Our Providers
Charles A. Withers, II, MD
Rheumatologist
Dr. Withers is a native of Washington, DC and has lived in North Carolina for over 10 years. He enjoys running and playing soccer in his spare time and is an active member of his church. One of his greatest joys is spending time with his wife and 3 young children.
Education and Training
Undergraduate: Swarthmore College (2002)
Medical School: Duke University (2008)
Internal Medicine Internship: Duke University (2009)
Internal Medicine Residency: Duke University (2011)
Rheumatology Fellowship: Duke University (2013)
Recent Publication
Withers, C.A., George, R.L., and Keenan, R.T. Diagnosis and management of gout: an update. JCOM. 2012. 19(11):519-527.
Awards & Honors
Aspen Health Forum, fellow (2007)
Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine
Award (2008)
Research Experience
​National Institutes of Health (2002)
Thomas Jefferson University (2003-2004)
Duke University Medical Center (2007, 2013)
Catherine Danford, PA-C Physician Assistant
Catherine is a native of Ohio who then lived in Florida for 4 years before coming to NC. She loves to help patients really understand their disease processes and introduce new and effective ways to improve their everyday lives. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, trying new Charlotte restaurants with her husband and friends, and especially walks with her dogs, Poppy and Winston.
Education
Undergraduate: University of Akron (2017)
Graduate: University of South Florida (2021)
Experience
Allergy and Rheumatology Associates (2021-2022)
University of South Florida Rheumatology Department (2021)
Lakisha Highe, AGNP
Nurse Practitioner
Lakisha is a native of North Carolina. She brings with her over 18 years of healthcare experience. She has a passion for helping people live their lives to the fullest in the healthiest version of themselves. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two busy boys.
Education
Undergraduate: University of North Caolina at Chapel Hill (2001)
Winston Salem State University (2015)
Graduate: Maryville University (2022)
Kara Bazemore
Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist
Kara is a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist specializing in Neuromuscular Therapy, Scarwork, and Myofascial Release Technique. Kara has been practicing since 2012 and has a passion for helping her clients find innovative solutions to pain. Her wholistic approach to wellness and condition management emphasizes practical, goal-oriented modalities with measurable results. Outside of her professional life Kara is an accomplished visual artist and avid outdoors woman who enjoys volunteering and visiting her hometown of Savannah, GA.
Nicole Elliott, MS, RDN, LDN
Registered Dietitian
Nicole is a native of Tucson, Arizona and has lived in North Carolina for 15 years. She has a passion for educating patients on nutrition and healthy eating habits, empowering them to live a well-balanced lifestyle and maintain a healthy body weight. She has also had inpatient experience working with multiple specialties, so she brings specialized nutrition guidance for patients with multiple diseases. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, going to state parks to run, and mountain biking with her three children and husband.
Education
Undergraduate: University of Arizona (2009)
Graduate: Northeastern University (2012)
Internship: University of Delaware (2014)
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Experience:
Atrium Health (2015-2024)
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (2009-2012)
