Eating Disorder PHP/IOP Programs in Birmingham, Alabama

Mary Elizabeth Akinaka currently serves as Regional Executive Director at Alsana in Birmingham, AL. She is an LPC and CEDS-S and has been working in the eating disorder community and with Alsana for almost a decade. Mary Elizabeth is passionate about leading a team who have a compassionate drive for serving clients with intentional, effective, and individualized care. She enjoys being a part of a space that allows clients to have a brave space to work on their recovery journey.

Mary Elizabeth received her bachelor’s degree in Collaborative Special Education from Auburn University. She received  her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health and a Certificate of marriage and Family Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Mary Elizabeth loves interacting with individuals from all walks of life and is a believer that a significant aspect of our growth as human beings is through interaction, specifically those who stories look different from our own. In her spare time she loves spending time with her husband and two boys.

As DOCS at Alsana, Alyssa loves getting to know the clients and helping them find the hope they need to step toward recovery every single day. It’s the team environment at Alsana in Birmingham that makes her enjoy stepping through the doors each morning.

Knowing that everyone cares for each other and is passionate about the work makes this such an amazing career. Alyssa has been working with eating disorder clients since her first internship in 2016.

Alyssa graduated from the University of Montevallo after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Art and Psychology and her M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Lori is an experienced nurse in the field of eating disorders and is very passionate about the team and work being done at Alsana. She is currently the nurse manager for the PHP program and takes joy in supporting and connecting with clients on their journey to recovery.

Prior to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, Lori received a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Arts from Mississippi University for Women. She uses her love of food and nursing to help encourage a healthy outlook on food.

Lori loves to cook, travel, and get a good book in when her busy schedule allows. She is most often spending time with her husband and chasing after their three girls.

Prior to joining Alsana, Johnny served as the Medical Director at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center in the Chicagoland area, caring for individuals diagnosed with various eating disorders.  He has over 6 years of experience in the treatment of eating disorders.

Dr. Williamson completed his undergraduate degree at the University Of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  He earned his medical degree at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee.  Subsequently, he completed both general psychiatry and child and adolescent residencies at the University of Illinois at Chicago.  Dr. Williamson spent much of his early career in community psychiatry, forensic psychiatry and hospital-based work.  More recently Dr. Williamson provides care in a mix of inpatient work, residential treatment and private practice.

Dr. Williamson is board-certified in General and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and has over 20 years of experience in mental health.