By Your Side & At Your Service!

Our award-winning and board-certified team of experts includes physicians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, certified menopause specialists, lab technicians, and concierges, to name just a few — and we’re all poised to take care of your every need.

“Finally, a medical staff that knows how to WOW their patients. Best treatment I've ever received from a doctor's office, PERIOD!”

- Loren M.

Shannon W. Finks, Pharm. D.

President & Director of Pharmacy Services

MSCP-Certified Menopause Specialist

A Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Tennessee, Shannon holds multiple Board certifications, is an internationally recognized lecturer, and is widely published in medical literature.

We’re especially proud, though, of her many teaching and service awards.

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A. “Lloyd” Finks, M.D.

Senior Physician & Director of Operations

Lloyd served with Methodist Healthcare for over 20 years, most recently as the Medical Director for Methodist Hospice and the Minor Medical Centers.

His training included time spent with the National Health Service in London, England, as well as coursework in hospitality management at Cornell School of Hotel Administration. He’s Board Certified in Internal Medicine.

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ZüpMed Staff

Michelle Sands, M.D.

Physician

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A native Floridian, Michelle Sands made the move to Tennessee in 1985 to attend Vanderbilt University. After graduating with a B.A. in biology and in art history, she attended the University of Tennessee Medical School, from which she graduated summa cum laude in 1993.

Dr. Sands spent a year studying obstetrics and gynecology and then completed an Internal Medicine residency at Methodist Hospital in Memphis in 1997. She has previously worked at the University of Memphis and the Rhodes College student health centers.

For the past 15 years, she has practiced and served as an Assistant Professor of Medicine for the University of Tennessee at the Methodist University Specialty Clinic. Dr. Sands is Board certified in Internal Medicine and a member of the American College of Physicians and the A.O.A. Medical honor society.

She has been married to her best friend Chris Sands M.D. for more than 30 years and enjoys free time with her husband and her two children, Emma and Russell. Her hobbies include painting, walking, and doll collecting.

We’re thrilled to have Dr. Sands bring her primary care, woman’s health, and adolescent medicine expertise to ZüpMed.

Katherine Ray

Nurse Practitioner

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Katherine Ray grew up in Memphis, attended Hutchison School, and then went to the University of Tennessee Knoxville, where she earned a BS in microbiology and minored in Spanish. She then returned to Memphis to receive her Master's and Doctorate degrees in Nursing from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC).

For the past six years, “K-Ray” has worked at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in the pediatric ICU. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga and baking.

Liz Lemley

Nurse Practitioner

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With a pedigree that includes Hutchison School, University of Tennessee Knoxville, and The University of Memphis, ZüpMed’s “do-it-all” Family Nurse Practitioner is “100% Memphis and 100% Tennessee”.

As an RN, Liz helped open the new LeBonheur Children’s Hospital and later moved to Methodist University Hospital to care for adults in the orthopedic and stroke units.

Since earning her Master of Science in Nursing in 2015, Liz has worked in a health and wellness clinic and is now our expert in preparing and administering boutique IV infusions.

Laura Smith

Clinic Administrator & Member Services Specialist

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Laura Smith is our Clinic Administrator and Member Services Specialist. After growing up in Memphis and graduating from St. Benedict, Laura’s spirited personality led her to Grand Tetons when she was just 20 years old.

After a few years doing everything from supervising lodging to wilderness guiding, she relocated to Athens, Georgia, where she worked in a vet clinic and rehabilitated wounded wildlife, saved puppies, and helped pet owners for ten years.

Memphis then called Laura back home, and she now lives in Cooper-Young with her two daughters, Lucy and Eleanor, and a growing collection of stray dogs.

Sara Saunders

RT(R), Manager of Lab & X-ray Services, Medical Assistant

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Graduating from Memphis Harding Academy and continuing on to earn a BA in communications, Sara worked for over ten years at the legendary Memphis music distribution company Select-O-Hits before changing course and training as a full-scope Radiologic Technologist.

Here at ZüpMed, she is our Manager of Lab & X-ray Services, a walking encyclopedia of Stephen King novels, and a dedicated connoisseur of “Little Debbie” pastries.

Emily Yopp

Pharm. D. & MSCP-Certified Menopause Specialist

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Emily was born and raised in Middle Tennessee. She pursued her passion for healthcare at Middle Tennessee State University, initially majoring in nursing. However, after working in a pharmacy, she transitioned her studies to pursue a future in becoming a pharmacist.

In 2003, Emily moved to Memphis to attend the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy. She met her husband while she was in school, and they decided to make Memphis their home.

Over the last decade, Emily has carved out a distinguished career path specializing in compounding and preventative medicine. Her expertise lies in managing hormone replacement therapy, women's health, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune conditions. Through her work, Emily has positively impacted countless lives, providing personalized care and innovative solutions to her patients' health challenges.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Emily's most cherished role is being a mother to her three children, alongside their beloved golden retriever. Emily also finds joy in spending time outdoors, staying active, and reading. We are so excited to welcome Emily as a part of our team and family here at ZüpMed.

Ami Okasinski

Bookkeeper

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Our delightfully quirky bookkeeper came to us after answering an ad on NextDoor, and that was truly our good fortune! A self-described “creature of the sun”, Ami spent several of the last few years hiking around the southwest and “falling in love with the desert”. She still enjoys her outdoor time and has recently taken up paddle boarding. Say hello if you see her out at Shelby Farms!

Ami’s background is in biology and dietetics, but she loves numbers and puzzles, so bookkeeping is a natural fit. She still has a strong interest in nutrition, however, and has found a side job cooking healthy and delicious meals for a few fortunate families in midtown…and occasionally the ZüpMed staff!

Andie Martin

Pharm.D.

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Andie Martin has an unmistakable passion for healthcare and clinical knowledge that proves true in her everyday work. As a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy, she brings a fresh perspective to the ZüpMed team. Her clinical philosophy is simple: listen to patients intently and provide personalized treatment that addresses their real concerns.

Her philosophy found its match at ZüpMed, and she continues to learn and grow with the team every day.

When she isn’t in the office helping patients, Andie enjoys visiting family and friends at the lake in Pickwick, her hometown. And when she gets back, she always feels blessed to take care of patients the way they deserve!

Alyson Swindall

Pharm.D.

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Alyson Swindall grew up in Oxford, MS, and attended Ole Miss for her undergraduate education. She then made the move to Memphis to attend the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where she earned her doctorate in Pharmacy. After graduation, Alyson completed two additional years of post-graduate residency training at Regional One Health, where she specialized in the management of chronic disease states.

Alyson takes pride in helping patients feel empowered to take control of their health and truly understand their bodies. She is passionate about providing care for the whole person, taking into consideration their physical, mental, and emotional health. By combining her experience with chronic disease management and evidence-based practices, Alyson is committed to helping patients meet their individual goals.

Alyson met her husband, Joseph, while living in Oxford. They moved to Memphis in 2015 and married in 2017. They have two daughters. In her free time, Alyson enjoys sewing and traveling with her husband and family.

Chandler Cummins

Nurse Practitioner

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Chandler was born and raised just down the road in Memphis, TN, where she graduated from St. Mary’s Episcopal School and then moved to Fort Worth, TX, to attend nursing school. She is a Horned Frog through and through, having received both her Bachelor’s and Doctorate degrees from TCU. She was an RN in an adult Intensive Care Unit in Fort Worth for seven years, but always knew she’d eventually make it back to Memphis – and here she is again!

Chandler worked with cardiac patients as a Nurse Practitioner for Sutherland Cardiology Clinic before joining ZüpMed. She loves spending time with patients to learn their whole story and reach the root of their problems. Chandler believes listening is our best tool in healthcare and hopes every patient leaves the clinic feeling heard.

Outside of Züp, Chandler and her husband, Sam, can be found walking in Shelby Farms, biking the Greenline, or spending time around a table with friends and family. They welcomed their first daughter last spring and love their new role as parents.

Julie Butler

Concierge

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Julie has always had a passion for service. As an avid animal lover and vet school hopeful, she combines a caring nature with a customer service background to offer our patients a first-in-class experience. She thrives in the ZüpMed environment, which is full of like-minded individuals who share her "genuine aim to please" personality.

Julie is a native Memphian – #901, am I right? – and she is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry at the University of Memphis. In her free time, Julie enjoys traveling with her fiancé, Caleb, and their beloved "dog"ter, Charlie. Whether exploring new places or relaxing at home, the trio is inseparable.

Hillary Hunt MD

Physician

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Dr. Hillary Hunt is a dedicated physician specializing in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Dr. Hunt began her academic journey at Mississippi State University, where she earned a degree in Fine Arts. Pursuing her passion for medicine, Dr. Hunt attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. Following medical school, Dr. Hunt completed a rigorous residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Indiana University in Indianapolis, finishing in 2009. She maintains her board certification in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. This dual training has equipped her with the ability to care for patients across all ages, from newborns to the elderly, ensuring continuity of care within families and communities.

Dr. Hunt is known for her compassionate approach, dedication to her patients, and commitment to lifelong learning. Her unique background in fine arts and medicine allows her to connect with patients on multiple levels, providing care that is both scientifically sound and deeply humanistic.

With a unique blend of artistic creativity and medical expertise, she offers evidence-based treatment approaches balanced by a holistic style to patient care that emphasizes empathy, communication, and comprehensive treatment. Dr. Hunt is committed to treating the whole person, not just their symptoms, and works collaboratively with her patients to develop personalized treatment plans that promote overall well-being.

Keeley Farmer

Medical Assistant

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All the way from St. Louis, meet Keeley! Her three years in Memphis have seen her through the first few semesters of Pre-med at the University of Memphis, where she’s studying Biology with a minor in Chemistry. So, naturally, she’s spending any time she has away from the library learning the day-to-day with us.

As a medical assistant, Keeley is here to triage patients, assist with medical records, and communicate your needs. She loves getting to spend time with patients and working with “the best staff ever!" (her words, not ours!)

Lily Rose Oliver

Concierge

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Lily Rose Oliver is a Memphis native who grew up attending Hutchison School before heading to Sarah Lawrence College in New York City, where she earned her BA in psychology. Recently, she returned to her hometown to pursue a Master’s in counseling and child therapy at the University of Memphis.

Lily Rose is thrilled to be back in Memphis and enjoys spending her free time indulging in her love for reading or binge-watching 80s flicks with her two cats, Margi and Cordy. She's passionate about supporting others and is excited to deepen her expertise in helping children and families through her time at ZüpMed.

Emily Sullivan

Medical Assistant

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Emily may have been born halfway around the world, but Memphis has always been home. Adopted from Russia at just a year old, she was raised right here in the 901 before heading to beauty school to pursue her passion for esthetics. After a few years in that field, she discovered her true calling in healthcare and enrolled in a medical assisting program. She’s been working as a Medical Assistant ever since and loves combining her desire to help others with hands-on patient care.

When Emily isn’t at ZüpMed, you can find her and her husband, Charlie, soaking up sunshine and adventure outdoors. They’re almost always on the water, thanks to Charlie’s restored boat, and their two dogs, Max and Caddie, are more than happy to tag along. Whether she’s traveling, boating, or greeting patients in the clinic, Emily brings her friendly energy and commitment to excellent care wherever she goes.

April Pounders

Practice Manager

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Meet April: a born-and-raised Memphian with a passion for shaking up the healthcare status quo. As a Registered Nurse, April’s career has spanned critical care, cardiovascular, and oncology, giving her a firsthand view of the system’s inner workings. Her extensive consulting background—covering everything from workflow transformation to EHR implementation—has only fueled her drive to make healthcare truly patient-centered.

Inspired by her own personal health journey, April believes that real progress comes from actively involving patients from the outset. It’s this belief that led her to ZüpMed, where she’s found a team as committed to transforming healthcare as she is. As Practice Manager, April combines her Memphis grit, clinical expertise, and big-picture thinking to deliver a healthcare experience that prioritizes people over processes.

When she’s not busy guiding the practice toward better outcomes, April can be found reading the latest bestseller, rooting for her favorite sports teams, or simply enjoying quality family time in the city she’s proud to call home.

Koda

Chief Executive Pawficer

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We were heartbroken when we lost our beloved original clinic dog “Daisy” to sudden and unexplained heart failure in the Fall of 2021. Never one to waste time, however, our teenage daughter Grayson came home a few days later with this gorgeous girl born in nearby Bartlett, Tennessee.

“Koda” is an AKC German Shepherd Dog and has been attending our Laurelwood clinic daily since she was nine weeks old. While her real passion is Frisbee, she is always ready to offer a wet nose, trusting eyes, and a favorite chew toy to anyone looking for a little doggie love.

Our Staff

By Your Side & At Your Service!

Shannon W. Finks, Pharm. D.

President & Director of Pharmacy Services

MSCP-Certified Menopause Specialist

A. “Lloyd” Finks, M.D.

Senior Physician & Director of Operations

ZüpMed Staff

Michelle Sands, M.D.

Physician

Katherine Ray

Nurse Practitioner

Liz Lemley

Nurse Practitioner

Laura Smith

Clinic Administrator & Member Services Specialist

Sara Saunders

RT(R), Manager of Lab & X-ray Services, Medical Assistant

Emily Yopp

Pharm. D. & MSCP-Certified Menopause Specialist

Ami Okasinski

Bookkeeper

Andie Martin

Pharm.D.

Alyson Swindall

Pharm.D.

Chandler Cummins

Nurse Practitioner

Julie Butler

Concierge

Hillary Hunt MD

Physician

Keeley Farmer

Medical Assistant

Lily Rose Oliver

Concierge

Emily Sullivan

Medical Assistant

April Pounders

Practice Manager

Koda

Chief Executive Pawficer

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