"What Healthcare SHOULD be!"
Lenoir 828-239-9400, Morganton 828-218-4212
Provider Team
Meet our health care providers!!
Family Nurse Practioner
Sarah Jonas
Sarah Jonas, DNP, FNP-C is a Family Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals and families from birth through every stage of life. Sarah enjoys building lasting relationships with her patients and helping them achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized, evidence-based care.
Outside of the office, Sarah is married to her husband, Justin, and has two wonderful children, Thomas and CeCe. In her free time, she enjoy exercising, baking, traveling, and reading.
Sarah is excited to join the team at Family 1st Healthcare in Morganton as well as bring Journey Wellness to the Morganton community. Sarah is currently accepting new patients and would be honored to partner with you and your family on your healthcare journey.
Family Nurse Practioner
Alan Hicks
Alan Hicks, DNP-C is a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner and a lifelong resident of Morganton. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2012 and further advanced his education by earning his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from East Tennessee State University in 2017. With over eight years of experience in independent practice, Alan is committed to providing exceptional patient care and fostering long-term relationships with his patients.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Alan cherishes spending quality time with his family and enjoys exploring his passion for cooking. He is currently accepting new patients and looks forward to helping individuals and families achieve their health and wellness goals.
Family Nurse Practioner
Justin Snipes
Justin Snipes, FNP-C is a Family Nurse Practitioner with a strong commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. He earned his Associate Degree from Western Piedmont Community College, completed his Bachelor’s Degree at Winston-Salem State University, and received his Master’s Degree in Nursing from Western Carolina University.
Justin brings a well-rounded clinical background and a practical, caring approach to healthcare, focusing on building strong relationships with patients and families. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. He is married and is the proud father of two boys.
Welcome Justin to our FAMILY!
Physician Assistant
Robert Swedlund
Rob Swedlund, PA is an experienced primary care provider who has earned a well-deserved reputation previously providing care in Iredell County for 30 years. His specialties include family care including primary, chronic, and preventive care management. He also provides DOT certification exams.
Rob is a father of 7 children and 14 grandchildren. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force and Public Health Services. He resides in Lenoir with his wife Rachel. He is currently accepting new patients.
Family Nurse Practioner
Ashley McDowell
Ashley McDowell, FNP-C is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Diverse experiences allowed Ashley to care for patients with complex cardiovascular conditions and develop a strong foundation in critical care.
Her philosophy is to partner with patients in optimizing their quality of life and helping them achieve their vision of health. She values building strong, trusting relationships and empowering patients to take an active role in their care.
Ashley shares her home with three dogs, three rats, and a small flock of chickens. During her time as a travel nurse, Ashley and her husband lived in an RV, allowing them to explore much of the country—a spirit of adventure she still carries with her today.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Kelli Kelley
Kelli Kelley, DNP,FNP-C is excited to bring personalized care to Lenoir! Born and raised in Lenoir, Kelli attended UNC-Greensboro for her undergraduate training. She completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Lenoir-Rhyne University and is a licensed family nurse practitioner. During her graduate studies, Dr. Kelley's subspecialties included women's health and dermatology to add to her clinical experience of nine years of cardiac care. Her graduate project involved women with cardiovascular disease and the positive connection between strong faith and a high quality of life. She enjoys spending time with her large family including her husband, 3 sons and one daughter. One of Kelli's favorite hobbies is riding her horses.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Logan McDowell
Logan McDowell, DNP, FNP-BC is a family nurse practitioner with more than a
decade of nursing experience in emergency and critical care. Logan began his nursing
career in the emergency department and intensive care unit at Catawba Valley Medical
Center, where he developed a strong foundation in acute care and patient advocacy. He
then spent over eight years as a flight nurse with MedCenter Air, providing emergency
and critical care during air medical transports. These experiences shaped his calm,
focused approach and deepened his passion for delivering timely, effective care. Logan
earned his undergraduate degrees from Gardner-Webb University and earned his
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Lenoir-Rhyne University. Logan is a native of the
area, born and raised in Burke County. Outside of the clinic, Logan enjoys spending
time with his wife and son and is an avid golfer. He is dedicated to delivering
personalized, evidence-based care and is currently accepting patients of all ages.
LR Alumni
Dr. Kelli Kelley, Dr. Logan McDowell and Dr. Sarah Jonas are proud Graduates of Lenoir-Rhyne University