Welcoming Erica Stephenson, WHNP-BC, to The Center for Advanced Gynecology

We're delighted to introduce the newest member of our care team. Erica Stephenson, a board-certified Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, will be joining the Center for Advanced Gynecology on September 28.

Erica brings more than a decade of experience caring for women at every stage of life, along with a philosophy that fits naturally with how we practice: making sure patients feel listened to and heard.

A Virginian who came home to Charlottesville

A native Virginian, Erica earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia and began her career as an oncology nurse in northern Virginia. She later earned her Master's degree as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and has been working in obstetrics and gynecology since 2014. Her path into the profession started early, and close to home.

"My pediatrician growing up was actually a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I always felt well cared for, safe, and listened to during my visits with her. I had wanted a career in medicine from a young age, but it wasn't until I took classes in UVA's School of Nursing that it became clear this path would let me make a meaningful impact on my patients in a way that felt authentic to me."

Today she's glad to call Charlottesville home and to care for women in her own community.

Why Women's Health

Erica's focus on women's health grew out of her own experience as a young patient, a time that taught her how much it matters to have a clinician with the right expertise in your corner.

"I'm fascinated by the unique physiology of women's bodies and the hormonal shifts that occur across the lifespan. From puberty through the reproductive years, perimenopause, and menopause, these transitions bring changing physical and often emotional health needs. Supporting women through them, helping them feel informed, empowered, and cared for, can have a transformative impact on their quality of life."

That interest has shaped her clinical focus. Erica will be focusing on chronic pelvic pain, painful and heavy periods, menopause care, alongside the full range of gynecologic services we offer.

Areas of Expertise

Erica is board-certified as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner and is a member of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health and the International Pelvic Pain Society. As part of the Center for Advanced Gynecology she will work closely with Dr. Barron caring for patients with:

Evidence-based Care, and Cutting Through the Noise

Anyone who has fallen into a social media rabbit hole about hormones, birth control, or fertility knows how much conflicting information is out there. Helping patients sort through it is one of Erica's favorite parts of the job.

"I'm passionate about patient education and evidence-based medicine, and I enjoy helping patients navigate the health myths and misconceptions they encounter on social media. I believe knowledge is power, and I love empowering my patients with accurate information so they can feel confident in their health decisions."

She's equally committed to staying current on advances in women's health, so the guidance you get reflects where the evidence actually stands.

What To Expect at Your Visit

Erica describes her approach as collaborative, and she means it literally.

"I truly listen, and I believe in a partnered approach to care. I want to understand each patient's concerns, goals, and what matters most to them. I want patients to feel comfortable sharing, asking questions, and being an active part of the decision-making. Together, we can make informed decisions that best support their health and well-being."

This approach pays off over time. Erica especially enjoys following patients across the years and through different seasons of life, building the kind of long-term relationships that make care easier and more personal.

Outside the Office

When she isn't seeing patients, Erica is usually outdoors or on the move: hiking, horseback riding, tackling home improvement projects, and traveling with her young family. She's also a registered yoga teacher with a steady personal practice.

"I want my patients to know that I'm a real person, too. Navigating healthcare can feel overwhelming, and I hope to bring warmth, authenticity, and partnership to every interaction. Yoga has taught me the importance of being present, staying grounded, and approaching life with compassion, principles I carry into how I care for my patients."

Schedule with Erica

Erica begins seeing patients on September 28 and is welcoming new patients at our Charlottesville office.

Center for Advanced Gynecology
300 Hickman Rd., Suite 301, Charlottesville, VA 22911
(434) 234-4903

New to the practice? Start with Become a Patient, then review our patient forms, insurance and fees before your first visit. Questions about what to expect? Our FAQs cover the basics.

Whether you're due for a well-woman visit, weighing contraception options, struggling with pelvic pain or difficult periods, or starting to notice the changes of perimenopause, Erica would be glad to meet you.