About Our Team

Betsy Grunch, MD, FAANS, FACS

I was born and raised in Gainesville, Georgia, and graduated from West Hall High School. For undergraduate school, I went to the University of Georgia where I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. I then attended medical school at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia, and subsequently matched in neurological surgery at Duke University where I completed my internship in 2008. I trained in neurological surgery at Duke University and graduated in 2013. At Duke, I earned the Synthes Spine Fellowship from 2010-2011.

My main interests are minimally invasive spine techniques and advancing the field of neurotrauma. I live with my husband, Ray, our two children, Riley and Beatrice, and our two dogs, Pancake and Butters, in Gainesville, Georgia. I am board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery.

Our Offices —
655 Jesse Jewell Parkway SE
Gainesville, GA 30501
Entrance C

(770) 533-7288 - Phone
(678) 450-3764 - Fax

1270 Friendship Road, Suite 110
Braselton, GA 30517

(678) 207-4600 - Phone

Samantha “Sami” Newman, PA-C

I was born and raised in Robbinsville, New Jersey, so I will always be a Jersey girl at heart. For college, I attended Drexel University in Philadelphia. Following that, I initially moved to Georgia to attend Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Georgia. I graduated from PCOM with a Masters degree in Physician Assistant studies in 2019, and my first PA position was in subspecialty surgery in New York. About three years ago, I moved back to Georgia, with my now husband Matthew, to work for Dr. Grunch and the rest of the team at Longstreet Clinic Neurosurgery!

Jessica Tages, PA-C

I completed an accelerated Physician Assistant program in 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and have been practicing ever since. In December of 2023, I moved from New Jersey to Georgia to come work for Dr. Grunch. Previously, I worked in orthopedics for five years before switching to neurosurgery. I enjoy reading, going to the beach, and hanging out with friends and family. One of the most valuable things I’ve learned professionally is how to work as part of a team. A PA is truly such an integral part of the ever-evolving healthcare team and I love being able to be by a patient’s side throughout their entire journey from their first visit, to getting set up for surgery, to assisting in their surgeries and then following them postoperatively.

Alaina Hall, PA-C

I have my Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). In January of 2024, I joined the team at Longstreet Clinic Neurosurgery after two years of practice as a vascular surgery physician assistant in Braselton, Georgia. I have two rambunctious German shepherds named Koa Grace and Kobe Jax. In my free time, I enjoy working out, spending time with friends and family, painting, and loving on my two sweet pups. My favorite part about being a physician assistant is the multitude of ways we can positively impact a patients health (and thus their lives) such as referring patients to the right person to address their concerns/ alignments, performing/ assisting in surgery to physically modify their abnormalities, monitoring them in the hospital setting pre and post surgery when they oftentimes feel at their lowest, and to celebrate them when they finally get over the hump. It’s all very fulfilling, very rewarding, and it brings a lot of happiness and purpose to my life.

Maggie Smith, MA & AT

I grew up in Georgia and am a proud Georgia peach! After attending Flowery Branch High School, I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training at Piedmont University.  I am always cheering on my Clemson tigers and love spending time with family and friends - especially my sweet baby nephew. Professionally, I enjoy working as a medical assistant in Neurosurgery and try to bring sunshine to everyone’s day. I am happy to be in a role where I am able to make a difference each and every day. 

Amanda “Sam” Pipkin, PA-C

I graduated with a Masters degree in Physician Assistant Studies from South University, Savannah, in 2008. I have been a PA for 15 years, working in orthopedics, neurosurgery and the ER. Getting to know patients and their families and learning from them is something I truly love. And I have been enjoying working in the small, close-knit community of Demorest where it feels like everyone is family. In my spare time, I enjoy eating cupcakes, spending time with my husband and three sons, cheering on the dawgs, going on medical mission trips and coaching youth sports.

Austin Malcom, PA-C

I have my Masters of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of South Alabama, and am also a proud alumni of the University of Georgia - go dawgs! In October of 2022, I joined the team at Longstreet Clinic Neurosurgery after four years of practice as a neurosurgery physician assistant in Rome, Georgia. My wife Carly and I have two sons, Cason and Chandler, and a labradoodle named Harper. We enjoy watching Georgia football, playing sports and many other outdoor activities. My favorite part about being a physician assistant is being in the operating room where we all work together for the betterment of the patient. Being a part of the process and then there alongside a patient through their recovery is very fulfilling.

Stacey May-Franklin, CMA

I was born and raised in California and moved to Georgia in 2007 with my 2 kids.  I have a son that is now 29 and a daughter that is now 19. I met my husband in 2012 and along with him and his 2 sons, we make up a family of 6! I enjoy going to the movies and shopping. And I have worked in the healthcare field since I was 18 yrs old. Becoming Dr. Grunch's CMA has been one of my biggest accomplishments, besides being a parent and wife.

Gabby Clark

I was born and raised in Hoschton, GA, and I graduated from Winder Barrow High School. Afterwards, I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Georgia in 2023, and am currently pursuing a career as a physician assistant. I started at Longstreet Clinic as a scribe, and was recently moved into the medical assistant position which I am so excited about! My hobbies include hiking with my husband, Ty, watching movies, and hanging out with my two cats, Poppy and Goose.