Dr. Thrower is originally from Cullman, AL. She graduated from The University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Psychology. She continued her education by earning a Master of Science in Human Environmental Sciences from The University of Alabama. Dr. Thrower obtained her medical degree from The University of Alabama School of Medicine where she received the Peter Bryce Award for excellence in psychiatry. Dr. Thrower completed her psychiatry residency at UAB Hospital where she served as Chief Resident for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology for two years. Her commitment to excellence, demonstrated by her awards including the Outstanding Psychiatry Resident Award and the Psychiatry Ambassador Award, showcase her dedication to the field. With over five years of experience as a board certified psychiatrist in Cullman, she brings expertise in treating various mental health disorders. Dr. Thrower has been married to her best friend for over ten years and they have three wonderful children. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys traveling with her family, cooking, and exercising.

Dr. Thrower, MD

Psychiatrist

Kathy Tanner is an experienced mental health professional with over 25 years of experience in the field. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with her Private Independent Practice certification (LICSW, PIP) she makes a positive impact in various capacities. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA and continued her academic pursuit with a Master of Social Work at Barry University in Miami Shores, FL. She has also received training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Kathy holds dual licenses in both Florida and Alabama showcasing her commitment to making a difference in diverse settings. Her expertise spans from private practice to community mental health, the school system, the juvenile justice system, and inpatient hospitalization. Specializing in areas such as PTSD, childhood trauma, eating disorders, mood disorders, and relational issues, Kathy is deeply passionate about witnessing the personal growth of her patients. In addition to her clinical pursuits, Kathy finds balance by working part time in real estate. Beyond her professional life, she cherishes time spent with her family and is actively engaged in volunteering at a local dog rescue. Currently residing and practicing in Cullman, AL, she remains committed to making a positive impact in the field of social work.

Kathy Tanner, LICSW,PIP

Therapist

Ali Adams’ professional background spans nine years in healthcare with a significant focus on mental health. Ali attended The University of Alabama where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Capstone College of Nursing in 2014. She worked as a registered nurse at UAB Hospital from 2015-2020. During her time at UAB, she worked on the Neurology and Stroke Surgical step-down unit where she was magnet champion, aiding in UABs continued ANCC magnet recognition for nursing excellence. Ali also served as charge nurse of her unit for four years. Ali went on to obtain her Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama at Birmingham and became a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in 2019. She completed her psychiatric clinical rotations at the VA in Birmingham, AL. Ali has been practicing for the past five years as a mental health nurse practitioner in Cullman, AL treating a wide assortment of mental health disorders. She brings both professional and personal interests to her practice, particularly in areas such as postpartum depression, PTSD, and adolescent/ young adult psychosocial development. Ali was born and raised in Morris, AL and relocated to the Cullman in 2020. She has two children. Ali’s hobbies include working out, trying new restaurants, spending time with family, and watching Alabama football.

Ali Adams, PMHNP-BC

Nurse Practitioner

Our Team

Cinthia McNeill Smith (Cindy) is an experienced mental health professional with over 23 years of experience in the field of social work. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with her Private Independent Practice certification (LICSW, PIP). She earned her Bachelor of Social Work at The University of North Alabama, in Florence, Alabama. She earned a Master of Social Work at The University of Alabama, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Cindy was intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy by trainers of Marsha Linehan’s DBT team in Denver, Colorado. She spent eight years in forensic social work with The University of Alabama, Youth Services, providing services for adjudicated teenagers, both in residential and community settings. There were two additional years of forensic work, as a mitigation investigator, in capital murder cases and as a mitigator in defense cases in Jefferson County. Cindy specializes in areas such as mood disorders, PTSD, childhood trauma, grief, adjustment disorders, relational and marital issues. Cindy is dedicated to assisting her patients in achieving their goals and helping them learn the necessary coping skills to live their best lives. Beyond professional life, Cindy spends time with her friends, family, traveling, cooking and trying new restaurants. She also has a special affinity for all fur babies and most everything outdoors. Rosie, the five-year-old Shih Tzu in the picture above has been her therapeutic sidekick for the last 4 and ½ years. Rosie loves her patients but knows instinctively when a patient is not a dog person or is not in the mood for pet therapy and remains in her bed away from the patient. Cindy resides in Cullman, Alabama with her husband of 10 years and their menagerie of rescue animals.

Cindy Smith, LICSW, PIP

Therapist

Melissa Taylor is a dedicated professional with a diverse healthcare background. She transitioned
from Pennsylvania to the Haleyville Phil Campbell area before settling in Cullman in 2011. Melissa is
a certified CCMA (certified clinical medical assistant) and has a history of serving as an EMT Basic from 2007-2010 followed by advancing to paramedic status. Melissa brings over a decade of medical expertise to Cullman Psychiatry & Wellness. Melissa finds fulfillment in her role, particularly in mental health, where she is most passionate. She is committed to supporting patients on their journey to recovery from conditions including major depression and PTSD. In her personal life, Melissa is happily married to her husband of twelve years. She is a devoted parent to her two sons as well as to her bonus daughter and son. Outside of work and family, Melissa enjoys gardening, fishing, birdwatching, and crafting props for the fire department.

Melissa Taylor, CCMA

Medical Assistant

Andrea Woods brings over twenty years of mental health experience to Cullman Psychiatry and Wellness. Andrea was born in Atlanta, GA and transitioned to Cullman, AL at the age of thirteen. Andrea obtained her MA (medical assistant) degree from Wallace State Community College in 2004 alongside her Associate Degree in Applied Science. Andrea has a wide array of medical expertise including roles in the following medical positions: medical assistant, medical receptionist, activity director for an Alzheimer’s unit, and office management. Andrea’s favorite part of working in mental health is helping individuals work through their mental health conditions and feel better about themselves. Andrea is extremely passionate about mental health and views her role not as a job, but as a calling. Andrea has been married to her husband for 20 years. She and her husband have one son, who currently attends college at UAB. In her free time, Andrea enjoys attending church, shopping, and attending church activities.

Andrea Woods, CMA

Medical Receptionist

Kristi Anders, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with a distinguished career spanning over 23 years, is a dedicated professional in the field of nursing, specializing in mental health care for the past 15 years. A native of Cullman County, Kristi obtained her nursing license from the esteemed Wallace School of Nursing and has honed her skills with a focus on long-term care. Kristi is deeply committed to the well-being of individualsfacing mental health challenges. Her passion lies in witnessing the transformative journey of individuals as they progress towards living more fulfilling lives. She acknowledges the prevailing stigmas and lack of understanding associated with mental health, recognizing the barriers that often deter individuals from seeking necessarytreatment. In addition to her professional endeavors, Kristi prioritizes her personal life, finding joy in spending quality time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. This personal connection enhances her empathetic approach to patient care, reflecting her commitment to holistic well-being. Kristi Anders emerges as an invaluable asset in the realm of mental health care, embodying compassion, expertise, and a genuine dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of those she serves.

Kristi Anders, LPN

Nurse

DeAnna Smothers has a wealth of experience in the medical field and a strong dedication to her role as a billing and insurance specialist. She brings an impressive 27 years of experience in the healthcare profession to Cullman Psychiatry and Wellness. DeAnna originates from Tuscaloosa, AL and currently resides in Cullman, AL. DeAnna obtained her Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certificate through the American Academy of Professional Coders. Her previous work experiences range from radiology and hospice care to office and case management. DeAnna’s passion for mental health and commitment to helping others is admirable. Outside of her professional career, she enjoys hiking, reading, spending time with friends, and relaxing with her fur babies. DeAnna also enjoys spending quality time with her father and step mother who also reside in Cullman.

DeAnna Smothers

Insurance Billing Specialist