Our Staff

ATLANTA HEALTH ASSOCIATES was established in 1993 by the late Keith Sikes, D.V.M., M.P.H. and Mary Yager, B.S. Since that time the laboratory in Cumming, Georgia has offered the rabies viral neutralization test (RFFIT) test for both human and animal specimens. With over 45 years of combined experience in a small, dedicated staff, we are intimately involved in every facet of your testing procedure. We offer a 7-10 business day turn-around time for most samples. Atlanta Health Associates, Inc. provides accurate testing in a timely manner with the highest degree of professionalism and accuracy. This licensed facility is under the directorship of Richard H. Newhouse, Ph. D.

Richard H. Newhouse, Ph.D.

Dr. Newhouse serves as our Laboratory Director. He received his early training in the West Virginia State Health Laboratory, which directed a career path to a BS in Biology. While completing his military service as a Hospital Corpsman in the US Navy, certification was earned as a Medical Laboratory Technician at Jacksonville Naval Hospital. He served as a Field Medical Technician with the 2/26 US Marine Corps in Vietnam in 1968.

Deborah McLean, MLT, ASCP

Deborah has a long history in the immunology field. Her past employment includes not only in-hospital service as a laboratory technician but also 10 years in the manufacture of blood banking reagents. This field has a strong focus on immunology and antibody-antigen technology. Deborah serves not only as our president and technical supervisor but also fills in wherever needed. Since joining Atlanta Health Associates in 2007, Deborah has often served in managing all the functions of the company.

Christie McLean, B.S.

Christie graduated from the University of North Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree. She serves as our Office Manager and Laboratory Supervisor and has been with Atlanta Health Associates since 2020. She started with us as a laboratory assistant and has worked her way to supervisor by proving to be exceptional in the laboratory.

Jill Pickett, B.S.

Jill also is a graduate of the University of North Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree. She graduated Magna Cum Laude. Jill started with us in 2023. Her current position is as testing personnel in the laboratory, and she also works in the office.

Joseph McLean, NRP, AS

Joe is a certified Critical Care Paramedic pursuing his PhD in Science. He works as a laboratory assistant.