About Our Board

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 Gus was born and raised in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, and as a result, he is a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers and Penguins. He graduated from Wittenberg University and worked 8 years in the public school system in Ohio as an 8th grade science teacher and assistant principal. He then attended medical school in Cleveland at Case Western Reserve University, followed by a 3 year residency in Family Medicine in Charlotte NC. Following residency, he served as a Family Physician for 4 years at the United States Air Force Academy. 

Desiring to be closer to family, he moved to Franklin in 1994 and started Franklin Family Practice, where he was honored to serve our patients for 28 years. He served on the Board of the Community Care Clinic at its inception, and was privileged to see patients for several years. He has 2 adult children in Atlanta. His son Gus is a self employed videographer and his daughter Gretchen works in Public Health at Emory University. In retirement, he has been enjoying travel, gardening, fly fishing, riding my bicycle and just enjoying this beautiful area he calls home. 

Paige grew up in Columbus, GA. She move to Atlanta in 1973 after spending a few years in Americus, GA attending college. She and her husband Joe were married in 1974. As an accountant, Paige held the position of corporate controller and then of senior staff accountant for a CPA firm. While raising two sons, Paige and Joe spent many years in church leadership, chairing the various committees, serving MYF leaders, and going on many Appalachian Service Project mission trips with their church. 

Paige has an Associate of Arts Degree from Columbus College, studies literature and accounting at GA Southwestern College, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Reinhardt College with a BA in Organizational Leadership, and received her Masters in Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. 

Paige answered a call to ministry in 2001. She was ordained as a full Elder in the United Methodist Church and has served churches in North Georgia and Western North Carolina. Now retires, Paige serves as a substitute pastor when needed while concentrating on her writing ministry. She published weekday devotions and writes a weekly for The Franklin Press. 

Paige believes in serving beyond the church and was active in community affairs in Hapeville, GA before retiring to Franklin. She was delighted to be asked to serve as a board member for the Community Care Clinic as she believes all people should have access to quality medical care regardless of their ability to pay. 

    Ellen is a Franklin native and graduate of Franklin High School and Western Carolina University with a BS degree in Nursing and is a retired registered nurse.  She retired after of 35 years in public health. Ellen is married to Clark Shope, also a retired registered nurse. They have three children and 4 grandchildren.

        Ellen joined the Community Care Clinic of Franklin Board of Directors in 2015 and has served in the positions of Chair and Vice Chair as well as a clinic volunteer. She is committed to the mission of the CCCF that all persons deserve a right to basic health care services. 

        “It has truly been an unbelievable blessing to observe and be a small part of the growth of the CCCF both in size and the scope of services provided to the underserved community particularly in the last three years. The multiple awards received, exceeding standards of care on reviews and audits speaks clearly to the excellent quality of care provided day to day, as does the retention of dedicated staff and volunteers. Macon County is very fortunate to be home to the Community Care Clinic of Franklin.”

Belinda is a native of Sylva, NC where she resides with her husband Ralph Allison of 54 years. Together they have one son and two grandchildren. Belinda retired from the Jackson County Department of Public Health after 30 years of service. She is also currently a member of the Greens Creek Baptist Church where she serves as the church pianist and also as the Women’s Adult Sunday School teacher. She states, "I was recently honored by being invited to become a member of the Community Care Clinic of Franklin Board. Having worked in the field of public health for 30 years, I recognize the importance of this clinic in which it provides much needed services to the underserved population of Macon County and the surrounding areas. 

My hope is that somehow I can bring some of my experience to the table and along with ALL of the other wonderful board members and great staff to move this clinic forward into a bigger and brighter future." She enjoys traveling, particularly to California and Montana, and especially enjoys spending time with close family and friends.  

   Kay joined the Board of the Community Care Clinic in 2020.  She retired from Macon County Health Department after 22 years working as a Public Health Educator and Dietitian.  She graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in Business Administration in 1981 and from Western Carolina University with a degree in Health Sciences in 2001.  She is married to Leonard Hilty who is a public defender.   

        When asked, “What do you want people to know about the clinic?” she replied, “The clinic is free for people who meet income guidelines.  The majority of patients have a job with some working more than one job.  Also, the clinic has a medication assistance program where patients can get their medicines for free or at low cost.  When I worked at the health department, I met people who couldn’t afford their medicines.  It’s an honor to be part of an organization that provides free health care and medications.”