Board of Directors
Matthew M. Kahrmann, M.D.
Chairman, Board of Directors
Dr. Kahrmann graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine in Columbus, Georgia in May 2017. He is currently attending OB/GYN Residency Program at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center in Marietta, Georgia.
Dr. Kahrmann attended the University of Georgia for his Bachelor's Degree in Biology, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University's Honors Program and served as an academic tutor in 19 subjects. During his time at Mercer University School of Medicine, he founded the Mercer University Swim Club, which has since participated in over 25 events throughout the Southeast United States. He has served as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, the Miracle League of Macon, Loaves and Fishes, RWB (Red, White, and Blue Veterans Organization), the Methodist Home, and the Macon Volunteer Medical Clinic.
Inspired by the Dick and Rick Hoyt story, Dr. Kahrmann and his classmates desired to begin a program that tied together medical service with physical activity, and "myTEAM TRIUMPH - Georgia" was founded! His favorite part of "myTEAM TRIUMPH - Georgia" is seeing the deep relationships that are built between Captains, Angels, Volunteers, and Staff during the events. Dr. Kahrmann remains deeply committed to the service of others through "myTEAM TRIUMPH - Georgia", where he currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Dr. Kahrmann has been recognized for his community service by Mercer University by being presented with the Griffin B. Bell Award for Community Service, the highest University award presented to a graduating student from all 12 of Mercer's colleges. In his free time, he enjoys competing in triathlons, running in endurance events, grilling, wake-boarding, hiking, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Kristen L. Kettelhut, M.D.
Vice-Chair, Board of Directors
Dr. Kettelhut graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine in Columbus, Georgia in May 2017. She is currently a Family Medicine Resident at Columbus Regional Health in Columbus, Georgia.
Before medical school, Dr. Kettelhut earned her Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology in 2010 at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, she served as Office Manager at the Fayette CARE Clinic in Peachtree City, an Intern at WebMD, and an Assistant Coach at Brain Balance Achievement Center.
During her time at Mercer University School of Medicine, Dr. Kettelhut developed the Distinction in Service to the Community (DISC) Program, where she oversaw the development and management of over 35 community service programs. She served as President of the Columbus Class of 2017 and as a voting member of the Admissions Committee.
Dr. Kettelhut has been recognized for her community service and humanism by being inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society and presented with the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, sponsored by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, which honors a medical student “who best demonstrates the Foundation’s ideals of outstanding compassion in the delivery of care; respect for patients, their families, and healthcare colleagues; and clinical excellence.” Additionally, she received special recognition from Georgia State Senator David Perdue for Service Leadership. Additionally, she has been admitted to the elite "Alpha Omega Alpha" medical honor society.
Dr. Kettelhut has also been awarded the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians' (GAFP) prestigious T.A. Sappington Award, which specifically honors medical student members who have demonstrated their clinical excellence, intelligence, and commitment to practicing family medicine in Georgia.
Her extensive non-profit and leadership experience in the past makes her the perfect fit for such a busy non-profit! In her free time, she enjoys running, cooking, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Alice A. House, M.D., FAAFP
Director, Board of Directors
Dr. Alice A.House, serves as Senior Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs across all three School of Medicine campuses. Dr. House also serves as the Senior Associate Dean of the Columbus Campus.
Dr. House was reared in Buena Vista, Georgia, and graduated from Tri-County High School that served Marion, Webster, and Schley counties. She earned degrees in Biology and Psychology from Macon State College (now Middle Georgia State University) and her Doctor of Medicine degree at Mercer University School of Medicine. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at the Medical Center of Central Georgia (Navicent Health) and obtained the distinction of Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. House, certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, was in private practice in Byron, Georgia, for several years where she served as chief of staff at Peach Regional Hospital before joining Mercer School of Medicine faculty in 2002. Dr. House also served as the Medical Director of Elberta Healthcare Center from 1998 to 2015.
Students have often selected Dr. House as the recipient of family medicine teaching awards. She is an inaugural member of Mercer’s Arnold P. Gold Humanism Honor Society. She is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, the medical honor society, where she also serves as Councilor.
Dr. House has been an active member of Mercer University School of Medicine faculty by teaching in all four years of the curriculum as well as at the family medicine residency level. She has served as Clerkship Director in Family Medicine, Secretary of the Faculty, Chair of the House of Delegates, and Director of Student Advising. She has served on multiple committees, sub-committees, and ad hoc committees at Mercer University at both the School and the University levels. She has been very active in the Georgia Chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians where she has served as the President and the Chair of the Board as well as on multiple committees on the State and National levels. Additionally, Dr. House was appointed by two Governors to serve on the Georgia Composite Medical Board where she served as Chair from 2015-2016 and as chair of the licensure committee and the advanced practice registered nurse committee.
Dr. House played the flute in the Middle Georgia Concert Band until moving to Columbus where she joined the Bob Barr Community Band. She has three children—Lee, Jeremy, and Betsy—as well as eight grandchildren. Dr. House lives in Midland, Georgia with her grandson, Evan House.
Mrs. Danielle Barfield
Director, Board of Directors
Danielle Barfield grew up right here in Columbus. Throughout her life she has been impacted by people with special needs. While at Columbus High School she was involved in the PE and choir peer facilitation class that helped the inclusion special education students participate in those classes. Through those classes and having friends and family with special needs Danielle began to grow a passion for children and adults with special needs. She graduated from CSU with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Within the classroom setting God continued to use her passion to help students with different disabilities like Epilepsy, Mitochondrial disease and Down syndrome.
In the summer of 2011 Danielle and her husband were blessed with the greatest gift of their daughter Kendall. Kendall was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. After 13 days and 2 major surgeries Kendall came home and hasn't stopped defeating every obstacle in her way. Kendall started walking with a walker, then crutches and can now walk independently for short, level distances.
Looking back, Danielle says, "God planted seeds of love, compassion and understanding throughout my life to prepare my heart to care for such a special child". Danielle has been a spokesperson for Easter Seals and United Way to help build awareness and show that given the opportunity anyone can do anything, it may just look different. This is what brought her to myTEAM TRIUMPH. During a race Kendall is just like everyone else, she is racing! When she finishes her races Kendall is the winner no matter how many people finished before her.
As a captains mom, Danielle hopes that she can help other parents see what an impact myTEAM TRIUMPH can have on their love one. The freedom, power and inclusion that is felt while racing should be felt by everyone!
R. Walker Garrett, J.D.
Director, Board of Directors
Mr. Garrett graduated from Mercer Law School in May 2010 with a Certificate in Advanced Legal Writing, Research and Drafting. While at Mercer he was awarded the CALI Award for the highest grade in Advanced Legal Research, and he served as research assistant for Tax Professor, Monica Armstrong. He graduated from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, in May 2007, Magna Cum Laude, with a degree in Political Science and minors in Business Administration and History. While at Huntingdon, he played varsity tennis, starting at both top singles and top doubles positions.
Upon graduating law school, Mr. Garrett joined a boutique litigation firm, Harp & Callier, specializing in catastrophic injury litigation and Federal Employer Liability Act litigation, representing injured railroad union workers. Mr. Garrett is licensed in the State and Superior Courts of Georgia, the Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia, Alabama State courts, and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
In 2012, Mr. Garrett joined the Finley Firm where he continues his personal injury litigation practice, along with handling major mass tort and class action projects. Mr. Garrett is the lead attorney for the Finley Firm’s representation of hundreds of business and individual clients for the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, recovering millions for business owners throughout the Gulf states. Mr. Garrett is a member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association where he serves on the membership committee and has chaired educational seminars for other members of the bar. He also serves as the city captain for the “Ask-a-Lawyer” pro bono service day in Columbus on an annual basis.
In the community, Mr. Garrett served two terms as board chairman for The Literacy Alliance, a local charity committed to ending illiteracy in the Chattahoochee Valley. Mr. Garrett is also a member of the Rotary Club of Columbus and serves on its board of directors. Mr. Garrett serves on the boards of the Direct Services Corporation also known as Meals on Wheels, the Greater Columbus Young Professionals, the Hamilton Cemetery Association and he served on the board of the Convention Trade Center Authority. Additionally, Mr. Garrett is a member of the Columbus Inn of Court and Lawyers Club of Atlanta. Mr. Garrett also serves his church, First Baptist Church of Columbus, as an usher every Sunday, a Deacon, and a member of the Advisory Committee. Mr. Garrett was awarded the “Five under Forty Award” by the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and Columbus and the Valley Magazine at the age of twenty-nine, in 2013.
In 2016, Mr. Garrett ran for Columbus City Council. Mr. Garrett won both races in District 8, a special election to fill the unexpired term of Councilor C. E. McDaniel and the other to fill the four-year term. Mr. Garrett is the youngest councilman and is expected to bring diversity to the community. Mr. Garrett will continue to serve the City of Columbus and bring a new vitality to the city neighborhoods.
myTEAM TRIUMPH and its chapters are 501(c)3 non-profit, tax exempt organizations qualified to receive tax deductible contributions by the Internal Revenue Service.
