Brandon Wellness Center Introduces New Provider-Nurse Duo at Philip-Barbour High School

The Brandon Wellness Center, located inside Philip-Barbour High School, is dedicated to making quality healthcare accessible, convenient, and welcoming for every student and staff member on campus. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our new provider-nurse team to lead that mission.

Crystal Gregory, PA-C, and Samantha Watkins, RN, are Philip-Barbour graduates who’ve come full circle to care for the next generation of Colts. We sat down with them to learn more about their journeys, what brought them back home, and how they’re working together to make student wellness a top priority.

Getting to Know Crystal and Samantha

Q: Can you share a little about your backgrounds and what brought you both to Brandon Wellness Center?

Crystal: I’m a Physician Assistant, and I actually worked at the Brandon Wellness Center before, so coming back feels like home. I love school-based health because it removes barriers like transportation, absenteeism, and time off work for parents. Plus, the continuity helps students build trust, which is so powerful at this age.

Samantha: I started my career at United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV, where I built my core nursing skills, and later joined Crystal at a quick care clinic. When the opportunity came up
to work with her again, I jumped at it. I’ve always loved combining healthcare with education and
prevention.

Q: What inspired you both to work in school-based health, and what do you enjoy most about working with students?

Crystal: The school environment lets us focus on prevention and long-term wellness, not just sick visits. We can be part of their growth and help them form healthy habits for life.

Samantha: I completely agree. I love building real connections and being someone students can trust. Working in a school setting means we get to make a difference early on, before small issues become big ones.

Q: How would you describe your approach to caring for teens and young adults?

Samantha: I try to listen first and respond second! And of course, a little humor won’t hurt.

Crystal: I agree. Building trust and really hearing what students are saying is so important.

Q: How do you both work together as a team to make sure students get the care and support they need?

Samantha: Communication is key!

Crystal: Absolutely. And it’s not just the two of us. We work closely with the school staff and our behavioral health team to make sure students have all the support they need. It really does take a village.

Visiting Brandon Wellness Center

Q: What services are available at the Brandon Wellness Center?

Samantha: We can do more than just sick visits. We do yearly well-child exams and sports physicals. We are also able to help get students up-to-date on required vaccinations for school and give allergy injections. We always have multiple over-the-counter medications (given with consent), Band-Aids, wraps, ice and heat packs, and personal hygiene items if and when a student may need them. We’re also proud to offer behavioral health services right here in the school. This team is incredible and so dedicated to student well-being!

Crystal: I’d also add that we are a fully functioning clinic. We can provide referrals, prescription medications, and diagnostic testing like labs and EKGs.

Q: What are some of the most common reasons students visit during the school day?

Samantha: We mostly see minor illnesses like headaches, stomachaches, sore throats, and colds. Quite a few sports injuries, too!
Q: What would you say to students or parents who might be nervous about visiting the wellness center?

Samantha: Don’t be shy! We’re here for you. You’ll always be greeted with friendly smiles and a caring group who truly want to help.

About the Brandon Wellness Center

Brandon Wellness Center is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 3 PM. You’ll find us inside the doors by the student parking lot at Philip Barbour High School. Whether you need a physical, have a question about your health, or just want to meet your new health team, stop by anytime. Crystal and Samantha are ready to help you feel your best!