Behavioral Health

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

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

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!

Nancy Granger, LICSW

Heidi Weiss, PMHNP-BC

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

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