About | Thrive Physical Therapy and Wellness

Cahaba Heights Team

Emily Gilmore, PT, DPT

Owner

Emily Gilmore, PT, DPT, received her doctorate of physical therapy degree from UAB in 2012. Her career has been spent in outpatient orthopedics and women's health. She has received advanced training in dry needling, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobility, and pelvic rehabilitation. It was her struggles after having children that sparked a passion for prenatal and postpartum rehabilitation. She believes that every patient deserves an individualized and holistic treatment approach that focuses on their goals and is committed to life-long learning, collaboration with other professionals, problem-solving, and creativity to help you live your best life. Emily lives in Cahaba Heights with her husband, Matt, and their two children, Ellis & Gunner. Outside of the office, Emily enjoys trips with her family, gardening, and working out.

Crista Hargett, PT, DPT

Crista Hargett, PT, DPT received her doctorate of physical therapy in 2018 from University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL. She has focused her career on outpatient orthopedics treating wide variety of patients including high school athletes. She then developed a passion for patients with pelvic floor dysfunction and educating both the community and other physical therapists. She currently teaches the PTA program at Wallace State Community College. Crista’s passion for orthopedics, pelvic floor dysfunction and education has lead her to treat patients as a whole, not just their diagnosis. Crista lives in Gardendale with her husband, Lee, and their sons, Brooks & Anderson. In her free time, Crista enjoys spending time at church and exercising.

Darby Hutchison, PT, DPT

Darby Hutchison, PT, DPT is originally from Huntsville, AL. She received her B.S. in Exercise Science from Auburn University in 2018 and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Samford University in 2021. While in PT school, Darby gained experience in treating women with pelvic floor dysfunction and completed further education in this area. Her practice has been in outpatient orthopedics and pelvic health with specialized experience in sports medicine, dance medicine, and pilates. Darby is excited to help her patients return to their normal by providing one-on-one, holistic care! Darby lives in Hoover. When not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Caleb, visiting her parents in Huntsville, and hanging out with her friends at Auburn Community Church.

Leah Dennis, PT, DPT

Leah Dennis, PT, DPT received her doctorate of physical therapy from Samford University in 2021. Originally from Vestavia Hills, Leah has practiced in outpatient physical therapy in the greater Birmingham area since graduation, where she gained experience with outpatient orthopedics and pelvic rehabilitation. She has received advanced training in functional dry needling, pelvic rehabilitation, and reformer Pilates, and is passionate about treating her patients holistically while empowering them through education. Her love of fitness and wellness drives her desire to provide holistic, individualized care to each patient. Leah lives in Vestavia with her two children, Lyla and Wyatt, and enjoys spending time with family, exercising, and being outdoors during her time away from the office.

Leigh Ann Russell, PT, DPT

Leigh Ann Russell PT, DPT received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Auburn University in 2020 and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Samford University in 2024. She has received advanced training in functional dry needling, pelvic rehabilitation, and is a certified personal trainer. Leigh Ann advocates for every patient to be valued, heard, and treated as an individual rather than a diagnosis. She is dedicated to continually refining her skills throughout her career to guarantee patients receive exceptional care and attention. Outside of work, Leigh Ann enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Spencer, and their dog, Winston, trying new restaurants, and weekends spent at the lake.

Rachel Moran, PT, DPT

Rachel Moran, PT, DPT, received her doctorate of physical therapy from UAB in 2019. The focus of her practice has been outpatient orthopedics and pregnancy/postpartum rehabilitation. She has received advanced training in pelvic rehabilitation, functional dry needling, and hormonal health. Her passion for holistic health and wellness along with her love for fitness drive her comprehensive approach to patient care. Rachel lives in Homewood with her husband, Nolan, and their two children, Danley & John Michael. She enjoys cooking, traveling, and exploring the outdoors!

Hoover Team

Carlie Henry, PT, DPT

Clinic Director

Carlie Henry, PT, DPT received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from UAB in 2014. She is a board certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and has received advanced training in functional dry needling and pelvic rehabilitation. Carlie has spent the majority of her career treating a variety of patients in the outpatient orthopedic setting. She has a passion for empowering patients to rise to their potential and encouraging them along their journey. Developing relationships with patients and watching them overcome pain or functional deficits is her favorite part of the job! She believes this is done through an evidence-based, holistic approach tailored to the patient’s needs. This, as well as her love for fitness, drives her commitment to learning and professional growth! A native of Montgomery, Carlie has called Birmingham home since 2017. She lives in Helena with her husband, Ricky and their 2 children, Ansley and Jack. Outside of work, Carlie enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising, and being outdoors! Because of her love for sports and the female athlete, you will also find Carlie on the diamond serving as the assistant middle school softball coach for the Helena Huskies!

Ann Bradford, PT, DPT, ATC

Ann Bradford, PT, DPT, ATC received her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Towson University where she worked with collegiate athletes in various sports. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Drexel University and has trained in pelvic rehabilitation through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. Additionally, she received advanced training in functional dry needling, sports medicine, and corrective exercise in pregnancy and post-partum care. Ann’s passion in physical therapy is to help empower patients through education, self-efficacy, and skillfully prescribed treatment to accomplish challenges once thought impossible because of their physical condition-and to have fun while doing it! She strives to provide holistic, individualized care to meet patients where they are, walk alongside them, and help them to achieve their goals. Ann attends Shades Mountain Baptist Church and enjoys discovering new places and staying active with her husband Jackson, their daughter, Elle, & dog, Ollie.

Autumn Daniel, PT, DPT

Autumn Daniel PT, DPT received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Samford University in 2023. The focus of her practice thus far has been outpatient orthopedics and women’s health. She has received advanced training in functional dry needling and pelvic rehabilitation. As a college undergraduate, Autumn worked as a physical therapy aide for Thrive owner, Emily. She is excited for this full circle moment to now be colleagues! Autumn is passionate about providing one-on-one holistic care and building relationships with her patients. She believes in treating the whole person and providing individualized care! Autumn and her husband, Luke, recently moved back to the Birmingham area after he finished training as an Army Aviator. When not in the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, taking part in activities at her church, going for walks, and shopping!

Louise Webb, PT, DPT

Louise Webb, PT, DPT received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Auburn University in 2013 and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from UAB in 2016. She has spent much of her career in the orthopedic field where she is passionate about holistic treatment and prioritizing one-on-one care. Through her own experience, Louise discovered a desire to help others have a positive pregnancy journey which ultimately led her to be part of the team at Thrive. She has received extensive training in Pilates and utilizes multiple apparatuses to aid in patient recovery. Louise focuses her manual therapy on soft tissue mobilization, dry needling intervention, and neuromuscular facilitation. Her goal is to empower patients through individualized goal setting, education, and to inspire patients to progress towards a life of health and wellness. Louise resides in Vestavia with her husband and high school sweetheart, Spencer, their daughter, Tatum, and her two rescue dogs, Crosby and Marlowe. In the spring, Louise is the pitching coach for the Oak Mountain High School softball team but during the remainder of the year, you can find her enjoying local dining, boutique shopping, outdoor activities, and traveling.

Administrative Team

Shay Sandlin

Practice Administrator

Shay Sandlin serves as our practice administrator. She received her degree in Athletic Training from Huntingdon College in 2016 and worked in orthopedics before joining the Thrive team. You'll find Shay assisting patients as well as coordinating all.the.things at both of our clinic locations. Shay lives in Chelsea with her husband, Russ, and their dog, Wells. Outside of the office she enjoys CrossFit, time with family and friends, and a good cocktail.

Imani Spence-Williams

Imani serves as the front office coordinator at our Hoover office. She attended UAB where she received her bachelor’s degree in healthcare management in 2019, and she is an experienced doula currently working towards her DONA certification. You will find Imani greeting patients, scheduling appointments, and helping out around the office each day! Imani lives in Hoover with her daughter, Leighton, and her cat, Otis. Outside of the office she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and trying new foods.

Kelly Johnson

Kelly Johnson helps fill in the gaps where needed at Thrive. She currently manages our website but previously served as our front office coordinator, office manager, social media manager, and more! Kelly lives in West Homewood with her husband, Tyler, their two boys, Owen and Evan, and dog, Lulu. Outside of homeschooling her kids, she enjoys shopping, reading, and singing!

LeeCarol Meads

LeeCarol serves as a part time office coordinator at both the Cahaba Heights and Hoover locations. She received degrees in early childhood and elementary education from Samford University and UAB. She worked in elementary education for 26 years as both a classroom teacher and reading specialist. She recently retired from the Vestavia Hills school system before joining our team. LeeCarol lives in Vestavia with her husband, Steve. She has two grown children, Gray and Mallory. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family and friends, the beach, walking, and college sports.