June of 2026 New Hires
- Lee Catherine Hodges

- Jun 29
- 5 min read
We had a jam-packed June here at Mid South! Congratulations to our new Employee Partners--we're excited to welcome you to the Mid South family.

Anna Carwyle
Physical Therapy Assistant at Baptist – Union County
Anna Carwyle attended West Union Attendance Center and later received her certification as a PTA from Itawamba Community College. Anna was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and graduated with special honors.

Alisha Early
Physical Therapy Assistant at Cumberland Care Center
Alisha Early attended North Sand Mountain High School in Higdon, Alabama, and later received her education and certification from Wallace State Community College. Alisha loves her work as a PTA because she values building special relationships and helping patients reach their goals. Alisha and her husband, Tim, have been married for 16 years. They have three children and enjoy spending time as a family and cheering on their children in various sports and activities. Alisha also enjoys shopping and reading in her free time.

Mary Alon Gosa
Speech Language Pathologist at UMMC Madison
Mary Alon Gosa attended Bruce High School, later attending Mississippi University for Women to receive her undergraduate and graduate degrees. She has undergone training in FEES, SPEAK OUT, and LOUD! and completed her LAMP certification. Mary Alon is passionate about helping children grow in their communication, feeding, and swallowing skills. She enjoys building meaningful relationships with families and making therapy fun while helping patients reach their full potential. Mary Alon also enjoys volunteering at her church, spending time with family and friends, running, and traveling.

Jessica Graham
Occupational Therapist Assistant at Neshoba General Hospital
Jessica Graham attended Union Public School and later attended East Central Community College. She received her COTA certification from Pearl River Community College. Jessica takes special interest in neuro patients. She is married and has a four year old. When she isn’t working, Jessica manages a boutique with a fellow occupational therapist. She is transitioning from a PRN role with our company into a full time role.

Madison Hale
Speech Language Pathologist at Baptist – Union County
Madison Hale attended North Pontotoc High School. She received her undergraduate education from Itawamba Community College, where she played softball, and The University of Mississippi. Madison completed her graduate level studies at Ole Miss as well. With special interest in dysphagia and Modified Barium Swallow Studies, voice with LSVT for Parkinson’s Disease, cognitive treatment, and aphasia, Madison is passionate about helping patients achieve their goals and live their lives more fully. Madison is originally from Pontotoc, Mississippi, and has been married for 5 years to Chase Hale. They recently welcomed a baby boy named Lanion Hale.

Anna Kathryn Kerley
Speech Language Pathologist at Pinnacle of Hattiesburg/Walthall General Hospital
Anna Kathryn Kerley attended Prentiss Christian School and received her undergraduate education from Pearl River Community College and The University of Southern Mississippi. Anna Kathryn went on to obtain her master’s degree from Southern Miss as well. Anna Kathryn has special interest in treating patients with aphasia, dysphagia, dementia, and cognition deficits. She also has experience with pediatric articulation and AAC devices. Overall, she places focus on providing functional, patient-centered care. Anna Kathryn is originally from Sumrall, Mississippi, and currently living in Hattiesburg with her two best friends.

Sam Kitchens
Physical Therapist and Director of Rehab at Baptist – Union County
Sam Kitchens attended New Albany High School and received his undergraduate education from Mississippi State University. He obtained his Doctor of Physical Therapy from The University of Mississippi Medical Center. Sam is married to his high school sweetheart, Sara, and they have been married for 16 years. They have three children: Mak, Maggie, and Zach. When he isn’t treating patients, Sam enjoys going to the lake, spending time with his family, and watching his kids play sports.

Debbie-Marie Koon
Speech Language Pathologist at Tippah County Hospital
Debbie-Marie Koon attended Baldwyn High School, where she graduated as valedictorian of her class. She was a Landmark Scholarship recipient to Ole Miss, where she received her undergraduate education. Debbie-Marie earned a Graduate Assistantship at Eastern New Mexico University, where she obtained her graduate level degree in Speech Language Pathology. She chose a career in speech therapy to give people their voice—regardless of age or other circumstances. She and her husband, Tyler, have five children and live on 13 acres in Dumas, Mississippi. Debbie-Marie and her family enjoy spending time outdoors camping, exploring their land on ATVs, and getting out on the water. They are members at Concord Baptist Church, where the motto is “Love God, Love People.” Debbie-Marie is excited to join the Mid South family as our missions align so well.

Brooklyn Roberts
Office Manager at Baptist – Union County
Brooklyn Roberts attended South Pontotoc High School and currently resides in New Albany.

Pennye Shelton
Physical Therapy Assistant at Baptist – Union County
Pennye Shelton attended Ripley High School. She graduated from Itawamba Community College with her certification as a PTA.

Sydney Shelton
Physical Therapist at Baptist – Union County
Sydney Shelton attended Pontotoc City High School. She received her undergraduate education from Northwest Mississippi Community College and Mississippi State University, and she received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from South College in Knoxville, Tennessee. Sydney chose a career in physical therapy because of her personal experience with rehabilitation after an ATV accident during her senior year of high school. Through physical therapy, Sydney learned how to walk correctly again and eventually run after her accident. This experience led her to feel that the Lord was calling her to a career helping others through physical therapy. Sydney loves treating athletes, functionfitness adults, and orthopedic patients. She is a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer (CF-L1), and spends her free time in the gym, traveling, and with family and friends.

Olivia White
Occupational Therapist at Baptist – Union County
Olivia White attended Pontotoc High School and later obtained her undergraduate degree from Northwest Community College. She received her graduate degree from The University of Mississippi Medical Center. Olivia has a husband named Jacob and two children: Ellis and Annie Rose. Their family enjoys being outside and spending time together.

Presley White
Speech Language Pathologist at Azalea Gardens Nursing Center
Presley White attended Sumrall High School and later received her undergraduate degree from The University of Southern Mississippi. She achieved her master’s degree from the University of Mississippi. Presley enjoys treating patients of a variety of ages, and she is excited to work with the geriatric population in her new role. She has a passion for making meaningful connections and supporting her patients’ growth, confidence, and communication abilities. Presley is originally from Sumrall, Mississippi, where her parents still live. She enjoys traveling to visit family and attending sporting events.

Conner Woods
Physical Therapist at Field Health System
James Conner Woods attended Amite County High School and later received his undergraduate degree from The University of Southern Mississippi. Conner achieved his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University. He is passionate about his work as a physical therapist because he loves helping others and serving Christ through his profession. Conner has been married for four years, and he and his wife recently welcomed a baby girl to their family. They are very involved members of their church as well. Conner’s hobbies include golfing, fishing, and spending time outdoors.
Congratulations to our new team members! We are wishing you blessings and great joy in this new chapter.




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