Our Team
Physicians:
Michael Hamer, M.D.
Mandy Reimer, M.D.
Leah Sanchez, M.D.
Nojan Valadi, M.D.
Nurse Practitioners:
Kelli Bates, CRNP
Kelli Bates, CRNP started at East Alabama Health in 2020 and she is originally from Albany, Ga. Kelli earned her bachelors of science in nursing from Auburn University at Montgomery and earned her masters of science in nursing from The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Kelli worked as a registered nurse at UAB in the neurology stepdown unit.
Kelli explains that she loves working with neurology patients and treating patients with neurology-related illnesses. “I hope to help every patient living with a progressive illness to enjoy life and live it to the fullest,” Kelli explains. “After working in inpatient neurology at UAB, I love getting to follow-up on patients months and even years down the line.”
Kelli and her husband, Austin, have been married one year and have a Golden Retriever named Emmie. When she’s not at work, Kelli enjoys taking Emmie on walks around Auburn with her husband, getting to know the town where she and her husband both spent time in college, and attending Auburn sporting events.
Morgan Duke, CRNP
Morgan Duke, CRNP, has been with East Alabama Health for eight years and a neurology nurse practitioner for more than two years. She was raised in Opelika and now resides in Phenix City.
Morgan earned her bachelor of science in nursing, and then went on to earn a dual master’s in education and family nurse practitioner, all from Auburn University. She is a certified registered nurse practitioner from American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Morgan explains that she has always desired a career in the medical field and decided to pursue nursing. “I sought advice from many physicians and other nurse practitioners about specific specialties, but ultimately fell in love with the field of neurology and the conditions managed within that scope,” Morgan says. “My interests include Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, and headache syndromes.”
Morgan notes that she had a family connection to East Alabama Health prior to joining the team as a nurse practitioner. “My dad worked at East Alabama Medical Center for more than 15 years and I grew up around the EAMC community,” Morgan says. “When I was in training to become a nurse, I had multiple clinical rotations at EAMC and knew I wanted to begin my career here. I enjoy the comradery among our staff and I also enjoy working in the outpatient environment and meeting new patients each day. I love our patients and am grateful for the opportunity to assist in their care.”
Morgan and her husband, Tripp, have been married for seven years and have one dog, Goose. When she’s not at work, Morgan is a photographer and enjoys travel, yoga, cycling, and running and outdoor adventures.
Jayme Gardner, CRNP, FNP-C
Jayme Gardner, CRNP, FNP-C has worked at East Alabama Health for 21 years. She has been a nurse practitioner for six and prior to that she was a registered nurse for 17 years. Jayme is originally from LaFayette, Ala., and has lived in Auburn since 1995.
Jayme earned her bachelor of science in nursing from Auburn University and her master of science in nursing from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Family Nurse Practitioner. Jayme is a member of Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society, Golden Key International Honor Society, American Association of Nurse Practitioners and American Association of Neurological Nurses.
Jayme’s medical interests include stroke, seizures, and sports-related traumatic brain injuries. She explains that she enjoys working at East Alabama Health because of the hometown atmosphere and sense of community. “I have chosen to stay at East Alabama Health since 1999 because of the genuine caring atmosphere which is provided by staff, physicians, and administration,” Jayme says. “ I also value how East Alabama Health continually pursues providing the best possible care to our patients and community.”
Jayme and her husband, Dennis, have been married for 18 years and have two sons, Preston and Carter. When she’s not at work, Jayme enjoys spending time with her family, attending her sons’ sports activities, Auburn University sporting events, antiquing, traveling, reading, and doing art and craft projects.