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.
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
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.
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.
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
Samantha Anderson, MD, is part of the experienced team of doctors at Arbor Obstetrics & Gynecology in Atlanta. Dr. Anderson strives to provide a warm and friendly environment during all visits, helping her patients through both health and illness. She has over 20 years of experience in the obstetrics and gynecology field, and deeply cares about women’s health.
Dr. Anderson graduated from the Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine. She completed her residency at the University of Florida Health Science Center - Jacksonville, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. She is board certified and is a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She keeps up-to-date on the latest technology and continuously trains in new procedures.
Dr. Anderson believes the health and happiness of her clients is of utmost importance. She helps you make well-informed decisions and provides the latest in technology for treatments and procedures.
Dr. Anderson understands the needs of women and strives for excellence care. She addresses your needs with contemporary management techniques so that you leave the office confident in the care you received.
If you are looking for a confident and competent obstetric and gynecological care provider with a small, intimate practice, book online or call the Arbor Obstetrics & Gynecology office for your appointment today.
Dr Raju is the newest member of our team. Dr. Raju is a board certified Ob-Gyn who has been practicing in Georgia since 2012. She attended Mercer University, where she received her medical degree, and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Emory University.
Until recently Dr Raju was practicing in McDonough, GA at Eagles Landing OBGYN. She is recently married and has joined Arbor Ob-Gyn to be closer to Emory where her husband works as a Neurologist. Dr Raju is dedicated to providing women with exceptional health health care.
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.
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.
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)
Debra Jordan, DO
OB-GYN 15.8 mi
5195 Jimmy Carter Blvd.
Suite 100
Norcross, GA 30093
I chose this field of medicine to make a different in the lives of women. I was drawn to this field by experiencing the miracle of birth as a medical student. It is one of the happiest times in people’s lives and being a part of that every day is truly a very rewarding experience. I am also very passionate about women’s health care and this field allows me to care for women from their teenage years until menopause and beyond. I enjoy being able to specialize care for women and help them through this journey of womanhood!
Residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, 2012
M.D. Degree, Wayne State University Scholl of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 2008
B.S. Degree, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA, 2003
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