Josephine T. Lopez, MD FAAP
Dr. Lopez (“DrL”) has broad experience in general pediatrics, in infectious diseases, and ADHD. She is Board Certified in Pediatrics and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. DrL completed her residency at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and obtained her MD from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine. She maintains membership in the American Association of Pediatrics and the Philippine American Association of Georgia. DrL is as adjunct faculty at the Augusta University-University of Georgia Medical Partnership and mentors medical students in community pediatrics.
DrL loves kids and has three of her own grown ones, Joseph, Julia and Johann. She enjoys travel, gardening, cooking, and riding her bicycle. As an active member of St. Joseph Parish in Athens, she sings Sunday choir and strongly supports kids programs at both St. Joseph Catholic Parish School and Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School.
Felix Sherwin Lopez
Administrator/CFO
“MrL” handles the personnel and business side of the practice and is involved in customer service, business and vendor relations, hiring and payroll. Prior to joining Athens Kids Specialists he worked as a researcher in an international agricultural research center and as an environmental lab manager in private industry. MrL studied Biology (Ecology) at the University of the Philippines and obtained a PhD (Ecology) from the University of Georgia. He loves gardening, tennis, biking, and traveling with his family.
Buffy W York, RN, MSN
Advance Practice Nurse Practitioner
Buffy has over 20 year’s practical experience as a nurse/nurse practitioner in a pediatric or family medicine setting in Northeast Georgia. She earned her BS Nursing degree from Lander University and the MS Nursing degree from Clemson University. She is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. During her free time, Buffy enjoys outdoor activities with her family.
Yacith Cavazos
Office Manager
As Office Manager, Yacith oversees personnel, scheduling, payroll, and staff training. She also manages doctor credentialing, business insurance, and supply procurement. For billing, insurance inquiries, or clinic improvement, suggestions or concerns, Yacith is your primary point of contact.
When she’s off the clock, you’ll likely find Yacith hiking, kayaking, or heading to the beach with her family. She also has a passion for nurturing her growing collection of houseplants.
Fun fact: Yacith feels like the mother hen in the clinic 😊
Brenda Garcia
Back Medical Assistant
As a medical assistant, Brenda brings her educational background and a caring approach to Athens Kids Specialists. She’s currently pursuing her medical assistant certification and enjoys the rewarding experience of working with young patients. Brenda values family time, shopping trips, and coffee runs with her daughter.
Fun fact: Brenda would be the one you hear laughing and giggling as soon as you come into the clinic 😊
Maria Albarran
Back Medical Assistant
Maria is an integral part of our back office at Athens Kids Specialists, where she enjoys working with families and providing supportive care for children. In her free time, she loves spending time outdoors whilst creating new memories with her two boys.
Fun fact: Maria has a farm at home
Cindi Ortega
Front Office Assistant
Cindi is part of the front office at Athens Kids Specialists, where she takes all phone calls, scans and faxes medical records, makes your appointments, sends your referrals to specialists, verifies your insurance and collects any payments at the end of the visit, and if you do well during your visit with the doctor she will give you a sticker. Cindi enjoys working with children and interacting with families. In her free time, Cindi loves spending quality time with her family, visiting amusement parks, and traveling. But, mainly, she can be found at a baseball field cheering for her son.
Fun fact about Cindi: if you make her laugh really hard, she snorts 😊
Shelly Chavez, MA
Back Medical Assistant
As a medical assistant, Shelly enjoys working with children and making it as easy as possible when it comes to giving shots to our patients. Shelly is currently a student at Athens Technical College, looking to further her education in the medical field. When away from her desk, she enjoys family vacations, loves the sun, and likes to spend quality time with her children and 2 fur babies.
Fun fact: Shelly does not brush her hair 😊
Julia Lopez
Admin Assistant
Julia is a senior at the University of Georgia studying Anthropology and Human Kineseiology. She helps manage office correspondence, doctor credentialing, finances, and business licenses/permits. She loves dancing and intramural sports and is active in cross-cultural education.
Johann Lopez
Admin Assistant/IT Tech
Johann is majoring in mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech. At Athens Kids Specialists, he helps install and upgrade network devices and troubleshoot computer and EMR issues. Johann loves basketball, soccer and riding his bike. He has 14 pet chickens.
