“As your provider, my deepest commitment is to help you regain your strength and return to the activities you love. I combine expert orthopedic care with a compassionate ear, walking beside you through every phase of your healing. Our team is committed to helping you every step of the way!”
Kaleigh has practiced as a registered nurse since 2014 and became a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner in 2020. She served as an active member of the United States Marine Corps while attending college full time, obtaining a B.S. in Nursing. She followed this accomplishment by earning an M.S. in Nursing for Dual Role Nurse Practitioner (FNP/AGACNP), earning both degrees from the University of South Alabama.
Education
Master of Science Nursing/Dual Role Nurse Practitioner (FNP/AGACNP) University of South Alabama Mobile, AL (2020)
Bachelor of Science University of South Alabama Mobile, AL (2014)
Certification & Licensure
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) through AANP
Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC) through ANCC
Active Alabama Registered Nurse License Number: 1-147562
Critical Care Unit Certification (November 2014)
Academic and Professional Memberships/Honors and Awards
Selected for Sigma Theta Tau appointment for Leadership and GPA in Graduate School
Military Service
Corporal, United States Marine Corps, Marietta, GA & Pensacola, FL (2008 – 2016)
Darin chose pain management because he saw how chronic pain can affect every part of a person’s life–not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and socially.
He wanted to be part of the solution to help patients regain control and joy in their daily lives and return to the things that they love.
Darin serves on the interventional pain management team of Dr. Elliott Pennington, M.D. at The Spine Institute at Baldwin Bone & Joint.
“My approach to care is compassionate and tailored to each individual. I believe in treating the whole person—not just the pain—by understanding their goals and building a treatment plan that fits their life. I combine evidence-based techniques with a patient-centered mindset to deliver both relief and long-term results.”
Education
Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner University of South Alabama Mobile, AL (2024)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing University of South Alabama Mobile, AL (2021)
“My diverse clinical background over the years has shaped my analytical approach and deep interest in the underlying causes and progression of disease. I am committed to compassionate, patient-centered care and serve as a dedicated advocate, ensuring patients feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their recovery and long-term health.”
Celeste Fleming is a physician assistant with healthcare experience beginning in 1987. She has earned extensive expertise across the full continuum of care, including pre-operative evaluation, intraoperative assistance, post-operative management, and long-term follow-up.
She is recognized for a detail-oriented, analytical approach and a strong commitment to compassionate, evidence-based patient care. Celeste, known for outstanding bedside manners in high acuity clinical and surgical environments, is a proven collaborative team member with excellent communication skills and a consistent record of managing complex patient caseloads to improve outcomes.
Celeste serves on the spine team of Dr. Charles Gordon, The Spine Institute at Baldwin Bone & Joint.
Education
Master of Health Science Physician Assistant Studies University of South Alabama Mobile, Alabama (2007)
Master of Education Exercise Science/Cardiac Rehabilitation University of South Alabama Mobile, Alabama (2002)
Bachelor of Science Medical Technology, Minor: Chemistry University of South Alabama Mobile, Alabama (1987)
As a fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and expert in Complex Spine surgeries and Motion Preservation, Dr. Hicks is dedicated to maintaining or restoring the spine’s natural mobility. He uses state-of-the-art techniques to prevent further degenerative changes while addressing the underlying issues causing spinal discomfort or mobility limitations.
“As a fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopaedic spine surgeon, I have spent my professional life focused on complex surgeries while guided by a philosophy of providing excellent, compassionate care to my patients. My goal is to ensure the optimal health and functionality of the spine utilizing the latest advancements in both non-operative and operative spine care—helping my patients get back to their previous function and quality of life, if not even better.”
Education
College
B.S. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia Athens, GA, 2013
Medical School
Medical College of Georgia Augusta, GA, 2017
Residency
Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Alabama Birmingham Birmingham, AL, 2022
Fellowship
Complex & Minimally Invasive Spine, Swedish Hospital Seattle, WA, 2023
Certification and Licensure
Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2025
Washington State Medical License, 2022-Present
Alabama State Medical License, 2018-Present
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), 2017-Present
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), 2017-Present
Basic Life Support (BLS), 2016-Present
Societies
Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
AO Spine
North American Spine Society
Motion Preservation Surgery
Motion preservation surgery is an alternative to traditional spinal fusion surgery. It aims to preserve the natural movement of the spine. It involves replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one or decompressing the spinal nerves while leaving the vertebrae mobile.
As an interventional pain management specialist and board-certified anesthesiologist, Dr. Pennington brings a comprehensive, non-operative approach to managing chronic spinal pain. His individually tailored treatments leverage the latest advancements in interventional pain management to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.
“Something that’s really exciting about pain management as a specialty is the rapid nature of how technology is changing what we can offer our patients. A huge benefit of the team here at Baldwin Bone & Joint is the integrated nature of our clinic — we work together to create a plan for each individual patient and tailor their treatment to help improve their quality of life.”
Education
College
B.S., University of South Alabama Mobile, AL, 2013
Medical School
University of South Alabama College of Medicine Mobile, AL, 2018
Residency
Clinical Anesthesiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, MS, 2022
Fellowship
Interventional Pain Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, MS, 2023
Certification and Licensure
State of Alabama, Board-Eligible
Societies
American Medical Association
American Society of Anesthesiologists
American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
Pain management is an aspect of medicine focused on reducing or reversing the effects of pain to improve a patient’s quality of life.
As a medical specialty, pain management can take many forms, and is often a collaborative effort between many medical specialists and a patient’s primary medical care provider.
