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Dr. Robert Record, MD

Residency Faculty/Family Medicine

Dr. Robert Rex Record is a native of Breezy Hill Farm located somewhere near Clinton, LA. With a heart for ministry and an overactive imagination, he attended Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. There he majored in Business Administration, ran track, and met the love of his life, Leland Caley. He also joined a congregation in a transitional neighborhood and developed a clearer vision for serving those facing socio-economic struggles. Though seemingly far from his desire to attend seminary, providence led him to LSU medical school in New Orleans. There he also continued studying community development through work with Desire Street Ministries.

Residency brought him to Birmingham, AL for the faith-based Family Medicine residency at the current St. Vincent’s East Hospital. During training, he and his wife joined a very small congregation called Church of the Highlands as members and, ultimately, pastoral staff. This little church plant has now grown to become one of the largest in the nation.

Dr. Record’s love for the City of Birmingham grew alongside his vision of starting a clinic that would catalyze community transformation in his adopted hometown. In 2009, he realized this long-developed dream with the opening of The Birmingham Dream Center and Christ Health Center in Woodlawn. Dr. Record served five years as Director of The Birmingham Dream Center and continues to work with that team at the intersection of ministry and community development. Now he spends most of his days serving as both CEO and Residency Faculty with Christ Health Center. The growing ministry of Christ Health provides over 50,000 visits a year, primarily to uninsured and underinsured neighbors. More than just a clinic, Christ Health is investing in leaders from around the country to see them replicate this work in their hometowns.

Dr. Record and Leland have 4 children, Tate, Caley, Mimi, and June. The latter two are adopted from China, and the Record family collectively believes adoption may be their greatest call to date. When he’s not running around with work or chasing children, Dr. Record enjoys running, golf, 80’s movies, the occasional good book, and almost anything that makes him laugh.

Amelia Haueter, CRNP

Adult Medicine

Amelia graduated from Auburn University and UAB Medical Center and is board certified in Adult Acute Care. She enjoys building long-lasting relationships with her patients and their families and strives to provide holistic health care that addresses medical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.

For information on scheduling a medical appointment, click here.

Cory Harris, CRNP

Family Medicine

Cory graduated from Troy University with Master of Science in Nursing / Family Nurse Practitioner. Prior to coming to Christ Health Center, Cory worked in an ER for a combined 4 years and is skilled in both urgent and primary care. He is committed to providing quality, Christ-centered care for everyone.

For information on scheduling a medical appointment, click here.

Dr. Cleon Rogers, MD

Medical Education Director/Residency Faculty/Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

Dr. Cleon was born in 1984 in Dallas, Texas. His life was turned upside down at eight years old when his family moved to Germany to become missionaries. He developed a love for science and the lost during his time overseas, where he met Damaris, his high school sweetheart, with whom he now has five children (4 biological and 1 adopted).

After completing a biology degree at Bryan College in Tennessee, he moved to Birmingham where he attended UAB for medical school and Internal Medicine-Pediatrics residency. At UAB, he was the founding president of Equal Access Birmingham and inducted into the Gold Humanism and AOA honor societies.

The Lord’s calling on his life is to speak truth in hard places. The gospel and disciple-making are at the center of his medical practice and everything he does. He is a committed primary care physician who strives to bring quality specialty level care to even his most vulnerable and under-resourced patients. He has a particular academic interest in community medicine, psychiatric disorders, cirrhosis, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, HIV PREP, and rheumatoid arthritis. He speaks fluent Spanish and also serves as Christ Health Center’s international engagement director. His wife and five kids live, go to school, play sports, and attend church in the community where they serve.

For information on scheduling a medical appointment, click here.

Dr. English Gonzalez, MD

Residency Program Director/Family Medicine

Dr. Gonzalez, also nick-named “Sonshine” around the residency, would likely be the first to offer a joyful smile and a welcoming word if you visited our program. She attended medical school and completed her master’s in public health at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. There she served as the family medicine clerkship director and the FMIG president. She was awarded membership into AOA & earned the Pisacano Leadership Foundation scholarship. From Birmingham she headed to Washington DC to complete her residency training at Georgetown University. During her time in training she served as the resident member on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Family Physicians and was awarded the community service outreach award at her residency program.

After completing residency training, she moved back to “sweet home Alabama” to start the job of her dreams as a faculty member at the St. Vincent’s East family medicine residency program. During her first year as faculty, she also served as the family physician for the rural town of Vincent, Alabama and completed a fellowship in academic family medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Gonzalez continues to thank the Lord every day for the privilege of teaching and equipping those God has chosen to be family physicians. In 2019, the residents chose her as the “Preceptor of the Year.” Having now achieved this highest award to her personal and professional heart, her sole desire is to encourage, lift up, and mentor young family physicians. “Encourage one another” from Hebrews 10:25 is her guiding life verse and summarizes her teaching approach.

Dr. Gonzalez is passionate about resident wellness and resilience, physician leadership, scholarly activity, and curriculum innovation. Her academic interests include community medicine, public and population health, dermatology, and geriatric and palliative medicine. She also serves as a medical director for Encompass Home Health and Hospice. Additionally, she is an item writer for the American Board of Family Medicine and regularly consults for various law firms and research entities.

While all of these roles are a blessing and privilege, her most humbling role is that of a mother to a very special young lady, her daughter Talia Grace. On any given day, they might be found dancing and singing to praise music, showing miniature Hereford cows, making crafts, serving at Church of the Highlands, or praying for the residents. While Dr. Gonzalez only has one biological child, she is delighted that most of the residents invite her to be their “work mama” 🙂

For information on scheduling a medical appointment, click here.

Dr. David Villanueva, DO

Residency Associate Program Director/Family Medicine

David grew up in rural North Carolina. He studied biology at Bryan College in TN, where he also played soccer and met his wife Jana. He studied medicine at VCOM in Blacksburg, VA and graduated in 2014. He completed family medicine training at Wake Forest School of Medicine in NC while Jana completed PA school. After residency, David worked for two years in urgent care while praying about next steps and investing in time with his family.

The Villanueva family moved to AL in the summer of 2019 to join the Christ Health family in serving the underserved through faith-based primary care at their Woodlawn clinic in inner-city Birmingham. He completed a faculty development fellowship at UAB and joined the St. Vincent’s East Family Residency faculty in 2020. David has a special interest in sports medicine, osteopathic manipulative therapy, exercise and nutrition, outpatient procedures, faith in medicine, and medical missions. He is passionate about helping others live out their God-given design as they discover how their gifts and passions meet the world’s significant needs.

David’s favorite scripture passage is the sermon on the mount in Matthew 5-7 which reminds him that the Kingdom of God is central to who we are and all we do in this life. His favorite verse is Jesus’ opening line “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

David and Jana enjoy playing with their 3 rambunctious boys and doing anything active in the outdoors. Some of his favorite activities include trail running, mountain biking, triathlons, soccer, backpacking and just being in the woods.

For information on scheduling a medical appointment, click here.

Dr. Rebecca Newton, MD

OB Director/Residency Faculty/Family Medicine with OB

The STVE Family Medicine Residency Program and Christ Health Center are blessed to have Dr. Rebecca Newton as a faculty member and medical provider. Dr. Newton spent seven years as a missionary kid in Australia, but to simplify things, she now considers herself from Auburn, Alabama.

She graduated from Auburn University and then attended UAB School of Medicine for medical school. Before joining Christ Heath as faculty in late 2019, she spent 4 years in family medicine residency and then FMOB fellowship at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. She is enthusiastic about providing compassionate care to women, and gets especially excited about pregnant mothers. She is excited and challenged to be teaching not only OB but also clinic and inpatient medicine. She particularly enjoys seeing residents grow in knowledge and confidence doing OB and GYN related procedures and ultrasounds. She has a particular interest in immigrant populations and speaks fluent Spanish.

Her favorite verse is in Lamentations 3: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”. Her smile lights up the room, and her patients sense the peace of the Lord in her heart.

Stephanie Haas, CRNP

Family Medicine

Stephanie graduated from Samford University with a degree in biology followed by a degree in nursing. Prior to going to nurse practitioner school, she worked as a RN at Princeton Baptist Medical Center in cardiac care. She graduated with her nurse practitioner degree from UAB and is board certified in family medicine. Stephanie is committed to building meaningful, trusting relationships with her patients and providing quality, Christ-centered care that restores the body, mind, and spirit.

For information on scheduling a medical appointment, click here.

Dr. Elissa Handley Tyson, MD

Residency Faculty/Family Medicine

Home Town: Birmingham, AL

Medical Education: University of Alabama School of Medicine (UAB)

Personal Bio: There is an amazing connection between physical and spiritual healing that we get to be part of in healthcare. In Luke 5, a leper wanting to be healed says to Jesus, “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus responds, “I am willing, be healed!” This verse was big for me in my faith when I had grown discouraged. God is willing for me to be healed, and through medical interactions, I hope to show others He is more than willing for them to be healed, as well.

Medical Interests: Global health, women’s health, addiction/psych, adolescents

Hobbies: Jesus, running, people

Dr. Barney Sims, MD

Residency Faculty/Family Medicine

After 27 years of directing the STVE Family Medicine Residency Program at Christ Health Center, Dr. Marion “Barney” Sims has learned a thing or two about medical education. Growing up in rural Alabama, he watched his physician father slowly succumb to advanced polio as a young child. The Lord brought him through this tragedy and many more. He has become the patriarch of the residency and his bedrock is his faith in Christ. His humble leadership and faith in the Lord bring peace into any storm we face together as a family.

After graduating medical school at UAB School of Medicine, he began his General Surgery residency at Lloyd Noland Hospital to become a missionary surgeon overseas. After investing three years in becoming a surgeon, he switched to family medicine after the surgery residency was suddenly closed. He then completed a family medicine residency at the program he now directs. He and his wife Regina have nine children and numerous grandchildren. He serves as an elder at Briarwood Presbyterian Church and has academic interests, including medical education, resident mentoring and, ambulatory medicine. In his spare time, Dr. Sims goes on missions trips to Haiti, disciples young believers, spends time with his family, hikes with Regina, cheers on the Crimson Tide, and cooks delicious pancakes.

For information on scheduling a medical appointment, click here.

Dr. Byron Berry, DO

Residency Faculty/Family Medicine

Home Town: Birmingham, AL

Medical Education: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fellowship in OMM from ACOM

Personal Bio: I am a Birmingham native that graduated from Birmingham Southern College before spending some years in ministry and loft building in downtown Montgomery. I completed my medical degree through the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine and am delighted to be back home practicing and serving in this community. I strive to listen well and with kindness to the whole person, working with my patients in their care and treatment.

Medical Interests: Emergency medicine, procedures, OMM

Hobbies: Home improvement, camping, cooking, baking

Dr. James Arnold, DO

Residency Faculty/Family Medicine with OB

Dr. James J Arnold, DO, FACOFP, FAAFP, is a Family Medicine with Obstetrics Physician who has recently retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Air Force. During his 20 years of military service, he developed expertise in surgical/high-risk obstetrics, women and newborn health, osteopathic manipulation, and acupuncture.

He is a leader in osteopathic medical education within the military and national family medicine communities and has created enduring osteopathic training for both DOs and MDs.

Dr. Arnold feels immensely Blessed to now share his skills and knowledge with the Family Medicine Residents of Christ Health Center.

For information on scheduling an appointment, click here.

Dr. Nathan DeWitt, MD

Family Medicine with OB

Dr. Dewitt is a certified family medicine physician from Toledo, Ohio. Prior to moving to Birmingham, he practiced medicine in a rural area of Tennessee for eleven years. He associates his move to Birmingham with, “Desiring to follow God’s calling on my life”. At Christ Health he enjoys being able to practice the full scope of family medicine & working with like minded physicians. His heart to serve people with the gifts, talents, and resources the Lord has given him has opened doors to creating long-lasting relationships with many of his patients. During his free time, Dr. Dewitt enjoys running, reading, playing guitar, and playing with his kids.

For information on scheduling an appointment, click here.

Dr. Kayla Westerman, MD

Family Medicine

Home Town: Saginaw, TX

Medical Education: University of Texas Medical Branch

Personal Bio: I was born and raised in Saginaw, TX. I went to undergrad at Dallas Baptist University, and then headed south to the beach for medical school in Galveston. I never thought I would leave Texas, but the Lord had other plans. I knew from a young age I wanted to be a doctor. After my Family Medicine rotation during medical school in a small town in West Texas, I knew without a doubt I wanted to do Family Medicine. I strive to combine my faith with medicine and am passionate about caring for the least of these.

Medical Interests: underserved populations, primary care, procedures, women’s health

Hobbies: Baking, hiking, board games, crafts

Dr. Gavin Brunsvold, MD

Director of Psychiatry/Psychiatrist

Dr. Brunsvold is the Director of Psychiatry for Christ Health Center’s Live Oaks Clinic located in Woodlawn, AL. He is helping to create an innovative and integrated health care model to address the mental health crisis in Alabama. In 2008, Dr. Brunsvold founded Christian Psychiatry and Associates, an outpatient private practice located in Vestavia Hills, AL, which merged into The Live Oaks Clinic in 2019. Dr. Brunsvold has been published in The Psychiatric Times and spoken across the southeast on topics including ADHD and Comorbid Conditions. He has been happily married for 25 years with two surprisingly well-adjusted children, despite the fact that their father is a psychiatrist.

For information on scheduling a medical appointment, click here.

Kenyal Thomas, LICSW

Behavioral Health Counselor

Ms. Kenyal Thomas is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) from Millbrook, AL. Kenyal earned a degree in English from the University of Alabama & continued to pursue a master’s in social work from Troy University. From a young age Kenyal has enjoyed seeing other people smile, and knew the Lord had a calling on her life to help those in need. She chose to fulfill this by entering the social work field & now assists those who are walking through dark seasons of life. She says that “Seeing others smile after leaving their appointment is what drives my passion for work. I love people and I have always believed that one of my life’s missions is to give hope to others. Every workday feels special when a patient lights up because they feel seen and heard”. In continuation of sharpening her expertise, Kenyal has completed Lifespan Integration Therapy Training- a psychotherapy focusing on trauma recovery. Ms. Thomas continues to anchor her life in the truth of 1 Corinthians 2:9, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived, the things God has prepared for those who love Him”, and prays she impacts the lives of her patients in a way that brings glory to God.

For information on scheduling an appointment, click here.

Tabitha Tilley, PMHNP

Adult Mental Health

Personal Bio: Mrs. Tabitha Tilley is a highly experienced Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 24 years in healthcare. Born and raised in Wellington, Alabama, Tabitha earned her BSN from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2004 and her MSN from Walden University in 2022. She is board-certified and has gained extensive expertise across diverse settings, including hospital inpatient care, long-term care, corrections, and outpatient clinics. Tabitha’s passion for mental health care stems from her commitment to being part of the solution, providing compassionate, faith-centered care that addresses the whole person. As a member of the Christ Health team, she sees her ability to integrate her faith into her practice as both a privilege and a calling, ensuring patients feel truly cared for and supported in their journey toward healing. Outside of her professional work, Tabitha is deeply involved in youth ministry at her church and enjoys spending time with her husband of 16 years and their two sons, ages 10 and 13. Family is a cornerstone of her life, and she cherishes time with her large family of six siblings, especially during weekly gatherings and holidays.

Tayler Mazingo, PMHNP

Adult Mental Health

Mrs. Tayler Mazingo, a native of Alabama, is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2022, then proceeded to complete her Masters and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees in the following years. While pursuing her education, she completed a one-year residency at the Live Oaks clinic. From this experience, her heart to see ministry combined with modern medicine grew immensely. Following the completion of her studies, she then applied to Christ Health for a full-time position and states that her passion is driven from, “The emphasis and importance Christ Health Center places on treating a person not only mentally and physically, but spiritually interests me the most. Incorporating the love of God into everything we do and how we treat patients is so important!”. Dr. Mazingo enjoys building long-lasting relationships with her patients & looks forward to serving the needs of all who come her way.

For information on scheduling an appointment, click here.

Liz Meadows, PMHNP

Adult Mental Health

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Ms. Liz Meadows, a native of Helena, is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. After graduating from Birmingham Southern College, Ms. Meadows earned her degree from UAB School of Nursing. While training to become a nurse practitioner, she worked on the Opioid Workforce Expansion Program (OWEP) grant. Under this grant she studied in-depth opiate use and substance disorders through community-based experimental training. Her training has provided her with opportunities to work in emergency medicine, clinical research, and trauma acute care. When asked why she was interested in working at Christ Health she said, “I believe Christ Health’s mission in treating the mind, body, and spirit enables me as a physician to provide the best therapeutic care for my patients. Being able to share Christ with my patients is an honor and privilege.” Outside of work, Liz enjoys spending time with her son and husband at the baseball park, as well as yoga, knitting, and reading.

For information on scheduling an appointment, click here.

Dr. Zach Baker, DM

Dentist

Dr. Zach Baker grew up in Prattville, Alabama. He received his BS in Biomedical Sciences from Auburn University in 2014 before graduating from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry in 2018. Dr. Baker enjoys spending time outdoors with his wonderful wife Chéree and is committed to improving the lives of each of his patients through compassionate, comprehensive dental care.

For information on scheduling a dental appointment, click here.

Anna Lochamy, PharmD, BCACP

Pharmacy Director

Dr. Meador graduated from Louisiana State University and Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy and is board certified in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy. She completed a residency in pharmacy practice through Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy and Christ Health Center. She holds a Certificate in Travel Health from the International Society of Travel Medicine. Dr. Meador also serves as assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy. She is dedicated to ensuring quality healthcare to everyone.

For information on scheduling a medical appointment, click here.

Stephen A. Brown, J.D., PharmD

Pharmacist

Dr. Brown, natively from Fayetteville, Tennessee, is a board-certified licensed pharmacist. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University, as well as his J.D. and Pharm.D from Sanford University. Currently, Dr. Brown serves as an associate professor & as the Residency Program Director for all pharmacy residents. His passion is to assist students develop personally and professionally while encouraging them to continue in the calling God has on their life. Dr. Brown enjoys serving as a liaison between Sanford University & Christ Health Center, and seeing the Gospel be spread by way of relational healthcare.

For information on scheduling an appointment, click here.

Dr. Sarah Scheurich-Payne, MD

Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

Dr. Sarah, as she likes to be called, is originally from Kentucky, and received her medical degree from the University of Kentucky School of Medicine in 1999. Dr. Sarah completed a residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Indiana University. Dr. Sarah has worked part-time at community health centers in Kentucky and Alabama since June 2003. Her husband serves as a pastor in Birmingham, and she enjoys her family time with her three school-aged children.

For information on scheduling a medical appointment, click here.

Dr. Griffin Russell, MD

Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

Dr. Griffin Russell, natively from Birmingham, AL, attended University of Alabama at Birmingham where he earned his medical degree and completed a residency in internal medicine and pediatrics. Dr. Russell’s passion for his work stems from his hope to see people healed physically and spiritually. He desires to use medicine to share the love of Christ to people of all ages, ethnicity, and walks of life. In his free time Dr. Russell enjoys spending time with his wife and their two sons going hiking and playing tennis!

For information on scheduling an appointment, click here.