Who We Are

Our Founders

Co-Founder & Family Nurse Practitioner

Dr. CeCe Brooks, DNP, FNP-C, CPNP-BC

Dr. Brooks, DNP is a Board-Certified Pediatric and Family Nurse Practitioner who holds her Doctorate in Nursing Practice. She is also a Certified BioIndividual Nutrition Practitioner, Great Plains Academy Master Practitioner, and an active member of the Institute of Functional Medicine. In regards to her own health, Dr. Brooks has personally experienced the healing abilities of the Functional Medicine approach. Functional Medicine provided her with a sense of hope and optimism by determining the root cause of chronic, debilitating symptoms she was experiencing for over 6 years. Nearly bedridden from what she learned was Lyme Disease in 2017, Dr. Brooks is a testament to the ability for functional medicine to treat, resolve, and heal chronic health issues.

As a practitioner, Dr. Brooks strives to provide that same sense of hope and optimism to her patients. By taking the time to understand each patient as a whole, it is her goal to provide unique, holistic, and integrative care that leads patients down the path to healing.

Dr. Brooks and her husband have four beautiful children. They love to go on family adventures, travel, hike, and enjoy fellowship with friends and family.

Co-Founder & Nurse Manager

Heidi Shirey

Heidi is a Registered Medical Assistant with over 20 years of experience in several areas of the medical field, including extensive experience in functional medicine and gastroenterology.

Over the years of working in medicine as well as caring for personal family members, Heidi quickly learned how confusing the healthcare system can be for many families. Often times this confusion stems from multiple medical providers being involved in a patient’s care with little communication amongst them and the patient. This can leave the patient with a lack of understanding of what is going on with their health. So, in 2019, Heidi became a personal patient advocate. She prides herself on the ability to gather patient information and initiating communication with the patient and their family.

Additionally, in practice, it is Heidi’s goal to ensure each and every patient receives the individual time and attention they need.

Heidi currently lives in Dawsonville with her husband and 2 adult children. She enjoys living on her farm and caring for their many animals!

Our Team


Medical Director

Dr. Jeffrey A. Donohue, MD

Dr. Jeffrey A. Donohue dedicates his time to anti-aging medicine, bioidentical hormones, and customized programs which help women and men resolve the symptoms of hormone imbalance, including weight gain, sexual dysfunction, declining energy levels and stress, brought on by menopause and andropause, thyroid disorders and adrenal fatigue.

He is a member of the American Academy for Anti-Aging Medicine and has completed the fellowship in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. Dr. Donohue earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University (LSU) in 1992 and Completed his residency in Family Practice at the University of Alabama College of Community Health Services in 1995. He is AMA Board Certified Family Practice and AMA Board Certified in Regenerative and Functional Medicine as well as Board Certified in Integrative Medicine by the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM).

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Nichole Barthold, PNP-PC

Nichole Barthold is a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with 10 years of experience providing sick and well care for newborns to young adults. She is a native Georgian and a graduate of the University of Georgia and Emory University. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2005 and a Bachelor and Masters of Science in Nursing in 2013. While in nursing school at Emory she conducted research in Neurodegenerative Diseases. 

Nichole has a passion for practicing medicine in a proactive, preventative, and personal manner. She strives to empower parents and kids to build a strong foundation for lifelong health through whole body wellness and to heal the body by tackling the root cause of illness. Her areas of interest include holistic, healthy nutrition, physical activity, lactation support, microbiome health, and fostering mental resilience. 

Nichole and her husband Alex live in Milton and have 4 children. They spend their weekends deeply involved in youth sports. She also enjoys cooking and meal prep, sourdough baking, gardening, playing lots of tennis, church, spending time at the pool and vacations to Disney.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Angela Seawright, FNP-C

Angela Seawright is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who graduated from College of Coastal Georgia where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She later went on to further her education at Brenau University to obtain her Masters of Science in Family Medicine. With over ten years of experience providing care for all ages, Angela began her career in the emergency department, enjoyed travel nursing around the country, and, eventually, made her way back to her home state of Georgia.

After years of witnessing recurrent hospital visits from chronically ill patients, and her own health beginning to fail, Angela became passionate about addressing lifestyle changes that contribute to a more optimal state of health. She strives to provide patients, parents, and kids with the knowledge to keep them healthy with a holistic approach to support every stage of life.

Angela’s goal is to provide personalized experiences for families without leaving the comfort of their homes by providing an old-school approach to a healthcare appointment with house calls.

Angela lives with her husband and two boys outside of Athens. They enjoy being outside, traveling, attending Church, and being with family and friends!

Integrative Health Coach & Metabolic Weight Specialist

Kristi Young

Kristi Young is an Integrative Health Coach and Metabolic Weight Specialist with 18 years of experience. Kristi specializes in peptide protocols designed to meet your unique health goals as relates to weight loss, muscle building, healing, and achieving optimal health.

Kristi’s personal experience with a life-changing injury, along with numerous surgeries and medications, left her body dangerously depleted. This journey gave her firsthand insight into the challenges of weight loss and recovery, inspiring her to offer holistic, sustainable solutions to help others regain their health. She understands the struggles many face and is passionate about addressing the root causes of health issues.

As a mother of two teenagers, Kristi brings her understanding of family life into her practice. Based in Georgia, she integrates the psychology of health into her approach, recognizing the connection between physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 

Kristi’s goal at Discovery Wellness Group is to empower individuals and families to overcome health challenges, restore balance, and thrive in all areas of their lives.

Front Desk Receptionist

Raley Shirey

Raley is a recent graduate of Brevard college where she received her bachelor’s degree of Health Science while being a student athlete. Raley is currently enrolled to become a Registered Nurse. And while awaiting completion of her nursing program, Raley is obtaining multiple certifications, including certified personal trainer (CPT), certified nutrition coach (CNC), and weight loss specialist (WLS).

Medical Assistant

Katie Wall

Katie graduated from BYU-Idaho with a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Physiology and an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting. She became a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and is studying to become a Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Specialist. She strives to help people with their health and takes pride in continually improving her knowledge to cater to patient’s needs. Katie is a mother of 4 young, very energetic children. They enjoy drawing, playing outside, and running around with their mom on her days off.

Medical Assistant

Valerie Fricker

Valerie has a bachelors in psychology with an associates in ultrasound diagnostic sonography from University of Texas Health Science Center. Valerie is a certified medical assistant and has been in the medical world for over 20 years, primarily working in pediatrics most of her career. She has also been a caretaker for many family members. Additionally, Valerie is currently furthering her education to become an RN.

Valerie loves being a mom to her three teenage children. They definitely keep her on her toes! When she’s not working, she loves to spend time with her bunnies, travel up to her cabin in the mountains, and just spend time with her friends.

Get started with Discover Wellness Group, today.