Like Loretta Lynn, Dr. Teresa Owens Tyson was born a coal miner’s daughter and grew up surrounded by the abject poverty that overshadows the Appalachian Mountains—poverty perpetuated by the dying singular economy of coal.

However, the much greater natural resources of resilience and self-reliance survive among the mountain people, and these are characteristics Dr. Tyson exhibits in her leadership of the Health Wagon.

Growing up, Dr. Tyson dreamed of becoming a missionary doctor and helping others in some faraway land. But as she got older, she realized that her own community needed her help.

She earned a bachelor’s in nursing from East Tennessee State University, a master’s in nursing from the University of Kentucky, and a doctor of nursing practice from the University of Alabama, all with honors. During breaks from school, she worked as a registered nurse at the Health Wagon, learning to care for those in need.

Dr. Tyson’s lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others has been recognized by a host of organizations. She received the Virginia Governor’s Award for Volunteerism for coordinating the nation’s largest free health care outreach, and in 2015 was appointed by Governor McAuliffe to the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth Board of Directors.

She and her husband Tim are blessed with five wonderful children: two boys and three girls. Dr. Tyson understands the plight of individuals facing uncertain healthcare crises—her oldest daughter had a brain tumor at the age of seven and survived against all odds.

Dr. Tyson is compassionate and understanding of those who are impacted by disease and disability. She is a strong advocate and champion for healthcare equity for all.

A native of Southwest Virginia, Dr. Paula Hill-Collins learned from her mother and grandmother at an early age that the only way to be blessed in this world is to be a blessing to others.

This faith and dedication were the building blocks for her decision to enter the nursing profession.

Dr. Hill-Collins has over 20 years of experience as a primary care provider to rural health and vulnerable populations in Central Appalachia. For the past 10 years, she has served as the Clinical Director for the Health Wagon.

She is co-organizer of the M7 Move Mountains medical mission, the largest outreach clinic in the U.S. She is a strong advocate for nurse practitioners acquiring independent practice authority and has spoken at several local, state, and national conferences.

She holds dual certification as a family practice NP and PNP. She obtained her doctor of nursing practice degree in 2010 at the University of Alabama, her master’s in nursing in 1998 at the University of Kentucky, and her bachelor’s in nursing in 1989 at East Tennessee State University.

Dr. Hill-Collins has been interviewed by national and international media, including being featured on 60 Minutes. She has testified before the Virginia Senate on NP full practice authority, is an advocate for vulnerable patients, and performs medical/legal consults.

She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, a member of the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners, and a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Dr. Hill-Collins is married to a local attorney who partners with her in Collins-Hill LLC. Following the tragic death of her son, she successfully changed antiquated Virginia grandparent laws. She is a mother of four and has one grandson, and is actively involved in church, social, and community activities.