Lynlee strongly believes in and supports residential growth in Birmingham Since obtaining her license in 2014, Lynlee has completed over 641 transactions totaling over $293 million dollars of real estate sold in the area. “I have made a huge effort to be intimately engaged in the central city and surrounding “city suburbs” from Forest Park to Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia, so that I can provide the greatest benefit to my clients, which I strongly believe is market knowledge”. Her greatest motivation is her clients: She says, “Success to me is doing what I love every day and knowing my contributions positively impact my clients, my company and my city and that I have produced the highest quality of work ”
Ladies Issue
“I’m going to make everything around me beautiful- that will be my life.” - Elsie de Wolfe
When I think about the women of Birmingham, this quote comes to mind. From arranging whimsical florals to styling interiors to using the bounty of the earth to create nourishing meals, the ladies in my life—and in these pages—know how to create beauty and, in doing so, build community.
With Mother’s Day approaching, I am thinking of all the ways my mom cultivates beauty. Not a designer or gardener by training, she has created the coziest home and lushest garden in town. Countless hours in the yard and years of rearranging furniture and tweaking make for magical family gatherings.
My maternal grandmother, like so many Southern matriarchs, continues to hold our extended family together with her gracious hosting, love, generosity, and leadership.
The women of Birmingham also know how to get things done. We are in awe of the cutting-edge research being done by the women neuroscientists at UAB we feature on page 34—important work that will improve the lives and health spans of countless individuals.
We hope you enjoy reading about the women of Birmingham who bring so much beauty to our city.
KALI MCNUTT, PUBLISHER
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Kali McNutt | kali.mcnutt@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Blair Moore | blair.moore@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Mary Fehr
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kali McNutt, Blair Moore
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Grant Benton (Benton Art House), Codie Davis Art, David Smith, Amy P Photography, Nashville Ballet, Laurey Glenn
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Emmie Leath
Three
Emmie Leath, owner of Glorious Bespoke Florals, puts the spring in
Mary Fehr
Photography:
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city scene
TAKING A Leap
HOW ALABAMA BALLET IS REIMAGINING THE STAGE WITH THE WORLD PREMIERE OF UNBOUND
ARTICLE
BY BLAIR MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF NASHVILLE BALLET
The first time Christopher Stuart saw Grease, he wasn’t thinking about ballet. He was watching John Travolta, entranced by the way he moved—the rhythm, the ease, the sheer joy of it. He wanted to dance like that.
That fascination with musicals led him to dance classes; not ballet at first, but jazz and contemporary. Then, one day, he stepped into a ballet studio, and something clicked.
"I took my first ballet class, and I thought, ‘Oh wow. This is fun. This is interesting,’” Stuart recalls. By age 14, he knew: "I decided that I wanted to be a professional dancer."
That decision took him from his home in Connecticut to North Carolina, then to the Boston Ballet, and eventually to stages around the world. Today, as Artistic Director of Alabama Ballet, he’s bringing that same sense of discovery to audiences in Birmingham.
"I wanted to bring something fresh to the city," he says. "Keeping the classics, of course, but also creating new works that have ties to Birmingham and Alabama—whether that's through local musicians, composers, or collaborations with places like the Birmingham Museum of Art.”
Since his arrival in July 2023, Alabama Ballet has staged groundbreaking productions, from Peter Pan to Under the Lights, a ballet set to Johnny Cash’s music.
"When I met with Johnny Cash’s son in Nashville, he said, ‘My parents never would have thought their music would be made into a ballet, but they would have thought it was a real hoot and would have loved to see it,’” Stuart recalls.
Stuart’s spirit of reinvention aligns with the vision of choreographer James Whiteside, a principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre in New York. Whiteside is collaborating with Stuart to choreograph a major piece for the upcoming world premiere of Unbound.
A TALE OF TWO INNOVATORS
Stuart and Whiteside go way back. They started dancing at the same studio in Connecticut, training in what Whiteside calls "the American trifecta of jazz, tap, and ballet." Both went on to classical ballet careers, but their foundations in diverse movement styles shaped the artists they would become.
"I think that history is still in both of us," Whiteside says. "Chris is doing a Johnny Cash ballet for Unbound, and my piece is set to music by FKA Twigs. It’s such a contrast—Johnny Cash and electronic pop—but it also makes sense because it reflects the way we were trained in more than just ballet."
That eclecticness embodies the spirit of Unbound, a production designed to push creative boundaries.
"The reason I named it Unbound is that every year that you see it, it’s going to be completely different," Stuart explains. "It’s an ever-evolving series, featuring either new works created here at Alabama Ballet or pieces that have never been performed in Birmingham before."
Unbound will be an immersive experience.
"I’ve choreographed each song to work with a specific lighting design, so the visuals and movement are completely intertwined,” Whiteside says.
His choreography fuses classical ballet with a bold, contemporary edge.
"It’s still ballet—the women are in pointe shoes, and you’ll recognize classical technique—but it’s assembled in a fresh way, to modern music," Whiteside says. "It’s going to be sexy. The costumes, the lighting, the movement—it all ties together into this very impressive, high-energy experience."
A BALLET FOR EVERYONE
Both Stuart and Whiteside share a commitment to making ballet accessible.
"Ballet should be something people can walk into and connect with, whether they have a dance background or not," Stuart says. "I don’t want anyone to sit in the audience feeling like they need to ‘understand’ it—I just want them to experience something beautiful and moving."
Whiteside agrees.
"I hope that audiences get riled up and jazzed by experiencing live theater," he says. "Something truly unique and ephemeral—an experience you can’t get from sitting home watching Netflix."
Both Stuart and Whiteside are taking leaps—literal and figurative—toward the future of ballet.
"I want it to get to the point where people just see that Alabama Ballet is performing and don’t even think twice about getting tickets," Stuart says. "Our performances are for everybody."
For now, that future starts in Birmingham. When Unbound premieres at the Alys Stephens Center, it won’t just be a performance. It will be a statement—about what ballet can be, who it can reach, and how it can continue to evolve.
And if you ask Stuart and Whiteside, this is still just the beginning.
Bloom & Flourish
ARTICLE BY BLAIR MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY FEHR
EMMIE LEATH ON CREATIVITY, NATURE, AND THE JOY OF FLOWERS
As a child, Emmie Leath tiptoed barefoot through the backyard, picking every single daffodil, even those that hadn’t fully opened yet, eager to bring their sunshine indoors. In her creative world, Barbies wore tiny dresses made of her mother’s fabric scraps, their homes built from twigs and moss. Even then, she saw beauty in nature’s raw materials and delighted in turning them into something uniquely her own.
“Flowers have always been a part of my DNA,” Emmie says. “Growing up, I was the one setting the table for every family gathering, making sure the floral centerpiece was personal and inviting.”
Her instincts became the foundation of her artistry. With degrees in psychology and art from UAB, Emmie explored the emotional depth of creativity. After freelancing for a number of years, she launched Glorious, a floral design studio where her signature style—lush, thoughtful, and wildly elegant—comes to life.
For Emmie, floral arranging is an art form akin to both painting and sculpting. “You start with a blank canvas—a vase—and then add shape, line, and color,” she explains. “Then just like in sculpture, you build layers, creating movement and texture.” Her background in sculptural arts deepened when she spent time learning
metalworking techniques and exploring the tactile relationship between structure and form at Sloss Furnaces. “The experience really made me think about how materials interact and how texture plays into design.”
Everywhere she looks, Emmie finds design inspiration— especially from Alabama’s rich natural landscape, foraging branches, wild greenery, and unexpected textures to add depth and movement. “I have always been really attuned to the beauty that comes so naturally to Alabama—the way things flower through the seasons.”
Her approach is as playful as it is artistic. “One Thanksgiving, I used cabbages as floral vessels and tucked flowers into them,” she says with a laugh. Another time, she transformed a boutique’s sneaker collection into a whimsical floral installation. “I love thinking beyond the usual, bringing in elements that elevate a space in a unique way.”
Emmie sees floral design as a way to elevate connection at every gathering. “I really think about who I am preparing an arrangement for and the specific meaning of each type of flower I’m using,” she says. “If it’s a family member, I make sure to incorporate their favorite flowers.”
CONTINUED >
Emmie’s joy extends to sharing her craft. She teaches workshops to help others find confidence in their creativity. “I want to help people feel confident and say, ‘Okay, I am creative. I can put together an arrangement that I’m proud of.’”
As Emmie creates each arrangement, she reflects on the world around her. “It’s such a place of joy and beauty for me,” she says. “Something that has always shined through is that flowers are such an act of intentional creativity, and I see that as the creation of the Lord—something that is glorious, that He has made just for us to enjoy, and that adorns the earth with so much beauty.”
Learn more at gloriousbhm.com
“I want to help people feel confident and say, ‘Okay, I am creative. I can put together an arrangement that I’m proud of.’”
Front Row: Leslie Wyatt, Morgan Gearhart, Penny Calvert-Ward, Lynda Lewis Back Row: Kenny Burns, Paul Mitchell, Collins Compere, Ken Alderman, Ken Griffin
A Room of
ARTICLE BY BLAIR MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREY GLENN
Designer MK Quinlan transforms a screened-in porch into a soothing retreat for a longtime doctor and mother of two
Her Own
For Jamie Routman, life rarely offered a quiet moment. As a busy OB/GYN and mother of two young daughters, her days were full of responsibility. When she finally had the chance to create a space just for herself, she knew exactly what she wanted: a quiet room where she could tune out the noise and tune into a good book—and maybe enjoy a glass of wine.
She turned to one of her patients and friends—local designer and shop owner MK Quinlan—to help her realize that dream. Together, the two transformed a neglected screened-in porch into a light-filled sunroom, complete with eclectic art, textiles, and dedicated space for her beloved plants and books.
“Our home has an open floorplan, which is nice, but I wanted to create a space where I could close the doors and just be surrounded by beauty,” Jamie says.
“We jokingly refer to it as her ‘ladies’ lair,’” says MK. “Guys get their man caves, but someone as busy as Jamie needed a dedicated place of her own, too. She’s an incredible doctor, but also a voracious reader, writer, and artist. She needed a place where those things could be a priority—even if just for an hour.”
“I think I just wanted a space that felt like mine—a room I had decorative control over,” Jamie adds. “The rest of our house is pretty muted… a lot of grays and beiges and neutrals—very Richard Tubb.”
Eager to give the bare-bones space more texture and charm, MK had the walls paneled in shiplap, which, along with the existing brick fireplace, was painted in Farrow & Ball’s Vert de Terre. Reclaimed brick was
laid in a herringbone pattern over the concrete slab flooring for a lived-in sunroom appeal.
Dr. Routman’s most specific—and exciting— architectural request was for custom stained glass windows.
“I went to a lot of Mass growing up, and I always absolutely loved stained glass,” she says. “But I didn’t want something that felt super ornate or cathedral-like. I wanted it to be playful—a way to have pops of color and make it look a little bit modern, but also bring in some of that nostalgia.”
Together, she and MK designed a unique pattern that Keith Jones of Birmingham Art Glass was able to execute beautifully.
“I
START MY DAY IN THIS SPACE PRETTY MUCH EVERY MORNING. I MAKE SOME TEA AND SIT OUT THERE, CRACK A WINDOW, AND JUST LISTEN TO THE WIND CHIMES OR THE BIRDS. IT’S SO PEACEFUL.”
A mix of rattan and wicker chairs and a bistro table anchor the sunniest corner of the room, offering a place for late-night games or a glass of wine with girlfriends. The antique Seguso Murano caged glass pendant light was purchased from a local estate.
The most beloved piece in the room is a 100-yearold bergère chair, purchased at Hanna Antiques and recovered in Kelly Wearstler’s “District” fabric.
“An important part of any interior that I get my hands on is finding a way to make contradictions,” says MK. “The feminine, soft lines of this antique chair paired with the architectural, new-age fabric was, in both Jamie’s and my eyes, the pièce de résistance. We even spent time trying to name the chair—but I’m not sure we landed on anything we were excited about!”
The painting above the fireplace is by renowned Alabama artist Nan Cunningham, and the mirror and large textile work were both purchased locally at Tricia’s Treasures. A vintage Moroccan rug from Paige Albright Orientals offers something soft underfoot.
A sofa was a must on Dr. Routman’s list. “Can you imagine a ladies’ lair without a place to recline?” she laughs. But the room’s narrow width made finding the right-sized sofa a challenge. MK worked with MCJ Co. Interiors to custom-make a sapphire velvet beauty that fits perfectly while still leaving space to navigate the room.
“I start my day in this space pretty much every morning,” Jamie says. “I make some tea and sit out there, crack a window, and just listen to the wind chimes or the birds. It’s so peaceful.”
She also uses the room for writing letters, playing Mahjong with friends, and even the occasional
cat nap. “I’m a napper,” she laughs. “So if I get the chance, that’s where I go.”
“The most rewarding thing about design is being able to help tell your client’s story through the items you select,” says MK. “Our goal was to create something really comfortable, but most importantly to give Jamie a place that reflected her personality, her interests, and allowed her mind to wander.”
For Jamie, it’s been the perfect place to go whenever she needs a minute.
“Every woman needs a room like this in her life.”
See more of MK’s designs @shopmkquinlan.
Peaches and Cream
LINDSEY NOTO’S SUMMERY TAKE ON PEACHES, CREAM, AND HERBACEOUS CHARM
We asked local chef-entrepreneur Lindsey Noto for her take on the perfect summery, feminine dish. A member of Les Dames d’Escoffier, Noto is a Chef/Partner at Feast Catering & Culinary Kitchen, and a co-founder of Croux, the Birmingham-based app connecting talent with opportunities in the hospitality industry. Here, her take on peaches and cream.
Ingredients
• 3 fresh, firm peaches
Cream
• 8 oz mascarpone cheese
• 8 oz Greek yogurt (full fat or nonfat is fine; I used full fat in this recipe)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1⁄2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1⁄2 tsp ground sumac *optional*
• 1⁄4 tsp kosher salt
Champagne Vinaigrette
• 1⁄2 olive oil or blended oil
• 1⁄4 champagne vinegar *I used O Citrus Champagne Vinegar*
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• 1⁄2 tsp ground black pepper
Herb Salad
• chives
• flat-leaf parsley
• mint
• basil
• shallot
Directions
1. Make champagne vinaigrette by combining honey, Dijon mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk together until combined. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while continuously whisking until emulsified. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Combine all cream ingredients in a bowl. Whisk until thoroughly combined and smooth. Refrigerate.
3. Prepare the herb salad by hand-picking the parsley, removing the stems, and using only the leaves. Gently tear mint and basil into bite-size pieces, and add them to the parsley. Chives should be cut into 2-inch sticks. Thinly shave half of the shallot, separate the shaved slices and add. Gently mix the herb salad by hand until combined.
4. Grill the peaches in a non-stick grill pan (a gas or charcoal grill or skillet will also work). Cut peaches in half, beginning at the stem, separating the halves, and removing the pits. Heat grill pan to medium-high. Lightly drizzle olive oil over the inside of the peaches and place flesh side down on the griddle. Sear for 2-3 minutes. Gently rotate the peaches 45 degrees with tongs to give those gorgeous crosshatch grill marks. If you like peaches a little on the firmer side, pull them from the grill pan and set aside. For softer peaches, continue roasting in the oven at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
5. To plate, using a spoon or spatula, scoop a generous amount of the spiced cream on the bottom of a plate in a circular motion until most of the plate is covered. Place the peaches on top of the cream. Then, lightly dress the herb salad with the champagne vinaigrette. Top the grilled peaches with a generous handful of the dressed herb salad. Lastly, drizzle a spoonful of additional vinaigrette over the peaches and around the outside of the cream.
Chef Lindsey Noto
Meet the Mahj-ers
THREE BIRMINGHAM WOMEN
TEACHING US TO CRACK, BAM, AND FALL IN LOVE WITH THE GAME
Kate Heyer
KATE HEYER
Mahjong Instructor
@katedotbham
HOW DID YOU GET INTO MAHJONG?
I grew up in Birmingham but moved to San Antonio in 2015 after getting married. While in Texas, I learned to play Mahjong and completely fell in love with the game.
HOW DID YOU BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR?
When we moved back to Birmingham in 2022, I was surprised how few people knew how to play. My background is in education, and I quickly found myself teaching friends and family. Word spread, and I realized how many others were eager to learn. I connected with Mahjong Molly and The Mahjong Line and officially got started as an instructor.
TILES OF CHOICE:
The Mahjong Line tiles are my favorite. Right now, I’m loving the Ceylon Blue 2.0 Minimal Line tiles.
BLANKS:
I always teach National Mah Jongg League rules (without blanks), but I’m not opposed to playing with them sometimes.
LOOKING FORWARD TO ON THE 2025 CARD?
While I’ve loved the 2024 card, I’m a girl who loves to change things in my house on the regular, so I’m super excited to get to play with a new card.
FAVORITE SECTION:
369 or Any Like Numbers.
DREAM PLAYER:
Hoda and Jenna. I don’t know if they play, but I think they’d be a real fun time.
FAVORITE MEMORY:
Recently, my family and I returned to South Texas to the ranch where I first learned to play. Four of my best Texas girls and I set up a table on the property and played Mahjong surrounded by the most beautiful setting. A full-circle moment I’ll never forget.
RACHEL MAZER
Mahjong Instructor & Director of Retail, Oh My Mahjong @themarvelousmrsmazer
HOW DID YOU FIRST FALL IN LOVE WITH MAHJONG?
I’ve heard the clacking of the tiles and the words “dot, bam, crack” since I was a little girl. Both of my grandmothers played, and I always knew Mahjong was in my future.
WHAT LED YOU TO TEACH?
I became an instructor because I never had enough people to play with. I started teaching friends, my kids, even my husband, and it took off from there. I now work full time for Oh My Mahjong as their Director of Retail. If you see OMM in a store near you, or want to, reach out to me!
TILES OF CHOICE:
Anything Oh My Mahjong, but our Heritage tiles are my favorite at the moment.
BLANKS:
I never learned to play with blanks, so I don’t teach with them. I think it’s best to learn National Mah Jongg League rules first, and then incorporate house rules later.
LOOKING FORWARD TO ON THE 2025 CARD?
Anything! After teaching over 800 students since June, I am ready for a new card.
FAVORITE SECTION:
Consecutive Run because it’s the most pivot-able.
DREAM PLAYER:
My grandma Dottie. I have her tiles from the 1950s and her last Mahjong card from 1989. She passed away when I was ten.
FAVORITE MEMORY:
Anytime I play with my boys and my mom. Three generations around the Mahjong table. It doesn’t get better than that.
Rachel Mazer
“Anytime I play with my boys and my mom. Three generations around the Mahjong table. It doesn’t get better than that.”
MCCAULEY ADAMS
Mahjong Instructor @allaboutmahj.bhm
HOW DID YOU GET INTO MAHJONG?
Some friends introduced me to Mahjong during a beach trip, and from the very first game, it just made sense. The concepts clicked, and I fell in love with the thrill of uncovering patterns and sequences. A few weeks later, I took my first lesson and that was it. I became completely hooked.
WHAT MADE YOU START TEACHING?
In some ways, I stumbled into it. I kept thinking, “This is how I’d teach if I ever became an instructor.” I ended up teaching my daughters, ages 9 and 6, and even my 9-year-old’s friends at slumber parties. Their excitement inspired me and the rest is history.
TILES OF CHOICE:
For teaching, I love the Oh My Mahjong Limoncello tiles with the Green Birdie mat. For personal play, I’m obsessed with the Bam! Let’s Mahjong Grandmillennial set. Blue backs, chandelier bams, cheetah jokers. It’s a hot mess that somehow works.
BLANKS:
I teach National Mah Jongg League American Mahjong, so no blanks allowed, but I’ll play with them socially. They’re a glimmer of hope… or chaos. If you end up with too many early on, it’s like staring at a mystery puzzle.
LOOKING FORWARD TO ON THE 2025 CARD?
New challenges. Uncovering fresh sections and patterns is like opening a surprise gift every year.
FAVORITE SECTION:
13579. But I also love Addition Hands. Seven has been my lucky number since high school, though I’ve yet to win with a seven hand.
DREAM PLAYER:
Dorothy Meyerson, National Mah Jongg League pioneer. Or Sarah Jessica Parker, especially if a closet raid is involved.
FAVORITE MEMORY:
Teaching my daughter’s slumber party crew. The next morning, they woke up begging for “just one more round.” No screens, just laughter around the table. Pure joy.
McCauley Adams
“The next morning, they woke up begging for ‘just one more round.’ No screens, just laughter around the table. Pure joy.”
1.
Mother’s Day Spring Bouquet
There’s no sweeter way to say “I love you, Mom” than with a bouquet made by hand and heart. Each stem is placed with care, each bloom a small thank you for all she’s done. This step-by-step guide from local floral designer Emmie Leath of Glorious will help you create something effortlessly beautiful.
Build the Base
Choose a unique vessel, perhaps a teapot, watering can, or pretty pitcher, then start with structural foliage to create the shape of the bouquet. Place three to five woody stems at varying heights and angles to form a natural framework. Think about balance and movement as you set the foundation.
3. 4.
Introduce Supporting Flowers
Fill in gaps with supporting flowers like hydrangeas, daisies, or foxglove. Focus on blending the structure and texture while adding color and volume. Keep placement varied to create an artistic, whimsical feel.
Place the Focal Flowers
Position your focal flowers—the stars of the bouquet—toward the center and reaching slightly outward for a natural, effortless style. Odd numbers create a balanced yet dynamic arrangement.
2.
Add Texture
Layer in textural florals to soften and add depth. Use ferns, vines, or wispy greens to create fullness and dimension. Insert stems at an angle to encourage a flowing, organic shape.
5.
Finish with Airy Accents
Tuck in airy accents like Queen Anne’s lace or grasses to add movement and a delicate finishing touch. Step back, adjust where needed, and admire your handcrafted bouquet.
“Flowers are so beautiful; you can’t go wrong,” says Emmie. “Remember, the earth laughs in flowers, so chuckle along as you create.”
Remembering Judy Crittenden
A WOMAN WHO REFUSED TO BACK DOWN —AND MADE BIRMINGHAM BETTER
The trail was steep, the ground thick with Rwandan mud. For twelve hours, Judy Crittenden trudged through it with her fellow Rotary Club members, refusing to slow down though she’d had knee surgery just weeks before. Nothing was going to stop her from seeing the gorillas.
That was Judy. Whether hiking through the jungle or launching programs that shaped Birmingham, she never backed down from what mattered—even when it cost her.
Her sense of justice showed early. As a college student at Judson College, she penned an editorial criticizing the school’s lack of diversity. When an influential trustee confronted her and pressured her to retract it, she refused, even at the risk of her scholarship. That courage followed her into the courtroom, where she became Alabama’s first female deputy district attorney in family court.
Once, during a heated divorce case, the judge cited Judy for contempt of court while she was standing up for her client. Instead of posting the usual $300 bail, Judy made her position clear. “She turned to me and said, ‘If he’s going to put me in jail, I’m going to go!’” recalls her husband, Philippe Lathrop.
Everyone—including the judge—was surprised when she didn’t post bail and walked to the Jefferson County Jail in her scrubs.
“We had a big social function that night, a women’s fundraiser,” Philippe says. “I went on to the event. Why not? People kept asking, ‘Where’s Judy?’ I answered simply, ‘She’s been detained.’ No one knew!”
“Judy was tough,” says Susan Jackson, former executive director of the Rotary Club of Birmingham. “And she had to be. No one was going to step aside for her! But put a pair of binoculars in her hands, and you’d see how tender she was toward birds and nature.”
“She made emotional connections everywhere she went,” Susan adds. “From war survivors in the Czech Republic to
young women in Birmingham boardrooms, Judy had a way of making people feel seen.”
Judy helped shape both the legal and civic landscape of Birmingham. She co-authored Alabama Family Law, the state’s domestic relations textbook, and founded The Crittenden Firm in 1984, now Crittenden Partners. She helped establish the Women Lawyers Section of the Birmingham Bar and chaired a $25 million capital campaign for The Nature Conservancy of Alabama.
To Mary Elliott, CEO of Warren Averett, Judy Crittenden was much more than a client. “She was a tremendous role model and a valuable source of inspiration for my own career. Her work ethic and professionalism have consistently inspired me and many others in our community to uphold the highest standards in our work and to strive for excellence in all we do.”
“Judy was a force—often ahead of her time,” shares Suzanne Durham, former executive director of the YWCA of Central Alabama. “I’m ever grateful for her vision and tenacity to start one of the state’s first shelters for family violence.”
“She was one of my closest mentors,” says Laura Montgomery Lee, managing partner at Crittenden Partners. “Not just in law, but in relationships, life, how to function as a human being.”
Judy had a gift for welcoming others, especially young lawyers. “When we’d go into court, if there was a face she didn’t recognize, she’d walk right over and introduce herself,” Laura says. “She didn’t have to. Everyone already knew who Judy was. But she wanted people to feel included.”
Despite her formidable reputation, Judy could surprise you. At the office, she once spotted a toy monkey in a potted tree, picked up the figurine, and began hopping around while singing the George of the Jungle theme song. “People warned me how tough she was before I came to work for her,” Laura says. “But not everyone got to see the playful side of her.”
As a proud wife to Philippe, a loyal mother to Kate, and an adoring grandmother to her namesake, Sullivan—“Sully”—Judy treasured her relationships with family. “She absolutely adored that little boy," Laura says. “When I visited her in her last months, she always wanted to show me pictures of Sully, and she lit up whenever she talked about him.”
Judy was brilliant, complicated, funny, relentless. She didn’t much care if she was liked, and that only made people admire her more. “Her reputation and her name on our door still bring people through it,” Laura says.
“She had that sassy outer shell, but underneath, she was the most warm, welcoming, sweet-spirited person,” says Birmingham attorney Alana Frederick. “The more I got to know her, the more I loved her.”
Though she left us too soon, Judy Crittenden’s impact lives on in the courtroom, the conservation field, and the lives she touched. “At the time she started practicing law, being a female attorney wasn’t common,” Alana says. “But she had the brains, the grit, and the spunk to force her way in—and she paved the trail for the rest of us. Judy was unstoppable.”
The Brains Behind the Breakthroughs
UAB is one of the few institutions in the country where women outnumber men in the neuroscience department. Scientists credit the department’s collaborative culture—a place where science is celebrated and curiosity thrives. Meet five researchers whose groundbreaking discoveries are advancing brain health and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
ARTICLE BY BLAIR MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY FEHR
Linda Overstreet-Wadiche, PhD Alecia Gross,
PhD
Professor of Neurobiology
Dr. Linda Overstreet-Wadiche is captivated by one of the brain’s enduring mysteries: why a small region continues to generate new neurons throughout adult life. “Most neurons form during early development,” she explains, “but this region keeps making them, and we want to understand why.”
Her lab at UAB studies how adult-born neurons differ from those formed early in life and how they might hold clues to improving memory and cognition as we age.
The thrill of discovery fuels her work. “It doesn’t happen often, but when you piece together data that finally answers a question, it’s super exciting. I can’t imagine doing anything else,” says Dr. Overstreet-Wadiche.
In her early training, women in neuroscience were rare. “That’s changing,” she says. “It’s exciting to see more women shaping the future of this field.”
Professor of Neurobiology
In her UAB lab, Dr. Alecia Gross is focused on understanding the root causes of vision loss and how to delay its progression. “We study why we go blind on a cellular and protein level, with the hope that we can throw a wrench in that pathway and slow it down,” she says.
Her research centers on degenerative eye conditions and strategies for preserving sight over time. “We’d love to cure it someday,” says Dr. Gross. “We hope to slow it down to where it could take over 100 years.”
She’s been recruited by other institutions but has chosen to stay at UAB. “The women in neuroscience at UAB are unlike anywhere else. We lift each other up, we challenge each other—and we’re friends. That kind of culture matters.” CONTINUED >
Rita Cowell, PhD Kristina Visscher, PhD
Professor of Neurology Professor of Neurobiology
At the heart of Dr. Rita Cowell’s work is a critical question: what causes brain cells to die in diseases like ALS and Parkinson’s, and how can we prevent it?
Dr. Cowell chose a path in research because she wanted to support physicians by uncovering the mechanisms behind these diseases and provide answers that can one day lead to better treatments. “The lab is where discoveries that improve patients’ lives happen, so that’s where I wanted to be,” she says.
Her career bridges both academic research and drug discovery, including five years at Southern Research. Now, she mentors students through UAB’s Training Program in Neurodegeneration, including a growing number of women. “I’ve noticed that all of the women who’ve done well in science have strong personalities,” she says. “We refuse to be intimidated because we know we are smart and that we belong in the room.”
For Dr. Cowell, both Birmingham and UAB are home. “You’re not just a scientist here—you’re valued as a whole person with a family, too,” she says. “It’s a place where you can do meaningful work and feel fully supported while you do it.”
Dr. Kristina Visscher studies how the brain adapts with experience, vision loss, and aging. Her lab uses MRI to explore how networks in the brain shift when we pay attention to different types of information, and how that flexibility is affected in conditions like macular degeneration and early Alzheimer’s.
“The opportunity to do research in neuroscience is our way, as humans, to try to understand how we see the world,” says Dr. Visscher. “Everything we experience passes through the brain. If we can understand how it processes information, we can better understand ourselves and others. It’s an amazing opportunity, I’m so lucky to get to do that on a daily basis.”
Dr. Visscher also leads community outreach through Brain Awareness Week at McWane Center and monthly “Brain Chats” at the Avondale Library.
“I want the Birmingham community to know that world-class neuroscience is happening at UAB,” she says. “We’re part of something extraordinary, and it’s happening right here.”
Professor of Neurobiology
Dr. Farah Lubin explores how the brain forms and preserves memory and how to restore that function when disease strikes. Her lab at UAB focuses on mechanisms that could help people with epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and other disorders regain cognitive function. “We’re discovering that memory deficits can sometimes be treated separately from seizures,” says Dr. Lubin. “That’s major news.”
Trained in molecular genetics immunology, she pivoted to neuroscience in her postdoc and never looked back. She now leads two national training programs and mentors students from across the country. “I feel completely supported here,” she says. “UAB makes it clear that they value my work.”
Mentoring is one of the most rewarding parts of her work. “I love the joy of discovery—especially when I see that spark in my trainees. That’s real joy.”
Dr. Joseph Wu, M.D. Founder & Lead Physician
ARTICLE BY KALI MCNUTT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRANT BENTON, BENTON ART HOUSE AND CODIE DAVIS ART
WE’VE GOT SPIRIT, YES WE DO!
HEIDI ELNORA’S BOLD NEXT ACT, PEP GALLY, IS A MEGAPHONE FOR POSITIVITY
Something shifted when Heidi Elnora walked into her son's high school pep rally. After 20 years of designing couture wedding gowns, she realized she'd been missing some of life's most vibrant moments. "I come from a serious world of white fabrics and intense details," Heidi explains, "and then I walk into this space of pure energy and color." That spark ignited Pep Gally, a lifestyle brand celebrating what she calls "high-spirited females."
“Pep Gally represents more than fashion— it’s a celebration of community, spirit, and using your voice to cheer for people you love.”
The brand's megaphone logo isn't just a clever design—it's a mission. "Our words are powerful," Heidi says. "It's about using your voice to uplift others."
Pep Gally’s initial, limited-edition “Pre-Game” offering includes oversized sweatshirts in bold hues inspired by classic collegiate colors like titanium, electric blue, and garnet. While the aesthetic is a 180-degree departure from the wedding gowns she previously sold at Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom, the commitment to quality and detail remains. Pep Gally’s hand-crafted pieces are meticulously made–think metallic lamé, French terry, and brushed jersey–but wonderfully comfortable.
"This isn't about trending," she emphasizes. "This is my legacy." Her children—Jack, Bo, and Eleanor—are her primary inspirations. "This is really for them. They are my muses," she shares. "It's about creating something that cheers for others and speaks to living with spirit. Pep Gally represents more than fashion—it's a celebration of community, spirit, and using your voice to cheer for people you love.”
For Heidi, this isn't just a brand. It's a second act, a love letter to her kids, and a rallying cry for women everywhere to cheer loudly and live boldly.
pepgally.com
Mary Meadows Livingston, CFA, CFP® - Founder, Abeona Wealth
ARTICLE BY SUSAN RATHMELL, UPWARD BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
NOT JUST “S C A TTE E D” R
The truth about women and undiagnosed ADHD
Millie is a middle-aged professional who is known for getting things done. When met with a task, she uses laser focus to complete it as efficiently as possible.
Tired of underperforming in middle school, she cultivated this approach in high school and never looked back. She takes a competent, high-energy, high-achievement approach to most areas of her life. She is organized but still struggles with losing important items and getting mixed up on where and when she is supposed to be somewhere or complete a task.
She often feels her life resembles a game of Whack-A-Mole as she scrambles between responsibilities. She feels like she drops the ball a fair amount, and when she does, she feels ashamed. She is a poor sleeper. Her house isn't as neat as she would like it to be, causing her to feel stressed and embarrassed.
Worst of all, when she feels stressed, she quickly becomes emotionally overwhelmed and has a hard time not snapping at those around her, most especially her husband and her children.
What is going on with Millie? Chances are, she may have undiagnosed ADHD.
ADHD occurs in women and men at similar rates; however, it is consistently underdiagnosed and thus undertreated in women. Why does this happen? Because ADHD often looks different in women.
In boys and men, ADHD often looks like restlessness, fidgeting, hyperactivity, impulsivity, difficulty focusing, problems with respecting others' personal space or waiting your turn, and a tendency to say the wrong thing or to interrupt others. This is generally what we picture when we think of ADHD.
Girls with ADHD often fly under the radar. They don't tend to get into trouble or to be as noticeably hyperactive as boys. Girls with ADHD tend to be daydreamers with messy rooms who forget their homework and lose themselves in their favorite activities. Women with ADHD often look a lot like Millie.
Many people would consider Millie an example of someone doing fine, maybe even better than fine. The truth is that Millie is doing well, but she is exhausted, and her life is harder than it has to be.
Psychologists can help. Psychologists perform the highest-quality ADHD evaluations. They also offer treatment targeted to ADHD. This therapy technique is called executive functioning coaching. Whether combined with ADHD medication or not, executive functioning coaching provides considerable relief for adolescents and adults—men and women!—who are struggling with symptoms of ADHD.
This technique addresses the wide array of symptoms related to ADHD, such as trouble focusing, disorganization, distractibility, impulsivity, forgetfulness, feeling overwhelmed by complex tasks, difficulty regulating emotions, restlessness, and constant fidgeting. Treatment is tailored to fit individual needs and challenges. When delivered by a psychologist with specialized training, it takes only about 12 weeks to yield considerable results.
Help is available, and progress is possible! If you recognize yourself on this page, reach out to a psychologist to discuss how ADHD evaluation and treatment could benefit you.
