Honoring an Extraordinary 21-year Legacy
Birmingham, AL – August 11, 2026 – Longtime leader Kathryn Bowden will conclude more than two decades of service to Oasis Counseling. After thoughtful conversations with the Executive Committee, Bowden shared her desire to begin planning for her retirement and the next chapter of leadership at Oasis. With the full support of the Executive Committee, Bowden’s final day in her full-time role as Executive Director will be September 4, 2026.
Together, Bowden and the Executive Committee have developed a transition plan designed to support a smooth and successful leadership succession while ensuring continued stability for the organization. During the interim, she will remain available as an advisor to the Board and leadership team. This transition period will allow the Board to conduct a thoughtful, comprehensive search for Oasis Counseling’s next Executive Director while providing continuity and support during the onboarding of new leadership. Oasis will name an interim Executive Director in early September.
“For more than 21 years, Oasis has given me a front-row seat to what can happen when compassionate people believe that lives can change,” said Bowden. “It has been my privilege to serve as Executive Director, but the story of Oasis has always been written by a passionate staff, a committed Board and a community that believed in this work. Everything we have achieved has been a collective effort, and I am incredibly proud of the organization we have built together.”
Bowden has led Oasis with unwavering dedication, compassion and a steadfast commitment to Oasis’ mission. Under her leadership, Oasis has grown into a trusted resource and beacon of hope for individuals and families seeking accessible, affordable mental health services. During her tenure, Oasis experienced substantial and transformative growth—from a two-counselor staff serving a few hundred clients to nine professional counselors serving over 5700 individuals annually in up to 26 counties across Alabama.
“The Board of Directors is deeply grateful for Bowden’s extraordinary service and appreciates her willingness to help guide the organization through this transition,” said Marsha Morgan Oasis Board President.
“Together, we are committed to ensuring a seamless leadership transition that maintains continuity for our staff, clients, donors, referral and community partners.”
“We have every confidence in Oasis’ future,” Morgan concluded. “Our mission remains unchanged – our commitment to those we serve is unfailing. The dedicated Oasis staff will continue providing the high-quality mental health care on which our clients depend. As we celebrate Bowden’s remarkable legacy, we are also excited about the opportunities ahead and the next chapter in Oasis’ continued growth and service to the community.”
For more information, contact:
Catherine Pittman Smith
Director of Development & Communications
cpsmith@oasiscounseling.org
205.933.0338 | 492.3350/cell
About Oasis Counseling for Women & Children
The mission of Oasis Counseling for Women & Children is to improve the quality of life for vulnerable women, children & families by providing exceptional, professional mental health care in a safe & nurturing environment. Our guiding principle is to help these individuals heal, grow, overcome difficult life challenges & rebuild their lives through accessible, affordable mental health counseling & support.
Oasis was founded in 1995 by Anne Bruno LaRussa, a true visionary & champion for mental health. She saw an egregious gap in mental health care in the Greater Birmingham area & established Oasis to provide high-quality counseling to financially vulnerable women, children & families. She created a safe haven that offered dignity, access & hope to those who might otherwise go unseen or untreated. For over 30 years, Oasis has directly served nearly 50,000 individuals—helping them heal from past trauma, develop healthy coping skills, & achieve greater stability within their families, schools, workplaces & communities.
1900 14th Ave South | Birmingham, AL | 35205 | 205.933.0338 | www.oasiscounseling.org
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