• Team

ADMINISTRATION

Faulkner University center for therapy and research Speech Language Pathology Occupational Therapy Counseling Services children adults

Alan Deal – M.S., OTR/L – Clinic Director

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, minor in psychology – Auburn University, 2012
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy – Alabama State University, 2015

Alan is the Director of the Faulkner Center for Therapy and Research and holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in psychology from Auburn University where he graduated in 2012. A native of Montgomery, Alan pursued his Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Alabama State where he graduated top of his class in 2015. He has over 8 years’ experience working in geriatrics and became Director of Rehab at Col. Robert L Howard State Veteran’s Home. In 2019 he became Senior Rehab Director of all four State VA Homes before being promoted to Regional Vice President with Healthpro-Heritage overseeing 20 plus communities across the Southeast. Alan is passionate and trained in Neuro techniques, wheelchair seating and positioning, assistive technology, adaptive equipment, orthotics and is a certified dementia practitioner as well as working towards completing his certifications as a certified Autism specialist and Assistive Technology Professional (ATP). Outside of the clinic, Alan serves as an adjunct professor teaching OTD7353 Adaptive Equipment and Patient Care Concepts, OTD 7256 Faith, Health, and Quality of Life as well as OTD 7257 Servant Leadership. Alan serves as a devoted husband to his wife Leah, and father to his daughters, Ellie and Molly Grace. When not in the clinic, Alan can often be found enjoying God’s creation in the outdoors and actively attends Landmark Church. When asked what Alan enjoys most about his many roles at Faulkner he said, “I love the opportunity to connect with students and bring new and holistic hands-on experiences that will prepare them to be amazing OT’s and impact the community abroad for God’s glory!”

Faulkner University center for therapy and research Speech Language Pathology Occupational Therapy Counseling Services children adults

Jan Welch – Special Projects Manager and Admin Assistant

Jan Welch, affectionately known as “Mama Jan,” has been the Clinic Manager for the Faulkner Center for Therapy and Research since its opening in July 2022. Jan has an extensive background in business administration. Before joining the clinic staff, Jan served as Vice President of Operations at Davis Direct for eighteen years, a role with many hats, including upper management, human resources and fulfillment.  

Jan and her husband Ralph are active members of their church in Montgomery. Outside of the clinic, Jan enjoys spending time outside, traveling, and reading, but most of all, she enjoys her role as Grammy to her four grandchildren.

Amanda Ferrell – Clinic Manager

Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management, Health Administration Emphasis – Faulkner University, 2024
Master of Science in Management – Faulkner University, 2025

Amanda Ferrell is originally from El Paso, Texas, and relocated to Prattville, Alabama, in 2012. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management with an emphasis in Health Administration from Faulkner University in 2024, followed by her Master of Science in Management in 2025.

Amanda joined Faulkner University in March 2022, where she served as the Administrative Coordinator for the Department of Physical Therapy for four and a half years. She brings over a decade of experience in healthcare administration, with a background across physical therapy, family medicine, and internal medicine settings. Her combined experience in both academic and clinical environments allow her to contribute a well-rounded knowledge base and strong administrative skill set to the clinic.

Fluently bilingual in Spanish, Amanda is passionate about providing accessible and effective support to diverse patient populations.

Outside of the clinic, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband, David, their five children, and two grandchildren.

Mila Stevens – Clinic Tech

Mila is an Auburn University alumna with a degree in Early Childhood Education. After a fulfilling 32-year teaching career in Montgomery Public Schools, she retired, having spent her final six years as both an auxiliary and lead teacher in the Faulkner University Pre-K Program.

Originally from a small town in southeast Alabama, Mila frequently visits family there. She has two adult sons, Pierce and Harris. In her spare time, Mila enjoys baking, flower gardening, and thrifting for items to repurpose. She finds a creative outlet in refinishing and painting furniture, bringing new life to cherished pieces.

Ree Clark – Clinic Tech

Ree Clark is a Faulkner University alumna with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She received a master’s degree in Secondary Education from AUM.

She was previously the parent consultant for Children’s Rehabilitation Services helping families with education, advocacy, and resources.

Ree enjoys writing, reading devotionals, movies, and spending time with her 3 adult children and her sweet grand-dog, Lou.  She is an active member of University Church of Christ.

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

Gloria Powell, M.S., CCC-SLP

Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders
Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology – University of South Florida

Gloria Powell is a certified speech-language pathologist and has been working in the field of speech-language pathology since 2000. Gloria has experience in hospital settings from in-patient rehab, acute care and outpatient rehab in roles including educator, trainer, supervisor and manager. Gloria successfully led the startup of an outpatient rehab location for the hospital. She is passionate about providing aphasia therapy, cognitive retraining, and voice therapy. Additional areas of specialty include adult swallowing and early intervention. She is intensely focused on evidence-based practice in cognitive-retraining, aphasia therapy, voice disorders and apraxia of speech in adults.  

Outside of work, Gloria enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is also active in her church. 

Faulkner University center for therapy and research Speech Language Pathology Occupational Therapy Counseling Services children adults

Elizabeth Grant, M.S. CCC-SLP

Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders, concentration in Rehabilitation and Special Education – Auburn University
Masters of Science in Speech Language Pathology – Georgia Southern University, 2017

Elizabeth Grant earned her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from ASHA in 2018 and brings a strong background in pediatric speech and language services. Her clinical experience includes language development, articulation therapy, feeding disorders, sensory integration, and play-based engagement interventions. She is an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist and an SOS-trained feeding therapist. Elizabeth has worked in elementary and middle school settings as well as pediatric outpatient clinics, collaborating closely with families and interdisciplinary teams to support meaningful, functional communication.

Outside of the clinic, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her husband, Tyler, and their children, Judah and Eleanor. They are actively involved in their church community in Montgomery.

Faulkner University center for therapy and research Speech Language Pathology Occupational Therapy Counseling Services children adults

Kandice Lucas, M.A., CCC-SLP

Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders – University of Montevallo
Master of Art in Speech Language Pathology – Faulkner University

Kandice Lucas is a Faulkner University alumna and a member of the first graduating class of Faulkner’s Master of Speech-Language Pathology program. She has six years of experience in hospital acute care and outpatient settings, working with both adult and pediatric populations. She is a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist and has clinical experience in the evaluation and treatment of dysphagia, aphasia, phonological disorders, apraxia of speech, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and language disorders.

Kandice resides in Chilton County with her husband, Chace, and their son, Elijah. She enjoys being active in her church and serving her community.

Emily Pell, SLP

Emily Pell has over 4 years of experience working as a speech-language pathologist. Throughout her career, she has worked with pediatric patients with a variety of diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder, childhood apraxia of speech, language disorders, and articulation and phonology disorders. Additionally, Emily previously worked as an augmentative and alternative communication coordinator, completing AAC evaluations and creating treatment plans for minimally speaking pediatric patients.

When Emily is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Parker, her daughter, Ella Rhodes, and her dog, Nala.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Kendall Luna, DHSc, M.S., OTR/L, ASDCS

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, concentration in Clinical Exercise Physiology – Mississippi State University
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy – Alabama State University, 2020

Kendall Luna became a national board-certified occupational therapist in 2020 and completed her Doctor of Health Science from Faulkner University in 2025. She has over five years of experience in both pediatric and adult outpatient therapy.  Kendall is skilled in evaluating a child’s functional abilities related to play, school performance, and daily activities, collaborating closely with families and interdisciplinary teams to create effective, individualized plans of care. Her focus in treatment is addressing sensory, social, behavioral, gross motor, fine motor, balance, coordination, problem-solving, and environmental needs. In addition to her pediatric work, Kendall provides outpatient therapy for adults with neurological conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury, with a focus on restoring functional independence and improving quality of life.

Her areas of expertise include Sensory Integration, Play-Based Therapy, Primitive Reflex Testing and Integration Techniques, and feeding intervention as a Level 1 SOS-trained feeding specialist. Kendall is also an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist and serves as an adjunct professor for OT Across the Lifespan: Pediatric Population.

Outside of her professional commitments, Kendall enjoys spending time with her husband, Taylor, and their dog , Tar. They are active members in their church and enjoy involvement in local missions. You can always find Kendall and Taylor enjoying the outdoors with their dog, whether that be exercising, hunting, fishing, or boating.

Audry Hall, OTD, OTR/L

Bachelor of Science in Psychology- Auburn University at Montgomery
Doctor of Occupational Therapy – Faulkner University

Audrey Hall is a Faulkner University alumni where she was a part of the Faulkner’s first Doctor of Occupational Therapy graduating class. With her experience in the pediatric setting, she has worked with a variety of diagnoses including autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, various genetic disorders, developmental delays, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyspraxia, and sensory processing disorder.

Outside of work, Audrey enjoys spending time at home or outdoors with her husband & dogs. Audrey also enjoys spending time at her church, where she currently serves in the children’s ministry on Sundays.

Sarah Kate Hollingsworth, M.S., OTR/L

Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies – Auburn University
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy – Alabama State University, 2022

Sarah Kate has experience in the hospital setting including acute care and in-patient rehab at Spain Rehabilitation Center and is passionate about neuromuscular re-education. She has worked specifically with adults post stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury.

Outside of work, Sarah Kate enjoys spending time outside with her husband, Austin, and their friends and family.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Haley Dokas, PT, DPT, ATC

Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training – Troy University, 2012
Doctorate in Physical Therapy – Alabama State University, 2016

Haley is a native of Prattville, Alabama. She attended Troy University on a golf scholarship and is a certified athletic trainer. Haley has 8 years of clinical outpatient experience as a physical therapist and served as the clinical director of Drayer Physical Therapy in Prattville for 3 years. She has experience treating both pediatric and adult patients with a variety of diagnoses including musculoskeletal and neurological disorders. She is certified in dry needling and LSVT BIG, which targets Parkinson’s disease.

Outside of the clinic, Haley enjoys spending time with her two daughters Natalie and Caroline, as well as her husband, Mark.

Olivia Campbell, PT, DPT

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Auburn University 2012
Doctorate of Physical Therapy – Alabama State University 2016

Olivia Campbell is a native of Montgomery, Alabama. Olivia has over 8 years of experience in treating a variety of diagnoses from musculoskeletal to neuromuscular conditions. She is skilled in evaluating and treating gait and balance deficits, orthopedic conditions, neurological conditions and pain management. Olivia strives to improve her patients’ quality of life by restoring function and decreasing pain to return them to their highest level of function. She is certified in LSVT BIG which targets Parkinson’s disease.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two kids, Molly James and Walker, and her husband, Travis.

Caitlin Jordan, PT, DPT

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science- Auburn University
Doctor of Physical Therapy- Faulkner University

Caitlin Jordan is a board-certified physical therapist who has a true passion for helping children and adults reach their true potential. She obtained her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Faulkner University as a student of the inaugural cohort. She has a special interest in the treatment of pediatric neurological and genetic conditions. Caitlin is dedicated to providing compassionate and research-based care in a supportive environment. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, Chase, and her goldendoodle, Ella Grace.

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING

Cela’ Q. Ardis, LPC

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education – Alabama State University, 2016
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Faulkner University, 2021
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC #05756) – Alabama

Celá Q. Ardis is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about helping individuals overcome life’s challenges and achieve emotional wellness. She provides therapy to adolescents ages 14 and up, adults, and older adults, addressing concerns such as suicidality, self-harm, stress, anxiety, depression, and anger. Celá primarily treats mild to moderate cases and believes the foundation of therapy lies in prioritizing the client’s overall well-being while guiding them toward their personal and therapeutic goals.

With experience in both psychiatric inpatient settings and private practice, Celá integrates evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based interventions. She continues to expand her training in additional therapeutic modalities to best serve her clients’ evolving needs.

Celá values creating an inclusive, respectful, and culturally sensitive environment. She is committed to providing equitable care to individuals from all backgrounds and experiences, advocating for diversity and mental health awareness. Her goal is to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and support each client in becoming the best version of themselves.

In her spare time, Celá enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Charm. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the American Counseling Association.

Faulkner University center for therapy and research Speech Language Pathology Occupational Therapy Counseling Services children adults

Jennifer Ingram, LPC

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics – Blue Mountain Christian University
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Faulkner University
Jennifer Ingram license #LPC05646

Jennifer Ingram is a Faulkner University alumni who has experience working with clients experiencing trauma, anxiety and depression. She enjoys working with clients of all ages, from 5 to 105! She is an active member of the American Counseling Association and the Alabama Counseling Association.

Jennifer believes that therapy can provide a safe space for people to work through problems and find the strength within themselves to continue moving forward. She hopes that people will leave therapy sessions feeling encouraged and validated.

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family. She is active in her church and enjoys working with the children’s ministry.

Cindy Payes, ALC

Cindy Payes

James W. Crocker, ALC

Bachelor of Art in Psychology – Auburn University
Master of Science in Health Service Administration – Central Michigan University,
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Troy University,
James Crocker license #ALC05229 under the supervision of Roxana C. Olsson

After twenty-nine years of service as an Army Officer, James began a second career supporting Veterans and others suffering with mental health challenges. He has worked with clients, from six to eighty-three-years-old, that were in mental health crises in both inpatient and outpatient settings. James believes the purpose of counseling is to provide clients, from all cultural backgrounds or beliefs, a safe place to produce change in their lives. He approaches counseling from an eclectic perspective, utilizing techniques and skills from Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Mindfulness, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Focused Attention, and State Management. James is a National Certified Counselor from the National Board of Certified Counselors, and a member of the American Counselors Association and the Alabama Counselors Association. He is also a member of the Gamma Beta Phi and Chi Sigma Iota Honor Societies.

James is married to Sonya Beach, a rehabilitation counselor, and they have two adult children. He and his wife are continuing to take graduate courses along with their full-time jobs. Most of their “free” time is spent on self-care and relaxation.