Dr. Willard D. Thompson, Jr.
FOUNDER| Pediatric & Adult Neurosurgeon
Dr. Thompson is a double board certified physician in pediatric and adult neurological surgery. He is a partner at the Neurological Institute of Savannah and Center for Spine. He is the medical director for pediatric neurosurgery services at the Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children's Hospital of Savannah.
Dr. Thompson received a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering at Clemson University. He remains a passionate Clemson supporter and fan. Dr. Thompson then received his Doctor of Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina. From there, he completed his internship in general surgery and residency in neurological surgery at the Ohio State Medical Center. Dr. Thompson subsequently completed a fellowship that focused on pediatric neurological surgery at the University of Texas at Southwestern Medical Center located in Dallas.
Dr. Thompson has been married to Dr. Leigh Sotos Thompson since 2005 and has three handsome sons: Will, Cole and Ty. His commitment to his family has remained top priority despite the busy demands of his medical practice.
Amber Andrews
Director of Patient Education | Nurse Practitioner
Amber is a board certified pediatric nurse practitioner who has been working with Dr. Thompson since 2011. She is passionate about helping children and families who face pediatric neurosurgical diagnoses.
Amber earned her master’s of science in nursing from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and her bachelor’s of science in nursing from the Medical College of Georgia. Before returning to graduate school, she was a bedside nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Duke Children’s Hospital.
A native of Savannah, Amber attended Savannah Christian Preparatory School. She and her husband Doug have three children. When she is not working, Amber is a busy mom-of-three and also enjoys serving in the children’s ministry at church, working with MOPS international, running and spending time outdoors with her family.
Jessica Taylor
Project Coordinator | registered nurse
Jessica has been a nurse for over 10 years, receiving her degree from Armstrong Atlantic State University School of Nursing in Savannah, GA. In addition to working as a nurse Jessica is currently pursuing a master's degree at South University to become a certified Family Nurse Practitioner.
Jessica has a varied nursing background, working in the Neurological ICU at St. Joseph’s Hospital and in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit at Memorial Medical Center. Through her experience of caring for families and becoming a mother herself, Jessica is passionate about alleviating parental anxiety commonly associated with neurosurgery.
Jessica is native to Savannah and lives on Tybee Island with her husband Ryan, and 3-year-old son Drexel. Jessica enjoys teaching and practicing yoga, paddle boarding, meditation, and appreciating life at the beach.
Katie Burch
Nurse practitioner
Katie is a board certified pediatric nurse practioner who joined the team in 2025.
Debbie Davis
secretary | patient coordinator
Debbie has worked for Neurological Institute of Savannah and Center for Spine for 19 years, 14 of which have been with Dr. Thompson. She is proactive and passionate about the care of our patients. Her loving energy is undeniable. She goes above and beyond each and every day.
Debbie enjoys interacting with patients and their families. She loves nothing more than to see our patients smile in the office, even on the toughest of days. She has a keen awareness when it comes to helping others and never hesitates to give a hug or offer support.
Outside of work, Debbie loves spending time with her family and cooking Sunday dinners. She loves playing with her two grandsons and doggie "Tater".
Renee Wigfall
Secretary | Logistics Coordinator
Renee is the secretary / logistics coordinator for our office. She assists with administrative and Medical Assistant duties. Renee received her associates degree in Medical Billing and Coding where she maintained a 3.6 GPA. She knew instantly that she wanted to work with children.
As a mother of two, Renee is empathic in caring for the family as a whole. She strives to make both parents and children feel comfortable and at ease. Understanding that the nature of pediatric neurosurgery can be very intense she remains inspired by the way we prioritize teamwork.
Renee is a native of Charleston and has lived in Savannah for 12 years. Outside of work she enjoys movie dates with her two children, reading, and craft projects. She is a Pinterest queen and loves to discover new activities for her kids as well as recipes.
