“Dr. Mary,” as her patients fondly refer to her, was born in Birmingham and raised in nearby Leeds, Alabama. She pursued undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama Birmingham and the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Alabama. Before beginning graduate studies, she enjoyed horseback riding with a trail riding club, as well as other outdoor activities.
In 1978, Dr. Mary moved to Atlanta to pursue a career in the healing arts. She received her Doctorate in Chiropractic from Life Chiropractic College in Marietta, Georgia in 1985. She was in private chiropractic practice for 20 years, specializing in disc problems, structural issues, pain control and physiotherapy.
While building and running her practice, Dr. Mary also founded and operated AlterCare, a complimentary clinic that provided counseling, massage and chiropractic services for HIV and AIDS patients. From 1995-1997 she served as President of the Board of the non-profit Billings House, an organization that offered help to the HIV and AIDS community. In 1997, she received a Community Service Award from the Board of Governors of WXIA-TV, in an awards ceremony that was broadcast on live television along with footage of the clinic. That same year, the readers of Creative Loafing Magazine voted her Best Chiropractor in Atlanta.
In 2006, the Georgia House of Representatives passed a resolution recognizing Dr. Mary Brittain and commending her for her many achievements and outstanding contributions to her community and state (read the resolution here). She was also named Outstanding Georgia Citizen by the Secretary of State in 2007 as a result of her dedication to community outreach.
Dr. Mary is now a Co-Founder and Health Educator at the Jobri Center For Integrative Health’s online program. She also serves as a Survivor Consultant, helping individuals who have been newly diagnosed with cancer make decisions regarding medical and alternative treatment, as well as providing mentoring and general networking. She divides her time between the healing energies of the North Georgia mountains and Atlanta along with her three Yorkies, 2 rescues, and four chocolate Labs.