National Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Week, held annually in late September, recognizes the essential role of APPs in healthcare. These professionals, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and anesthesiologist assistants, provide direct patient care, improve access to services, and contribute to high-quality outcomes across medical specialties.
The UAB Department of Neurology proudly celebrates its APPs for their dedication to patient care and clinical excellence. These licensed and certified providers bring valuable expertise and diverse perspectives to the team, helping deliver safe, evidence-based care to patients and communities.
In recognition of their contributions, the Heersink School of Medicine’s communications team spoke with these APPs to highlight their work and express appreciation for their impact in the field of neurology.
Ambulatory APP (Movement): Laura Lieb, CRNP, MPH
Laura Lieb, CRNP, MPHBeginning her career as a neurosurgical nurse in 2001, Lieb first encountered Parkinson’s disease while caring for patients undergoing deep brain stimulation surgery, an experience that ultimately shaped her career path. She joined the UAB Department of Neurology Division of Movement Disorders in 2011 as a registered nurse before becoming a nurse practitioner in 2015, continuing her role as the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) coordinator.
In her current work, she finds meaning in supporting patients and their families by listening to their needs, developing individualized care plans, and connecting them with vital resources that enhance their quality of life.
“I am often inspired and encouraged by the strength and resilience of our patients and their families despite the challenging obstacles they face,” she said. Alongside Brooklyn White, she also co-coordinates the APDA Information and Referral Center at UAB, which links the Parkinson’s community to specialized providers, exercise programs, support groups, and educational resources. Inspired daily by the resilience of patients and care partners, she is committed to helping families live well with neurological disorders while working toward a future without Parkinson’s disease.
Epilepsy Inpatient APPs: Lindsey Lopez, CRNP, and Liz Ritchey, CNRP
Liz Ritchey, CRNPEpilepsy care and autism advocacy are central to the work of Ritchey and Lopez, who together bring both professional dedication and personal passion to their roles in the Department of Neurology.
Ritchey, who has served UAB Neurology for seven years, shared, “The most meaningful part of my job is helping patients achieve better control of their seizures and feel as supported and empowered as possible as they navigate the unpredictability of epilepsy.” Beyond her clinical care, she also co-captained the Mitchell’s Place Dragon Boat Race and Festival this year, which raised more than $82,000 for children with autism spectrum disorder, including her son, Theo.
Lindsey Lopez, CRNPSince joining the department in 2021, Lopez has found purpose in the continuity of care, walking with patients throughout their journey. As both a provider and the mother of two autistic children, she brings a deep personal commitment to her advocacy. “Awareness is the first step, but acceptance and advocacy are what will change their lives for the better,” Lopez said. She envisions a world where inclusion becomes second nature for her patients and her children alike.
Together, Ritchey and Lopez highlight the interconnectedness of epilepsy and autism, as 20–30 percent of children with autism will develop seizures by adulthood. Their work demonstrates the importance of both clinical excellence and advocacy, ensuring patients and families feel supported, valued, and empowered every step of the way.
Vascular Neurology/Stroke Inpatient APPs: Julia Gray, CRNP, and Darshna Patel, CRNP
Julia Gray, CRNPGray and Patel began their journey as the first two Stroke Neurology APPs at UAB, both stepping into the role in 2014 after building strong foundations in nursing. Together, they have spent more than a decade caring for some of the sickest patients, where witnessing clinical improvement after life-saving treatments is both meaningful and rewarding
“The sickest of the sick come to UAB, and watching them receive life-saving treatments that lead to their clinical improvement is so rewarding,” Gray said.
Patel echoed that sentiment, adding, “The most enjoyable aspect of my job is watching the patients receive the best possible treatments and seeing those patients walk out with minimal symptoms after experiencing a stroke.”
Darshna Patel, CRNPBoth APPs take pride in patient outcomes and in the growth of their interdisciplinary team, which they describe as highly collaborative and deeply committed. They have also contributed to the field through Stroke for the Advanced Practice Clinician, a publication authored by APPs that allows them to share their expertise with colleagues nationwide.
Supported and encouraged throughout their careers at UAB, Gray and Patel continue to find the work profoundly rewarding as they shape the future of vascular neurology.
We are happy to celebrate all of our UAB Department of Neurology APPs in honor of National APP Week:
Inpatient APPs
Jennifer Alexander, CRNP - Epilepsy
Tonya Austin, CRNP - Neuro-Oncology
Michael Coccia, CRNP - Vascular Neurology/Stroke
Makena Dillashaw, CRNP - General Neuro Consults
Itia Dowdell, PA – Epilepsy
Julia Gray, CRNP - Vascular Neurology/Stroke
Wesley Holmes, CRNP - General Neuro Consults
Katherine Lassiter, CRNP - General Neuro Consults
Katherine Lineberry-Mange, CRNP - Neuro-Oncology
Lindsey Lopez, CRNP - Epilepsy
Michael Nichols, CRNP - General Neuro Consults
Darshna Patel, CRNP - Vascular Neurology/Stroke
Liz Ritchey, CRNP - EpilepsRobert Screws, CRNP - Epilepsy
Lori Sims, CRNP - Neuro-Oncology
Catherine Smith, PA - General Neuro Consults
Jessica Warren, CRNP - General Neuro Consults
Ambulatory APPs
Elizabeth Bolen, CRNP - Comprehensive Neurology
Catherine Brown – Memory
Matt Cooper, CRNP – Memory
Allie Crane, CRNP - Stroke
Whitney Gray, CRNP – Memory
Bradley Hamm, CRNP - Neuromuscular
Corrie Harris, CRNP - Comprehensive Neurology
Rita Jablonski, CRNP – Memory
Abby Jones, CRNP - Comprehensive Neurology
Laura Lieb, CRNP, MPH – Movement
Bradleigh Pfitzer - Movement
Polly Piggott – Memory
Cindy Rambin - Stroke
Lindsey Robbins – Memory
Stephanie Spain - Movement
Melissa Wade - Movement