old Metro General Hospital, which is now closed, formerly located on the Cumberland River. A team of Nurse-Midwives served the women at the Metro General, and again, Ellen heard the strong call of midwifery on her life.
Ellen worked as a labor and delivery, post-partum, normal newborn and high risk newborn nurse for over 25 years. During this time, she raised her own family and continued her education as her children obtained theirs.
In 2011 Ellen had the opportunity to return to school, and now, after many years of working as a RN and raising her family, the call of Midwifery came to her again. She was able to enter Frontier School of Nurse-Midwifery and Family Nursing, founded by Mary Breckenridge. Ellen earned her MSN from The Frontier School of Nurse Midwifery in 2014 and went on to become a certified nurse midwife, fulfilling this lifelong dream and call.
Ellen again remembered the night with her friend years ago. The stories of birthing mothers, under the vast New Mexico desert sky, rich, misty, painfully blue and purple and the love, skill, dedication and healing of the Curandera-parteras. She remembered the first call within her spirit to a path of Midwifery. Ellen has a deep belief that all birth is a sacred, spiritual experience for each mother and family and should be treated with respect and reverence. She believes in Shared Decision Making, Informed Consent, and Partnering with women. She has a long history of working in a hospital setting but has also attended home births in the traditional setting.
Fun Fact: Ellen recalls that she was born in Marietta Ga and when she was a small child she has fun memories of her family calling her a “Georgia Peach.” Ellen is excited to return to Georgia, join the team at Providence Women’s Health Care and serve Georgia, where she was born.
“Ellen and the staff at the Peachtree Corners location are all very courteous and professional. Ellen specifically met with me and patiently listened to my concerns and questions. She gave me straightforward, honest answers. She also described options on how to move forward. Their office and facilities are clean, beautiful and comforting. I highly recommend anyone looking for a new gynecologist in the Peachtree Corners area check out this location. Providence women’s health.”
Shelley Dunson-Allen, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN physician at Providence Women's Healthcare in Roswell, Suwanee, and Atlanta, Georgia. She is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Dunson-Allen attended Harvard Medical School and completed her internship and residency at Emory University in 1993. She has served as an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Morehouse School of Medicine and as a clinical instructor at Emory University Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics teaching resident physicians and medical students. Dr. Dunson-Allen has been in private practice in metro Atlanta since 1996.
She has been in practice in North Fulton County since 2001 and founded Providence Women’s Healthcare in 2008. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Georgia OB/GYN Society. Dr. Shelley Dunson-Allen is on staff at Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital, and Northside Hospital-Atlanta (Sandy Springs).
Dr. Dunson-Allen has a special interest in the management of abnormal uterine bleeding disorders, uterine fibroids, contraceptive management, and robotic laparoscopic/minimally invasive surgery.
Dr. Dunson-Allen has two busy and active sons and two wonderful step-daughters. She is an active member of the Greater North Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and cooking.
“Dr. Dunson-Allen was amazing! So intelligent and knowledgeable; she answered all my questions with ease. I felt extremely welcome at her practice. She came so highly recommended I traveled from over an hour away to receive medical care. I do not regret it at all. Thank you to Providence for a wonderful, professional experience!”
Marguerite Dorothy Doctor, MD, is an OB/GYN serving patients at Providence Women's Healthcare in Roswell, Suwanee, and Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Doctor was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Upon high school graduation, she matriculated to Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, where she majored in biology. Her educational pursuits then led her to Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. Upon completion of medical school, Dr. Doctor completed her residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio.
Dr. Doctor has served in various medical communities as a clinician and an associate professor teaching medical students and residents. She has served people in the states of California, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. She has also participated in medical and spiritual missions to Nairobi, Kenya, Haiti, The Bahamas, and Seoul, South Korea.
In addition to her medical pursuits, Dr. Doctor served as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy, serving on both Marine and Naval bases. Dr. Doctor entered a new season in life when she was called to preach the gospel. She is an ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. She completed the Master of Divinity and Master of Public Health dual degree program at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology and Rollins School of Public Health. Dr. Doctor is now equipped to effect change not only on the individual level with her patients but on the community level as well.
Dr. Doctor is a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoys reading fiction and non-fiction and writing prose and poetry. She also enjoys visiting museums and listening to music including, but not limited to, contemporary jazz, classical, and gospel music.
“Excellent bedside manner, very warm and knowledgeable. She is clearly an expert in women’s health and a skilled in culturally competent patient educator. I felt listened to and treated with respect.”
OB/GYN Mimi Vanoyan, MD, FACOG, provides a wide range of women’s health services at Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates’ two locations in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Vanoyan completed her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from the University of California, Davis. She received her medical degree from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and completed her internship and residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, where she also served as chief resident. As chief resident, she was named outstanding resident in laparoscopic surgery.
Dr. Vanoyan joined Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates in April 2002. She is proficient in all areas of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with a special interest in adolescent gynecology, contraception, and high-risk obstetrics. Dr. Vanoyan is certified in the placement of all types of IUDs and Nexplanon®. She has been honored multiple times by Atlanta Magazine as one of their top doctors.
Dr. Vanoyan lives in Atlanta with her spouse, two children, and her sweet Havanese. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in New York City with her family and riding in place on her Peloton.
“I had an appointment at 11 AM. I got there around 10:45 AM to make sure I had time to fill out and handle anything that was necessary. Nothing was needed except payment for the visit. I wasn't called back until close to 11:30 AM. Other than that, the procedure went fine. The doctor explained everything before proceeding. ”
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