Stress, family challenges, mental health issues, substance misuse and economic insecurities can play a big role in your overall health and well-being. Integrated behavioral health services are offered at all our primary care locations. And our behavioral health providers work in close partnership with you and your health care team, led by your primary care provider, to address the physical, behavioral and emotional aspects of your overall health.

North Star Behavioral Health offers in-office consultations, screening and assessment, brief behavioral health interventions, stress management, psycho-educational skills training and development, and referral services to specialty mental health practitioners when needed. Services are available to all North Star Health patients as part of their overall care.

Services

  • Solution Focused Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Adult and Pediatric Medication Consultations
  • Parenting Consultations
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Behavioral Therapies
  • Substance Use Disorder Treatments

How can interventions help?

Short-term support (1-4 meetings) is an important step to addressing behavioral health concerns. These can take place at the time of a primary care visit or during separately scheduled visits. Our behavioral health consultants typically do not provide ongoing psychotherapy services; rather, they connect patients with additional resources and support within their communities or facilitate referrals for more in-depth, specialized services when needed.

Locations

      My Care Team

      Adam M. Ameele, PsyD, DipACLM

      Kristen Hurd, PsyD

      Theodore Miller, MD

      Claire Venman-Clay, PMHNP-BC

      Deborah Harrison O’Brien, LICSW

      Merryl Pauly, MSW, LICSW

      Sarah Wimbiscus, LICSW
      Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor

      Sandra Cotter, LMHC, LADC

      Anna White, LICSW

      Cynthia Mowry, LICSW
      Licensed Clinical Social Worker

      Nancy Granger, LICSW
      Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

      Heidi Weiss, PMHNP-BC
      Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

      Samantha Bondaryk, PMHNP-BC
      PsyD

      Samantha Rotay, PsyD

      Adam M. Ameele, PsyD, DipACLM

      Location:
      Springfield Health Center

      Education:
      Psy.D., Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology
      Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, Master of Arts, Professional Psychology
      University of California Davis, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Spanish
      University of California Abroad Program, La Universidad de Carlos Tercero, Madrid, Spain

      Internship:
      Massachusetts General Hospital – Psychology
      Chelsea HealthCare Center and Learning and Emotional Assessment Program – Teaching Hospital of Harvard Medical School, MA

      Kristen Hurd, PsyD

      Theodore Miller, MD

      Locations:
      Telehealth only

      Education:
      MD, Oregon Health Sciences University

      Residency:
      University of Vermont School of Medicine, Psychiatry Residency

      Internship:
      The Institute of Living, Hartford, CT

      Experience:
      Franklin Medical Center, MA, Staff Psychiatrist
      Brattleboro Retreat, Staff Psychiatrist
      UBC Pacific Gateway Hospital, OR, Medical Director
      Caremark Behavioral Health Services, OR, Clinical Director of Chemical Dependence Treatment Services
      Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester, NH, Clinical Director, Drug and Alcohol Services
      Lakeshore Hospital, NH, Staff Psychiatrist

      Membership:
      Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
      Diplomate, National Board of Medical Examiners

      Clinical Interests:
      Chemical dependence, mood and impulse control disorders

      Claire Venman-Clay, PMHNP-BC

      Location
      Springfield Health Center

      Education
      Frontier Nursing University
      Post-Graduate Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), 2022

      Frontier Nursing University
      Master of Science in Nursing, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP), 2012

      Clinical Specialties
      Behavioral Health
      Women’s Health

      Area of Clinical Interest
      Women’s Health

      Philosophy of Care
      My approach to care is to connect with people and meet them where they’re at. Developing a client-led treatment plan that addresses their mental health concerns is a good first step in helping them move forward.

      About Me
      I’m a native Vermonter. I was drawn to the healthcare field because it allows me to use my strong interpersonal skills and empathic nature in service to others. In my down time, I enjoy hanging out with my dogs, taking walks and cooking.

      Favorite Quote
      “Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.” -Unknown

      Deborah Harrison O’Brien, LICSW

      Locations
      School-Based Services
      Springfield Health Center

      Education
      Salem State University (formerly Salem State College), MA
      Master of Social Work (MSW), 1993

      Clinical Specialties
      Children/Families

      Areas of Clinical Interest
      Teens/young adults, LGBTQ+, Substance Use/Abuse, Trauma

      Philosophy of Care
      I have been trained and used throughout my career a strengths based, systems based approach. What this means is I believe that all people have the basic desire for a safe, healthy and happy life, and my job is to give them space to develop what that means for them. I believe people do the best they can, and I hope to assist in developing awareness and skills, connections and hope in order to overcome any barriers to living their best life.

      About Me
      I grew up in a family of nurses, and I knew I wanted to help people, but couldn’t deal with the sight of blood! So being a social worker seemed like a perfect fit – and still seems like a perfect fit! I’m originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts but moved to Vermont 25 years ago. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, including two Siberian Huskies, being outside, reading, and eating good food!

      Favorite Quote
      “Promise me you will always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter
      than you think and loved more than you will ever know.”       Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh -A.A. Milne

      Merryl Pauly, MSW, LICSW

      Locations:
      Charlestown Health Center, School-Based Clinics @ Elm Hill School & Union Street School

      Specialties: Behavioral Health

      Education:
      Smith College School for Social Work, Master of Social Work, 2012
      Lasell College, Bachelor of Science, Psychology, 2008

      Experience:
      Massachusetts General Hospital, Clinical Social Worker Neuroscience ICU – 2019-2020
      Massachusetts General Hospital, Clinical Social Worker Inpatient Psychiatric Unit – 2011-2016
      Y.O.U. Inc. Gardner Family Center, In-Home Therapist & Therapeutic Mentor – 2010-2011
      Wellpath Inc., Child Care Worker – 2009-2009
      Walker Home and School, Teachers Assistant – 2008-2009
      Walker Home and School, Child Care Worker – 2007-2008

      Licensure and Memberships:
      Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker – MA, VT, NH

      Sarah Wimbiscus, LICSW

      Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor

      Sandra Cotter, LMHC, LADC

      Anna White, LICSW

      Location

      Mountain Valley Health Center

      Education
      University of Maryland School of Social Work- MSW

      Clinical Specialties
      Behavioral Therapies
      Trauma
      Motivational Interviewing
      LGBTQ-Affirmative Care
      Family Systems
      Strengths Based

      Areas of Clinical Interest
      Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
      Child and Adolescent
      Adults
      Seniors
      Caregiver Support

      Philosophy of Care
      I approach patients with a strengths-based lens. Whether I am working with individuals, couples, or families, I believe meeting people where they are and creating a safe space to explore and identify challenges, needs, and goals.

      About Me
      I grew up in Vermont, moved away to attend college, and recently returned back to the area with my family. I love adventuring and traveling with my family, hiking with my pup, skiiing, floating in lakes and rivers, reading, gardening, and pretending to be crafty.

      Favorite Quote
      “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” Dolly Parton

      Cynthia Mowry, LICSW

      Location
      Mountain Valley Health Center
      Springfield Health Center

      Education
      Simmons University- MSW 2021

      Clinical Specialties
      Stress and Health Issues
      PTSD
      Anxiety
      Depression

      Areas of Clinical Interest
      Mindfulness
      Nature-based

      Philosophy of Care
      My goal is to help patients improve how they feel. This may be helping them make a behavior change, using newly learned skills, or processing an unresolved issue. I see behavioral health as a spoke in the wheel of overall health. When out of balance, life gets bumpy. I am here to support patients as they gain insight and develop goals, while offering the tools to balance and improve their well being.

      About Me
      I grew up in Vermont and have lived in New England the majority of my life. I am an outdoor enthusiast and love biking, hiking, running, walking the dog. I am a nature fanatic!

      Licensed Clinical Social Worker

      Nancy Granger, LICSW

      Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

      Heidi Weiss, PMHNP-BC

      Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

      Samantha Bondaryk, PMHNP-BC

      Location
      Ludlow Health Center
      Springfield Health Center

      Education
      Bachelors of Science in Nursing – University of Pennsylvania, 2012
      Masters of Science in Nursing – Boston College, 2018
      Post-Masters Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health – Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2022

      Clinical Specialties
      Mood Disorders
      Eating Disorders

      Areas of Clinical Interest
      Bipolar disorder
      Mental wellness and Spirituality
      The effect of smartphones on mental health

      Philosophy of Care
      I believe that mental health and physical health are inextricably intertwined, and because of this every one of us is susceptible to mental illness. Many people find seeking psychiatric help to be taboo, but the more we talk about it and normalize it, the healthier our communities will be. There is no shame in seeking help, and you are not alone.

      About Me
      I knew I wanted to be a nurse practitioner since I was 17 going off to college. Growing up with a dietitian as a mom and a biochemist as a dad, I felt like healthcare was the obvious choice for me. Having worked before at an FQHC in Boston, North Star felt like the perfect fit, because I know that when a community can receive all of its care in one place — and not have to worry about the cost — the community thrives. I’ve lived most of my life in the Boston suburbs, and I moved to the area to come work for North Star. I was looking for a different pace of life and I have definitely found it here. I play an orchestral instrument called the oboe. Before I moved here, I was in an orchestra called Me2/ that was created for people with mental illnesses and those who support them. I’m looking for opportunities here to continue playing! While I don’t have a pet of my own, I love dogs and have plans to volunteer for a local shelter on weekends.

      Favorite Quote
      “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

      PsyD

      Samantha Rotay, PsyD

      Location
      Ludlow Health Center
      Springfield Health Center
      School-Based Health Services

      Education
      Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology. Antioch University New England. 2024

      Clinical Specialties
      Clinical Psychology

      Areas of Clinical Interest
      Human Sexuality
      Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
      Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

      Philosophy of Care
      I work as a Humanistic and Relational Clinician, meaning the patient and their comfort levels come first. Using tools from DBT and CBT, I support people in communicating more effectively, regulating their emotions, and advocating for themselves! I believe in order to help patients most effectively, it is important to focus on each person as a whole. As a psychologist in the healthcare profession, I can consider all aspects of a patient’s life (physical, mental, emotional, sexual, social, and spiritual health) in order to offer the best and most informed care I can.

      About Me
      I love being outdoors anything, specifically hiking, camping, backpacking or a calm day on the lake. I am also very crafty, so I always have at least one long term project going that I work on in the evenings. Otherwise, I love traveling, spending time with the people I care about, and of course cuddling with my cat, Phoebe and dog, Rango!

      Favorite Quote
      Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear