Meet Our Care Professionals
Dr. Heather Ford – Owner/Doctor of Nurse Practitioning
(With Upstate Wellness Center since 2022)I’m a 2019 Graduate of Anderson University with a Doctorate Nurse Practitioner degree specializing in psychiatric mental health across the lifespan. I have vast nursing experience in labor and delivery, Oncology, Cardiology and psychiatry. My psychiatry experience is in long term psychiatric behavioral health, inpatient behavioral health, outpatient behavioral health, nursing homes and veterans health. My goal is to provide patient centered care that respects each individual needs and goals of treatment as well as a non judgment space that you as the patient feel welcome to be yourself. I welcome diversity so together, we will design a plan that is tailored to your needs and goals for your mental health. I enjoy spending time with my family and working outdoors.
Mary Jackson – Owner/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
(With Upstate Wellness Center since 2023)
I graduated in 2022 with a Master's in Nursing from Anderson University. My background in
nursing is geriatrics and inpatient psych whereas my background as a PMHNP is inpatient and
outpatient psych.
I have 2 children so one of my favorite things to do is spend time with my family! Going to the
beach is my favorite vacation and my favorite pastime is watching NBA games, the best team>
Memphis Grizzlies!
Claudia Robinson – Office Manager
(With Upstate Wellness Center since 2023)
Claudia has over 31 years of experience in the mental health field, encompassing both inpatient
and outpatient settings. Her extensive expertise lies in administrative leadership, where she has
played a pivotal role in streamlining operations and promoting excellence. While her role includes
meaningful patient interactions, it focuses on administrative support rather than direct clinical
treatment.
Claudia has been an integral part of UWC since its inception, bringing her dedication and vision to
the organization. Originally from Belton, she has called Anderson home since 1993.
Beyond her professional life, Claudia is an active member of her church, where she finds joy in
singing with the choir. She loves exploring the Caribbean Islands on cruises and cherishes her
family: two beloved sons, affectionately dubbed her "Twin Towers" (despite not being twins!),
seven "Grand" grandchildren, and eight "Great" great-grandchildren.
What Claudia values most about her work is witnessing the transformative power of mental
health care. Recognizing the ongoing shift in societal attitudes toward mental health, she
remains committed to advocating for mental health awareness and breaking down stigmas.
Inspired by the incredible progress she sees in UWC's patients, she passionately champions the
integration of dedicated therapeutic teams to improve lives.
Chera Fields – Front End Supervisor
(With Upstate Wellness Center since 2023)
At my job, I enjoy helping people because I believe helping people is very important. I absolutely
love working here and with my team! They are the best and make work the most enjoyable time.
I’m from Greer, South Carolina but grew up in Belton. I enjoy the outdoors and my favorite time
of the year is summer where I enjoy the lake and the beach. In winter time, I enjoy bonfires and
spending time with good friends.
Kathy Dunn – Receptionist
(With Upstate Wellness Center since 2022)
I have been working here for 3 years, I work at the front desk primarily checking patients in &
out, & answering the phone along with other office duties. I enjoy talking to the patients & getting
to know them. I love the beach, the lake & swimming pool. I am definitely a summer time
person, I do not like cold weather. Give me sunshine & warmth every day! I have several large
plants & I love taking care of them. I enjoy working here & we have a great staff. Everyone is
willing to help each other. I love getting to know the patients & feel like I play a small part in
making life better.
O’Dalis Martinez – Receptionist
(With Upstate Wellness Center since 2023)
O’Dalis is one of our bright personalities who will greet you at the front and on the phone. She
has been with Upstate Wellness Center for 2 years now and enjoys helping the patients get to
where they need to be and see who they need to see.
In her off time, she enjoys spending time with her family. Personally, she really enjoys gardening
and taking care of plants just as well as she takes care of our patients!
Remington Layne – Receptionist/Communication Specialist
(With Upstate Wellness Center since 2025)
My name is Remington and I work between the two offices in Anderson and Greenville. If you
come to our Greenville office, I’ll be your point of contact and help you get settled with your
payments, schedules, questions, and anything else you can think of. If I don’t have the answer
off hand, you can be I’ll find it for you quick! Sometimes, you can catch me at the Anderson
office on Tuesdays.
Aside from being front desk, I get the fun job of handling communications like marketing,
creating this website, events, social media, and business strategy. Communication is one of two
of my passions with the second being psychology. I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in
Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London and will be getting my doctorate
afterward. My goal is to be Dr. Remington Layne and work at Upstate Wellness Center helping
people even more!
Kathy Gail – Assistant Office Manager
(With Upstate Wellness Center since 2024)
My experience has been in mental health for 26 years where I worked at the Department of
Mental Health (Greenville’s Mental Health Center). Now, I work for Upstate Wellness Center and
I love what I do! I handle referrals, postings and deposits, and extra administrative duties.
I have a lot of hobbies: art and crafts, sewing, gardening and anything I want to do like traveling
and helping others.
Elizabeth Sheridan – Prior Authorizations Specialist
(With Upstate Wellness Center since 2022)
I earned my Bachelor in Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from Millikin University in 2005. My
responsibility is to work with your insurance company to ensure that your medication is covered
under your plan. When your provider prescribes a medication for you, often your insurance
company requires approval prior to covering payment for the medication. I collect clinical
information and documentation required by the insurance company to obtain approval of
medication. Additionally, I research low cost or no cost options for qualified patients to afford the
medication prescribed. I love what I do and helping patients get the medications they need.
I grew up in St. Charles, Illinois. My hobbies include playing the viola and violin, gardening,
caring for my bonsai trees and playing with my Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Gibby.
Wanda Wald – Records Specialist
(With Upstate Wellness Center since 2019)
I am retired from Oconee Memorial Hospital, Pathology and Laboratory Department after thirty
years. I have been with this practice for more than five years and have remained since the
practice transitioned to Upstate Wellness Center. I enjoy working here because I can work part
time at present and have some great co-workers. I am responsible for receiving medical records
requests and making certain that we have the correct signature authorizations, POA's etc.,
billing and maintaining records of activity for future reference.
I live in Walhalla, S.C. which borders the N.C. and Georgia border of S.C. I am a sign language
interpreter for the deaf having trained at Tri County Technical College and Beaverdam Baptist
Association. I have a Paralegal Degree from Southern Career Institute. My favorite activity at
present is spending time with my grandchildren and I am an avid sports spectator.
Dr. George Jones – Clinical Psychologist
(With Upstate Wellness Center since 2020)
I graduated from University of Central Arkansas with Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s of
Psychology in 1979 and 1982, respectively. I therein attended Florida Institute of Technology
and obtained my Doctorate of Clinical Psychology in 1986. I’ve spent the last 40 years with
extensive experience in testing, teaching, and administering psychological therapy to students
and patients, alike. I began in psychology and liked it too much to want to do anything else. I’ve
been with UWC for about 5 years and I enjoy it because I love the job and the diversity of the
environment.
In my spare time, I like being outside and playing tennis, gold, and basketball. Sometimes, I’ll
even get to hike!
June Glenn – Therapist
(With Upstate Wellness Center since 2017)
I am a clinical therapist, providing individual mental health therapy for clients.
My education began in 2000 when I obtained an AS in Sociology, my Bachelor’s in Experimental
Psychology in 2004, and finally, I graduated from USC Columbia in 2007 with a Masters in
Social Work. Additionally, I have a certificate from the Behavioral Institute in Dialectical Behavior
Therapy. I use numerous therapies; CBT, DBT, ACT, trauma-focused CBT, exposure therapy,
behavior therapy, psychoanalytic, solution-focused therapy, client-centered therapy.
In my spare time, I love to contra dance and dance in different states and roller skating with
grandchildren. I enjoy working at Upstate Wellness Center due to the friendly staff and ability to
work independently and collaboratively with other clinical staff members.
Abigail Shipman – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
(With Upstate Wellness Center since 2024)
I’m a 2023 graduate of Anderson University with a Master’s of Science in Nursing. I love being a
nurse practitioner because I love helping patients improve their mental health to reach a better
quality of life. I’m happy at Upstate Wellness Center because it’s a supportive and encouraging
environment with a dedicated staff.
I grew up in Travelers Rest, SC to a family of 6 siblings and so one of my favorite things to do is
spending time with my family!
Deundra Cooke – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
(With Upstate Wellness Center since 2020)
I graduated with an Associate Degree in Nursing in 2004, a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from
Clemson in 2010, and a Master’s of Science in Nursing at University of South Carolina -
Columbia in 2018. I’ve been a practicing Nurse Practitioner for 21 years with 19 years of that
time in psychiatric nursing. I enjoy working at Upstate Wellness Center because of my
coworkers and the opportunity to help people!
My hobbies and interests are painting and playing the piano.
Rosa Calhoun – Licensed Independent Social Worker
(With Upstate Wellness Center since 2023)
I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2016 and my
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University. When I joined Upstate Wellness
Center, I found it to be a deeply supportive environment for both clients and clinicians.
I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy to help adults navigate life’s challenges and
improve their overall well-being. Using a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Trauma-Informed Care,
and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, I tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs.
I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and
grief and loss. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard and
empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives. I believe in a holistic approach to mental
health, integrating mindfulness and self-care strategies to foster resilience and personal growth.
Originally from Boynton Beach, I enjoy spending my free time paddle boarding, hiking,
practicing yoga, and reading.
Dr. Ernest C. Martin, MD – Doctor of Psychiatry
Former owner of Ernest C. Martin MD Behavioral Health Group
Dr. Martin graduated medical school from Michigan State University College of Medicine in
1986, obtaining his Medical Doctorate. He then took residency from 1986-1990 at the Detroit
Medical Center Wayne State University, School of Medicine Detroit Psychiatric Institute. Finally,
in 1991, he graduated as a Fellow at State of Michigan Center for Forensic Psychiatry and
University of Michigan College of Law.
He then went on to create Ernest C. Martin’s Behavioral Group with a career spanning 40 years.