Clinic History

Our Mission

Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic was founded with a mission to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare for the uninsured residents of Sevier County, inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Our dedicated providers offer comprehensive services, including primary medical care, dental care, and behavioral health care, to those in need. We also offer a vital medication assistance program, ensuring affordable access to medications for chronic conditions. Services are provided on a sliding fee scale based on the Federal Poverty Level, ensuring everyone receives the care they deserve.

Our Beginnings

In early 1999, retired pediatrician Dr. Alyene Reese and her best friend, retired social worker Sue Ellen Riddle, borrowed five rooms in a local church youth building, assembled an all-volunteer staff, and founded Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic. Over the past 24 years, the clinic has served more than 33,000 patients and now operates in a modern facility in the heart of Sevierville, on land leased from the Sevier County School System for just $1.00 per year. The building was constructed by an anonymous benefactor, who rallied support from various vendors. Many local civic organizations, churches, and individuals have also generously contributed funds and services for expansion and updates.

We are here for Sevier County

Dr. Reese’s vision for affordable healthcare for Sevier County citizens was right on target. Since tourism is a driving force of the Sevier County economy, many citizens work in seasonal, service industry jobs which do not provide health insurance benefits. The number of people in need of our services grows each year and with the continuing rise in the cost of health insurance, more people join the ranks of the uninsured.

The Heart of the Clinic: Staff and Volunteers

Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic operates with both employed staff and a dedicated group of volunteers. Our primary care team includes Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Registered Nurses, Certified Medical Assistants, and a Medical Interpreter.

Our Medical Director, Dr. Richard Dew, has been a committed volunteer since 2003. Embedded within our primary care team are Licensed Clinical Social Workers and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.

Our dental team consists of Dr. Jeff Collart, a dental assistant, and a dental hygienist. Supporting patient services are our Director of Operations, Medication Assistance Coordinator, Medical Receptionists, Referral Coordinator, Community Health Workers, and Director of Community Services and Quality. Additional administrative staff includes our Executive Director and Marketing and Resource Development Coordinator.

A dedicated group of nursing and support staff volunteers generously contributes their time and skills to serve patients at the clinic. Several provider volunteers, including Dr. Robert Valosik and Richard Henighan, FNP, have been with us for many years. Our Board of Directors comprises a committed group of volunteers providing governance and vision as we fulfill the mission of Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic.

The clinic’s warm and caring environment is made possible by the many individuals and organizations in Sevier County who support us. Businesses, local governments, civic groups, churches, and community members take ownership by contributing funds, supplies, sponsoring fundraising events, and spreading the word about our work.

Investing in Tomorrow's Healthcare Workers

Medical and nursing students from different universities rotate through the Clinic. These students come from East Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee, Carson-Newman University, Walter State Community College, and Lincoln Memorial University. The partnership with East Tennessee State University gives medical, nursing, social work, and public health students educational opportunities in rural community environments.

ETSU Quillen College of Medicine Residents rotation throughout the year are a made available for those seeking a rural outpatient experience. This has resulted in Physicians making future decisions to work as primary care providers in rural communities.

Community Support

Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic is a charitable community healthcare clinic serving uninsured people who live or work in Sevier County.

As a nonprofit organization, we rely on a combination of patient fees and generous community support to sustain our operations and expand access to care.

Sevier County government, along with the cities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, partner with Mountain Hope through annual agreements that help support healthcare services for their residents. The Sevier County School System also provides annual funding to assist with services for school aged children.

We are grateful to be a community partner of the United Way of Sevier County and to work alongside other organizations focused on strengthening the health and well-being of our neighbors. Local churches, civic groups, businesses and individuals faithfully support the clinic through financial contributions, in-kind services and volunteerism.

Our Resource Development Committee leads annual fundraising events, while clinic leadership actively pursues grants, direct mail campaigns, planned giving opportunities and endowment growth. Mountain Hope undergoes an independent annual audit to ensure transparency and responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to us.