About Us

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: “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. 

Education: 
My educational journey has been rich and diverse. I am a firm believer in lifelong learning and that education comes in many forms. My professional experiences have been my classroom. Each role has taught me invaluable lessons and equipped me with practical skills. I have learned to adapt, solve problems, and collaborate with others effectively.

Previous work experience: 
I previously worked at Connections Wellness Group in Murfreesboro, TN, as patient care navigator to assist clients and their families with navigating every aspect of their journey and experience while attending Group therapy. 

Why did you choose to work with adolescents?
I realize that working with adolescents has always felt like my calling. Adolescence is such a pivotal time, filled with growth, challenges and immense potential. I chose to work with this age group because I believe that early intervention can transform lives.

What is something you’ve learned from your work with adolescents that has been your takeaway?
That the resilience and creativity of adolescents can be continually inspiring. It can remind everyone of the importance of guidance and understanding. Every conversation, breakthrough, and even the setbacks are opportunities for growth for them and for me. 

Did you play sports or participate in any activities when you were younger?
I participated in the high school marching band and played trombone. I was also involved in the color guard. 

What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health?
One thing that I wish adolescents would understand about mental health is that it is okay to not be okay sometimes. Many young people face immense pressure to appear strong and put together, but the reality is that everyone struggles at times. Acknowledging your feelings and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health is just as important as physical health and taking care of your mind is essential for your overall wellbeing. Reaching out for support is not just about fixing problems, it is about fostering resilience, building connections, and creating a positive future.

If you could give your younger self a word of advice, what would it be?
“Embrace your uniqueness” It is easy to compare yourself to others and feel pressured to fit in, but your individuality is your greatest strength. Celebrate your passions, quirks, and the things that make you different. Trust yourself, stay curious and do not be afraid to pursue what truly makes you happy.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
Some of my favorite things to do outside of work are spending time with my family, going backpacking/hiking and kayaking. I also love to bake, even though I am not particularly good at it. It gives me the opportunity to have fun and bond with my children while we try new recipes and ideas.