Team

Jason Colinger, D.O, F.A.A.F.P. is the Medical Director at Erwin Health Care. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Asheville, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology before attending Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine. Upon graduation, Dr. Colinger completed his residency training at East Tennessee State University Family Medicine in Bristol before returning home to Unicoi County.

In 2006, Dr. Colinger joined Unicoi Medical Associates in downtown Erwin, where he has a successful private practice. In addition, he has worked with Erwin Health Care and several other nursing homes to ensure optimal resident care. Dr. Colinger is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and earned The Degree of Fellow.

Dr. Colinger is proud to be a member of the local community and enjoys being able to support the local schools, businesses, and healthcare facilities. He is truly passionate about being able to take care of patients at all levels of care, whether in his office or at Erwin Health Care. Additionally, he works with hospice patients at Caris Healthcare. Dr. Colinger enjoys teaching and has been part of the medical education of multiple students from both East Tennessee State University and Lincoln Memorial University.

Sarah Cooper has been in long-term care for 16 years. She started her journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked her way up to become a Registered Nurse. Over the years, Sarah has held many positions including Quality Assurance, House Supervisor, Infection Preventionist, Assistant Director Of Nursing, and, currently, Director Of Nursing. Each of these roles has helped her gain knowledge and insight that she uses to manage and teach the nurses under her to optimize patient outcomes.

Sarah enjoys spending time with her family in the outdoors.

Wendy Winters is the Marketing Director at Erwin Health Care Center. Prior to this appointment, Wendy served as the Social Services Director for 6 years.

Wendy holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work, giving her a unique perspective and skill set in meeting the needs of residents. Working in long-term care for 10 years, Wendy has developed a passion for helping those in need of memory care. Meeting the needs of these residents requires a care team which she enjoys being part of.

Wendy loves spending time with family and is kept busy managing two toddlers.

Samantha Rice is the Dietary Manager at Erwin Health Care Center. She began her career as a CNA before attending Tennessee Technology Center of Elizabethton for Dietary Management. With ten years of experience working with the elderly population, Samantha brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the facility.

Samantha is a lifelong resident of Erwin and is happy to be raising her daughter in the same community.

Jason Bennett is the Administrator and CEO at Erwin Health Care. Mr. Bennett brings 30 years of long-term care experience to the position – including administrative and clinical expertise. Beginning his healthcare career as a respiratory therapist, Mr. Bennett knows first-hand the importance of quality care. Since 2001, he has led skilled nursing/ assisted living facilities until he took on his most recent role as Administrator at Foundation Park Care Center – a 125 bed skilled Memory Care facility in Ohio. He is a proven executive leader who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in developing strategic plans, promoting organizational mission, and driving operational outcomes.