About Stones River Dermatology

Although I was born in Washington State and raised outside Portland, Oregon, Murfreesboro is now my home. I first moved to Tennessee in August, 1986, to attend the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine after my graduation from Stanford University in California. During medical school I was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society as a third year student. Following graduation from medical school in 1990, I entered the United States Air Force at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. While at Keesler, I finished a medical internship then trained in aerospace medicine. I served as a flight surgeon for F-15 Eagle Fighter Squadrons at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. I flew almost 850 flight hours in Air Force aircraft, including almost 150 flights in the F-15D. I deployed to Japan, Korea, Singapore, Guam, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iceland on Air Force missions during my military service. The Society of United States Air Force Flight Surgeons named me Pacific Air Force Flight Surgeon of the Year in 1994 and Air Combat Command Flight Surgeon of the Year in 1998. In 1999, I left the Air Force to begin dermatology residency training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. I completed residency and board certification by the American Board of Dermatology in 2002. I practiced at Vanderbilt Dermatology clinics in Franklin and Shelbyville before joining Murfreesboro Dermatology Clinic in 2004. I passed the American Board of Dermatology recertification examinations in March, 2010. Additionally, I founded Stones River Dermatology 2010 and we opened our Waterstone clinic location in 2011. I’m very proud of our staff and look forward to many years of helping our clients achieve optimum skin health.
Ronald A. Nelson CV

Dr. Starling was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and lived in North Carolina and California before moving to Middle Tennessee in 1989. He attended Franklin Road Academy, and then graduated cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Rhodes College with a B.A. in Greek and Roman Studies. He attended medical school at the University of Tennessee-Memphis College of Medicine, and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society as a third-year student.

Dr. Starling completed both his internal medical internship and three years of dermatology residency at the University of Michigan Hospitals.  He pursued advanced surgical training and completed a rigorous ACGME accredited Mohs Surgery and Procedural Dermatology Fellowship in Cincinnati, Ohio with Dr. Brett Coldiron-past president of the American College of Mohs Surgery and past president of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Dr. Starling passed the American Board of Dermatology certification exam in 2010 while completing his fellowship. He then moved to Wisconsin where he practiced for ten years. His research interests include cutaneous oncology, patient safety in office based surgery, and prevention of wrong site office surgery. He received an American Academy of Dermatology presidential citation in 2013 for innovative research demonstrating the safety of office based dermatologic surgery. He passed the American Board of Dermatology recertification exam in 2019.

Dr. Starling is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. He is a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. He has performed over 10,000 Mohs micrographic surgeries prior to moving home to Tennessee. He recently received his subspecialty certification in Micrographic Dermatology Surgery (MDS) and has the additional distinction of being among the first to achieve this certification. ​He is an Eagle Scout, past member of the Rutherford County Rescue Squad, and past member of the Rhodes College football team. He currently resides in Franklin, Tennessee with his wife, son, and three Australian shepherd dogs. His personal interests include reading, traveling, golf, college sports, and the Tennessee Titans.

John Starling CV

A native Tennessean, Gillian Choate, “Gillie”, was born and raised in Nashville. She is a board certified family nurse practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She is an active member of the Dermatology Nurses Association’s Nurse Practitioner Society. She attended Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet School and graduated with honors from Cumberland University with her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing in May, 2007. After graduation, she worked as a registered nurse at Franklin Dermatology Group, where she gained five years of experience. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Middle Tennessee State University in December, 2009. Gillie joined Stones River Dermatology in February, 2014.

At an early age, Gillie was interested in skin, with primary focus on cancers and rashes. As she has grown in her career, with now over twelve years of experience, this love and passion for dermatology and her patients has only deepened. This is strongly reflected in her patient care as she has been voted the Ruthies’ “Best Dermatology Provider” in Rutherford County for multiple years! In addition, she holds a plethora of certifications in cosmetic injectables and devices and greatly enjoys this aspect of her career. She loves treating patients of all ages and believes beauty comes from within, but will be enhanced with a good daily skin care regimen.

Gillie moved to Murfreesboro in 2008 and has loved the area since. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Steven, children, Lily and Gage, their family, friends, and dog, Waylon. In addition to dermatology, Gillie enjoys traveling, interior design, organizing, raising her chickens, camping, antiquing, and spending as much time as possible outdoors with her family in their UTV (with sunscreen applied, of course).

Gillian Eberlei CV

Elizabeth Otter, “Liz”, is a certified Physician Assistant practicing in both Smyrna and Murfreesboro, TN. She graduated with honor from Lyman Briggs College – Michigan State University with her Bachelors in Science in 2002. She earned her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Chatham College in Pittsburgh, PA in 2005. She began her career in Emergency Medicine at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI before moving to Murfreesboro, TN in 2007. She has been practicing dermatology since 2008.

Liz is an active member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA), and has been recognized as an SDPA Diplomate Fellow. She holds certification in cosmetic injectables. She has a passion for general medical dermatology and enjoys helping her patients feel comfortable in their own skin.

Liz and her husband, Ryan, live in Murfreesboro with their sons, Sam and Alex. Liz loves to read, hike, travel and spend time with her family.

Taylor Newman is a board certified Physician Assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants practicing in both Murfreesboro and Smyrna. She graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a degree in Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology in May of 2018. Shortly after graduating, she moved to Nashville where she earned her Master of Science in Medicine from Trevecca Nazarene University’s Physician Assistant Program in July of 2020. She joined Stones River Dermatology in October 2020.

Taylor’s interest in medical dermatology grew as she studied the skin and ways to treat its disease processes during PA school. After spending her elective clinical rotation learning from Dr. Nelson and the rest of our team at Stones River Dermatology, she fell even more in love with dermatology and the patients at Stones River, and she is excited for the opportunity to continue to serve the Murfreesboro and Smyrna communities.

Taylor lives in Nashville and enjoys spending time outdoors, whether she’s on the lake with friends or home in East Tennessee with her family hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains. She also loves spending her Saturdays in the fall cheering on the Tennessee Vols, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops, and playing with her new golden retriever puppy, Rosie.

Heather graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelors degree in Psychology with Mental Health & Nutrition Minor in 2006.

Heather received her Aesthetic License in 2007 and has been working in Medical Aesthetics since 2008.

She is a chemical Peel trainer/ educator from 2014 through 2017 for a Cosmoseutical company. Heather is also a fitness enthusiast who loves to cook healthy recipes for her family.

Asheton was born in Monterey, California, but her family moved to Germany shortly after, due to her father’s service in the Army. During her school years, Asheton’s family relocated back to her parent’s hometown, Savannah, TN, where Asheton lived for the majority of her life. Asheton attended MTSU in Murfreesboro, TN and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism & Speech, as well as a Master’s degree in Business Administration in 2015.

As the Practice Administrator for Stones River Dermatology Asheton is our point of contact for representatives and vendors and ensures that our practice is ran efficiently in order to help our healthcare professionals and staff provide our patients with the best care possible.

When she’s not in the office, Asheton spends her time staying involved with the communities she loves. She is currently the chapter advisor for Chi Omega at MTSU, active member of both Rutherford Cable and RutherfordHeart Ball Late Party Committee, and volunteers at a local school in her North Nashville Neighborhood of Germantown. In addition, she has served as a past Athena Young Professional Judge and 2016 Common Wealth Society member.

“I love living in a welcoming and safe community in Nashville that continues to evolve, but still has a great deal of diversity amongst its neighbors. I am fortunate to live downtown and be able to commute to Murfreesboro for work. I get the best of both worlds!”

Originally a native of Newport News, Virginia, Betsy graduated from the Riverside School of Professional Nursing in 1994. She brings many years dermatology nursing experience to Stones River Dermatology. Previously, she worked in oncology nursing, mental health nursing, school nursing, and home health care.

Betsy and her husband moved to Tullahoma in 2003. They have one daughter and two dogs. In her spare time, Betsy enjoys knitting, crocheting, and traveling.

Krissy graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2001 with a B.S. in Mass Communications with a double emphasis in Public Relations and Advertising; double minor in Marketing and Psychology. After graduation she worked several years in management including healthcare, before she returned to school to become a Registered Nurse.

She enjoys spending time with her two daughters and husband. Her hobbies include traveling, running, hanging out with friends, family and caring for animals on her farm.

Ashley graduated from Aquinas College in 2007. She has experience working in the Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Neurology, OBGYN and Dermatology departments of her field. Ashley and her husband have three kids, with another on the way. She enjoys spending time at the lake with their boat, watching their oldest daughter play soccer and run track, listening to her 18 year-old son play guitar and watching her 2 year-old daughter develop her own personality. She is looking forward to her new son to arrive!

Wendy graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2004 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing. She has over 10 years experience in Dermatology Nursing. Wendy and her husband have two daughters and call Murfreesboro home.She enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and watching classic movies.

Candice was born and raised in northern Ohio. She has been in the south for the past 18yrs, living in Atlanta, Dallas and has called Murfreesboro her home for the past 12 years. She graduated with her associates in nursing in 2013 from Motlow State Community college. She has experience in Maternal Newborn, Plastic Surgery and Dermatology.

Candice resides in Murfreesboro with her husband of 20yrs, two kids and her goldendoodle. During her free time she loves to travel and stays busy watching her kids play baseball and cheer.

As a new resident of Murfreesboro, I am enjoying what the community has to offer. I graduated from Columbia State Community College with my Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree and am excited to be working in the field of Dermatology. My plan is to further my knowledge and career in Dermatology as well as getting married in the fall.

My passion is to make an impact on people’s lives and give them hope. In my free time, I love implementing Bible studies, being with family and friends, and painting.

Born and raised in Centerville, Ohio, Malea started her career as a CNA while going to school to become a NRCMA. She finished her Bachelors Degree a few years later in Health Care Management. She has experience in Orthopaedics and Dermatology.

She left Ohio in 2000 with her husband who, at the time, was active duty Air Force. They have lived in England, Colorado, South Dakota, and Texas. They have four children-a souvenir from each duty station and settled in Tennessee in 2015. She enjoys hiking, baking, gardening, cats and all things purple!

Miriam graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2012 with a Bachelors degree in Biology with a concentration in Bio-tech and minor in Chemistry. She has 3 years of experience in lab work.

Miriam lives with her husband, and 2 children. On her time off she loves to spend time with family and friends. She also, loves to go on beach vacations and travel around the world to see family.

Yvonne comes to Stones River Dermatology after a 15-year career in transfusion medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Yvonne met her husband while attending university on a tennis scholarship at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Medical Technology with a minor in Biology. Yvonne is the proud mother of three amazing children and enjoys playing tennis and golf in her free time.

Debbie holds a Merchandising /Marketing degree and worked as a Gift Buyer for a small pharmacy for 12 years. She is originally from Owatonna, MN and moved to Hilton Head Island where she met her husband of 30 years, Craig. She then moved to Newnan, GA and lived there for 25 years before relocating to Murfreesboro in 2014.
She raised three boys, which are all Eagle Scouts. Her oldest lives in San Jose, CA. Her middle son is a Pararescue Jumper with the USAF and her youngest is currently attending Middle Tennessee State University studying Aviation and has his pilot’s license. She enjoys hiking, biking, gardening, taking care of her two dogs and exploring Tennessee.

Carrie joins our practice with 20 years of customer service and medical office experience. She brings a warm smile and friendliness to our team! Born and raised in Middle Tennessee, near Nolensville, Carrie attended Antioch High School and Middle Tennessee State University. This year, she’ll be celebrating 16 years of marriage to her wonderful husband. They have two boys that keep them busy with their love of baseball! They also have a fur-baby, Lily May, who loves to go duck-hunting. In her down time, Carrie enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys spending time at the beach or lake!

Valorie Harris Keith was born and raised in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She graduated from Oakland High School and attended Middle Tennessee State University and Motlow Community College. She joined the staff of Stones River Dermatology in August, 2022. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and her dog, Teddy. Anyone who knows her will say, her favorite thing to do is spend time at the beach. She is very passionate about her faith.

August 2022, Dee joined the staff of Stones River Dermatology bringing to the practice 30 years of Customer Service and Medical Administration experience. Natives of Waynesboro, TN, she and husband, Stan, have resided in Rutherford County for 40 years. She and her husband have a son and daughter, three wonderful precious grandchildren, two grand dogs, and their Yorkie, Bella Kate.

Apart from work, Dee enjoys shopping, decorating, the Destin beaches, and spending time with her family. As a Christian, her Faith is a vital part of her daily life.

A life-long resident of Murfreesboro, Lisa Stem graduated from Riverdale High School. She brings over eight years of insurance and billing experience to her position with Stones River Dermatology. She looks forward to serving Stones River Dermatology clients with their insurance and billing questions.

Lisa and her husband have two sons, a daughter-in-law, and three wonderful grandchildren. When not working at Stones River Dermatology, Lisa pursues photography as a hobby.

Amber handles our Billing and Insurance claims. Her primary focus is making sure our patients insurance policies are properly billed and often she communicates directly with our patients to make sure everyone is fully informed.

She was born and raised in Murfreesboro, TN. She graduated from Oakland High School in 2007 and then worked as a receptionist for four years. Amber enjoys watching movies, couponing and spending time with family.