Our Health Care Providers

N. Rao Thotakura, MD

Dr. Thotakura is a native of India who immigrated to the United States in 1975. After completing his residency and chief residency in pediatrics at Overlook Hospital in New Jersey, a major affiliate of Columbia University in New York, Dr. Thotakura went into private practice.

He is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and has served as Chief of Pediatrics at Huntsville Hospital and Crestwood Medical Center. He is passionate about children's health issues and helping parents raise healthy and happy children.

Christel Kennedy

Christel Kennedy is a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) specializing in Family Practice and Nursing education. She attended the University of North Alabama where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as well as, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on nursing education. She went on to pursue a post-master Family Nurse Practitioner certification from the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) in 2017. 

She has an array of experience working in medical-surgical and emergency medicine. Additionally, she has previously worked in an urgent care setting for several years as an advanced care provider. For over 10 years, Christel has also been serving in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps Reserves. 

Hobbies:

Christel loves running, reading, and spending time with her family. 

Dr. Faye Knowles

Dr. Faye Knowles is a native of the Caribbean with family ties in Antigua and Saint Lucia. She completed her MD from St. George's University, Grenada West Indies. After completing her clinical studies in New York City, she completed her 3-year Pediatric Residency at Children's Hospital of New Jersey, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.

Dr. Knowles is vastly experienced in various clinical settings having done inpatient rounding including newborn care, traditional outpatient care, and urgent care. Dr. Knowles has also completed training in Obesity Medicine and has various fitness and nutrition certifications to help her patients with weight management goals. Dr. Knowles is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a member of the Obesity Medical Association, and a registered member of the CrossFit Medical Society.

Dr. Knowles' passion is preventive medicine (rather than reactive treatment) focusing on nutritional changes and fitness integration in developing children. She has been a resident of the state of Alabama since 2015 and has been local to the Huntsville area since 2024.