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.”

Education: NCAC II- National Certified Addiction Counselor LADAC II- License Alcohol and Drug Addictions Counselor QCS- Qualified Clinical Supervisor MBA- Masters of Businesses Administration- Bethel University Bachelor of Science- Tennessee State University

Previous work experience: Volunteer Behavioral Health, Gallatin, TN, Henderson, TN- Centers Director and Regional IOP Director Metamorphosis Consultants LLC- Owner/ Counselor Cumberland Heights- Weekend Clinical Supervisor/ Quality Management Coordinator/ Counselor Renewal House, Inc.- Program Office Manager/ Living Assistant

Why did you choose to work with adolescents?
I chose to work with adolescents because it is a pivotal stage where guidance, guidance, support, and encouragement can truly shape their future. Being able to help navigate challenges and build confidence is both meaningful and rewarding.

What is something you’ve learned from your work with adolescents that has been your takeaway?
My takeaway from working with adolescents is that with the right support and understanding, they are incredibly resilient and capable of growth.

Did you play sports or participate in any activities when you were younger?
Yes, I participated in track and trained in ballet, tap, jazz, piano, violin, and cello from age 8 through high school.

What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health?
I wish adolescents understood that seeking help for mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If you could give your younger self a word of advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to trust the process, be patient, and not be so hard on myself.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
My favorite things to do outside are jogging, skiing, and playing in the pool.

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.

Email: [email protected]

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 growing up? 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: “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: 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: Master's degree in social work, bachelor's degree in social work, University of Tennessee

Why did you choose to work with adolescents? 
I chose to work with adolescents because I believe this stage of life is a powerful turning point where the right support can lead to meaningful, lasting change. I'm passionate about helping adolescents explore who they are, navigate family and peer relationships, and develop emotional awareness and resilience during a time of significant growth and change.

What is something you've learned from your work with adolescents that has been your takeaway?
Working with adolescents has taught me the power of showing up consistently and meeting them where they are with no judgement. I’ve learned that genuine presence and reliability can build lasting trust and that when adolescents feel heard and supported, they’re capable of real growth and change.

What is one thing you wish adolescents knew about l health/treatment? 
Mental health struggles do not diminish a person’s strength or define their identity.

If you could give your younger self a word of advice, what would it be?
You don’t have to have it all figured out. Trust the process and give yourself grace.

What activities did you participate in as a child? 
When I was younger, I was on the swim team at school and did competitive cheerleading. I also grew up playing softball.

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 
Being outside, spending time with family and friends, and experiencing new things are some of my favorite activities.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Art, from the University of Alabama in 2005, followed by a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia in 2016. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tennessee and formerly licensed in Alabama. I’m passionate about supporting individuals, building meaningful connections, and helping strengthen the communities I serve.

Previous work experience: Co-Responder – Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office - House Manager – Atlanta, GA & Nashville, TN Mental Health Therapist – Private Practice, Hendersonville, TN Mental Health Specialist – Mental Health Cooperative, Nashville, TN

Why did you choose to work with adolescents?
I have an extensive background working with adolescents and I am passionate about supporting them as they navigate life’s challenges. I enjoy helping young people better understand themselves, build confidence, and grow through new experiences while encouraging curiosity and a sense of adventure.

What is something you’ve learned from your work with adolescents that has been your takeaway?
One of the biggest takeaways from my work with adolescents has been to never give up on a child—no matter how resistant or defiant they may seem. I’ve learned that behind that behavior is often a young person who is struggling to be understood. With patience, consistency, and genuine care, change really is possible, even if it takes time.

Did you play sports or participate in any activities when you were younger?
Yes. I played golf and did gymnastics, and I also took piano lessons and enjoyed art. They were all fun in different ways and taught me a lot about focus, creativity, and sticking with things.

What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health?
I wish adolescents understood about mental health is that they’re not alone in what they’re going through. A lot of what feels very personal or isolating is actually more common than they think. When people are open and willing to talk about it, it’s easier to see that others are dealing with similar things and that support is out there.

If you could give your younger self a word of advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to focus and keep going, even when things feel daunting or overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to speak your truth or ask for help when you need it. Stay open to learning, even when it challenges the way you think. And most of all, stay curious. It will take you further than you expect.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being outdoors and in nature whenever I can, and doing hot yoga. I also love exploring new places and trying new experiences, whether that’s nearby or somewhere new.

Education: Marian University

Why did you choose to work with adolescents?
I chose to work with adolescents because it’s such a critical time in their lives. They’re learning who they are while facing real challenges. I’m passionate about being someone they can trust, guiding them, and helping them feel seen, heard, and supported when it matters most.

What is something you’ve learned from your work with adolescents that has been your takeaway?
One of the most important lessons I learned is how much teenagers want to be understood and liked. They don't always need all the solutions; they simply need someone who actually cares and shows up for them. When you listen to them without passing judgment, it can have a significant impact.

Did you play sports or participate in any activities when you were younger?
Yes, I continued to participate in activities throughout my childhood, and they were very important to me. They provided me with a positive outlet, a sense of belonging, and confidence—all of which I now realize are crucial for young people as they mature and discover their path.

What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health?
One thing I wish adolescents understood is that their mental health truly matters, and they don’t have to go through things alone. It’s okay to speak up, to not be okay, and to ask for help—there is strength in reaching out, not weakness.

If you could give your younger self a word of advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to be gentle with yourself—you’re doing the best you can, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Trust your journey, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or take things one day at a time.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, cooking and baking, and just being outdoors. Those moments help me recharge and remind me what matters most.

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.