Starr Regional Medical Center is welcoming the new year with the arrival of its first baby of 2026. The baby girl, Taeva Montanna Wilson, was born Saturday, January 3, to parents Michelle Ward and Eric Wilson. She weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces and measured 19 inches.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the first baby born at Starr Regional Medical Center in 2026. For more than 50 years, we’ve had the honor of supporting families through one of life’s most cherished milestones,” said Deborah Vaughn, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer. “Our dedicated team of nurses, physicians, and pediatric specialists provides personalized, compassionate care in a family-centered environment—helping mothers feel confident, supported, and empowered throughout their birthing experience.”

Starr Regional Medical Center’s Women’s & Children’s Services department provides comprehensive care for labor, delivery and postpartum recovery. Families benefit from private patient rooms, updated security measures and a dedicated clinical team trained to support mothers and newborns at every stage. The department continues to enhance its offerings and looks forward to introducing several new services in 2026.

“We have an exceptional team committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment for mothers and babies,” said Matthew Marstin, DO, OB/GYN. “Helping families in our community welcome their newest additions is one of our greatest honors.”

To celebrate being the first baby born at Starr Regional Medical Center in 2026, the family received several gifts, including a handmade quilt created by the Heritage Quilt Guild; gift cards from Athens Pediatrics, PLLC and Covenant Pediatrics; a gift from the McMinn County Education Foundation; and a gift basket of infant care items from Starr Regional Medical Center.

Starr Regional Medical Center’s Women’s & Children’s Services department is located at 1114 West Madison Ave., Athens. To learn more or schedule an appointment, please call 423.744.3280.

Pictured above (left to right) are Janet Brown and Laura Rickerson, members of the Heritage Quilt Guild; Deborah Vaughn, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer; Michelle Ward and Taeva Wilson; Courtney Presswood, RN, and Moriah Rue, RN, Women’s and Children’s Services nurses; and John McLain, Chief Executive Officer.