Our Staff
Karen Carter, M. Ed, MD is a general pediatrician who is board certified in developmental medicine. Karen attended medical school and completed her pediatric training at Medical College of Georgia. She completed a fellowship in developmental medicine at Emory University. She also has her Masters in Education and was a special education teacher for 14 years. She is an active volunteer for Special Olympics Georgia and has been involved with the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs.
Jenny Ferrara, LPN, is one of our nurses and our practice manager. She has worked with Karen since 2013. She graduated from the Augusta Technical College Medical Assisting program in December 2013 and again in August 2022 for the Practical Nursing program. Jenny and her husband, Justin, have 2 daughters (Karly and Hayden), 1 son (Bryson) and their dog Maddie May. Jenny absolutely loves working with our amazing miracle children and adults each day.
Emily Dressler, Speech Therapist has been a therapist since 2009 after graduating from Valdosta State University with a Masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She enjoys working with the kids and seeing all the progress they make. Away from work, she enjoys time with her husband and son, as well as her two dogs, Sammy & BlackJack. She also enjoys hanging out with her nephews and nieces, camping, running, crafting, and sports.
Jasmine Dawson, Occupational Therapist has been working with Karen since December 2018 after graduating from Augusta University with a Master's of Health Science in Occupational Therapy. She received her undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia. Her desire to work with the pediatric population and become an occupational therapist originated from participating in sessions and working with her nephew who has autism. She has a passion for helping and supporting others to assist them with reaching their goals. She enjoys being creative and incorporating her love for music and crafting to make working towards goals fun. When Jasmine is not at the office, she loves going to the movies, listening to music, and hanging out with her family.
Karly Fryant, CNA, is our Certified Nurses Aid and has known Karen since 2013. She graduated from Lakeside High School in 2022 with a CNA certification and a Physical Therapy Technician certification. She is currently enrolled at Augusta University for nursing (pre-nursing program). She enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Aaron, and their hound dog, Buck. She also has 3 miniature pet goats named Ellie Mae, Poppy, and Steven.
Diamond Fair, CMA, is our Certified Medical Assistant. She graduated from the Medical Assisting program at Miller-Motte College in May, 2022. Diamond enjoys working with our amazing patients and seeing them grow to their full potential. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her God-Daughter Gabby, reading and going to the gym.
Raven Allen, is one of our front office staff. She has known Karen her entire life and is an athlete with the Augusta Stars in Special Olympics. She enjoys kayaking, swimming, bowling, and gardening. She loves animals including her two dogs, 4 cats, 1 turtle, and many, many koi fish. She has the best laugh in the world and laughs often. She enjoys interacting with the patients here at ADS.
Tracy Biske, Physical Therapist began working at Augusta Developmental Specialists in October of 2021 after moving back to the Augusta area. She graduated from Medical College of Georgia in 1998 with a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy and is currently working on her doctoral degree in physical therapy. Tracy enjoys working with children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities to maximize their function and physical potential. She has experience with pediatric and adult seating and mobility and conducts weekly seating and equipment clinics to assess needs for wheelchairs, standing and walking equipment, bathroom equipment, beds, and special needs car seats. Tracy is a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician and is able to provide education, fitting, and installation for special needs car seats. At home, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Greg, and their cat, Henry. She has a son in college, three adult step-children, and six grandchildren.
Jazmine Gibbs works at the front desk. She started in June of 2024 after taking time away from work to enjoy being a new mom. She enjoys getting to know and recognize patients and greeting them with a bright smile. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, David, their baby girl Luna Bell, and their two cats. She also enjoys reading, cooking, and the beach.