Our Medical Team

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Psychiatrists

Sandra Parker, MD
Vice President and Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Parker graduated from the University of Alabama in 1982 with an honors degree in biology. She attended medical school and completed residency training in psychiatry at the University of Alabama-School of Medicine in Birmingham. Parker completed her fellowship in child/adolescent psychiatry at the University of Arkansas for the Health Sciences in Little Rock. As a second year resident, she was awarded her department’s Most Outstanding Resident Award, and as a fellow, she was awarded her department’s Most Outstanding Child Fellow Award. Parker is dual certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in adult psychiatry and child/adolescent psychiatry. During her tenure at AltaPointe, the organization has grown from 300 employees to more than 1,450 employees. In addition to her role as AltaPointe’s medical director, she is vice-chair and associate professor for the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. Parker has received numerous honors and awards throughout her career. She is the president of the Alabama Hospital Psychiatric Association and past president of the Mobile Bay Psychiatric Association, a local chapter of the American Psychiatric Association. In 2007, she was named an Alabama Health Care Hero by the Alabama Hospital Association. She was appointed by Alabama Governor Bob Riley to serve as a member of the Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council, a position she still holds. She serves as an adjunct faculty member in the USA College of Allied Health Professions, Department of Physician Assistant Studies, and in the USA College of Nursing. Parker has served as a member of the USA Center for Healthy Communities Advisory Committee. Past appointments include the Mercy Medical Advisory Board, the Mayor’s Transitional Task Force on Healthcare, and the Mobile Ballet Board of Directors. Her major psychiatric interests are in the fields of autism related disorders, health care disparities and telepsychiatry.

Luke Engeriser, MD
Deputy Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Engeriser attended medical school at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, where he was a recipient of an NIH research grant in Molecular Biology and Environmental Pathology. His psychiatry residency training was at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. During his final year of residency, Dr. Engeriser received the Al Glass Award, the military's highest psychiatry resident research award, for his paper exploring the psychological effects of warfare. Dr. Engeriser served an additional three years in the Army at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he held the position of Chief, Department of Behavioral Health. After separating from the Army, Dr. Engeriser was the Medical Director of the Mid-Coast Mental Health Center/PenBay Psychiatry in Rockland, Maine. Before attending medical school, he completed a Master of Arts in Divinity at the University of Chicago in the History of Religions and he worked as a teacher of English at the Teacher Training College in Torun, Poland. Dr. Engeriser has served the past ten years on the Executive Council of the Alabama Psychiatric Physicians Association, currently serving as President, and he is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He is board-certified in Adult Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. Dr. Engeriser received the Red Sash Award from the USA medical student classes of 2013, 2014, and 2016 for making significant contributions to their medical education, and he was awarded the American Psychiatric Association Assembly Resident-Fellow Section Mentor Award in 2014.

Marianne Saitz, DO, MPH
Assistant Medical Director of Outpatient Services

Dr. Saitz is originally from Pittsburgh, Penn. She received a master's of Public Health in Epidemiology from Emory University in 1996 and graduated from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2000. She graduated from her Adult Psychiatry training at East Carolina University in 2004. She is board certified in Adult Psychiatry. Dr. Saitz is the assistant medical director of outpatient services at AltaPointe Health. Prior to this, she was the assistant medical director of community mental health and the medical director for the methadone clinic at AltaPointe. Saitz is an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. She is board-certified in addiction medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine.

Lucas Boone, MD

Lucas Boone, MD, graduated from the University of South Alabama Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. He attended medical school and completed residency training in psychiatry at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. During his residency training, he received awards for Resident Teacher of the Year and the PRITE Award for top score on the residency’s in-training exam. He served as chief resident in his final year of training. Dr. Boone began working for AltaPointe Health during his residency training and officially joined the medical team full-time in Summer 2021. In addition to his role at AltaPointe, he serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor for the University of South Alabama College of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Boone is board-certified in adult psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

 

Bradley Brooks, DO

Bradley Brooks, DO, graduated summa cum laude from Saint Leo University in St. Leo, Florida with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences. He attended medical school at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida. His residency training in general psychiatry was completed at the University of South Alabama and was followed by a fellowship in Addiction Medicine. Dr. Brooks earned several accolades during his training, including resident teacher of the year and achieving the highest score on the Psychiatry Resident-In-Training Exam (PRITE). He has published on the topic of opioid prescribing practices. Dr. Brooks served as chief resident and fellow for his respective programs. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

 

Mary E. Cohen-Colson, MD

Dr. Cohen-Colson joined AltaPointe’s Department of Psychiatric Services in 2013. Cohen-Colson earned her medical degree from Penn State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Delaware. She also attended the Shenandoah University Conservatory of Music in Winchester, Va. After medical school, Cohen-Colson completed a combined internal medicine/psychiatry residency at the University of Virginia. She previously worked as outpatient psychiatrist with the Lakeview Center in Pensacola, Fla., and was medical director of the medical/geriatric psychiatric unit at Singing River Hospital in Pascagoula, Miss. Cohen-Colson also was an inpatient psychiatrist at the Biloxi Veterans Affairs Medical Center and an outpatient psychiatrist at the Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Penn. Her interests are in geriatrics and psychosomatic medicine.

Robert Detrinis, MD

Dr. Robert Detrinis graduated from the University of Texas Medical School, completed a pediatric internship at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston in the Department of Pediatrics, completed his adult psychiatric residency at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston in the Department of Psychiatry, completed a Child and Adolescent Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University, and then completed a postdoctoral year in the Department of Child/Adolescent Psychiatry studying sleep disorders in children and adolescents.  He is board certified in Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry. Throughout his career he has worked in several capacities including being a medical director for two psychiatric facilities, medical director of a child/adolescent residential unit, medical director of a community mental health clinic, consultant to the Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners and the Louisiana Compensation Board. He has been faculty/attending at Johns Hopkins Hospital, the University of Texas Medical School in the Department of Psychiatry, MD Anderson Hospital, and most recently at Tulane School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. He has been active in medical student education throughout his career, teaching psychiatric residents while receiving the Educator of the Year four times while teaching at Tulane. His areas of expertise and interests are psychopharmacology and integrating spirituality in the care of his patients. His clinical work includes caring for the chronically mentally ill and treating outpatients, focusing on helping his patients find meaning and purpose in their lives. He attends the acute psychiatric units at EastPointe, has an active outpatient practice treating patients of all ages, and enjoys teaching staff, medical students, and residents.

 

Cliff Gaddy, MD

Cliff Gaddy, MD, received a bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University, Lexington City, Virginia, and a master’s degree in mathematics at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. He attended Tulane University School of Medicine and completed residency in Family Medicine at the University of South Alabama.  He has a passion for mental health and the medically and socially underserved populations.

 

Maria Hamilton, MD

Maria Hamilton, M.D., graduated from Spring Hill College Cum Laude with an honors degree in biology. She attended and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of South Alabama, College of Medicine. Hamilton completed her residency training and fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry from USA as well. During her residency, she received the Narahari Award, an award given to the student who achieves the top score on the PRITE. She is board-certified in child/adolescent psychiatry from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Hamilton began working at AltaPointe Health during her fellowship training and has officially joined the medical team full-time in summer 2018.

Maridith Hollis, MD

Maridith Hollis, M.D., has joined AltaPointe Health as an inpatient psychiatrist at Eastpointe Hospital. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX with honors in history and psychology. She attended and completed medical school and residency training in psychiatry at University of South Alabama. During residency, Dr. Hollis served as co-chief resident and was honored with the PRITE award for the highest score on the annual residency psychiatry exam. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in adult psychiatry. In addition to her role at AltaPointe, she will also serve as adjunct faculty at University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. Her major psychiatric interests include treatment of psychotic and bipolar disorders, advocating for integrated care, and overcoming healthcare inequalities.

James LePage, DO

James LePage, DO, earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He attended medical school at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine where he was founder of the Neurology/Psychiatry Student Interest Group and served as President of the national Psychiatry Student Interest Group Network. He completed his residency training in Psychiatry and fellowship in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of South Alabama. During his residency, he served as the American Psychiatric Association Area 5 Resident-Fellow Member Representative and Chair of the Assembly Council of Resident-Fellow Members. He has a special interest in childhood trauma.

J. Clint Moore, DO
Assistant Medical Director for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

J. Clint Moore, DO, has been named the new USA Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Residency program director. He has also been named AltaPointe Health's Assistant Medical Director for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. In this capacity, he will be the supervising psychiatrist at BayPointe Hospital, Children's Outpatient, Providence Pediatrics, and Pediatric Psychiatry. A familiar face to many, Moore did his internship with AltaPointe through the University of South Alabama Department of Psychiatry in 2012 and moonlighted in both child and adult units. He has been at BayPointe Hospital as a child psychiatrist on the inpatient unit for the last few years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology from the University of Alabama and a master’s degree in applied psychology from the University of South Alabama. Moore attended medical school at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Pikeville where he served as class president. During his residency training at the USA, he served as chief resident and completed a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry. Moore has served on the executive council for the Alabama Psychiatric Physicians Association and, while a resident, he served for several years on the Medical Association of the State of Alabama Board of Censors. He is board certified in general psychiatry.

Kevin Putinta, MD

Kevin Putinta, MD, graduated from the University of Alabama in Birmingham Summa Cum Laude with a degree in psychology. Following this, he attended medical school at the University of South Alabama. Dr. Putinta completed residency training at the University of Florida, where he served as both an administrative chief resident and moonlighting chief resident. During his residency training, he received the Outstanding Resident Instructor Award as well as the John E. Adams Memorial Academic Achievement Award for the highest PRITE score all four years of residency. Following completion of his residency training in 2021, Dr. Putinta completed a neuromodulation fellowship at the University of Florida, where he specialized in transcranial magnetic stimulation, intranasal esketamine, and electroconvulsive therapy as well as deep brain stimulation. Dr. Putinta joined BayView Professional Associates in 2022 to provide outpatient medication management and neuromodulation services. He also serves as the University of South Alabama's Medical Student Clerkship Director. His interests include electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, esketamine, psychosis, and treatment-resistant depression. Dr. Putinta is board certified in general psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Sean Sinclair, MD

Sean Sinclair, MD, joined AltaPointe as a child and adolescent psychiatrist in July 2018. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and cell biology from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, and graduated summa cum laude and was named valedictorian. He earned his doctorate from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and received the Excellence in Psychiatry Award, given to one graduating medical student who through scholarship, patient care, motivation and interaction with faculty and house staff, has demonstrated excellence in psychiatry. Sinclair completed residency training and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the USA Department of Psychiatry. He has worked at AltaPointe since 2016 in inpatient care with both children and adults, and most recently in telehealth services helping to provide coverage to underserved surrounding community health centers.

Christina Talerico, MD

Christina Talerico, M.D., graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of South Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. She continued her studies at the USA College of Medicine, and graduated with her medical degree in 2012. She completed her residency training and fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry from USA as well. Talerico began working at AltaPointe Health during her fellowship training and has officially joined the medical team full-time in summer 2018. She is board-certified in general psychiatry from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

 

Jeffrey Tisch, DO

Jeffrey Tisch, DO, earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Siena College in New York, graduating Magna Cum Laude with honors in philosophy. His academic pursuit led him through a post-baccalaureate program in the biological sciences, followed by medical school at the Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tennessee. Dr. Tisch then successfully completed a general psychiatry residency at the University of South Alabama. To enhance his clinical skills, Dr. Tisch underwent specialized training through a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, NY, where he served as Chief Fellow. He is board-certified in general psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

J. Hays Todd, MD

J. Hays Todd, MD, received a bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology and a minor in public health from Tulane University. He completed medical school at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in 2017. Dr. Todd completed psychiatry residency training at Tulane University School of Medicine> During this time, he was the recipient of the School of Medicine’s annual award for best Psychiatry resident instructor in 2018 and the award for the highest PRITE score in the residency program in 2019. He completed a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in 2022, where he served as Chief Fellow. He is board-certified in General Psychiatry from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

 

Caleb Wilson, MD

W. Caleb Wilson, MD, joined Altapointe as an outpatient adult psychiatrist at the BayView – Fairhope clinic in July 2022. He graduated magna cum laude from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences before attending and completing medical school at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. Dr. Wilson underwent residency training in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, OK, where he received awards for the most outstanding intern, outstanding teaching of medical students, and attaining the highest score on the Psychiatry Resident-In-Training Exam (PRITE). As an outpatient general adult psychiatrist at the BayView – Fairhope clinic, Dr. Wilson treats a broad range of adult mental illness with an extra focus on treatment-resistant and refractory depression.

Nurse Practitioners

Beverly Ales, PMHNP

Beverly Ales, PMHNP, has joined AltaPointe Health as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama, and her master’s in nursing with a specialization in psychiatric mental health from Walden University. While at Walden University, she was a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Ales is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and is an active member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings with patients of all ages from child to geriatric.

Alexis C. Allen, DNP, MSN, FNP-C
Alexis C. Allen, DNP, MSN, FNP-C, has joined AltaPointe Health. Allen earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Alabama-Huntsville. She earned a master's in nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. She earned a Doctorate in Nursing from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida.  Allen is a board-certified CRNP in Alabama and she also has a national certification through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has more than 10 years of nursing experience working with patients in both inpatient and outpatient programs.
Taiye Ajayi, PMHNP, FNP-C

Taiye Ajayi is a dual certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. She attended and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Coastal Community College, Brewton, Alabama. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from University of Louisiana, Lafayette, where she was a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Ajayi graduated from the University of Alabama with a master’s degree in nursing with a specialization in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner.  Currently, she is completing her Doctor of Nursing practice degree at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.

She joined AltaPointe Health as a PRN registered nurse at EastPointe Hospital after working as a registered nurse in an emergency department of a regional hospital for several years. Ajayi has over five years of nursing experience in inpatient and psychiatric emergency services for psychiatric patients.  She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from University of Ilorin, Nigeria. She is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). Ajayi is an active member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.​​

Jeff Barker, CRNP

Jeff Barker joined AltaPointe Health in 2013 and cares for children and adolescents at BayView Professional Associates in Fairhope. Previously, he worked in Mobile, Sylacauga, Talladega, Randolph, and Clay Counties and inpatient services at EastPointe and BayPointe Hospitals. Barker earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from the University of South Alabama. He holds a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal communications from Lamar University. He has worked across AltaPointe’s continuum of care, including as weekend house supervisor at EastPointe Hospital and nursing coordinator at BayPointe Hospital. Barker is an active member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. Barker spent nine years working as a television news anchor and reporter before his career in mental health.

Dolores Bray, CRNP

Dolores Bray, CRNP joined AltaPointe Health in 2005. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in nursing with a focus on community mental health from the University of South Alabama in 1996 and is a 1976 graduate of the Mastin School of Nursing. Bray earned her post masters in Family Psychiatric Nursing in 2005. She is Board certified thru the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the recipient of the National Health Service Corporation Scholarship. Bray is a member of the American Psychiatric Nursing Association.

John Hayes, CRNP

John Hayes, CRNP, joined AltaPointe Health in 2007. Hayes earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in family mental health from the University of South Alabama. He has worked across AltaPointe’s continuum of care including the following positions: director of nursing for BayPointe Children’s Hospital, adult outpatient services, and AltaPointe’s adult acute care psychiatric facility EastPointe. Hayes is a member of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Kina Hooks, CRNP

Kina Hooks, CRNP, has joined AltaPointe Health as a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She earned an associate degree in nursing from Middle Georgia College, Cochran, GA, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ, and her master’s degree in nursing with a specialization in psychiatric mental health from Waldon University, Minneapolis, MN. While at Walden University, she was a Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing member. She is Board-Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). She has experience working as a registered nurse in several areas, including emergency room, MICU, PICU, NICU, burn ICU, and as part of a transport team. She has experience working in a psychiatric outpatient setting over the last five years with child and geriatric patients aged 12 and up.

 

Maggie Kellar, CRNP

Maggie Kellar, CRNP, joined AltaPointe in 2017 as a registered nurse at EastPointe Hospital, where she served as staff nurse and fill-in/weekend nurse coordinator.  Since then, she has earned a master’s in nursing from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa and received her board-certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in June 2020 as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC).  Kellar received her bachelor’s in nursing from the University of South Alabama, and also holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina, Columbia.  She is a member of the Bay Area Nurse Practitioner Association.

Tara Lancour, CRNP

Tara Lancour, CRNP joined AltaPointe Health in 2023 and cares for children and adolescents at both the Fairhope and Foley outpatient clinics. Lancour earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance and a master’s in nursing from the University of South Alabama. She is board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She is an active member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.

Mary Lee, CRNP

Mary Lee, CRNP, joined AltaPointe in 2017 as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. She earned bachelor’s degrees in physical education and in nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She also earned a master’s in nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Lee comes to AltaPointe via the VA Medical Center in Birmingham where she completed a post-graduate residency. She is a veteran of the U.S. Army and currently serves in the Army Reserve as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Lee is a board certified mental health nurse and family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She is also board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and is an active member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA).

 

Jeanette Mortara, CRNP

Jeanette Mortara, CRNP, has more than 20 years of psychiatric nursing experience and four years’ experience as a certified psychiatric nurse practitioner.  Mortara joined AltaPointe Health in April 2014.  She was previously employed at Baldwin County Mental Health Center.  Mortara earned a  bachelor's and master’s in nursing from the University of South Alabama College of Nursing.

She serves as the AltaPointe Health psychiatric nurse practitioner for Foley and surrounding area,  provides telehealth for Sylacauga adult outpatient clinics and cares for patients of Eastpointe Hospital.

Mortara is a board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) mental health nurse and family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.  She is an active member and attends conferences of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) and Neuroscience Education Institute (NEI).  Mortara is involved in local, state and national policy-making advocating nurse practitioner role and standards of care.

Elizabeth Shirk, PMHNP

Elizabeth Shirk, PMHNP, joined AltaPointe Health in 2022. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Chamberlain University in Atlanta, Georgia, and was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She earned a master’s degree in nursing with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health from Herzing University, also located in Atlanta, Georgia. Shirk is board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She is an active American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Neuroscience Education Institute (NEI) member. She has worked in healthcare for many years but has spent the last four years devoted to mental health.

 

Patricia Meier Tyler, CRNP

Patricia Meier Tyler, CRNP, joined AltaPointe Health in 2020. She is a 1994 graduate of The University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and a 1999 graduate of The University of Alabama at Birmingham with a master’s degree in Nursing.   She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and has over 20 years of experience treating adults and children with psychiatric illnesses.  She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and the Bay Area Nurse Practitioner Association.

Wanda Whiddon, PMHNP

Wanda Whiddon, PMHNP, joins BayView Professional Associates as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Mobile, and her master’s in nursing at Walden University based in Minneapolis, MN. Whiddon is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success as well as the American Nurses Association.

Whiddon has 18 years of experience as cardiology and mental health care nurse. She will provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive therapy for patients experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar, and other mood disorders.

BayView is the private practice division of AltaPointe Health.

Crystal Williams, CRNP

Crystal Williams, CRNP, has joined AltaPointe working in adult outpatient services at the Crisis Center. Williams received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of South Alabama (USA), Mobile, Al. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau honor society. Williams is a board-certified Family Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Before obtaining her nurse practitioner certification in December 2022, she was a psychiatric nurse in geri-psych care. She gained experience through AltaPointe in both child and adult psychiatric care while obtaining her master’s degree. She was a charge nurse, preceptor to bachelor students, and clinical nursing supervisor during her nursing career.

PAs

Catie Hneich, PA-C

Catie Hneich, PA-C has joined AltaPointe Health as a physician assistant. She earned a bachelor’s degree from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. She received a master’s in physician assistant studies from The Medical University of South Carolina. Hneich is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and Alabama Society of Physician Assistants. She worked at The Institute of Psychiatry at The Medical University of South Carolina in emergency psychiatric medicine and inpatient psychiatry treating patients of all ages. She is passionate about mood disorders, perinatal mental health conditions, and integrated care.

 

Alyssa Hollingsworth, PA-C

Alyssa Hollingsworth PA-C has joined AltaPointe Health working in adult outpatient services. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Mobile. She earned her physician assistant certification and master’s in health science from the University of South Alabama. She is certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of both the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Alabama Society of Physician Assistants.

Cheri Livingston, RPA-C
Cheri Livingston

Cheri Livingston, RPA-C, earned a bachelor’s degree and physician’s assistant certification from Long Island University, The Brooklyn Hospital Center in Brooklyn, New York. Livingston has worked for Beth Israel Medical Center in Manhattan in the surgery department with both general surgery and orthopedic surgery teams. In New York, she also has experience in family medicine and nursing homes. Before joining AltaPointe, she worked at IPC: The Hospitalist Company in Mobile. Livingston is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and holds an Alabama Physician License.

Primary Care

Vimla Bhagwandin, MD

Vimla Bhagwandin, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician providing compassionate, individualized care for infants, children, and teens. She received her medical degree from the University of Guyana in Turkeyen, Guyana, and completed her residency at St. Barnabus Hospital in The Bronx, New York.

Dr. Bhagwandin works to create a personalized care plan that addresses the physical, mental, and emotional health needs of your child. She has a special interest in preventive care, finding health concerns early and managing chronic conditions.

She is bi-lingual and speaks both English and Spanish.

 

Rebecca Eberle, PA

Rebecca Eberle, PA, is a board-certified Physician Assistant. She earned her bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. After graduation, Eberle did health care research and worked as a Medical Assistant. She received a master’s in physician assistant studies from the University of South Alabama. She works with patients on all ages from children to geriatric.

 

 

 

Brian Gavan, MD

Brian Gavan, MD, is originally from Phoenix, AZ.  He attended Arizona State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. Dr. Gavan obtained his medical degree at the University of Medicine and Health Sciences on St. Kitts and Nevis.  He moved to Mobile for his Pediatric residency at the University of South Alabama Children’s and Women’s Hospital.  During residency, he fell in love with Mobile and spent an extra year at the University of South Alabama as Chief Medical Resident.  Following his Chief year, he signed on as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at University Hospital.

Rajesh Gujjula, MD

Rajesh Gujjula, M.D. has joined AltaPointe's primary care division, Accordia Health in Bayou La Batre. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Vikas Junior College in Guntur, India, and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Kakatiya Medical College in Warangal, India. Dr. Gujjula completed his residency in Family Medicine at Louisiana State University Health Science Center – Shreveport in Monroe, Louisiana.  He has more than six years of experience in primary care and wound care. He has also worked in both the urgent care and inpatient settings.  He is board-certified in Family Medicine.

 

 

Richelle Jefferson, MD

Dr. Richelle A. Jefferson earned a Bachelor of Science from Louisiana State University and a Master of Science in Biology, Medical Sciences from Mississippi College.

She graduated from the University of Mississippi Medical Center with a Doctor of Medicine. She then completed Family Medicine training at the University of South Alabama Family Medicine Residency, where she served as chief resident during her third year.

Dr. Jefferson has a lifelong passion for teaching and a commitment to providing quality care to medically underserved populations. She enjoys seeing patients of all ages, and she has particular interest in women’s health, preventative medicine, and in-office procedures.

Dr. Jefferson is an Assistant Professor at the University of South Alabama Dept. of Family Medicine.

 

Sarah McMullin, MD

Sarah McMullin, M.D., grew up in New Brunswick, Canada, but has since lived and trained around the world. She graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine (in Newcastle, United Kingdom and Grenada, West Indies), completed her pediatric residency at the University at Buffalo and completed a sports medicine fellowship at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. During fellowship, she had the opportunity to train at the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries, treating recreational and professional dancers from world-renowned companies in New York City and beyond.

Dr. McMullin enjoys treating patients of all ages and encouraging physical activity as a pathway to lifelong health. She prefers to take a multifaceted, personal approach to her treatment plans, considering the entire body and mind. She has a special interest in working with young female athletes and dancers as she grew up dancing, figure skating and participating in track and field in Canada.

Dr. McMullin is an Assistant Professor at the University of South Alabama Dept. of Family Medicine/Pediatrics as well as the Sports Medicine Assistant Fellowship Director.

 

Ehab Molokhia, MD

Ehab Molokhia, M.D. joined the faculty after completing his residency at the University of South Alabama Family Medicine. He became Interim Chair of the Department of Family Medicine July 1, 2023, after serving several years as Vice Chair and is also the Residency Director. He has served as program director since 2012.

Dr. Molokhia’s hometown is Ann Arbor, MI. He did all of his undergraduate work, as well as earned his medical degree, from the University of Alexandria in Alexandria, Egypt.

 

Amit Pant, MD

Amit Pant, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician providing personalized care to children of all ages. He earned his medical degree from Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. He completed his pediatric residency at the University of South Alabama Children's and Women’s Hospital.

Dr. Pant strives to provide integrated care to address a child’s mental, physical and emotional needs. He has a special interest in gastrointestinal disorders, growth and development, and timely administration of vaccinations to prevent serious disease.

 

Ann Payne-Johnson, MD

Ann Payne-Johnson, M.D., received a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a Master of Science in marriage and family therapy from the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg. She graduated from Spartan Health Sciences University School of Medicine in Vieux Fort, St. Lucia, in 2000. Dr. Payne-Johnson holds dual board certifications in family medicine and obesity medicine.

Dr. Payne-Johnson has a long history in fitness, nutrition, and exercise. She enjoys seeing patients from infancy, adolescence and throughout adulthood. She has interests in wellness care, preventative medicine, women's health, and weight management.

Dr. Payne-Johnson is an Assistant Professor at the University of South Alabama dept. of Family Medicine.

 

R. Allen Perkins, MD

R. Allen Perkins, M.D.,  has served as the University of South Alabama Family Medicine department chair from 2005 to 2023. He is a professor, Chief Ambulatory CMO and Population Health Officer with the department as well. He teaches several of the procedural components within our Family Medicine Department including obstetrical ultrasound. Dr. Perkins academic interests are focused on improving care delivery to underserved populations and care of patients with chronic diseases.

 

Jenna Pfleeger, MD

Jenna Pfleeger, M.D., earned her medical degree at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. She completed residency at University of South Alabama Family Medicine where she also served as chief resident during her final year at which time she also completed a fellowship in Faculty Development at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Upon completion of her residency, Dr. Pfleeger joined our faculty as an assistant professor and has a strong interest in undergraduate medical education and serves as the clerkship director to our medical students.

Dr. Pfleeger is dedicated to serving all members of the community and is listed under Rainbow Mobile as an affirming provider. She is also a member of the American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine.

 

Peter Rippey, MD

Peter Rippey, M.D., is originally from Missouri and began his medical career as an occupational therapist before returning to obtain a medical degree from the University of Missouri. He completed his family medicine residency and sports medicine fellowship training at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach, Fla. He has experience practicing in multiple settings including private practice, hospital-based practice, and emergency medicine. He served as team physician for collegiate and high school athletics, as well as covering community sporting events.

He has passion for treating the athlete as a whole instead of focusing only on the immediate injury. Rippey teaches that injuries do not only involve the athlete’s muscles or joints. It can affect their mental health, be caused by training errors, and even result from problems with nutrition. These issues need to be considered and addressed when caring for athletes and achieving the ultimate goal - injury prevention.

Dr. Rippey heads our procedural training as well as our point-of-care ultrasound training. He is an Assistant Professor and Sports Medicine Fellowship Director at the University of South Alabama Dept. of Family Medicine.

 

Hari K. Sivanandam, MD

Hari K. Sivanandam, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician providing compassionate care to patients from birth to age 18. While in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, he earned his medical degree from Stanley Medical College and worked on his pediatric residency at the Madras Medical College Institute of Child Health and Hospital. He completed his pediatric residency at the University of South Alabama Children's and Women’s Hospital.

Dr. Sivanandam practices whole person care addressing a patient’s mental and physical needs. He has a special interest in the medical needs of children, global health, and healthcare access to underserved communities.

 

Rebecca Sollie, MD

Rebecca Sollie, M.D., is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama, School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL and completed her residency in 2018 at the University of South Alabama Residency Program.  Dr. Sollie joined South's faculty as an assistant professor following the completion of her residency and is the Assistant Program Director for the Dept. of Family Medicine.  She is a member of the American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians and Society of Teachers of Family Medicine.  She has a strong interest in family, maternal, and childcare beginning before conception.  Dr. Sollie also works closely with our Advanced Obstetrics in Primary Care Fellowship.

 

Kathy Hintz, MHS, PA-C

Kathy Hintz, MHS, PA-C, is a nationally certified family practice physician assistant with a passion for pediatrics. She completed physician assistant training at the University of South Alabama in 2001, earning a master’s degree in health science. In 1996, she graduated from Judson College in Marion, Ala. There, she majored in biology with a minor in chemistry and marine science. While Hintz has many years of family practice experience, she has cared mainly for children for the last five years. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Alabama Society of Physician Assistants.

Julie Lucas, PA-C

Julie Lucas, PA-C earned her master's degree at the University of South Alabama and is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Her specialty is Internal Medicine.

Chandler Denson, CRNP

Chandler Denson, CRNP has joined AltaPointe Health in its primary care division, Accordia Health. He received a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. He worked as a critical care nurse at Mobile Infirmary Medical Center while earning his master’s degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL. Denson is board certified as a family nurse practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. He is currently a member of AANP and American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.

Jacob Maloney, CRNP

Jacob Maloney, CRNP, FNP-C has joined AltaPointe Health in its primary care division, Accordia Health. He received his bachelor’s degree in nursing as well as a master’s with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) focus from the University of South Alabama College of Nursing. Maloney is board certified as a CRNP in Alabama and has national certification through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) as an FNP. He has more than ten years of nursing experience working with patients in outpatient, inpatient, and critical care settings.

Kimberly Parker, CRNP

Kimberly Parker, CRNP, has joined Accordia Health in Rockford, Alabama. Parker earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing in Addison, Illinois. She obtained her certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Parker is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Nursing Credentialing Center and is a member of the American Nurses Association. She has 12+ years of experience working in various medical settings including Med-Surg, Geri-Psych, Hospice care, and in a Telemetry step-down unit.

Tanya Rowell, CRNP

Tanya Rowell, CRNP, joined Accordia Health, AltaPointe’s primary care division in July 2018. Rowell earned a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Capstone College of Nursing at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. She earned a master’s in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. Rowell is board certified as a CRNP in Alabama, and she also has national certification through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has more than 20 years of nursing experience working with patients in both intensive inpatient settings and outpatient programs.

Erin Sheppard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Erin Sheppard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, and completed her master’s degree at South. Currently, Sheppard is pursuing her doctorate of nursing practice at South. She is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner with the University of South Alabama Dept. of Family Medicine and is board-certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

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