Gene W. Patterson, MEd, LAT, ATC, CAA
Assistant Athletic Director
Head Athletic Trainer
Gene W. Patterson received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education emphasizing in Athletic Training in 1991 from Iowa State University. In 1991, he was hired as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Georgia. While at the University of Georgia, Gene received his Masters of Education in Sports Administration and Sports Management and was the head athletic trainer for the University of Georgia Women’s Basketball Team. Gene then took a position as Clinical Athletic Trainer with Peach State Therapy in Griffin, GA, working with high school athletes in the Griffin area. In 1996, Gene left Peach State Therapy to take a similar position at DeKalb Medical Center in Decatur, GA, working with high school athletes in DeKalb County. A year later Gene went to work for Physical Therapy Clinics of Georgia as Coordinator of Sports Medicine in the Conyers, GA, area. Gene helped coordinate Sports Medicine coverage for Heritage, Salem and Rockdale County High Schools. In 2000, Gene was hired by Woodward Academy to help expand the school’s Sports Medicine coverage. In 2012, Gene was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director and became a member of Dr. Fernandez's administrative staff.
Gene has been a Certified Athletic Trainer for over 20 years and is now in his 13th year at Woodward Academy. During the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, he served as Co-Head Athletic Trainer at the Badminton Venue and has helped provide coverage at various other special events. Gene and his wife, Paige, have two children, a daughter Abbi and a son Jacob.
Kristi Mounts, MS, ATC, LAT, CSCS
Assistant Athletic Trainer
Kristi Mounts received her Bachelor of Science in Wellness and Athletic Training in 2002 from Defiance College in Ohio. While there, she competed on the softball team for all 4 of her years where she pitched and played 1st base. She then headed south to work as a Graduate Assistant at The Westminster Schools and work on her Master’s Degree at Georgia State University from 2002-2004. After completing her 2 years of school, Kristi earned her Master’s Degree in Athletic Training. She then moved on to work at Whitefield Academy for 4 years. Kristi was hired by Woodward Academy in 2008 as the Assistant Athletic Trainer. In Kristi’s free time, she loves to spend time with her friends and her 2 dogs – Barry & Lily.
Brandon Joyner, ATC, LAT, CSCS
Graduate Assistant
Brandon Joyner received his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training in 2010 from Valdosta State University. While at Valdosta State, he competed all four years as a Cross Country runner. After graduating Brandon moved on to work at Lane College in Jackson, TN for one year as the Athletic Trainer for Men's sports. He is now working on his Master's Degree at Georgia State University in Sports Medicine as well as Physical Education.
Justin Howe, ATC, CAT, CSCS
Graduate Assistant
Justin Howe is the newest member of the Sports Medicine team. Justin is a graduate from the University of Western Ontario where he received his Bachelors in Kinesiology as well as a degree in Athletic Therapy. He is a Certified Athletic Trainer and a Certified Athletic Therapist in Canada. Currently, he is a graduate student at Georgia State University earning a degree in Sports Medicine. Justin has worked in almost every level of sport from middle school to professional level in various sports. He has also worked in rehabilitation facilities where he dealt with individuals who were recovering from orthopedic surgery. Before coming to Woodward Academy, Justin was a Graduate Assistant at Walton High School in Marietta, GA.
Joseph S. Wilkes M.D.
Team Doctor
Dr. Wilkes is the Board Chair of Southern Orthopedic Specialist, LLC. Dr. Wilkes has been providing orthopedic care to his patients for over 20 years. His primary practice is located on the Piedmont Medical Center campus. His specialty is orthopedic surgery with an emphasis in sports medicine, surgery of the hand, arthroscopy and joint replacement. Prior to his founding role in Southern Orthopedic Specialists, LLC, Dr. Wilkes was the Managing Partner of the Atlanta Region of The Hughston Clinic, P.C.
Dr. Wilkes' interest and training is sports medicine has benefited many community organizations. He served as Coordinator of Venue Medical Directors for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. He has served as Associate Team Physician for the Atlanta Falcons in the past and has participated as a special event physician for many local, national, and international competitions including the Atlanta Tennis Challenge, the Chattahoochee Rowing Regetta, and the Georgia Games.
Gary Gropper, M.D.
Team Doctor
Dr. Gary Gropper graduated from Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee School of Medicine. He did his neurosurgical training at the University of Tennessee, Memphis. He has been in private practice in Atlanta since 1986 as Gropper Neurosurgical.
He is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. He has served as a neurosurgical consultant for the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta Braves. Dr. Gropper and his wife, Vickie, are proud parents of their four children.