Kortney D. Hightower, MD – Board Certified Dermatologist & Board Certified Mohs Surgeon.
Kortney D. Hightower, M.D. graduated Cum Laude from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. He was a member of Tau Beta Pi, Omega Chi and Phi Lambda Upsilon honor societies. He received his medical degree from the University of South Alabama in 2003. He was the recipient of the Dean’s Award, Outstanding Student in the Anatomical Sciences, Charles M. Baugh Award for Medical Biochemistry, Medical Alumni Leadership Award & the Charles W. Urschel Achievement Award in Physiology. Dr. Hightower completed his Internship and Dermatology Residency at the University of South Florida. He is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Mohs Surgery and the Florida Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Hightower is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Board Certified Mohs Surgeon. Dr. Hightower’s proudest accomplishment is his family.
Donna Moody, APRN-C
After raising a family, Donna attended the University of South Florida in 2003 where she received her degree in Master’s of Science in Nursing. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program. Donna has been practicing since 2003 and with her many years of dermatology experience, she provides comprehensive knowledge for patient specific treatments. She specializes in general dermatology and cosmetics procedures including injectables, fillers, chemical peels and microneedling. Donna joined Hightower Dermatology in 2015 and is passionate about personalized care for her patients.
Tess Lins, APRN-C
Tess was raised on the East Coast of Florida where she attended the Cocoa Beach International Baccalaureate Program and finished as Valedictorian of her class. Tess decided to pursue the medical field at the University of Florida and finished her Bachelors in Nursing degree in just three years. After she attained her Registered Nurse License, she decided to continue her education. She attended the University of South Florida and received her Master’s of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner Degree. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program. Tess has worked in dermatology since 2018 and is passionate about the field. Tess joined Hightower Dermatology in 2020 and is always eager to meet new patients and help them with any medical or cosmetic questions they may have.
Rebecca Leynes, PA-C
In 2003, Rebecca graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health. She furthered her education at the University of Florida and in 2009 graduated with a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies. Rebecca has been in the field of Dermatology since 2009 and loves to educate her patients about their conditions and treatment options to empower them to take part in their care. In her free time, she loves cheering on the Gators and spending time with her 2 small children and her 2 dachshunds!
Kelsey Palhegyi, PA-C
Kelsey grew up in Ft. Lauderdale and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Education and Behavior from the University of Florida in 2019. She then moved to Jacksonville where she trained to become a Physician Assistant at Nova Southeastern University obtaining her Masters degree in Medical Science. She joined a Dermatology practice in Jacksonville and gained extensive experience in Surgical Dermatology and General Dermatology for two years. Kelsey relocated to the Tampa Bay area and joined Hightower Dermatology in 2025. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking new recipes, trying new workout classes & going to the beach (with sunscreen!). Her goals are to educate her patients on how to protect their skin and feel their most confident!
