TEAM MEMBERS
Maple Mae, MASCOT
What can we say, Dachshund's rule?!?!
I mean, Maple is our girl! She will either greet you enthusiastically, or not at all. Maple, was born In January of 2026, and is supposed to be the office support dog. However, she's just like all humans and has days where she really appreciates humans, and then she don't. But I encourage you to come by and see her! She is quite the star! And she is awfully cute!
Dr. Eric Hart
Dr. Hart, MD began practicing in Hickory, North Carolina in 1992 joining his father's well established practice of family medicine. As a Family Physician focused on early identification and intervention of patients with high risk and chronic diseases, he delivers much needed acute and chronic care to patients.
Dr. Hart received his undergraduate and medical degree from UNC at Chapel Hill with honors. He completed his training in family medicine at the University of Missouri where he was chief resident.
Dr. Hart is married and has three grown children, a new grandchild and his favorite dog "Millie". He is a member of many community organizations in Hickory.
Sonya Suttle, DNP, FNP-C
Sonya Suttle, DNP, FNP-C is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner from Morganton, North Carolina. She began her healthcare career at Grace Hospital in 1993 as a nursing assistant. In 1998, she graduated as a Registered Nurse and spent 20 years working in acute care before becoming a Nurse Practitioner in January 2018.
Sonya is deeply passionate about providing compassionate, patient-centered care. She believes in partnering with her patients and encourages them to take an active role in their healthcare journey. Her goal is to provide both firm guidance and compassionate support to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
She holds a Certificate in Obesity Medicine from the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) and is certified in both medical and cosmetic Botox treatments through the American Academy of Facial Esthetics.
In her spare time, Sonya enjoys spending time with her family, reading, painting, and caring for her many dogs—including Maple Mae, the office mascot. She is married to her husband, Kirk, and together they have two wonderful children, Keltie and Sam, who keep them busy and bring great joy to their lives.
Caroline Carpenter, LPN
Caroline is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at Hart Family Practice and has been a valued member of the team for four years. She has worked as a nurse for the past three years and is passionate about providing compassionate care to her patients.
Outside of work, Caroline enjoys spending time with her loving husband, preparing to welcome their beautiful baby girl, and caring for their beloved fur baby, Marley Grace. In her free time, she cherishes time with family and is dedicated to growing and strengthening her faith.
Bobbie-Jean Clark, Front Office
Bobbie-Jean has served as a Medical Assistant at Hart Family Practice since May 2019. Dedicated to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care, she is committed to serving her community and supporting families in achieving their healthcare goals.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Bobbie-Jean enjoys spending time with her husband and their two daughters on the family farm, where they care for cows and chickens. Her interests include swimming, hiking, gardening, and undertaking home improvement projects. Whether in the clinic or at home, she values diligence, family, and fostering meaningful relationships within her community.
Stephanie Hendershot, Billing
Stephanie Hendershot joined Hart Family Practice in 2007 and serves as the practice’s Insurance Coordinator, bringing extensive experience in medical billing and coding. She is passionate about helping patients understand their insurance benefits and ensuring efficient, accurate billing services. Stephanie is married and the mother of two boys. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, hiking and spending time outdoors,and supporting her son compete in baseball.
Sharon Laughridge, Aledade
Sharon is the quiet one of the group, so quiet you would think she was a mouse! She works in a corner in the office, slaving away to make sure we meet our goals in caring for you. She probably has the most underrated position but many of you have heard from her about your screenings. She makes sure you are staying on top of your healthcare. She is a true superstar of our organization!
Donna Summerlin, Office Manager
Hart Family Practice has been like a family to her throughout the years. She first began working at the practice in the late 1980s alongside Dr. Bob Hart, Dr. Welch, and Dr. Abernethy. After leaving for approximately five years to work closer to home while raising her children, she returned in 2000 as Practice Manager, working alongside Dr. Eric Hart.
Over the years, she has witnessed many changes and milestones within the practice and has had the privilege of sharing in the stories and lives of countless patients and staff members. These relationships and experiences have made her time at Hart Family Practice especially meaningful.
Today, she is excited to be part of the continued growth of the practice under the leadership of Sonya Suttle, DNP, FNP-C. As Hart Family Practice welcomes new faces and embraces positive change, she hopes the practice will always remain genuine, compassionate, and committed to the values that have made it such a special place for generations of patients and staff.