Meet Your Cardiology Team

About Julie Bentley

Julie joined Karing Hearts Cardiology in August 2011, a few short months after Dr. Schoondyke opened his private practice. She is a graduate of Milligan College where she received her Bachelor of Science in nursing (2003), magna cum laude. After working as a registered nurse (RN) in the emergency department of Duke University Medical Center, Julie received a full scholarship to the University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill where she completed her Master of Science in nursing in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program (2008). She then moved back to Tennessee and began her career as a nurse practitioner at Heart and Vascular, where she trained and worked with Dr. Schoondyke before joining him at Karing Hearts Cardiology.

Early in her healthcare career, Julie developed a passion for cardiac care in the front lines of the Emergency Department. She was excited to take her experience back to her hometown in East Tennessee and work as a nurse practitioner in a cardiac specialty where she would continue to learn and grow.

Julie loves cardiology, in part, because it is a field that is constantly advancing, offering new and improved therapies that can not only save lives but also, in many instances, improve quality of life for patients and their families. She has a special interest in the management of heart failure but enjoys and has an interest in all aspects of general cardiology practice.

Outside of work, Julie enjoys days spent outdoors with her family and friends, especially at the lake. She and her family also have a love for international travel. Whether it is a day at the hospital, the office or a leisurely day off, Julie likes to start her morning with a good cup of coffee.

About April Reece

April, one of our nurse practitioners, joined Karing Hearts Cardiology in March 2017. April is a native of Elizabethton, Tennessee and continues to reside there. In 2009, she graduated from Milligan College with her Bachelor of Science in nursing. She then worked as a registered nurse (RN) in the emergency room and intensive care unit (ICU) at Johnson City Medical Center and Sycamore Shoals Hospital. In 2015, April received her Master of Science in nursing (family nurse practitioner) from East Tennessee State University. After, she worked as a hospitalist in internal medicine before joining the Karing Hearts Cardiology family. She provides professional cardiology care for men and women of all ages; her special interests focus on atrial fibrillation and preventative cardiac testing.

She is an active member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). April, her husband, Aaron, and their son, Dawson, enjoy camping and cruising. She also enjoys riding alongside Aaron on their many motorcycle adventures.

About Whitney Pyles

Whitney has been with Karing Hearts Cardiology since 2013. After working most of her nursing career in inpatient cardiology and in the cath lab at Johnson City Medical Center, she transitioned to Karing Hearts Cardiology to work in outpatient cardiology. She worked as a registered nurse (RN) fulfilling many roles Karing Hearts Cardiology had to offer, including clinic leader. She is a 2008 graduate of Milligan College where she received her Bachelor of Science in nursing. She then decided to continue her education and obtained her Master of Science in nursing (a family nurse practitioner) from King University in 2017.

She grew up in Asheville, North Carolina but after graduating from Milligan College and meeting her husband, Seth, they settled down in Jonesborough, Tennessee. They are the loving parents of their son, Rowan, and love to spend time with extended family, playing cards or board games, camping and doing whatever their son wants to do.

Whitney’s clinical interests include coronary artery disease, specifically post-myocardial infarction and percutaneous coronary intervention, focused on overall health and risk factor modification and prevention. She looks forward to serving the Tri-Cities.

About Alisha Houseright

Alisha is originally from Kingsport, TN. She graduated from Milligan University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, magna cum laude. During her nursing career she worked cardiovascular intensive care unit at Johnson City Medical Center (JCMC) andMission Hospital in Asheville, as well as neuro/trauma intensive care unit at Holston Valley Medical Center (HVMC) and Fort Sanders Hospital in Knoxville.

She graduated with her Master of Science in nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner from Chamberlain University in 2022 and excitedly joined the Karing Hearts Team.

Before she even began her healthcare career, Alisha had a passion for cardiology. She is close to her grandfather who has heart failure, which lead her to start researching the cardiovascular system. When she started her nursing journey, she always loved learning about the heart, and focused on cardiology in much of her career. She loves caring for patients and finds that she can empathize with them and their families and finds it rewarding.She lives in Kingsport with her three beautiful girls.

Outside of work she enjoys activities with her children, yoga, time with family and friends, and warm sunny days.

About Leah Morgan

Raised in the picturesque landscapes of East Tennessee, Leah Morgan discovered an early passion for healthcare that has shaped her remarkable career. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Tennessee State University, graduating magna cum laude in 2012, Leah began her professional journey as a surgical/trauma ICU nurse at Bristol Regional Medical Center.

Over the course of a decade, she built a strong foundation in critical care, transitioning seamlessly into cardiac ICU nursing and later taking on a dynamic role in the Emergency Room.

Eager to deepen her expertise, Leah pursued a Master of Science in Nursing at King University, earning her APRN license in the spring of 2020. For the past three years, she has served as a hospitalist nurse practitioner at JCMC. In April 2024, Leah proudly joined Karing Hearts to specialize in cardiology, a field she considers her true calling. Through this specialty, she is committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients within the community and beyond.

Dedicated to addressing diverse patient needs, Leah finds immense fulfillment in her work, from providing outpatient clinic care to delivering postoperative support in the ICU. Her passion for improving lives drives her unwavering dedication to the healthcare field.

Outside of her professional role, Leah remains deeply connected to her East Tennessee roots and the natural beauty of the mountains. She enjoys attending sporting events, concerts, and music festivals, as well as participating in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, camping, traveling, boating, and fishing. Above all, Leah treasures time spent with her three children, aged 10, 9, and 4, creating adventures and lasting memories together.

About George Fredericks

George Fredericks brings a diverse educational background and a deep passion for cardiology to his practice. He earned his Master of Science in Nursing from East Tennessee State University, complemented by degrees in philosophy and comparative religion, which contribute to his holistic approach to patient care.

George’s journey in healthcare began in cardiology, and his passion for the field has remained unwavering. Driven by a desire to positively impact the health of his community, he approaches his role with dedication and compassion, striving to make a meaningful difference in every patient’s life.

Outside of work, George enjoys spending time on the water, whether sailing or paddling a canoe. An avid gardener and lifelong learner, he studies astronomy and delves into the complexities of cosmology with great enthusiasm.

George has been happily married for over 25 years and is the proud father of three adult children. His family also includes a lovable bulldog, two lively cockatiels, and an ever-growing collection of fish.

About Ryan K. Judson

Ryan K. Judson is a dedicated and compassionate Nurse Practitioner with 15 years of experience in cardiology. Ryan began a nursing career at Johnson City Medical Center in the Medical/Surgical ICU, sharpening critical care skills as a Registered Nurse. After earning an MSN/ANP from Vanderbilt University in 2010, Ryan committed their practice to delivering high-quality cardiac care.

Drawn to cardiology for its unique blend of complex medicine and direct patient impact, Ryan approaches each case with advanced clinical knowledge, compassion, and precision. Thriving in fast-paced settings where every moment matters, Ryan remains focused on making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families.

Guided by a patient-centered philosophy, Ryan provides care that is both evidence-based and empathetic. Building strong therapeutic relationships, creating a safe and supportive environment, and empowering patients to take an active role in their healthcare decisions are central to Ryan’s approach.

Outside of work, Ryan enjoys exploring new places, traveling, and spending quality time with loved ones—experiences that enrich life and inform a practice rooted in curiosity, compassion, and dedication.