Meet Our Administration Team

Mr. Brian Fretwell, the Founder and CEO of DPCA, originally hails from Vero Beach, FL, and has resided in Cleveland, TN, throughout his adult life. With a background as a former field and flight Paramedic, he holds dual degrees in PA studies and Public Health from Nova Southeastern University. Over 27 years, he has amassed extensive experience in Emergency, Family, and Occupational Medicine.

Under Mr. Fretwell’s leadership, DPCA has pioneered a unique form of Primary Care medicine, focusing on excellence in care, exceptional value, and added benefits. His vision aims to improve access to quality, affordable healthcare through innovative solutions for individuals and businesses across the region.

Outside his professional endeavors, Mr. Fretwell enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and engaging in civic volunteerism and philanthropy. An avid conservationist, he pursues hunting and fishing and passionately supports the Tennessee football team.

Beth graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center in Memphis and practiced as a physical therapist for over 20 years in outpatient and occupational medicine practices with dual responsibilities in management and clinical roles. She furthered her education by obtaining a MBA from Bryan College to redefine her career in healthcare administration. Combining her love for patient care and passion for improving the patient experience through DPC makes her role as VP and Chief Operating Officer of Direct Primary Care Associates the pinnacle of her career.

Beth enjoys hosting informal get-togethers on the weekends or to make any day an occasion to celebrate. She credits her love of cooking and gardening to the memory of Southern Mom and Aunts. Beth and her husband, Jeff, also enjoy boating and spending time with family and friends on the lake.

Dr. Coker grew up in Wilmore, Kentucky and attended the University of Kentucky studying Chemical Engineering. Upon graduation, Dr. Coker worked as a Navy Nuke Instructor for four years. Then, Dr. Coker went back to school and attended the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in 2014. Dr. Coker completed his residency at the Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune. Dr. Coker joined the DPCA team in 2022 and is excited to have the opportunity to get to know his patients and serve the Cleveland community.

In Dr. Coker’s free time, he loves spending quality time with his wife and four children. Dr. Coker enjoys being outside – whether that is tubing on the lake, hiking mountains, or swimming in the ocean. Dr. Coker is a follower of Jesus.

Dr. Mazza is DPCA’s Medical Director . A Cleveland resident and trusted Family, Emergency, Occupational, and Urgent care Physician for 34 years. He has proudly served Southeast Tennessee for his entire career. He graduated from the University of South Florida and completed Family Medicine residency at United Hospital Center in Clarksburg, WV. Dr. Mazza is a distinguished member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. From his past and current work in all of these settings, he has gained insight into many of the issues surrounding access to affordable primary care. Dr. Mazza leads our clinics in a way that cultivates a sense of community and where patients have time to personally connect with each provider.

Dr. Mazza enjoys fitness and exercising. You will often find him at the various classes at the YMCA. He also loves to fly his plane, travel, and spend time with his family.

Dr. David Byrd is a native of Elizabethton in beautiful East Tennessee.  He did his undergraduate studies at ETSU obtaining a BA in History and Spanish in 1984.   He was then accepted into ETSU’s prestigious Quillen College of Medicine, renowned for being one of the nation’s leading schools for rural medicine and primary care training, graduating in 1988.  His involvement in Public Service also began as a volunteer EMT for the Carter County Rescue Squad during his early years in college. He now serves McMinn County as a Hazmat Technician and a reserve deputy.

He also gives back to the community by participating as the Medical Director and Volunteer of Good Faith Clinic for the uninsured in Athens, TN.  He is Board Eligible for the American Board of Family Practice and a Certified Medical Review Officer.  

In his spare time, he enjoys precision shooting, gardening, harvesting fruit trees, and raising shrimp and turtles for fun.   He resides in Athens, TN with his wife Jennie Byrd, MD. 

Robert “Kevin” Chin, RN, PA-C has proudly been serving the Athens community with Direct Primary Care Associates since 2021. He grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and relocated to Tennessee for his undergraduate degree at Southern College. He has been a Registered Nurse since 1988, working in emergency medicine with certification as C.E.N. (Certified Emergency Nurse). In 1999, he completed Physician Assistant school at the University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, School of Health Sciences. Kevin’s vast experience lends expertise in emergency medicine, urgent care, occupational health, and family medicine.

Kevin’s wife Debbie, also a Registered Nurse, works in neonatal and neonatal intensive care units. They have two sons and a daughter. Their oldest son, Kevin “KJ” Chin is in the USAF. Their middle son, Aaron Chin, is an early-American historian. Lastly, their daughter, Rebecca “Becca” Chin also works in a local medical office.

Heather is a dedicated Physician Assistant who became part of Direct Primary Care Associates in 2024. She began her academic journey at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she studied Psychology, and later earned her Master of Science in Medicine from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2011. After relocating to the Chattanooga area in 2012, Heather has built her career in urgent and primary care settings. Certified in lifestyle medicine, she is passionate about empowering individuals to enhance their health and well-being.

Heather lives in Cleveland with her husband, Jon, and their three children—Addie, Emma, and Grayson. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys reading, gardening, and cooking in her free time.

Kathleen Griffith began her career in healthcare after earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Georgia. From an early age, she felt called to care for others and has always been drawn to serve those in need. Her career has included roles in medical-surgical nursing at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, home health care for children with acute needs, and community health at Glacier National Park. Most recently, she has served as a Family Nurse Practitioner in pediatric care.

Kathleen went on to complete her graduate studies at the University of North Georgia, earning her Family Nurse Practitioner certification (FNP-C). She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and is passionate about accessible, compassionate care.

Born and raised in Dalton, Georgia, Kathleen returned to the area after college and has been serving the greater Dalton and Chattanooga region ever since. She is married to her husband, Win, and they have two children, Eliza and Malachi. Deeply impacted by the love of Jesus, Kathleen believes that true, abundant life includes taking care of physical health—and she considers it an honor to care for patients from all walks of life. When not in the office, Kathleen enjoys being outside with her family, and spending time with friends.

Michelle, CMA, has over 10 years of experience in the medical field, with a focus in primary care. Michelle has been working in Occupational Health since 2017, and is certified in Drug Testing, Hearing & Breathing Tests, and Breath Alcohol Testing. Michelle joined the DPCA Care Team in March 2022, and since has thoroughly appreciated the family-oriented atmosphere that DPCA offers. Michelle focuses on taking care of the patients and making sure they are both happy and healthy.

Michelle calls Bradley County home, but previously resided in Nashville. In her free time, she likes spending time outside, whether that is camping, swimming, or attending activities in the community. Michelle enjoys spending time with her talented daughter who plays the piano.

Debbie Chin, RN, is a proud graduate of the nursing program at Miami University of Oxford, Ohio, and has devoted nearly 40 years to the nursing profession. Throughout her distinguished career, she has had the privilege of touching countless lives and making a significant impact on patient care.

Outside of her professional achievements, Debbie is a loving wife, mother of three wonderful children, and a proud grandmother to one precious grandchild. Her home is filled with love, laughter, and an ever-growing number of pets, who bring added joy to their lives.

When she’s not working, Debbie cherishes spending quality time with her family, enjoying the company of their animals, and unwinding by the beach. These moments of peace and connection provide the balance that keeps her energized and grounded.

Debbie is excited to begin this new chapter with DPCA, where she looks forward to working alongside her talented colleagues. Together, they are committed to helping their patients achieve and maintain optimal health while providing compassionate, comprehensive care.

Crystal Burns, CMA, has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. Crystal has been a Certified Medical Assistant since 2001 and has also worked in Occupation Health since 2005. Crystal is BAT, DOT, COHC, and NIOSH Certified. Crystal joined the DPCA Care Team in March 2022 and enjoys building relationships with patients and companies. Crystal expresses how her coworkers at DPCA are like family.

In Crystal’s free time, she enjoys cheering on the Braves, spending time with her children and grandchild, and loves traveling any chance she gets – especially to the beach. Crystal is strong in her faith and attends Lakeview Community Church.

Tammy is a Certified Medical Assistant with over 12 years of experience in the medical field, specializing in both primary care and occupational health. She is a 2016 graduate of Cleveland State Community College, where she earned her Associate’s degree in Medical Assisting. As a lifelong resident of McMinn County, she takes pride in serving and caring for her local community. She has a strong passion for occupational health and is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care while helping individuals maintain their overall health and well-being. Tammy joined DPCA in 2026.

Tammy loves spending time with her husband, Ronnie, and their two daughters, Courtney and Julia. In her downtime, she enjoys being with her two French Bulldogs, Chloe and Lilly. She also enjoys traveling and, on weekends, can often be found set up at local craft festivals, combining her love for creativity, community, and connecting with others.

Cathy is a native of Cleveland, Tennessee, and has over 20 years of experience in the financial and business management field. Cathy began her work with Direct Primary Care Associates shortly after they opened as a consultant through her company, Fiscal Solutions. She officially transitioned to a member of the team as Controller in 2021.

Cathy assists with “all things financial” and helps keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. “It is a privilege to be a part of a team of individuals whom I greatly admire and who are dedicated to providing the best care for their patients.”

Cathy loves spending time with her family and friends. In her spare time, Cathy enjoys kayaking, hiking, and dancing.

Jamie is a 2022 graduate of Lee University earning his bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration. Originally from Atlanta, he chose Lee University because of his close family ties to Cleveland. Jamie has always spent a lot of time here visiting his father and grandfather.

Since learning about Direct Primary Care Associates in 2021, Jamie’s goal was to work with us because of his passion to find a way to change how healthcare is accessed and paid for in the United States. This aligns perfectly with the mission and vision of DPCA. Jamie joined the team in January of 2023 and is now focused on sales and marketing to new clients because people deserve great care at an affordable price.

In his free time, Jamie likes to spend time with his dog, Erik Church, at the park or on a run. He also spends his summers wakeboarding, surfing, and boating on Parksville Lake with his family.