Our Team
Hello! Music City Peds is a small private practice, founded in Fall of 2016 by Caitlin Rissler, who started practicing in the developmental-behavioral pediatric specialty in early 2013. Kyli Whitehead joined our team in Fall of 2023 and adds a very useful perspective from her experience in pediatric developmental neurology. Ally Bateman joined us in Fall of 2025 and has many years of experience working in developmental pediatrics, with specific expertise in medication management. As pediatric nurse practitioners with a shared passion for helping clients and families live more fulfilling lives and staying up-to-date with evidence-based research, our providers make a great clinical team and often collaborate to enhance client outcomes.
Caitlin Rissler
MSN, RN, CPNP-PC, PMHS
Caitlin is a developmental-behavioral nurse practitioner who specializes in caring for children and adolescents with developmental, learning, behavioral, or mental health concerns.
Caitlin’s clinical style is personable, empathetic, direct, and thorough.
Her expertise stemmed from a passion for autism spectrum disorders and evolved, through education and experience, to encompass other diagnoses such as ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, and many others. She also possesses the unique ability to piece together symptoms that do not fit into a clear-cut diagnostic category, and she addresses the complexities of the individual rather than isolated concerns.
She understands the importance of creating personalized treatment plans and values collaboration with parents, schools, and other providers involved in the client’s care.
Caitlin is a Nashville native and is honored to serve the greater Nashville area through her pediatric practice. She is a mother of 3, a coffee connoisseur (just kidding – ANY coffee will do!), Preds fan (It’s all your fault!), Vandy fan (Anchor Down!). She enjoys the outdoors, especially in the fall, hiking and jogging.
- Earned Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Vanderbilt University
- Served as ambassador for Vanderbilt’s Next Step program, helping students with intellectual or developmental disabilities develop social and life skills in a college setting
- Earned Masters of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt School of Nursing
- Completed supplementary Masters program, Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program
- Trained at Vanderbilt Center for Child Development
- Board certified as a pediatric nurse practitioner and as a pediatric mental health specialist
- Started developmental pediatrics department for Novant Health in Charlotte, NC in 2013
- Founded Music City Peds in Nashville in 2016
Caitlin Rissler
MSN, RN, CPNP-PC, PMHS
Caitlin is a developmental-behavioral nurse practitioner who specializes in caring for children and adolescents with developmental, learning, behavioral, or mental health concerns.
Caitlin’s clinical style is personable, empathetic, direct, and thorough.
Her expertise stemmed from a passion for autism spectrum disorders and evolved, through education and experience, to encompass other diagnoses such as ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, and many others. She also possesses the unique ability to piece together symptoms that do not fit into a clear-cut diagnostic category, and she addresses the complexities of the individual rather than isolated concerns.
She understands the importance of creating personalized treatment plans and values collaboration with parents, schools, and other providers involved in the client’s care.
Caitlin is a Nashville native and is honored to serve the greater Nashville area through her pediatric practice. She is a mother of 3, a coffee connoisseur (just kidding – ANY coffee will do!), Preds fan (It’s all your fault!), Vandy fan (Anchor Down!). She enjoys the outdoors, especially in the fall, hiking and jogging.
- Earned Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Vanderbilt University
- Served as ambassador for Vanderbilt’s Next Step program, helping students with intellectual or developmental disabilities develop social and life skills in a college setting
- Earned Masters of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt School of Nursing
- Completed supplementary Masters program, Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program
- Trained at Vanderbilt Center for Child Development
- Board certified as a pediatric nurse practitioner and as a pediatric mental health specialist
- Started developmental pediatrics department for Novant Health in Charlotte, NC in 2013
- Founded Music City Peds in Nashville in 2016
Kyli Whitehead
DNP, MSN, BSN, CPNP-PC
Kyli is a pediatric nurse practitioner with experience in pediatric neurology, specifically developmental delay and disordered sleep. Kyli loves building relationships with children and families and understands the importance of family-centered care.
Kyli’s clinical style is comprehensive, optimistic, and relatable.
In addition to providing evaluations for developmental delays, autism, ADHD, mood or behavioral concerns, Kyli is skilled at working with parents on effective behavioral strategies and sleep interventions.
Additionally, Kyli teaches pediatric nursing at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and is passionate about education and advocacy for both students and families she helps.
Kyli was born in Michigan but has lived in Nashville since she was 10-years-old. She is a multi-intramural sports’ alum (some may say “collegiate athlete”?) and a loyal Titans’ fan! She has 3 children and a Golden Retriever. She loves hiking, tennis and trying new things with her family.
- Earned Bachelors of Science in Nursing from University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Volunteered with YoungLife Capernaum after college, serving children with intellectual or developmental disabilities
- Earned Masters of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
- Board certified as a pediatric nurse practitioner
- Experienced in pediatric primary care and pediatric neurology, with focuses in developmental delay, migraine, and sleep disorders
- Earned Doctor of Nursing Practice from East Tennessee State University
- Teaches pediatrics as faculty member at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Kyli Whitehead
DNP, MSN, BSN, CPNP-PC
Kyli is a pediatric nurse practitioner with experience in pediatric neurology, specifically developmental delay and disordered sleep. Kyli loves building relationships with children and families and understands the importance of family-centered care.
Kyli’s clinical style is comprehensive, optimistic, and relatable.
In addition to providing evaluations for developmental delays, autism, ADHD, mood or behavioral concerns, Kyli is skilled at working with parents on effective behavioral strategies and sleep interventions.
Additionally, Kyli teaches pediatric nursing at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and is passionate about education and advocacy for both students and families she helps.
Kyli was born in Michigan but has lived in Nashville since she was 10-years-old. She is a multi-intramural sports’ alum (some may say “collegiate athlete”?) and a loyal Titans’ fan! She has 3 children and a Golden Retriever. She loves hiking, tennis and trying new things with her family.
- Earned Bachelors of Science in Nursing from University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Volunteered with YoungLife Capernaum after college, serving children with intellectual or developmental disabilities
- Earned Masters of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
- Board certified as a pediatric nurse practitioner
- Experienced in pediatric primary care and pediatric neurology, with focuses in developmental delay, migraine, and sleep disorders
- Earned Doctor of Nursing Practice from East Tennessee State University
- Teaches pediatrics as faculty member at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Ally Bateman
DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS
Ally is a developmental-behavioral pediatric nurse practitioner with expertise in autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, genetic conditions, and behavioral health concerns. Ally values collaboration with families, schools, and other providers, and is committed to creating care plans that honor each child’s individuality and support them in thriving at home, school, and in the community.
Ally’s clinical style is straightforward, practical, collaborative, and organized.
In addition to her clinical work, Ally is an adjunct faculty member at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, where she teaches courses in health equity and population health. Her research is in disability-inclusive nursing education. She is passionate about preparing future nurses to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care for children with developmental and behavioral needs.
Outside of clinic, Ally is an avid but mediocre tennis player, and enjoys the farmers market and traveling anywhere with good food. She and her husband are raising three children who love the outdoors and never turn down a board game.
- Earned Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
- Completed supplementary master’s-level training in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program
- Trained at the Vanderbilt Center for Child Development
- Board certified as a Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-PC) and additionally certified as a Pediatric Mental Health Specialist (PMHS)
- Practiced in developmental-behavioral pediatrics at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
- Serves as adjunct faculty at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
- Published and presented on developmental disabilities, genetics, and simulation-based education for nursing
- Service roles include subject matter expert for the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board and committee work at Vanderbilt to improve patient care and experience
Ally Bateman
DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS
Ally is a developmental-behavioral pediatric nurse practitioner with expertise in autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, genetic conditions, and behavioral health concerns. Ally values collaboration with families, schools, and other providers, and is committed to creating care plans that honor each child’s individuality and support them in thriving at home, school, and in the community.
Ally’s clinical style is straightforward, practical, collaborative, and organized.
In addition to her clinical work, Ally is an adjunct faculty member at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, where she teaches courses in health equity and population health. Her research is in disability-inclusive nursing education. She is passionate about preparing future nurses to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care for children with developmental and behavioral needs.
Outside of clinic, Ally is an avid but mediocre tennis player, and enjoys the farmers market and traveling anywhere with good food. She and her husband are raising three children who love the outdoors and never turn down a board game.
- Earned Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
- Completed supplementary master’s-level training in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program
- Trained at the Vanderbilt Center for Child Development
- Board certified as a Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-PC) and additionally certified as a Pediatric Mental Health Specialist (PMHS)
- Practiced in developmental-behavioral pediatrics at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
- Serves as adjunct faculty at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
- Published and presented on developmental disabilities, genetics, and simulation-based education for nursing
- Service roles include subject matter expert for the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board and committee work at Vanderbilt to improve patient care and experience
Willa White
Clinic Coordinator
Willa has worked in many areas of healthcare for 10+years. She is an excellent communicator, is very resourceful, is wonderful at generating ideas and solutions, and takes initiative to solve problems efficiently.
Willa White is our invaluable clinic coordinator who works diligently on both clinical and administrative tasks to ensure that our clinic responds efficiently to client requests and provides exceptional care. Her efficiency, commitment to following through with tasks, organization, direct communication, consistency with implementation of policies, and genuine concern for clients’ needs are just some of her strengths that benefit our practice. Even though Willa works part-time, she checks and responds to messages each weekday and demonstrates incredible productivity with the time she dedicates to our practice. We are very appreciative of all she does for Music City Peds!
Willa is a Nashville native, a major foodie and travel connoisseur. She loves hanging out with her son at his sports games and school events. Fall is her favorite season, and she loves reading and yoga!
