ATLANTA BRAIN AND SPINE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Physician Assistant
- Certified Physician Assistant
Canon T. Rooker is a certified Physician Assistant who works closely in partnership with Dr. Joshua T. Wewel.
Originally from Savannah Georgia, he attended Middle Tennessee State University, where he graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, with a minor in psychology. While attending MTSU, he was a member of the university's football team and a recipient of numerous athletic and academic awards.
Canon attended Lipscomb University for graduate school, where he obtained his Master's Degree in Physician Assistant Studies. Since graduating in 2021, he has exclusively worked in neurosurgery. He has a passion for treating patients with various spinal pathologies.
He resides in a suburb of Atlanta with his wife and daughter. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf.
Canon, alongside Dr. Wewel, strives to provide exceptional and compassionate care for his patients.
Canon T. Rooker is a certified Physician Assistant who works closely in partnership with Dr. Joshua T. Wewel. Since obtaining his Master's Degree in Physician Assistant Studies, he has exclusively worked in neurosurgery.
Dr. Gary R. Gropper is a board certified neurosurgeon who has practiced neurosurgery in Atlanta since 1986. He serves as an Attending Neurosurgeon at the Shepherd Center as well as Piedmont Hospital Atlanta.
Dr. Gropper received his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in 1974, with a major in molecular biology, and a minor in general biology. Following two years as a researcher with the Department of Neurology at Vanderbilt, he earned his MD at the University of Tennessee, College of Medicine in 1978. After a general surgery residency, he completed a neurosurgical residency at the University of Tennessee, Department of Neurosurgery in 1985.
Since moving to Atlanta in 1986, Dr. Gropper has been a recognized leader in the neurosurgical community. He served as the Chairman of the Department of Neuroscience at Piedmont Hospital from 2002 until 2005. He has also served as a neurosurgical consultant for the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta Braves, and is currently a Team Doctor and Medical Director for Woodward Academy.
Dr. Gropper's special areas of interest include:
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Surgery including Coflex Interlaminar Stabilization
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Cervical Disc Disease and Spondylosis
Dr. Gropper is a member of a number of professional associations including, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Georgia Neurosurgical Society and the North American Spine Society. He is a fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
In addition to his outstanding reputation as a neurosurgeon, Dr. Gropper is noted in the community for spreading joy and encouraging others to "pay it forward", with his annual Christmas and Hanukkah yard display of inflatable characters. He is committed to our community and supports Our House Shelter for homeless families with newborns in Atlanta.
Dr. Gropper and his wife, Vickie, are proud parents of four children.
Dr. Gropper is a surgeon associate of the Atlanta Spine Alliance.
Dr. Gary R. Gropper is a recognized leader in the neurosurgical community, and has been practicing neurosurgery in Atlanta since 1986. His areas of specialty include Lumbar Spinal Stenosis surgery, Hydrocephalus, and Cervical Disc Disease and Spondylosis.
Dr. Joshua T. Wewel is a fellowship trained, Board Certified Neurosurgeon with Piedmont Hospital and Atlanta Brain and Spine Care. Dr. Wewel's expertise includes the surgical treatment of herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, spinal tumors and trauma.
Mena G. Kerolus, M.D. is a neurosurgeon with dual fellowship training in both neurological and orthopedic spine surgery. Dr. Kerolus is excited to join Atlanta Brain and Spine Care and Piedmont Hospital in providing specialized care for adults and children with scoliosis and spinal deformities. Dr. Kerolus' passion is to help all patients with spinal conditions return to enjoying life as safely as possible.
Dr. Mena G. Kerolus is a neurosurgeon with dual orthopedic and neurosurgery fellowship training in spinal deformity and scoliosis surgery. He has special interests in robotic spine surgery, minimally invasive surgery when appropriate and motion preservation surgery.
Dr. Michele M. Johnson is a fellowship-trained, board certified neurosurgeon at Atlanta Brain and Spine Care. She specializes in complex and minimally invasive spine surgery for a variety of conditions, including degenerative spinal disease, spinal tumors, and spinal cord injury.
Dr. Johnson's mission is to provide her patients with compassionate and comprehensive care with the best possible outcomes. She understands that each patient is different and has specific needs. Dr. Johnson educates her patients about their condition and helps them to understand all of their treatment options. She strongly believes that the doctor-patient relationship is a partnership based on excellent communication and understanding.
Born in Texas and raised as a military dependent around the world, Dr. Johnson completed her pre-med studies at the University of Oregon where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with Honors. Following college, she completed a research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Johnson later received her Medical Doctorate (MD) with Honors from Yale University Medical School in New Haven, Connecticut.
Dr. Johnson completed her Neurosurgical residency training at Emory University in Atlanta and further specialized by completing a complex and minimally invasive spine fellowship at Emory University under Dr. Gerald Rodts. Dr. Johnson started her career as a complex and minimally invasive spine surgeon at the University of Texas in Houston in 2008 where she was an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery and both the Medical Director and Director of Spinal Trauma at Mischer Neuroscience Institute until her return to Atlanta.
Dr. Johnson is a member of several prestigious organizations including the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves and the Georgia Neurosurgical Society. She serves on the Executive Committee of the Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves and on the American College of Radiology as a neurosurgery and spine expert.
With over 15 years of combined training and experience, Dr. Johnson believes it is a privilege and duty to advance the care of spinal patients and to train the next generation. You can find her name as a co-author on a number of published papers in the Journal of Neurosurgery Spine, Journal of Neurotrauma, Science, and Genetics. Dr. Johnson is one of the most trusted doctors in her field as represented by their decision to honor her as one of the "Rising Stars" and "Best Doctors."
Through her years of experience, she has assembled an impressive team of physicians, therapists, and specialists for her patients with disorders of the spine. Dr. Johnson is committed to providing exceptional clinical care in order to deliver the highest quality outcomes for her patients, she specializes in the treatment of the following diseases and conditions:
Minimally Invasive Spine Procedures
Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Degenerative Disc Disease
Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Disc Herniations
Complex Spinal Instrumentation
Spine, Spinal Cord and Nerve Sheath Tumors
Spinal Trauma
Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Fractures
Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Cord Injuries
Originally from Texas, Dr. Johnson now resides in Atlanta with her husband and two sons. In her spare time, Dr. Johnson enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. Her family shares her passion for outdoor activities and sports. She volunteers at her sons' schools and is involved in both her church and community.
Dr. Michele M. Johnson is a fellowship-trained, board certified neurosurgeon at Atlanta Brain and Spine Care. She specializes in complex and minimally invasive spine surgery for a variety of conditions, including degenerative spinal disease and spinal cord injury.
Roger H. Frankel M.D., MBA, FAANS is a board certified neurosurgeon and is President of Atlanta Brain and Spine Care. Since 1999, Dr. Frankel has cared for neurosurgical patients from throughout the Southeast and beyond, at his Atlanta practice. He is an expert in diagnosis and treatment of degenerative and injury-related spinal disorders. He has taken part in clinical research trials as well as publishing articles in peer reviewed journals. Advanced technical training to maintain cutting edge surgical skills is standard for him. However, his academic and research accomplishments are only a part of what makes Dr. Frankel a renowned surgeon. His patients describe him as compassionate and no-nonsense. They depend on his consistent approach to developing the right action plan and achieving the best outcome based on their individual needs. As a result of this, they know that they will be led to the best treatment option for their specific situation. Dr. Frankel emphasizes patient education and a thorough explanation of all treatment options in a way that everybody can understand.
Dr. Frankel received his undergraduate degree from Brandeis University in Waltham, MA graduating cum laude in Biology. He attended medical school at New York University School of Medicine in New York City. He received an M.D. with Honors in Pathology after completing novel research on brain tumor genetics and defending a research thesis. Neurosurgical training was completed at Emory University here in Atlanta from 1992 to 1999. He completed an MBA with honors at the UGA Terry School of Business in 2020.
Dr. Frankel has been a pioneer in clinical research on spinal implants at Piedmont Hospital and has been involved at the Shepherd Center in clinical research for treatments for spinal cord injury. He has studied the use of dynamic stabilization devices within the spine and has been involved in utilization of disc replacement technologies and minimally invasive spinal techniques. He is a big believer in using minimal incisions and minimizing muscular trauma to offer better surgical solutions for his patients. As a result, the techniques and surgical options that he offers eliminate the need for patients to travel to other cities for minimally invasive or laser surgery.
Dr. Frankel is an active member of several distinguished societies and organizations including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, North American Spine Society, Georgia Neurosurgical Society, the Medical Association of Georgia and the Medical Association of Atlanta.
Since 1999, Dr. Roger H. Frankel has devoted his career to patients needing basic and complex neurosurgical care. Dr. Frankel currently serves as the President of the Georgia Neurological Society.
Job Titles:
- Certified Neurosurgeon and the past President
Steven D. Wray M.D. is a board certified neurosurgeon and the past President of Atlanta Brain and Spine Care where he has practiced since 2002. Dr. Wray understands the individual needs patients have when faced with a neurological disorder and aspires to educate his patients about their condition and help them understand the treatment options. He strongly believes that patient trust is an integral part of the doctor-patient relationship.
Dr. Wray earned his M.D. degree at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA. While in Augusta, Dr. Wray served as president of his medical school class for 4 years and was inducted into Alpha Epsilon Delta National Medical Honor Society. At Wake Forest University-Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, he completed a general surgery internship, residency, and Chief Residency in Neurological Surgery. While a resident, Dr. Wray was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society, received the Resident Teaching Award, and was the Silver Medal recipient for Clinical Research.
Dr. Wray's professional interests focus on spinal surgery with a keen interest in minimally invasive spinal surgery and instrumentation, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, minimally invasive fusion, artificial disc replacement, and Microsurgery. His professional interests are reflected in his clinical research, publications in peer reviewed journals, and presentations at National meetings. Dr. Wray also serves as faculty at training courses on spine surgery techniques throughout the country. Dr. Wray has been recognized by the Consumer Research Society as one of "America's Top Surgeons" and he is a member of several prestigious organizations including the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Southern Neurosurgical Society, Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves, and the Georgia Neurosurgical Society (Past-President). Dr. Wray served as the Chairman of The Department of Neurosciences at Piedmont Hospital on the Surgical Care Evaluation Committee, and Medical Executive Committee of Piedmont Hospital. He is also on the Executive Board of Perimeter Surgery Center where outpatient surgery is performed.
Dr. Wray is a native of Atlanta and is a third generation physician practicing Neurology/ Neurosurgery at Piedmont Hospital. He is a devoted husband and loving father to his wife and three children. He is on the session serving as an Elder at Peachtree Presbyterian Church, and is on the executive board of Safehouse Outreach Ministry, and serves on the alumni board at Pace Academy. Outside the operating room, Dr. Wray pursues his outside interests including being a multi-instrument musician, licensed pilot, and an avid outdoorsman involved in hiking, fishing, hunting, and water sports. His spare time is spent in the mountain lakes of North Georgia with his family.
Dr. Steven D. Wray, a board certified neurosurgeon, is the past President of Atlanta Brain and Spine Care. Dr. Wray aspires to educate his patients on their condition, while nurturing the doctor-patient relationship.
Job Titles:
- Nurse Practitioner
- Certified Nurse Practitioner With Atlanta Brain
Jane W. Yoffe is a Certified Nurse Practitioner with Atlanta Brain and Spine Care who treats patients and assists in surgery alongside Dr Roger H. Frankel. Jane is a native of Greensboro, NC, attended The University of Georgia, and completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in 1993 at The Medical College of Georgia. In 1998 she obtained her Master's in Nursing degree at Georgia State University, where she was a member of Sigma Theta Tau, Honor SocÍety of Nursing. She is board certified by the American Nurse Credentialing Center.
Prior to joining Atlanta Brain and Spine Care, Jane worked as a Nurse Practitioner in Neurosurgery at The Emory Clinics, NYU Medical Center, and for 13 years at the renowned Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan, New York.
Jane works closely with Dr. Frankel at Atlanta Brain & Spine Care to provide outstanding, compassionate and cutting-edge care to their patients. In her free time, Jane enjoys seeing live music, reading, cooking and exploring new restaurants. She loves to travel, and has visited many foreign destinations including Croatia, Italy, Greece and France.
Education
Georgia State University - Masters in Nursing
The University of Georgia & Medical College of Georgia- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Jane Yoffe, a native to Greensboro, NC with a Master's in Nursing degree from Georgia State University, is a Certified Nurse Practitioner with Atlanta Brain and Spine Care who treats patients and assists in surgery alongside Dr Frankel.
Job Titles:
- Physician Assistant
- Certified Physician Assistant With Atlanta Brain
Jessica Shyr is a Certified Physician Assistant with Atlanta Brain and Spine Care who treats patients and assists in surgery under the direction Dr. David Benglis.
Jessica is an Atlanta, Georgia native and grew up in Dekalb and North Fulton County. She attended Stanford University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences. After working for several years in neurology research and in orthopedics, she completed the Physician Assistant and Master in Medical Science Program at Emory University School of Medicine and graduated in 2011. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Since graduating, she has worked as a surgical Physician Assistant in the areas of cardiac, thoracic, and spine surgery. She enjoys working with patients, getting to know them, and helping them through their medical/surgical experience. She works closely with Dr. Benglis to provide excellent care for their patients.
Education
Emory University School of Medicine - Physician Assistant Program, Master in Medical Science
Stanford University - Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences
Job Titles:
- Physician Assistant
- Certified Physician Assistant
- Certified Physician Assistant With Atlanta Brain
Melissa P. Voyles is a Certified Physician Assistant with Atlanta Brain and Spine Care who treats patients and assists in surgery under the direction of Dr. Steven D. Wray.
Originally from Huntsville, Alabama, she attended Auburn University, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. In 2010 Melissa completed the Physician Assistant Program at George Washington University in Washington DC. She then moved to Atlanta where she has worked exclusively as a Spine P.A.
Melissa is married to Drew, an Atlanta native. She and her husband have been on multiple trips to Africa where she works as a volunteer at community free clinics and along with her husband, has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. In her free time Melissa enjoys running, cooking, weekends at the lake, and spending time with her family and friends. Melissa and Drew were thrilled to welcome their first child, Elizabeth Grace in early 2017.
Melissa is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of both the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants.
Melissa is proud to be a part of the Atlanta Brain and Spine Care team and works closely with Dr. Wray to provide excellent care for their patients.
Education
Auburn University-Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
George Washington University-Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Melissa P. Voyles is a certified Physician Assistant, working closely with Dr. Steven Wray. Since graduating from George Washington University, she has worked exclusively in spine surgery.