The Historic Kinsey–Shaw–Sprauve House
For more than a century, the story of this property has been intertwined with the story of African American excellence in Roanoke. Constructed in 1911, the historic Kinsey–Shaw–Sprauve House was built by George T. “Tom” Kinsey, one of Roanoke’s earliest and most accomplished African American builders and contractors. His craftsmanship helped shape the Gainsboro community during a period when opportunities for Black professionals and entrepreneurs were severely limited.
The home stands today as a testament to perseverance, skilled workmanship, and the determination to build lasting institutions despite the barriers of segregation. Over the decades, the residence became associated with the Shaw and Sprauve families, whose stewardship helped preserve the property’s place within Roanoke’s rich African American history.
Today, the house is recognized not merely for its architecture, but for what it represents: a community built by visionaries whose influence extended far beyond their own generation.
Continuing a Legacy
More than one hundred years after its construction, the building begins a new chapter. As the home of Claytor Memorial Clinic, the property once again becomes a place dedicated to improving lives. The Claytor name has been part of Roanoke’s medical history for generations. Dr. Richard Claytor continues a family tradition begun in 1907 by his great-grandfather, Dr. John B. Claytor, who is widely recognized as Roanoke’s first African American physician. At a time when medical care was largely inaccessible to many African American families, Dr. J.B. Claytor devoted his career to providing compassionate, high-quality care while helping open doors for those who would follow. For more than a century, generations of the Claytor family have remained committed to serving the mental and physical health needs of the community.
Where History Meets Modern Medicine
Although medicine has changed dramatically since 1907 and 1911, the values that fueled a family legacy of service and that built this home remain remarkably familiar.
George Kinsey believed in craftsmanship.
Dr. John B. Claytor believed in service.
Claytor Clinic believes in treating every patient with dignity, respect, compassion, and excellence.
Today, patients entering the Kinsey–Shaw–Sprauve House experience more than a medical office. They enter a building that represents resilience, education, entrepreneurship, and healing—values that continue to define both the historic property and the practice it now houses.
Meet the Team
Richard L. Claytor, Jr., MD
Known to generations of patients and families simply as "Dr. C.," Richard L. Claytor, Jr., MD, has dedicated nearly 30 years to helping children, adolescents, adults, and families achieve healthier lives through compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care. After earning his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1993, he completed his residency and fellowship training in psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical Center in 1997.
Before establishing his private practice more than 10 years ago, Dr. Claytor cared for patients in a variety of inpatient, outpatient, and community mental health settings. Those experiences shaped his collaborative, patient-centered approach to psychiatric care.
As Physician, Owner, and Medical Director of Claytor Memorial Clinic, Dr. Claytor provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), combining the latest evidence-based treatments with individualized, compassionate care. He looks forward to leading the clinic's next chapter alongside President and Chief Operating Officer Rick Smith, with whom he has shared a trusted personal and professional relationship spanning more than 20 years. Dr. Claytor considers it a privilege to partner with patients and families, helping them find hope, build resilience, and achieve lasting emotional wellness.
Outside the office, Dr. C. enjoys traveling, SCUBA diving, time at the beach, exploring nature with his two Plott Hounds, Guinness and Genesee, and just about anything Marvel.
"Consistent effort matters infinitely more than any single outcome."
— Dr. C.
Rick Smith, President & COO
Rick Smith serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of Claytor Clinic, where he leads the organization’s operational strategy, business development, and growth initiatives. With more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience, he has guided behavioral health, virtual care, and human services organizations through growth and transformation while expanding access to quality care. Working closely with Dr. Richard Claytor, Rick is committed to supporting the clinic’s mission of providing exceptional, patient-centered psychiatric care throughout Virginia. A native of Botetourt County, Virginia, Rick earned his MBA in Healthcare Leadership from the University of Tennessee and his Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Tech. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Shelby, and their three children.
Heather Mayer, PA-C
Heather is a Certified Physician Assistant with fellowship training from Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD). She brings experience in emergency medicine, pediatric urgent care, and family medicine. With a deep passion for patient advocacy, early detection, and results-focused care, Heather is committed to delivering comprehensive, empathetic patient- and family-centered care. She has always been fascinated by what the human brain is capable of on a behavioral level and is thrilled to join Claytor Clinic’s mission in empowering children, adolescents and their families to thrive emotionally and mentally. Born and raised in Newport News, she believes her deep connection to the area will foster a unique bond with her patients.
Misti West, Office Manager
I am the Office Manager at Claytor Memorial Clinic in Newport News. I am passionate about helping children and young adults improve their mental wellness. After spending much of my career in dentistry, I transitioned into a mental health care to pursue a field that has always been very close to my heart. I am a proud pet parent to 2 Yorkies. I enjoy reading, escape rooms, puzzles, and playing games with my family, and boyfriend. I look forward to being an asset to Claytor Memorial Clinic; and similar to dentistry, helping beautiful smiles blossom.
Amy Beth Carducci, Patient Services Coordinator
I am the Patient Services Coordinator at Claytor Memorial Clinic. Originally from Hunterdon County, New Jersey, I relocated to Virginia in 2010 to be closer to my sister and her family while beginning my career in human services.
Helping others has always been at the heart of who I am. From a young age, I was inspired by my uncle, who had Down syndrome and faced numerous medical challenges. Watching the care, he received and seeing our community come together to support him and our family taught me invaluable lessons about compassion, resilience, and the power of kindness. The greatest lesson he gave me was that love has the power to transcend differences. No matter our backgrounds, abilities, or experiences, compassion and human connection are what unite us.
At Claytor Memorial Clinic, I strive to bring that same spirit of empathy and support to every patient and family I serve, helping ensure they feel welcomed, respected, and cared for throughout their experience. Outside of work, I enjoy studying and practicing Reiki as another way to promote healing, balance, and well-being for others.