Ryan McWhorter, M.D.

Dr. Ryan McWhorter is on a mission to solve the toughest health challenges with real solutions beyond symptom management. With over 25 years of experience, he combines ancient healing wisdom with cutting-edge technology to help patients reclaim their health and well-being. His holistic approach provides a path to freedom from chronic pain, fatigue, and deeper issues that are often overlooked by traditional medicine.

Dr. McWhorter works with a wide range of health concerns, including chronic illness, low energy, hormone imbalances, gut health, and heart health. However, his true passion lies in helping women overcome some of the most complex pelvic health conditions, like vulvodynia, severe period pain, infertility, urinary incontinence, and sexual pain.

Meet Our Team

  • Mia Gentle Montgomery Alabama Functional Medicine

    Mia Gentle, RN, MSN, NP-C

    Nurse Practitioner

    Mia Gentle is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in Adult and Family Medicine. With over 30 years of experience, she brings deep clinical knowledge and a passion for prevention to every patient encounter. Her areas of interest include women’s wellness, hormone replacement, anti-aging, thyroid disease, and personalized integrative care.

    Mia believes in empowering patients with knowledge, partnering with them to uncover root causes of illness, and creating personalized care plans that blend evidence-based protocols with holistic approaches.

    Outside of work, Mia is passionate about her faith, family, and fitness. She enjoys time with her four children, selling real estate, and competing as an Ironman All World Athlete—most recently placing first in a marathon in Aruba. Our favorite quote about Mia? “Wow, she thinks just like Dr. McWhorter!”

  • Leslie Jones, BSN, RN Montgomery Alabama Functional Medicine

    Leslie Jones, BSN, RN

    Clinical Director

    Leslie earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Auburn University and brings over 14 years of experience in pediatric nursing, clinical education, nursing management, and functional medicine. She is trained in Electrodermal Screening and 10-Pass Ozone Therapy.

    After healing from Lyme Disease through functional medicine and ozone therapy, Leslie became passionate about helping others experience the same life-changing results. Her goal is to support each patient in reaching their optimal level of health through personalized, integrative care.

    Outside of work, Leslie enjoys spending time with friends and family and going on adventures with her wonderful husband, Caleb.

  • Starla Lowery Alabama Functional Medicine Montgomery

    Starla Lowery

    Montgomery Receptionist

    Starla serves as our Montgomery location receptionist and brings warmth, organization, and a heart for healing to the front desk. Her journey with Alabama Functional Medicine began as a patient, and her passion for health and wellness eventually led her to join the team. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and spent 29 years as an elementary school teacher before transitioning into healthcare.

    Starla finds it deeply rewarding to support Dr. McWhorter and the AFM team as they help patients tackle complex health challenges. She loves being part of a mission-driven environment where every detail matters.

    Outside of work, Starla enjoys time with her husband, John, and their son, Ben. She loves being near the water—whether at the lake, pool, or beach—and curling up by the fire with a good book.

  • Kathryn Peters Alabama Functional Medicine Auburn

    Kathryn Peters

    Auburn Receptionist

    Kathryn brings 23 years of experience as a medical receptionist and is excited to join the Alabama Functional Medicine team at our Auburn location. She strives to create a welcoming, supportive experience for every patient who walks through the door.

    Originally from Orange County, California, Kathryn studied Early Childhood Education at Orange Coast College and taught preschool before transitioning into healthcare. She has two daughters—one in Florida and one in California—along with two beloved grandchildren.

    In her free time, Kathryn enjoys visiting the Gulf beaches, tending to her garden patio, and relaxing by her fountain. She shares her home with two dogs and three cats who keep her both busy and entertained.

  • Donna Waldrop, MA Alabama Functional Medicine Montgomery

    Donna Waldrop, MA

    IASIS MCN and HOCATT Ozone Sauna Technician

    Donna is a dedicated and empathetic technician with over 18 years of experience in direct patient care and office management. She is certified in both IASIS Microcurrent Neurofeedback (MCN) and HOCATT Ozone Sauna Therapy. Donna is passionate about being part of a practice that looks deeper—helping patients uncover root causes and achieve a higher quality of life.

    She first met Dr. McWhorter when he was 15, through their church youth group, and feels honored to now work alongside him at Alabama Functional Medicine.

    Donna is a proud mother of two grown, married daughters and grandmother to three. She enjoys spending time with her family, sewing, monogramming, and reading.

  • Haley Hawkins IASIS MCN Tech Auburn Alabama Functional Medicine

    Haley Hawkins

    IASIS MCN and EDSA Technician

    Haley, a native of Dayton, Ohio, is a passionate advocate for holistic wellness and functional healing. She earned her degree from Bowling Green State University in 2021 and moved to Alabama with her family shortly after. Her own experience with chronic health challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a deep interest in the mind-body connection and the body’s ability to heal.

    Motivated by her journey, Haley is committed to helping others understand that with the right tools and support, healing is possible. She is trained in Electrodermal Screening (EDSA) and serves as one of our IASIS Microcurrent Neurofeedback (MCN) technicians by day—and a rockstar by night.

    In her free time, she enjoys writing songs, playing music, and volunteering at The Sound Wall in Opelika.

  • Kelcie Yockachonis, RN, CRRN Alabama Functional Medicine Auburn

    Kelcie Yockachonis, RN, CRRN

    Nurse; Medical Therapies

    Kelcie earned her Associate Degree of Science in Nursing from Southern Union State Community College in 2018. Since then, she has continued her education with certifications from the Wound Care Education Institute, the Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board, the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and the International Association of Health Coaches. She’s had a passion for functional and alternative medicine since high school and loves supporting patients in reaching their health goals for a long, vibrant life.

    At Alabama Functional Medicine, Kelcie focuses on creating personalized care plans and administering 10-Pass Ozone Therapy and nutritional IVs to help patients feel their best.

    Outside the clinic, Kelcie enjoys working out, mountain biking, and spending time with her husband—a trained chef—and their three dogs.

  • Pam Lowe Alabama Functional Medicine Montgomery

    Pam Lowe, RN

    Nurse; Medical Therapies

    Pam is a registered nurse with over 25 years of experience in the operating room and three years working in dementia care. A long-time believer in integrative wellness, Pam has followed functional medicine for more than 18 years—and calls her position at Alabama Functional Medicine her “dream nursing job.” She brings deep clinical expertise and a heartfelt passion for helping others live healthier, more vibrant lives.

    Pam enjoys educating and encouraging patients, friends, and family members as they pursue whole-body wellness. She is always learning and sharing new tools and insights to help others feel their best.

    When she’s not in the office, you’ll find Pam spending time with her grandchildren, tending to her garden, or relaxing with a good book.

  • Jalisa Jackson, BSN, RN, FMACP, CYT-200, CHC Alabama Functional Medicine Montgomery

    Jalisa Jackson, BSN, RN, FMACP, CYT-200, CHC

    Nurse; IV Therapy

    Jalisa is a compassionate Functional Medicine IV Therapy Nurse with over 13 years of experience in orthopedic, employee health, and medical-surgical nursing. She holds certifications as a Functional Medicine Nurse, Yoga Teacher, and Health Coach, giving her a unique perspective on how the mind, body, and soul work together in the healing process.

    At Alabama Functional Medicine, she specializes in IV nutrient therapy, hydration support, and functional wellness. Her goal is to restore balance, boost energy, and support the body’s natural healing using evidence-based, integrative care tailored to each patient.

    Outside the clinic, Jalisa enjoys teaching yoga, traveling, spending time with her family, and staying active in her local community.

  • Ansley Thompson, MA Alabama Functional Medicine Montgomery

    Ansley Thompson, MA

    HOCATT Ozone Sauna Technician

    Ansley is a recent graduate of Auburn University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with a focus on Pre-Physician Assistant studies, along with a minor in Sports Coaching. With a strong foundation in science and a passion for holistic care, she assists in providing innovative treatments for female pelvic health and chronic illness management.

    Ansley values patient connection and meaningful dialogue as key tools for uncovering root causes and supporting long-term healing. She strives to create a compassionate, empowering space where patients feel heard on their wellness journey.

    Outside of work, Ansley enjoys lifting, kickboxing, reading, scrapbooking, and trying new restaurants with friends.