Starla joined the staff at Grace in 2026 following a career as a lung specialist for children. She has been part of the Grace Church movement since 2000 and, along with her husband Bob, has been involved with various ministries at the church including Life Group leading and coaching, and teaching classes and Bible studies. Her years of training and working as a doctor were a big part of how the Lord shaped her and prepared her for her role at Akron East. She gets to use a lot of the same skills—listening, learning, caring, relying on the Lord—in her new role that she honed in her prior career. She loves that God changed the setting but not the calling, which has always been to love Jesus and love others.

Starla and Bob love to spend time hiking in the Metro Parks or exploring small towns and finding bookshops and coffee shops (bonus if they are combined). Traveling to visit family and friends is a big priority during vacations. When home, Starla’s preferred relaxation is a good cup of Earl Grey and a good book in a shady spot on a sunny day.