We’re a small group who each has a devoted interest in our patients and their families. We care enough to always seek the best treatment for the best outcome, even if it’s something new. We treat everyone who we think we can help, regardless of age or background. Though, we are especially dedicated to the challenges and needs of children and adolescents.
We use both traditional and non-traditional approaches to treatment. However, all of our treatments are based on solid science, research and personal experience. We believe the patients we treat deserve to have hope, no matter their situation. In the general world of psychology we are often seen as leading edge individuals. But then, all our patients are individuals too, so we like it that way.
We’re eager to discover more about you. So, we encourage you to discover more about each of us too.
Dr. Fred Starr, M.D.
Carly McNeill, MSN, NP
Carrie Gilmore
Jennifer Hernandez
Dr. Fred Starr, M.D.
Founding Psychiatrist
Being a psychiatrist is the coolest job in the world. I am blessed with the opportunity to help people alter the course of their lives for the greater good. I believe anyone can feel and function better than they are right now. I enjoy everything I do, and always try to let people know how happy I am to be here.
One day, many years ago, while working as a substance abuse counselor in New York, I met this Child Psychiatrist. He seemed to have a great time doing his job and we talked frequently. He told me stories about how you become dumber when you become a doctor. He suggested that the more specialized a doctor you are, the dumber you are likely to be. But then he said the only doctor that was not dumbed down was a psychiatrist, because they knew so little about medicine.
He told me that I should become a psychiatrist. Now, almost 20 years later, I owe him my gratitude for not becoming dumb.
Thanks Dr. Ewing.
I grew up in New Jersey, and attended Syracuse University for my undergraduate education. Syracuse was cold, really cold. And, there was not very good skiing. I liked skiing. But, since I couldn’t ski, I studied biology. After graduating from Syracuse, I went to Columbia University School of Graduate Studies and worked in Dr. Kandell’s lab investigating Neurobiology. After leaving Columbia and working as a substance abuse counselor at Daytop Village, I applied to medical school.
After graduating from New Jersey Medical in 1999, I completed an adult psychiatry residency at Boston University Medical Center. This was followed by a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
I started 17th Avenue Psychiatry in 2004 as an answer to the medical mill that slowly led me to hate the profession I had dedicated so much time and effort to. Once I was even told by my attending physicians at Vanderbilt to diagnose more Bipolar Disorder. (Was there a surplus in the back room?) This was the spark that started the explosion that we hope will change the way psychiatry is practiced.
For fun, I like to windsurf, ski, practice yoga, meditate, spend time with my boys, cook, and study the brain.
Carly McNeill
MSN, Nurse Practitioner
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Vanderbilt University in 2001. I went on to receive my Master’s of Science in Nursing with a speciality in Child/Adolescent Psychiatry from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. I am board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
I went into nursing with the hope of providing hope and encouragement to those who are struggling not with a physical illness but with a mental one. I conceptualize my role as a nurse practitioner as two fold. One, to establish a proper diagnosis that will guide individuals and their families toward a clearer understanding and acceptance of themselves as an individual. Secondly, as an agent of change through education, counseling, nutritional support, and medication.
My area of interest and expertise is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, particularly in women and girls, and eating disorders. I utilize both cognitive behavioral and coaching techniques to help my patients optimize their strengths and separate their sense of self from a diagnosis.
I joined 17th Avenue Psychiatry in 2006. I am a native of Rhode Island but have called Nashville my home for 11 years. My interests outside the office are running, photography, scrapbooking and spending time with family and friends.
Carrie Gilmore
Medical Administrative Assistant
I was born in Nashville and am a graduate of Harpeth Hall School. I attended college in Boston and lived there for 6 years. I am a graduate of Boston University, holding degrees in Psychology, Philosophy, and French. I am currently pursuing a certificate in Integrative Nutrition and Health Counseling from Columbia University. I believe strongly in natural healthcare and an integrative approach to physical and mental health. I am thrilled to be a part of 17AP. I also love yoga, dance, reading, writing, nature, and my dog Bodhi.
Jennifer Hernandez
Medical Administrative Assistant
I have lived in Nashville all of my life. I graduated from Beech High School in Hendersonville and then went on to attend Lipscomb University, where I majored in Art. Now I'm enrolled in classes at IADT to finish my degree in Interior Design. I'm very excited to be a part of the 17AP team and learning about all of the various methods of therapy. When not at work I enjoy spending time with friends and family, listening to ALL kinds of music, working out, and hanging out with my cats, Putin and Gandalf the Orange. I'm actually the only cat person of the group.
Josie (the office dog)
Canine Best Friend