Meet The Team
Owner And Provider
Amberly Smith, CRNP
Amberly has been in healthcare for over 13 years and has spent the last 6 years practicing as a dedicated and compassionate Nurse Practitioner. She is married to Marshall Smith and together they have three children—Rylee, Everette, and Koen. Amberly is also the founder of Shoals Aviary and Shoals NPs, and has a deep love for exotic birds. When she’s not caring for patients, she enjoys running and spending time outdoors with her family.
Provider
Emily Lanier, CRNP
Emily brings 13 years of nursing experience from local hospitals and the Colbert County school system to her role as a dedicated Nurse Practitioner. She’s been serving patients with us for the past year and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Emily is married to Aaron Lanier, and together they have two daughters, Evie and Sophie. They love spending time on their land, swimming in their pool, and actively serving at their church.
Provider/Collaborator
Evans Mize, MD
Dr. Mize has been practicing as a provider in healthcare for over 15 years. He serves as the collaborating physician for multiple providers across the Shoals area and is currently the ER Director at Fayetteville, TN Hospital. In addition to his leadership role, he rotates through eight other emergency departments as needed. On weekends, you’ll often find him hosting Botox parties throughout Northwest Alabama and Southern Tennessee. When he's off the clock, Dr. Mize enjoys life at his lake house and loves spending time on the water.
RN/CEO
Marshall Smith
Marshall brings 14 years of nursing experience to the team, with a strong background in hospital emergency care. After years in the ER, he opted to help open and grow the practice. He now serves as both one of our clinic nurses and our CEO. Marshall is passionate about health, wellness, and aesthetics, with extensive knowledge in vitamins, nutrition, and skincare. Outside the office, you’ll often find him poolside with Amberly, their three kids, and their beloved birds—soaking up family time and sunshine alike.
Reception
Michelle Higgins
Michelle is the friendly face and welcoming voice at the front line of Optimal Healthcare. From answering phones to checking in patients, she keeps our front desk running smoothly with a warm smile and a kind heart. Sweet as pie and always ready to help, Michelle is truly the light of our office. She’s married to Darrell Higgins and proud mom to Peyton, Hudson, and Taylor. Outside of work, she’s active in her church and loves spending weekends watching football with her family.
Clinical RN
Anna Kate Kilpatrick, RN
Anna Kate is one of our amazing clinic nurses and a behind-the-scenes powerhouse. With 6 years of hospital experience under her belt, she brings a veteran nurse’s touch to everything she does—from patient care to navigating tricky prior authorizations like a pro. She’s been part of our team for over a year now and plays a key role in keeping our clinical operations running smoothly. Outside the clinic, Anna Kate enjoys life with her husband Brian and their sweet baby boy Tripp. You might also recognize their family business cruising through the Shoals—Kona Ice!
Aesthetics RN
Kayla Bullock, RN
Kayla brings 16 years of diverse healthcare experience to Optimal Aesthetics. Her background includes bedside nursing at ECM, surgical nursing at Tennessee Valley Surgery Group, and serving as Office Manager for Northwest Alabama ENT Center. Now, she combines her clinical expertise with a passion for aesthetics as our lead Aesthetics Nurse. Kayla is married to James and is a proud boy mom to Max, Luke, and Levi. She loves to travel, but her favorite place is home—soaking in the simple joys of life on the family farm.
Clinical RN
Olivia Ragan
Olivia's the clinic’s right hand, handling everything from rooming patients and giving injections to drawing labs and offering a kind word when it's needed most. Young, talented, and full of heart, Olivia is truly a gem to all of us at Optimal. She’s just got married and graduated with her RN.
Medical Assistant
Natalie Nix
Natalie is the newest addition to our team, joining us as a medical assistant. She’s preparing to begin her nursing journey at UNA, and we’re proud to be part of her foundation. With nursing practically in her blood, Natalie has quickly adapted to the fast pace of our clinic and already shows a natural instinct for patient care. She’s a quick learner, a hard worker, and without a doubt, a great nurse in the making.
Office Manger of Optimal Healthcare and TN Valley Occupational Health
Tonya Lane
Tonya keeps our office running. She has over 30 years of experience in the industry. From managing patient relationships to keeping employees moving smoothly, Tonya is the engine that keeps OHC &TVOH running. We truly couldn’t do it without her. Outside of work, she enjoys the simple joys of life on her chicken farm with her family!
Southeast Clinical Labs - Phlebotomist
Brooke Hand
Brooke Hand has been part of the medical profession for more than 14 years and brings a caring, steady hand to every patient she sees. As a dedicated phlebotomist, she helps ensure that lab work is done efficiently and with compassion. Outside of work, Brooke is a proud mom of four boys. She loves spending her time cheering them on at their sporting events and staying actively involved in their school activities. Her commitment to both her family and her patients shines through in everything she does.