Team Members

For Melissa, her career choice was personal. While in high school, she helped care for her grandmother when she was facing serious illness, and even at that young age, she realized the importance of helping people during some of the most difficult times of their lives. With over 28 years of experience in family medicine, she made the career change to neurosurgery, which was influenced by her late uncle, a neuroradiologist. Melissa loves to help others and will continue to be an advocate for the patients and their families throughout the community, while providing excellent care and compassion to those she encounters every day.

With certifications that include an Associate’s Degree in Healthcare Management & Science, a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), and Certified Pharmacy Tech (CPhT), Melissa brings her expertise in addition to compassion, empathy, and patient advocacy in her daily work, helping patients feel like individuals deserving of care instead of just a number.

Originally from Oakwood, Georgia, she is married to her husband of 25 years, and has a young adult son, Grant. When she isn’t at the office, she loves spending time with family & friends, traveling, roller skating, and crafting.

Fun Fact: I grew up roller skating, and my husband and I still go. Our son also loves to roller skate, and we travel to different states for large skating events, where we have met lots of wonderful friends, who have now become our extended family.

Favorite quote: Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.

Morgan knew she was meant to work in healthcare from a young age. When she was in 2nd grade, she suffered a spiral fracture of her tibia and remembers being called from the waiting room at the surgeon’s office and walking past all of the young ladies at the nurses station. She recalls how kind they were and how they showed up for her and made her feel seen and supported even though she was a first-time patient. She knew she wanted to be able to provide that kind of support as a career and is now thrilled to be working with Dr. Grunch and the team at Southern Neurosurgery.

Morgan is a newlywed, and she and her husband have a tabby cat. She received her clinical medical assistant licenses at the Medical Institute of Northeast Georgia and went on to attend Southwest Bible College, where she graduated with an associate’s degree in Biblical studies. In her free time, she loves reading (she loves it so much, she created a home library and reads almost every evening!), and spending time with her husband at the gym, on a hike, or going on a new adventure.

Tomeka Welch is part of the administrative staff at Southern Neurosurgery. She has been in healthcare for 5 years, choosing this as a profession because she has a passion for helping others. She understands how a patient’s interaction with the front staff, often their first interaction with the office as a whole, can make or break a patient’s experience. She wants all patients to know that they are seen and heard–that when they come in the office, they will see a friendly smile, hear a kind voice, and know that the people at Southern Neurosurgery will do their best to get them the information they need.

Originally from Cleveland, Georgia, Tomeka is married and has a young adult son. She is a proud “Disney adult” and, when she is not in the office, her other interests include reading, spending time with family and friends, and trying different foods/experiences.

Fun Fact: I can pretty much recite the entirety of the Golden Girls series!

Favorite Quote: “Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever.” ~ Walt Disney