Three hikers on a desert canyon trail
FINISH / ABOUT FINISH
ABOUT FINISH

Built for
the long run.

One team, one record and one conviction: the patient is always the most important person in the room.

ATHENS, GEORGIA
ONE TEAM. ONE RECORD.
WHERE FINISH BEGAN

A question
worth bringing home.

What would care look like if it supported people beyond a single injury, appointment or short-term program?

FINISH began with that conversation on a Grand Canyon hike. Three University of Georgia alumni brought the question home to Athens, bringing together experience in orthopedics, sports medicine, internal medicine and collegiate athletics.

THE MODEL

The coordination of
a training room.
For the wider community.

Evaluation, recovery and performance are connected. The people supporting you work together.

  1. One team

    Medical care, therapy, training and nutrition share context.

  2. One record

    Your injury history and longer-term goals inform the next step.

  3. Your next step

    Conservative care first, with decisions guided by the individual.

OUR TEAM

One team, chosen with purpose.

Every member of the FINISH team was chosen for their expertise and for the way they practice: proactively, with the whole person in view. From orthopedics and imaging to physical therapy, athletic training, nutrition and performance, each brings years of hands-on experience to one shared record.

We are purpose driven. Our goal is to help the people of Athens stay strong, active and healthy through every season of life, and we count it a privilege to care for this community.

OUR CO-FOUNDERS

Known people.
A shared philosophy.

Kelly Ward, MMSc, PA-C
Co-Founder · Clinical Director

Kelly Ward, MMSc, PA-C

Kelly brings 28 years of orthopedic and sports medicine experience, including 26 years with UGA Athletics. An Emory-trained physician assistant practicing since 1998, Kelly helps shape FINISH’s coordinated, conservative-first approach to care.

Kelly leads nonoperative orthopedic care under physician supervision.

Read full profile
Matthew Farmer, MD
Co-Founder · Medical Director

Matthew Farmer, MD

Matthew is a board-certified internal medicine physician with 14 years of experience and medical training at the Medical College of Georgia. His internal medicine perspective supports FINISH’s approach to healthspan and performance.

Medical oversight connects the musculoskeletal picture with the rest of your health.

Read full profile
Christopher Gaunder, MD
Co-Founder · Regenerative/Longevity Director

Christopher Gaunder, MD

A UGA biology graduate and member of the university’s 2005 SEC championship football team, Chris earned his medical degree at Mercer and completed residency at Brooke Army Medical Center. He served ten years in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of major.

Chris is helping develop FINISH Longevity. He does not see, treat or consult with patients through DirectOrtho+. His surgical practice is separate from FINISH.

Read full profile
The team
Deana Contaoi, MS, ATC
Deana Contaoi, MS, ATC
Clinic Manager and Athletic Training
Neale Maddox, RT(R)
Neale Maddox, RT(R)
Imaging/Operations Director
Haley Chasteen
Haley Chasteen
Client Navigator
Mike Hayden, MS, PT
Mike Hayden, MS, PT
Foundational Movement Specialist
Scott Sinclair, MSCC
Scott Sinclair, MSCC
Strength/Fitness Consultant
Caroline Ward, CPT
Caroline Ward, CPT
Strength/Fitness Consultant
Cynthia Mercer, MD
Cynthia Mercer, MD
Healthspan Coach/Consultant
Callie Michaelis, RD
Callie Michaelis, RD
Performance Nutrition Coach
Ali Chapas, PT
Ali Chapas, PT
Foundational Movement Specialist
Leah Spivak
Leah Spivak
Social Media Marketing
LET’S BEGIN TO FINISH

Start with the care
you need today.

For pain or injury, DirectOrtho+. For a baseline and a plan, FINISH Healthspan.