MEET
our
Team
PROVIDERS
Dr. Amy Cianciolo
President & Family Physician
Dr. Cianciolo opened Direct Access to provide her patients the highest quality of medical care, with the aim of helping them reach their health and wellness goals while serving God. Adopting the Direct Primary Care model allows Dr. Cianciolo to focus on the needs of her patients.
Dr. Cianciolo has been practicing for 20 years with experience in inpatient care, obstetrics and gynecology, outpatient care, preventative medicine and women’s health.
Dr. Shane Purcell
Vice President & Family Physician
Dr. Shane Purcell teamed up with Direct Access to return to the core of family medicine — the relationship between the patient and physician. This new model of care allows us to focus on you, the patient, without the interruptions of insurance industry red tape.
Dr. Shane is married to Hollie who cares for their three sons. They are actively involved in the local church and love college sports in the area.
Dr. Clifton Straughn
Family Physician
Dr. Straughn has been caring for patients in Anderson for 35 years. He joined Direct Access to spend more time with his patients and focus on their needs.
He graduated from Bowman Gray School of Medicine in 1982, then completed his Family Medicine Residency at AnMed in 1985.
Dr. Straughn is married to Sandy, and they have a daughter attending Nurse Practitioner School at Anderson University. They enjoy spending time fishing on the coast.
Dr. Audrey Jones
Family Physician
Dr. Jones is a Charleston girl at heart, but has been practicing family medicine in the Anderson area for 20 years.
She made the switch to DPC in January of 2019 to get back to the basics of healthcare and spend more quality time with her patients.
Dr. Jones enjoys traveling, thrift shopping, and strives to give her patients a genuine, patient/physician relationship here at Direct Access.
Elizabeth Knippen, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Mrs. Elizabeth Knippen graduated from the MUSC Physician Assistant program in Charleston, SC. She has been working in ER and urgent care for the past 10 years. Mrs. Knippen joined the team to get back to what matters most: the patient/provider relationship, and she is excited to provide exceptional care for her patients.
In her free time, Mrs. Knippen loves spending time with her husband Matt and their two young boys. She enjoys cycling, exploring the outdoors, attending church, and watching all sports.
STAFF
Katelyn Guthrie
Business Manager
Katelyn is our Business Manager and has been with Direct Access since 2016. She graduated from Anderson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
Katelyn lives in Anderson with her dog, Mac, and enjoys photography, gardening, and traveling. Her goal is to make every patient of Direct Access feel welcome and cared for as if they were family.
Amanda Smith
Medical Receptionist
Amanda runs our front office and is the first face to greet you! She has a heart for Jesus, baking, and helping people - even if it's just listening and talking with them. Amanda lives in Powdersville with her two children Ansley and Ryan.
She feels the Lord has truly blessed her and given her a real calling to connect with others here at Direct Access and at their church in Powdersville. She looks forward to the seasons God has in store, and for the connections she will make with our patients at Direct Access.
Julie Cottrell, MS, RD, LD
Registered Dietitian
Julie is a registered dietitian with a masters degree in clinical nutrition. She is passionate about promoting health through diet and lifestyle choices, and prefers a low carbohydrate approach to achieve maximum health benefits. She spends much of her free time reading about advances in nutrition science, exercising, and experimenting with new recipes.
Julie lives in Chattanooga, TN, with her husband and 2 teenage boys. Her husband, Ben, attended residency with Dr. Shane and Dr. Amy, and currently works as regional medical director for Parkridge Healthcare System.
Sherry Kirkland
LPN
Sherry is a wife, a mother and a nurse. She has worked with Dr. Jones for over ten years. Together they strive to give their patients quality care and service.
Originally from Buffalo, NY, Sherry has grown fond of the south and is happy to call Anderson her home. She has many interests, but Sherry loves to minister to others through written word.
Sherry, her husband, Jay and their son believe that family is important and love spending quality time together.
Jessica Gunnells
CMA
Jessica joined Direct Access in January 2020 and has been in healthcare since 2001.
She truly feels God has placed her at Direct Access not only for her patients and co-workers but for her own peace.
She has 2 teenage boys and 5 dogs. She is a true animal lover! Nothing brings her greater joy than 4 paws and a wet nose.
Laura Latham
CMA
Laura joined Direct Access in May 2020. She has worked in healthcare for 30 years. Laura lives in Anderson with her husband Brian and daughter Ashley. She enjoys spending time with her family, shopping, and singing. She sings on the weekends with her family in a gospel group.
Her motto on the job has always been to treat the patient as if they are your family member. She feels that God leads and you follow. She feels that God has placed her here to care for you and your family.
Kayla Powell
R.T. (R)
Kayla returned to our practice in September of 2020 and is Dr. Shane's nurse.
Marly Young
LPN
Marly joined our practice as Dr. Amy's nurse in December of 2021. She lives in Pendleton with her dog, Rutledge, and loves all things Clemson. GO TIGERS! Marly has many years of family medicine experience and a genuine passion for caring for patients.
Hannah Fowler
Pharmacy Tech
Hannah works part-time in our pharmacy and also helps cross-cover our front desk. She is a recent graduate of Anderson University and will be attending Presbyterian College in the fall as she has been accepted into their Physician Assistant Program.