Program Staff
Kathryn Bowden
MEd, JD – Executive DirectorKathryn joined the Oasis staff in January 2006. She has a JD from Cumberland School of Law and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Alabama. At Alabama, Kathryn was an Honors Scholar with a specialization in Women’s Studies. Ten years after receiving her law degree, she returned to college and earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling at Auburn University. Her prior experience includes the private practice of family law and service as Executive Director of two statewide nonprofits. Her special expertise in regulatory issues includes terms as an attorney for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the U.S. Department of the Interior, and SONAT Inc. Her expertise in public relations includes her role as press secretary for two statewide political campaigns. Kathryn is a Robert Wood Johnson Ladder to Leadership Fellow and a Momentum graduate. Ms. Bowden’s business background, as well as her legal and nonprofit experience, combined with her education and personal passion for supporting women and children makes her the perfect fit as the manager of an organization dedicated to the well-being of women and children.
Shenitha Hinton
MS, LPC, NCC – Clinical DirectorShenitha is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. She earned her Master of Science degree in Counseling from Faulkner University, and a Graduate Certificate in Couples, Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Shenitha adopts a collaborative leadership style. As mentor and supervisor, she acknowledges the gifts of each counselor while challenging them and fostering their growth and development. Prior to being named Clinical Director, Shenitha served as Counselor and Intake Coordinator at Oasis. Her clinical work includes adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression, PTSD, identity concerns, and relational problems. She has advanced clinical training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Bowen Family Systems, Gottman Method, and other evidence-based practices. Other areas of experience and special interests include engaging and working with BIPOC and other underepresented communities. Shenitha finds great fulfillment working with older adults and volunteering.
Catherine Pittman Smith
Director of Development & CommunicationsCatherine Pittman Smith, a Birmingham native, earned her BA degree from Converse College in Spartanburg, SC with a double major in English and History. (She could be caught in the Art Department too!) An engineer of connectivity and an accomplished communicator and director with over 30 years’ experience in the creative, for-profit, and nonprofit arenas, Catherine’s focus has been in fund development, marketing, PR/communications, and advertising. She is also an authentic, gifted photographer and author. Catherine’s diverse and colorful background has always been driven by relationship, connection, and purpose. She is dedicated to cultivating growth, sustainability, and ensuring successful outcomes. Catherine is an avid needle pointer, a local history buff, and an absolute puzzle junky – and loves the challenge of a new project…up next — quilting. Passionate about her hometown of Birmingham, its history, and people, she serves on several local nonprofit boards with the hope to bring about effectual change in our community.
Counseling Staff
Patty Cusick
LPC - CounselorPatty received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Montevallo. Her years as a therapist in the nonprofit sector have given her an opportunity to work with diverse populations and age groups within the mental health field. Currently she works with women and teenage girls. Patty has advanced clinical training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Lifespan Integration (LI), as well as extensive experience with crisis intervention and suicide prevention. Clinical interest and experience include anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, borderline personality disorder, and mid-life adjustment, and coping with the physical, emotional, and social changes that come with it (ie: menopause, caregiving for aging parents, questioning career changes, and the choices we have made for ourselves).
Cathy Foss
LPC - CounselorLicensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. Cathy received her Master’s Degree and her Education Specialist Degrees in Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She specializes in Play Therapy with a focus on childhood problems such as sexual/physical abuse, trauma, anxiety, attachment disorders, and anger management. Cathy provides individual counseling to adolescents and women.
Allison Hill
LPC, NCC - CounselorAllison received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Certificate in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She specializes in working with children and adolescents addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, ODD, trauma, and anger management. Allison has specific clinical interests in trauma, anxiety, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She practices an integrative, affirming approach to counseling, incorporating play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, and strength-based approaches.
Katherine Holliman
MA, ALC, NCC - CounselorKatherine received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and Spanish from Auburn University and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She works with adults to address complex trauma, anxiety, depression, identity issues, and life transitions by utilizing trauma-informed modalities, cognitive behavioral techniques, and mindfulness strategies. Katherine is passionate about working with underserved communities to provide equitable access to quality mental healthcare. Katherine is practicing under the supervision of Michelle Pruett MEd, EdS, LPC-S.
Adeline Jennings
MA, ALC, NCC - Associate Licensed CounselorAdeline is an Associate Licensed Counselor with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UAB & a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Counseling from Auburn University. She has specialized experience working with children & adolescents navigating a range of concerns, including trauma, grief, ADHD, anxiety, depression, anger management, & life adjustments. Adeline uses a developmentally appropriate, integrative approach that draws from play therapy, narrative therapy, art-based interventions, & cognitive behavioral techniques to help young clients express themselves, process emotions, & develop healthy coping skills. Adeline is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive space where clients feel safe, accepted, & empowered to explore their experiences at their own pace. Her work is grounded in empathy, creativity, & a strong belief in every client’s potential for growth. She is currently practicing under the supervision of Dusty Sivley, MA, LPC-S.
Kathy King
LICSW, PIP - CounselorCertification in Private Independent Practice, Kathy received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. Kathy has completed the Accredited Training for Adoption Competency through the Center for Adoption Support and Education. She has experience working with adults and adolescents. Her areas of interest are with grief, loss, adoption, anxiety, depression, aging and life transitions. Kathy practices a client centered approach with careful consideration for cultural concerns and practices.
Bayley Levine
LMSW - CounselorBayley earned her bachelor’s degree in human development and Family Science from Samford University and her master’s in social work from the University of Alabama. Her clinical work is with children, adolescents, and families. She walks with clients through issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and attachment. She incorporates play therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy into counseling and practices from a family system, strengths-based, and trauma-informed perspective.
Alisha Penn
LPC - CounselorAlisha received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of West Florida and her Master’s Degree in Experimental/Clinical Psychology from the University of West Alabama. She is passionate about healing various traumas and increasing and promoting mental health awareness among under-resourced communities. She has training and clinical experience in helping diverse populations and age groups with anxiety, complex trauma, depression, and grief. Alisha uses a trauma-informed and humanistic approach to therapy.
Kendra Sanders
MA, ALC - Associate Licensed CounselorKendra is an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) who holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UAB, along with a specialized certificate in Marriage, Couples, & Family Counseling. She is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Kendra has clinical experience & interest in supporting clients through life transitions, trauma, interpersonal conflict, depression, anxiety, & challenges with emotion regulation. She works with individuals, couples, & families across the lifespan & is committed to providing culturally responsive, inclusive care. Her therapeutic approach integrates client-centered principles with family systems theory, allowing her to tailor treatment to each client’s unique background & relational dynamics. Kendra is passionate about fostering a safe, collaborative environment where clients feel heard, respected, & empowered. She is currently practicing under the supervision of Michelle Pruett, MEd, EdS, LPC-S.
Emily Wells
MSW, LICSW-S, PIP - Counselor / SupervisorEmily is a graduate of Samford University’s Master of Social Work Program. Prior to joining Oasis, she spent several years working with both individuals and families in a variety of community and healthcare settings. Emily has advanced clinical training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Lifespan Integration (LI.) She has special interest and experience working with healthcare workers as well as individuals and families impacted by both acute and chronic medical conditions and crises. Other clinical interests and experience include family therapy, parenting issues, adjustment disorders, mood disorders, and sleep and wake concerns.
Office Staff
Meredith Moore
Director of OperationsManages the administrative functions, facilities and is the liaison to the Board of Directors and Advisory Council. She received a dual degree from Vanderbilt University in Psychology and Sociology. She has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Meredith was previously employed as the Inventory Manager for Zimmer Inc.
Kathy Huckabay (KMay)
AdministrationA member of our office Administration Team. She works as an assistant to the Executive Director, the Director of Development & Communications, and the Director of Operations. She is the billing specialist and employee liaison for benefit coordination.
Stephanie Raymon, Communications Manager, Oversees the development and design of promotional, educational and event materials, and web management. She has 23 years of experience in communications, graphic design and event planning in the corporate, education and nonprofit industries. Stephanie is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Digital Marketing certification from Columbia University. She was employed by the Mountain Brook School System, Warren Averett, and JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) before going out on her own in 2017 as a freelance brand consultant and graphic designer.
Abbi Crosier, Presley George, Rutu Patel, and Susan Mitchell are Front Desk Coordinators. They assist clients with check-in process, payments for services, scheduling, and general information requests