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

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

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

I am certified in prenatal & post natal massage, reflexology, hot stone, deep tissue, swedish, essential oil certified.

Chronic physical pain can be connected to old injuries, deep emotional pain or habits of negative thinking. We will explore these patterns and build new body memories using deep breath as an ever-present guide.

I have been married for 15 years to my husband, Josh. We have two blessings, Logan (25), and Kenlee (18). We enjoy spending time on Logan Martin Lake, hiking at Oak Mountain, grilling out, and being together as a family.

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.

Allie Parsons
Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner

I am a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner based out of Birmingham, AL. My story started with my sister being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at an early age. I watched her struggle with countless dead-end medical solutions and I became increasingly interested in the power of food. About the same time, I was diagnosed with PCOS and learned how to manage my symptoms and eventually reverse my condition with diet, lifestyle and supplementation. I went on to pursue a degree in Nutrition and multiple holistic certifications in order to serve individuals who long to dig deeper into their health and discover root causes of health concerns! I’m a total foodie and I have a serious sweet tooth for chocolate covered anything! In my free time, I farm veggies with my husband, 4 chickens, and my sweet Goldendoodle pup on our small family farm! My joy is to help those feeling lost in their health feel empowered and educated to meet all of their health goals!

Carla Grice
Nutritional Therapy Practitioner

Hi, Im Carla & I am a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner! I am originally from South Florida but now Birmingham, AL is home. As someone who spent years being her own “health advocate” & navigating health issues like hypothyroidism/ hashimotos, parasites/mold/heavy metals & on track for lupus… I know first hand how much of a struggle day to day life can be when you don’t feel well. It’s crippling and you are willing to do almost anything to feel better.

My passion for holistic health & wellness and nontoxic living started after college in 2017. Our health is our greatest asset so I’ve made it a mission to help as many people as possible optimize their health through holistic nutrition & nontoxic living.

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!

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