Meet The Team

Dr. Stephanie Perez, PT, DPT

Owner and Founder of Empowered Wellness

Hi, I’m Dr. Steph — a pelvic floor physical therapist and the founder of Empowered Wellness.

After years of working in traditional healthcare settings, one thing became clear: the modern medical model is failing women. Moms and women who are striving for a more natural, whole-body approach to health are often dismissed, underserved, or left without real solutions. Between nap schedules, endless laundry, and the constant care of others, women are rarely given the time or space to care for themselves.

That’s why I created Empowered Wellness — to bridge the gap in holistic healthcare and bring compassionate, effective pelvic floor therapy directly to you. Whether it’s in-clinic, virtual, or in the comfort of your own home through concierge services, I believe in meeting women where they are—literally and figuratively.

I’m deeply passionate about helping women find hope, healing, and strength in every season of life. My approach to care is holistic—addressing the mind, body, and spirit—because true healing doesn’t happen in silos.

You deserve more than temporary fixes. You deserve to feel whole, strong, and empowered.
Let’s work together to get you there.

Dr. Sarah Catherine Vaughan, PT, DPT

Sarah Catherine Vaughan is a pelvic floor physical therapist who has over three years of experience as a medical assistant in an OB/GYN office. She graduated from Samford University with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and she received a bachelor’s in biology from Birmingham-Southern College. She and her husband, Ben Vaughan, have lived in the Birmingham area for the past five years. She is passionate about helping women heal from chronic pain and empowering them to reclaim their bodies after dealing with dysfunction. SC is actively involved in outreach programs at her church, reflecting her commitment to community service and holistic well-being. Her love for traveling adds a global perspective to her practice, enhancing her empathy and approach to patient care.

Dr. Jenn Gross, PT, DPT

Hi, I’m Jenn! After graduating with my doctorate in Physical Therapy from UAB, I moved to Atlanta and completed an orthopedic residency. My first four years of practice were spent in an outpatient orthopedic setting where I began to see a pattern of women with undiagnosed and untreated pelvic pain and dysfunction. I became unwilling to accept that this was “normal.” Surely we can do better than that! So I started a pelvic health program at two clinics in the Atlanta area and became passionate about educating and empowering women to heal and reach their fullest potential! In my free time, I love hiking, eating really good food, and being active with my husband and two little ones!

Nancy Hudspeth, LMT

I am a proud board certified licensed massage therapist since 2005. I am a graduate from Red Mountain Institute of the Healing Arts in Birmingham, AL. I pride myself on giving a nurturing and therapeutic massage with intuitive touch.

My skills include Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, Aromatherapy, Prenatal, Labor & Delivery massage. I am currently a Reiki student. I am honored to have attended Claire Marie Miller’s “Nurturing the Mother” course at the Atlanta School of massage in 2006.

Throughout my career, I have witnessed healing of the mind, body and soul. I have been able to massage hospice patients at the end of life, new mothers throughout pregnancy all the way to giving birth and beyond, helping clients recover from surgery through body & breath work, assisting those experiencing grief, anxiety and stress. I am a big believer in massage therapy for all ages.

I am so passionate about what I do and would love the opportunity to be part of your holistic wellness journey.

Email Nancy to schedule: nancylmt77@gmail.com

Allison Schmale

Licensed Professional Counselor

Allison was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Auburn University and received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Alabama and is additionally certified in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling. Allison has experience in treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety and mood disorders, grief, addictions, and family systems concerns. She is passionate about creating a warm, safe, and empathetic environment in which clients can empower themselves and recognize their innate individual strengths. Allison utilizes a collaborative, person-centered therapeutic approach to assist clients in overcoming personal adversity and leading healthier, and more joyful, lives.

Dr. Stef Bodie, Natropath and Emotion Code Practitioner

Dr. Stefanie Bodie, ND—also known as “Doc Bodie”—specializes in Emotion Code sessions designed to support emotional healing, nervous system regulation, and the mind-body connection. At Empowered Wellness, she works alongside pelvic floor care by helping clients release trapped emotional stress that may be connected to tension, overwhelm, trauma, chronic stress, or stored emotional patterns within the body.

Emotion Code is a gentle, non-invasive technique that does not require clients to relive difficult experiences or even know exactly what to say. Sessions are designed to help the body feel lighter, calmer, and more regulated while supporting overall emotional and physical wellness.

Dr. Bodie offers both virtual and in-person sessions.

La-Shonda Spencer, Doula, RYT-200, Midwife Assistant

La-Shonda is a Birth worker, Registered Yoga Instructor, and Yoga Therapy Apprentice. She completed her yoga teacher training in July 2019 under Vulcan Yoga Teacher Training. She has been practicing yoga for over 10 years and teaching for 5. She has certifications in Prenatal Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Kid’s Yoga, and more. She has taught in several places outside the studio such as schools, assisted living, gym, church, camps, etc. She focuses on yoga as a tool to help others in wellness as well as maternal health. La-Shonda completed her doula certification in Jan of 2020. She serves Alabama with yoga as well as maternal care with doula care and birth assisting with a Midwife. Under the PIES Studio, La-Shoda is currently enrolled in a Yoga Therapy program to help people on a deeper level as well as collaborative care with other providers. La-Shonda’s goal is for people to know if they can breathe, they can do yoga. She wants to bridge the gap with yoga and maternal care/maternal mental health.

Amber Smith – Administrative Assistant

Hello! My name is Amber Smith! I graduated from the University of Montevallo with my Elementary Education degree. I love teaching, listening, and helping others! If I’m not here, you might find me doing some of the other things I love…hiking, playing softball, or at my church where my husband and I work with the kids ministry. I am also a proud mother of four amazing children, 3 dogs and wife to the love of my life, Mason Smith, for 17 years! After the birth of my fourth child I struggled to regain my strength and health. I went from one specialist to another with little to no answers! I realized how important it was to have healthcare providers who see you as more than just a number! I only wish I had met Stephanie and her team along my health journey! I truly believe what these women do is amazing! I am excited and proud to be a part of the Empowered Wellness team! I can’t wait to meet you in person!

Summer Pitts – Administrative Assistant

Hey y’all! I’m Summer Pitts, wife to my college sweetheart, Kevin, who’s a teacher and baseball coach. We’ve got three amazing kiddos, so we are always on the go or at a ballfield. I’m all about empowering women to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin — through cute, functional Zyia outfits and the community at Empowered Wellness. Because when you feel good in your body, you shine in every part of life!

We are your "Down There" Docs!

We look forward to taking care of you!

Monday-Friday

9 am to 5 pm