Robert Blake, MD
Robert was born and raised in Huntsville. He graduated from the Oakwood University school system and then spent the majority of his education and career outside of the area. He returned to the Huntsville region in 2018 as a Board-certified pediatrician with particular interest in children with special health care needs including neurodivergence.
Outside of his awesome privilege as a family caregiver, he finds fulfillment in Bible study, family tree research, and gardening.
Kelly Cauthen, CRNP, NP-C, AAHIVS
Kelly moved to Florence, AL from Birmingham, AL in 2021. She is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner. She graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2016 with a specialty in Family Medicine, following her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Alabama in 2010. She is a certified HIV specialist and HIV Prevention Certified Provider.
Kelly has a passion for HIV prevention and routine testing for sexually transmitted infections. She believes in serving the community with education and resources for prevention. She believes in early access to care and starting treatment as soon as possible for those newly diagnosed with HIV to stay healthy.
Her interests include spending time with family, indoor cycling, reading, and horror movies.
Andrea Hirschbuehler, CRNP, AAHIVS
Andrea Hirschbuehler is a native of St. Louis but has lived in Huntsville for many years. She graduated with her Master of Science in Nursing from UAB in 2015. She was a member of Sigma Theta Tau, a national Nursing Honors Society. After volunteering in high school for Thrive Alabama when it was known as the AIDS Action Coalition, Andrea made it her goal to work at Thrive Alabama. Andrea is passionate about preventative medicine and patient education. Andrea is particularly sensitive to the healthcare needs of the LGBTQ+ patient population. She provides STI, PrEP, and primary care.
Andrea is Board Certified in Adult/Gerontology Primary Care and Women’s Health, and as such can provide routine screenings, chronic care management, and contraceptive management.
She lives in Huntsville with her spouse, two middle schoolers, and two spoiled puppies. In her down time, she enjoys hiking with her family, reading, and knitting.
Elizabeth Jennings, CRNP
Elizabeth is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She finds working with the pediatric population one of her greatest joys. Knowing that each day provides an opportunity to encourage and educate families, and show love and understanding to children in need are some of her favorite things about working in pediatric healthcare.
In 2019, she had the honor of assisting in the development of Thrive Alabama’s pediatric program. Elizabeth also has more than 20 years of nursing experience in various areas of patient care. Her favorite areas of medicine are pediatric primary care, breastfeeding medicine, pediatric critical care, and neonatal intensive care.
In addition to her extensive clinical experience, Elizabeth’s academic background includes two bachelor’s degrees from Auburn University (a BA in English and a BSN in nursing), certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and two master’s degrees from the University of Alabama in Huntsville (Family Nurse Practitioner and Leadership in Healthcare Systems).
Elizabeth resides in Huntsville with her husband, children, and their Miniature Australian Shepherd, Scout. For fun Elizabeth enjoys traveling, reading, running, and exploring the outdoors with her family.
DeeAnn Kizziah, CRNP, LNC
DeeAnn was born in California, but moved to Alabama while still in high school. She was in a military family, so she has lived across the U.S. She relocated to Huntsville in 2016. She graduated with her Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner from University Alabama at Birmingham in 1998. DeeAnn has a passion for providing excellent care for individuals in North Alabama.
DeeAnn is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of provider experience.
When DeeAnn is not following her passion as a Nurse Practitioner, she enjoys time with her family and pets.
Andrea Smith, DNP, FNP-BC
Andrea was a lifelong west Alabama native until moving to north Alabama in the fall of 2024. Andrea's nursing career started in 2001 as a registered nurse. After working in the intensive care unit for several years, she continued her education and received a Master of Science in Nursing from Mississippi University for Women in 2009. Andrea also has a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Troy University.
Andrea has always had a passion for meeting the needs of others. Andrea enjoys delivering primary care services to her patient population while being attuned to the overall health of each person.
Andrea lives in north Alabama with her husband and son. For leisure, she enjoys trips to the beach, peaceful walks, reading, and spa days.
Kendria Ward, MD
Dr. Kendria Ward considers it a privilege to be part of a child's journey through the many stages of growth and development. With more than 20 years of experience in pediatrics, she brings a thoughtful, individualized approach to healthcare, recognizing that every child and family has unique needs, experiences, and goals.
Originally from the Mississippi Delta, Dr. Ward's appreciation for community, service, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others has remained a guiding influence throughout her life and career. Her educational journey began at Tougaloo College in Mississippi and continued at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, where she earned her medical degree. She later completed her pediatric residency at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, further shaping her approach to caring for children and their families.
Dr. Ward believes that caring for children involves more than addressing medical concerns. It means listening to parents, understanding each child's individual needs, providing guidance through the challenges of childhood, and helping families feel confident in the decisions they make about their children's health.
With a passion for pediatrics and a commitment to serving her community, Dr. Ward strives to create a positive healthcare experience for every family she encounters. She finds fulfillment in watching children grow, celebrating their milestones, and partnering with parents to help them reach their fullest potential. A firm believer that laughter is good medicine, she appreciates the joy, humor, and unexpected moments that make working with children so rewarding. She believes that sometimes a little laughter can make even the most challenging day brighter.
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