Your health is important to us. We understand that you take the time to find a medical practitioner who is competent, experienced, understanding and supportive. We want you to feel comfortable and reassured each time you visit River Ridge Dermatology. Our staff works as a team to ensure we respond to your needs and keep you informed. We look forward to getting to know you.
River Ridge staff:
Meet our team of doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and office staff below.
Resident physicians:
Meet our resident physicians from the LewisGale Hospital Montgomery Graduate Medical Education program.
Chad Johnston, D.O., F.A.A.D.
- West Virginia University, undergraduate
- West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, medical school
- Charleston Area Medical Center, residency
- West Virginia University, dermatology residency-chief resident of dermatology, 2008-2009
Chad Johnston was born and raised in the New River Valley in Peterstown, West Virginia. As an undergraduate at West Virginia University he played football for the Mountaineers, from 1992-1997. He was starting quarterback for the 1994-1996 seasons, and his teammates elected him team captain.
Dr. Johnston pursued his medical career after briefly playing professional football. He has practiced dermatology in the New River Valley since 2009, and opened River Ridge Dermatology in 2011.
Outside of work, Dr. Johnston enjoys spending time with this family and giving back to the community. He enjoys coaching local youth sports, and the whole family are avid West Virginia Mountaineers fans.
Dr. Johnston is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. He is a member of several medical groups, including the American Board of Dermatology, American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, American Osteopathic Association, West Virginia Dermatological Society, and Virginia Medical Society. He served as the co-program director of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine/LewisGale Montgomery Regional Hospital dermatology residency program from 2009-2011.
Aleksandra Brown, D.O., F.A.O.C.D., F.A.A.D.
- Coe College, undergraduate
- Des Moines University, medical school
- Ohio University, internship
- Michigan State University, dermatology residency-chief resident of dermatology, 2012-2013
Craig Garofola, D.O., F.A.A.D.
- Allegheny College, undergraduate
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, VCOM-VA, medical school
- Lewis Gale Hospital Montgomery, internship
- Lewis Gale Hospital Montgomery, dermatology residency-chief resident, 2018-2020
Dr. Garofola grew up in northwestern Pennsylvania and graduated magna cum laude from Allegheny College in 2011 with a B.S. in biology. He graduated from VCOM in Virginia in 2016 and was awarded distinguished student scholar, research award, and Sigma Sigma Phi honorary fraternity life membership. He finished a 1-year internship at Lewis Gale Montgomery in July 2017, and completed a dermatology residency at Lewis Gale Montgomery from July 2017 to June 2020, where he served as chief resident for two years before joining the River Ridge team in 2020.
He practices general, pediatric, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology and has a special interest in the procedural aspect of the specialty, including micrographic dermatologic surgery (Mohs surgery). “Medicine is really an art,” he says, “skin issues never look the same and there’s always a number of ways to treat each problem.”
Dr. Garofola holds two board certifications by the American Board of Dermatology; one for dermatology, and one for micrographic dermatologic surgery (Mohs surgery). He is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society of Mohs Surgery, Virginia Dermatology Society, and Sigma Sigma Phi honorary fraternity. He was the first-ever resident to serve on the board of the Virginia Dermatology Society.
Dr. Garofola enjoys spending time with his wife and son, and getting outdoors hunting, fishing, and golfing. He also has a German Shorthaired Pointer named Millie, and two cats, Lucy and Ellie.
Jared Brackenrich, D.O.
- Virginia Tech, undergraduate
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), medical school
- LewisGale Hospital Montgomery, residency
Jared Brackenrich is from Pembroke, Virginia, where he developed an early interest in dermatology while shadowing his father, a physician in Giles County. In addition to being intrigued by how skin issues present differently on different people, Dr. Brackenrich was also attracted to dermatology for the opportunity the specialty offers for developing long-term relationships with patients of all ages.
Together with River Ridge’s Dr. Garofola, Dr. Brackenrich was recently honored as winner of the 2021 HCA Research Symposium Poster Presentation, and in 2017 Dr. Brackenrich received the VCOM Distinguished Research Award for his research on the prevalence of dermatological infections found in the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras and rural Appalachia.
Dr. Brackenrich believes in maintaining a strong work-life balance and enjoys golfing, swimming, hiking, traveling, movies, attending church activities, concerts, trying new restaurants and DIY projects.
Certified by the American Board of Dermatology, Dr. Brackenrich is also an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the honorary osteopathic society Sigma Sigma Phi (SSP), and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
Luke Godwin, D.O.
- UNC Chapel Hill, undergraduate
- Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, medical school
- LewisGale Hospital Montgomery, residency
Dr. Luke Godwin was born and raised Fayetteville, North Carolina. He attended UNC Chapel Hill, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in public health. Dr. Godwin then attended medical school at Campbell University, where he earned an osteopathic degree and completed a four-year dermatology residency at LewisGale Montgomery in Blacksburg, VA. In his free time, Dr. Godwin enjoys watching sports, playing sports, going to the NC coast, and spending time with his wife and family. Dr. Godwin looks forward to the many patients he will have the pleasure to treat in this community.
Jason E. Bailey, PA-C
- Virginia Tech, undergraduate
- Jefferson College of Health Sciences, physician assistant school
Jason Bailey has a decade of experience and training as a physician assistant in dermatology. He diagnoses and treats patients with acne, eczema, psoriasis, moles (nevi), skin cancers, actinic keratosis (precancers), spider veins, and many other conditions.
Jason is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, and his clinical interests include melanocytic neoplasms and photoaging.
Jonathan R. Fraim, PA-C
- College of Health Sciences, undergraduate
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, physician assistant school
Jonathan Fraim earned a Bachelor of Science in physician assistant studies in 2002. After graduating, he worked for over a decade as a physician assistant in family medicine and the emergency department at Carilion Hospital in Roanoke. From pediatric care to urgent care to training students, Jonathan has a strong and broad foundation in medical care.
Jonathan returned to school and earned his Master of Physician Assistant Studies in 2015 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He joined Dr. Gross’s practice in Salem, Lewis Gale Physicians, in 2017.
Jonathan is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, and holds a Virginia Physician Assistant License.
Haley Wolford, PA-C
- Radford University, undergraduate
- University of Charleston, physician assistant school
Haley Patterson was born and Raised in Roanoke, Virginia. After graduating from Radford University with a B.S. in biology, she began working at River Ridge Dermatology as a medical assistant to gain clinical experience. She then attended the University of Charleston in Charleston, West Virginia where she earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree.
Outside of work, Haley enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Benson.
Haley is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, and holds a Virginia Physician Assistant License.
Sarah “Anderson” Carrasco, PA-C
- Emory & Henry College, undergraduate
- Radford University Carilion, physician assistant school
Sarah Anderson was born and raised in the Roanoke Valley. She completed her undergraduate studies at Emory & Henry College and received her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies at Radford University Carilion. Prior to joining River Ridge Dermatology, Sarah had experience in various specialties such as orthopedics, dermatology, and emergency medicine.
Driven by a desire to help her patients feel confident and empowered in their skin, Sarah pursued a career in dermatology and strives to make that a reality for each individual she treats. Sarah is committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based care to her patients and stays current with the latest advancements in dermatology.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, working out, traveling, and finding new delicious treats to eat.
Sarah is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, and holds a Virginia Physician Assistant License. She is a member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants and American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Melanie Schano, MSN, FNP-C
- Radford University, undergraduate
- Georgetown University, graduate school
Raised in Blacksburg, Melanie Schano began her nursing career in the emergency department, first working at the Scott and White Memorial Hospital, a level-one trauma center in Texas, and the Carilion New River Valley Medical Center. She began working with Dr. Johnston in 2011.
Melanie Schano is licensed by the state of Virginia as a family nurse practitioner and a registered nurse. She is a member of the Dermatology Nurses Association, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners.
Morgan Akers, FNP-BC
- Bluefield State College, undergraduate
- Marshall University, graduate school
Morgan Akers was born and raised in Princeton, West Virginia. She completed her undergraduate degree as a Registered Nurse at Bluefield State College, and a degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Marshall University. She began her career as a nurse at Princeton Community Hospital before moving to the New River Valley. Outside of work, Morgan loves to spend time with her family and outdoors, and particularly enjoys Claytor lake, traveling, and golfing.
Morgan is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and hold licenses as a Registered Nurse and Family Nurse Practitioner in the state of Virginia. She is a member of Healing Hands Organization and Sigma Theta Tau International.
Rachel Talbot, DNP, FNP-BC
- Radford University, Doctor of Nursing Practice
Rachel Talbot was drawn to healthcare early in her career and has spent nearly a decade caring for dermatology patients. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Radford University, graduating magna cum laude. Rachel began her nursing career at the University of Virginia in the Surgical Trauma Burn Unit before discovering her passion for dermatology, where she now focuses on helping patients feel comfortable and confident in their skin.
Rachel treats a wide range of dermatologic conditions including acne, psoriasis, eczema, and hair loss. She values building long-term relationships with her patients and providing care that supports both healthy skin and overall confidence.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time outdoors with her three children—Jacob, Claire, and Caroline—and keeping up with their many activities. She is also an avid supporter of UVA athletics and previously played softball for the University of Virginia.
Emily Hairfield, MPH, PA-C, DMSc
- Virginia Tech, Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Virginia Tech, Masters of Public Health
- Lincoln Memorial University- DCOM, Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant Studies
- University of Lynchburg College of Health Science Doctor of Medical Sciences
Emily Hairfield was born and raised on a farm in Floyd County, Virginia. She completed her undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech and proceeded in completing a Masters of Public Health with a focus in Health Education and Infectious Disease, also at Virginia Tech. She then received her Masters of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from LMU-DCOM in Harrogate, Tennessee. Finally, she completed her Doctor of Medical Sciences at the University of Lynchburg. Prior to joining River Ridge Dermatology, Emily has practiced in both general and surgical dermatology spanning a 10 year career in medicine serving patients through direct care in clinic and participating in clinical research.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with family, working in her garden and being in the mountains trail running and cycling.
Emily is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, and holds both a Virginia and Tennessee Physician Assistant License. She is a member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants and American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Laura Bumgarner , Licensed Master Aesthetician
- Collagen PIN, Certification
- Cynosure Lasers, Certification
Laura has been a medical Master Aesthetician for more than 25 years. She has vast knowledge of chemical peels, multiple types of laser treatments, IPL, microneedling and various skincare lines. Laura holds certifications from Collagen PIN and Cynosure Lasers. Her experience and extensive knowledge allow her to customize treatment regimes for each patient in order to enhance and promote skin health.
Emily Woodall, PA-C
- Wake Forest University, Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Physician Assistant Program
Emily Woodall, PA-C, is a physician assistant with over two decades of experience specializing in dermatology. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology, graduating cum laude from Wake Forest University. She went on to complete the highly regarded Physician Assistant Program at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, graduating with academic distinction.
Emily is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and licensed through the Virginia Board of Medicine. She is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Society for Dermatology Physician Assistants.
Emily brings 24 years of dermatology experience to her patients, combining deep clinical knowledge with a down-to-earth, approachable style that helps patients feel comfortable and well cared for.
