Our Health Clinic Team
Health Practitioners
Dr. Karen Saavedra-Chavez, D.D.S.
Dr. Saavedra-Chavez received her D.D.S. from Inca Garcilaso de la Vega University, in Lima, Peru. Subsequently, she graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine from the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program (2 years). During Dr. Saavedra-Chavez’s residency, she worked with a diverse population and clinical scenarios that helped grow patient management skills and devotion to comprehensive care. She is dedicated to General Dentistry attending patients of all ages, and strongly believes in the power of preventive education while bonding with patients to improve their oral health and overall well-being. In Dr. Saavedra-Chavez’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, creating DIY projects and baking.
Jon Nixon, P.A.
Jon was one of the first Physician Assistants in Northern Virginia, where he started working in 1984. He is a graduate of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and specializes in Internal Medicine and Family Practice.
Behavioral Health
Medical Staff
Kim Williams
Kim came to the clinic in 2019 as a medical receptionist and is now our Medical Office Manager. She also manages the P.A.P program, a program that provides free medications to individuals who qualify. “I love that we’re able to meet the needs of those who may otherwise have to ignore health issues due to lack of insurance or finances. To be a part of something so vital to our community has been the most rewarding experience. Making those personal connections with our patients is always great as well”. Outside of the clinic Kim enjoys doing DIY projects and spending time with her husband Marc and two cats Gabbi and Olive. She also loves to mow the lawn and host parties for her family and friends.
Peggy Davison, RN
Peggy attended Triplett Tech and Shenandoah University, before starting work at Shenandoah Memorial Hospital in 1977. Since then, Peggy has worked a variety of healthcare jobs throughout the Shenandoah Valley. She started the Every Woman’s Life program at the Health Department and has continued it at Shenandoah Community Health Clinic for the past 12 years. Peggy’s favorite part of working at the Clinic is helping women who otherwise might not be able to have their healthcare needs met. Outside of the Clinic, Peggy’s hobbies include painting, embroidery, crocheting, quilting, and caring for her blackberries.
Jodi Hockman
Jodi came to the clinic in 2022 as a medical receptionist. She has been a medical receptionist for over 8 years. “I like working here at the clinic because I have a desire to help others. It’s so rewarding, and I get to do it while earning a living…talk about a win-win”! Jodi enjoys spending time with her husband and her 3 children, and shoe shopping in her spare time.
Dental Staff
Bethany Earls
Bethany graduated from MTC for Dental Assisting with Dental Radiology. Bethany has competed in several dental competitions across the states and has placed in the top 10 at nationals two years in a row. "I was always self-conscious about my own smile and it inspired me to want to help others in finding their confidence in a healthy smile. It makes me so happy to be able to give back to our community." Bethany loves spending all her free time enjoying the outdoors with her husband and fur-baby Daisy.
Emily Shipe
Emily completed the Dental radiology at Laurel Ridge in 2021 when she decided to change her career path from healthcare. Emily has always enjoyed helping others in any way she can and giving back to the community and being at the clinic helping others improve their smile every day is something she looks forward to. "Growing up I never really understood the importance of taking care of your teeth and now working in dental I realize just how important it is to take care of your teeth. Being able to watch people gain confidence back with their smile is why I take so much pride in working as an assistant." Emily and her husband share seven children as a blended family and love to be outdoors during the summer time, spending time by the pool or going camping with their children.
Fatima Guevara
Fatima completed the dental assisting program at Laurel Ridge with her dental radiology certification. “I’ve always wanted to do something meaningful like making others feel good about themselves and what better way than to make them feel better about their smiles.” Fatima loves spending time with her son and going out to explore new places.
Eunice Martinez Perez
Eunice completed her Spanish Medical Interpretation Certificate through Blue Ridge Area Health Education Center in 2018. Eunice’s goal is to help bridge the communication gap between the Hispanic community and our clinic, so everyone can get the care they deserve and need. During her free time, she loves spending time with her two little ones!
Administrative Staff
Laura Zimmerman
Laura has worked for the Shenandoah Community Health Clinic for 14 years, starting as the Business Manager in 2009. She is responsible for the day-to-day financial operations and is always working to improve and implement policies and controls. She enjoys being part of an extraordinary team who are working hard to support the mission of bridging the gaps in healthcare in our community. When Laura is “off duty,” she enjoys traveling with her husband, scouting out new areas and finding hidden treasures in the form of quaint little shops and restaurants. One of Laura’s greatest joys is being Mimi to three amazing grandchildren.
Rebecca Sherfey
Rebecca has over 45 years of administrative experience, with the last 14 of those years devoted to the mental health field. She also spent time volunteering at a rape crisis center and with a group for special needs adults and children. Rebecca began working at the Shenandoah Community Health Clinic in August 2019, where she has taken on administrative supporting roles in all three of our programs - medical, dental and, primarily, counseling. Rebecca’s favorite thing about working at the Clinic is being in a position to help people help themselves. Rebecca is an avid WVU Mountaineer fan and loves spending time with her family, attending sporting and school events for her 14 grandchildren, camping, beach vacations, and music.
Shenandoah Community Health Clinic does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation , disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from public assistance programs, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity funded by USDA Rural Development.