Anne Austin Fottrell, M.D. specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry. She’s been in private practice in the Nashville area since 1993, after completing a residency and fellowship in psychiatry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Fottrell currently serves as the clinical director of psychiatry at Mercy Community Healthcare, and medical director at Bella Jace Center for Health.

She completed her undergraduate degree at Middle Tennessee State University and attended medical school at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. Dr. Fottrell has held a variety of positions throughout her career, including roles as an assistant clinical professor at Vanderbilt University and Meharry Medical College. She also served as medical director for a youth sex offender program at Scarab Behavioral Health and is currently the clinical director of psychiatry at Allied Behavioral Health Solutions. She enjoys education and mentorship, having supervised several nurse practitioners in the field of psychiatry. Outside of her work, Dr. Fottrell enjoys traveling, camping, kayaking, going to church, and spending time with friends and her dogs.

Advice To My Younger Self: “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.” -Abraham Maslow

Education:

• Trevecca Nazarene University – Master of Arts, Mental Health
• Tennessee Tech University –  Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Experience:  Prior to becoming Embrace U’s Tennessee regional director, Alyssa was a program administrator at Embrace U in Mt. Juliet. Before joining Embrace U, Alyssa was the executive director at Connections Wellness Group (Vertava Health) in Nashville, TN. She is trained in EMDR, including a wide range of trauma-focused interventions. She is a licensed professional counselor and mental health service provider. 

Why did you choose to work with adolescents? “I wanted to expand my experience to working with adolescents to be well versed in helping a wide variety of populations. After making this career shift, I learned that I enjoy working with adolescents, as well as the whole family unit. I have always had a passion for helping those in need.”

What is something you’ve learned from your work with adolescents that has been a key takeaway? “Adolescents need someone there for them too. I am the type of leader that likes to give all patients a chance, regardless of their history. It doesn’t matter if they have a history of multiple treatments or behavioral problems. I want to make sure everyone is given a chance to start fresh and be the best they can be. Everyone deserves that.”

Did you play sports or participate in any activities when you were younger? “I played French Horn in my high school band during concert season. When it was marching season, you could either find me with a flag on the color guard or holding a Mellophone with the rest of the instruments. I spent every summer on Dale Hollow Lake with friends and family.”

What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health? “It is okay not to be okay. It is okay to ask for help, even if you are embarrassed to do so. We are here to help with no judgement. This season in your life isn’t forever..”

What are your favorite things to do outside of work? “I mostly enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter, and Golden Retriever (Winston). They are my world. It doesn’t matter what we are doing if we are all together.”

Advice To My Younger Self:
“Life High school is hard and does not matter as much as you think it does. You’ll have many more opportunities to make lifelong friendships and precious memories after graduation. Focus on yourself, your grades, people that uplift you, sports, activities, and finding what makes you feel like your most authentic self.

Why did you choose to work with adolescents?
Adolescents are resilient, challenging, entertaining, emotional, and real. I love the opportunity to learn from and help shape the next generation. I believe that offering essential support early in an adolescent’s life can significantly alter the trajectory of their future.

What is something you’ve learned from your work with adolescents that has been a key takeaway?
You’ve got to be creative and stay on your toes.

Did you play sports or participate in any activities when you were younger?
I was actively involved in the Beta Club and student council during high school, and I played both softball and volleyball. I even had the honor of being my school’s mascot—go Cougars! After graduating, I continued my athletic journey by playing college volleyball for four years at Freed-Hardeman University.

What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health? 
As much as I hate social media, it is a platform for change. Your generation can help reshape the stigma of mental health. As you feel comfortable, talk openly about mental health. Know the facts and educate your peers on the misperceptions. Remind people words matter. Support each other.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
I love going to live music events/concert festivals, taking naps with my dog Teddy, playing volleyball/kickball/any sport really, being active, Fantasy football league, traveling, trying new foods, and hanging with my friends/family.

Advice To My Younger Self: “Learn how to set healthy boundaries with people, to not worry so much about what other people think, and it’s okay to say no. I would also tell myself to stop eating double cheeseburgers from McDonalds, wear sunscreen, and wash my face before bed. “

Education:

• Bachelor of Social Work- Middle Tennessee State University

Why did you choose to work with adolescents? As a social worker I always knew I wanted to work with children and families. I wanted to be able to provide families and children with the resources that would have benefited my family when I was a teenager. 

What is one thing you wish adolescents knew about l health/treatment? That physical health and mental health are both very important. Learning how to care for your body (proper nutrition and exercise) and mind is something we should teach our children at a young age. 

Did you participate in any activities for bs, activities, or passions when you were aged 10-18? What were they? Did you ever feel pressure/stress? Would group therapy have benefitted you/your peers? I was a cheerleader in middle and high school. I did feel pressure and stress from school, activities, and home life. Group therapy would have been beneficial because I would have been with people who felt or experienced similar feelings and issues. I would not have felt so alone and could have learned healthier coping skills. 

Advice To My Younger Self: Do not be afraid to try new things regardless of what others might think of it! 

“Education:

• Bachelor of Science – Psychology

Why did you choose to work with adolescents? Mental health is important at all stages of life but vital as an adolescent, and getting the chance to make a difference at this developmental stage is an amazing experience.

What is one thing you wish adolescents knew about l health/treatment? That even if you have a diagnosis, it does not mean you are broken. Amazing people live with the struggles of mental health every day, and it is really all about what you can do for yourself to help you coast through the waves of emotions. 

What activities did you participate in as a child? My childhood activities included playing outside until the sun came down and reading any book, I could get my hands on. In middle and high school, I was actively involved in journalism, photography, and played volleyball. I volunteered with the Nashville Salvation Army and The Little Pantry That Could throughout my high school years.

What do you like to do when you’re not working? In my free time, love spending time with friends and family! I enjoy kayaking when the weather permits, reading non-fiction, cooking, and thrive when I am at a concert. I also enjoy trying out new restaurants in town, but most of all spending time with my dog, Quinn, my two kittens (Gordon and Gotham), and my husband. 

Education: Master’s degree in social work and bachelor’s degree in psychology, University of Tennessee

Previous work experience: Adolescent social worker/therapist at Rolling Hills Hospital.

Why did you choose to work with adolescents? Adolescence is such a critical period. They are forming their identity, building relationships and navigating complex feelings and emotions. I want them to know they are not alone in this transitional time. Also, I love the energy and creativity that adolescents bring! They are always open to learn and try new things.

What is something you’ve learned from your work with adolescents that has been your takeaway? Adolescents are often capable of way more than we give them credit for. They have such unique perspectives, and we can really learn a lot from the way they think. 

Did you play sports or participate in any activities when you were younger? I was involved in a lot of different sports growing up (cross country, soccer, basketball, swim team and gymnastics). Soccer was my favorite sport which I played competitively until college!

What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health? Everyone faces challenges, and taking time to work through those challenges is a sign of strength, not weakness. Also, be patient with yourself. It is okay not to have everything figured out yet!

If you could give your younger self a word of advice, what would it be? Enjoy the present and try not to stress about things you can’t control.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work? I love to read, be outside and spend time with my family, friends and puppy. 

Education: Bachelor’s in Psychology with a Child Development minor from the University of Memphis.
Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Memphis.

Previous work experience: My clinical experience began with working in Memphis, TN as a counselor at Youth Village’s residential facilities. When I moved to Nashville in 2024, I was hired as a therapist at Rolling Hills Hospital where I was able to gain experience leading therapy groups in an intensive outpatient and hospital setting.

Why did you choose to work with adolescents? Working with children and adolescents has always been my passion. Adolescence is such a pivotal time in a person’s life filled with personal growth and challenges. I want to help adolescents navigate this time in any way I can.

What is something you’ve learned from your work with adolescents that has been your takeaway? Adolescents are strong and resilient. Through my work, I have seen adolescents driven by the desire to grow and make the world a better place. Their optimism, strength, and resilience are inspiring.

Did you play sports or participate in any activities when you were younger? I did several types of dance growing up (ballet, modern, gymnastics, and lyrical). I played piano in elementary and middle school. I was a cheerleader for two years in high school as well.

What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health? Learning mental health strategies in adolescence and utilizing these strategies will be extremely beneficial throughout your life. Learning mental health concepts such as coping skills, emotion regulation, and boundaries are essential in personal growth. Many people do not learn these concepts until adulthood and wish they would have known them earlier.

If you could give your younger self a word of advice, what would it be? We all have one life to live. Prioritize your happiness in positive ways. Advocate for yourself and what you need. Remember the things we can control in life and let go of the rest.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work? I enjoy reading mystery books, spending time with my family, and playing video games. I enjoy crafting and using my Cricut machine. I also make candles in my spare time.

Meet Winston:

Winston is a 3-year-old Golden Retriever who lives with his handler, Alyssa Sebastian, and her family in Mt. Juliet. Winston is trained to identify and notice negative emotions and will provide cuddles and support for those in need. He tends to start his day with some zoomies around the facility and then gets right to work. He knows how to sit, spin, lay down, and give hugs. You can find him cuddled up to someone or greeting people at the front desk. He has worked with a variety of populations in places like nursing homes, substance abuse rehabilitation centers, and (his favorite) adolescent programs. Winston naturally brings joy to anyone that he comes across. His favorite snacks include bananas and bell peppers but will take anything you have. He has had an impact on thousands of people in his career and plans to help many more. People of any age with physical, medical, or emotional problems, whether long or short term, can receive help from pet therapy. He travels with Alyssa to our Tennessee clinics.