My passion is improving the accessibility of mental health, as well as removing the stigma and misunderstandings of appropriate mental health care. We are all too often taught to ignore our emotions and that any emotion outside of happiness or pride is shameful.  This frequently leads to fear and confusion about what’s going on inside of us, leading us to irrational levels of avoidance or lashing out in anger.  When viewed alongside a capable and caring professional, however, our emotions become more understandable and therefore less frightening and overwhelming.  

I am from Oneonta, Alabama. I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Birmingham-Southern College,  and attended medical school at William Carey University School of Osteopathic Medicine (2012-2016). I completed residency at UAB in Psychiatry (2016-2020).  During my residency, I also worked extensively with multiple correctional departments - where I found a great need for psychiatric care that was both comprehensive and accessible.  I scored in the top 2% in the country in the PRITE (Psychiatry Residency in Training Exam), however I found that this knowledge base wasn’t very helpful if it couldn’t be practically explained and applied.  Thus, after completing residency, I attempted to bring such comprehensive and accessible services by serving as Director of Mental Health for Cullman Regional Medical Center.  I loved the community I served, but I missed teaching and academics.  So I stepped out of the directorship role and joined as adjunct faculty with the University of South Alabama Psychiatry residency program.  This also allowed me the time to build this practice in my current community of Birmingham - with the goal of providing exceptional psychiatric care, outside the constraints of the traditional “insurance first - patients second” world of medicine. My goal is to build a legacy of empowerment regarding mental health and helping others to do the same.