Rachel Bruce, MD

Location
Mountain Valley Health Center

Education
Doctor of Medicine (MD), SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, New York, 2000

Post-Graduate Education
Fellowship in Pulmonary Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, 2003-2005

Residency in Internal Medicine, Saint Vincent’s Catholic Medical Center, New York, 2000-2003

Clinical Specialty
Internal Medicine

Areas of Clinical Interest
Geriatric Medicine

Philosophy of Care
I endeavor to help patients maintain and improve their health, with compassion, education, and a patient centered relationship. I am a physician because I wanted to make a difference in the world by helping individuals. My career led me to Vermont, where I am grateful to be part of a wonderful community. It was my dedication to making positive changes in my community that led me to North Star Health.

About Me
Originally from Montreal and upstate New York, I went to college and medical school in New York City, where I completed an Internal Medicine residency training program and a fellowship in Pulmonary medicine. I practiced as a hospitalist in the Boston area, and also in Bennington and Rutland Vermont. I served as a primary care provider for the nursing home residents of Rutland, Vermont during the Covid-19 pandemic. I moved to Vermont in 2005 with my husband, and we have been blessed to raise our two children here and get to know a very special community and explore an extraordinary state.

In my free time, I enjoy skiing, hiking, boating and swimming with my family, nurturing our garden and chickens, and reading.

A Favorite Quote
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou

Meghan Ward, MD

Karen Petruney, FNP

Aimee Searles, APRN, FNP-C

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!

Community Health Worker

Lorene Gendron

Location
Ludlow Health Center
Mountain Valley Health Center

Education
Bachelors of Science in Human Services Springfield College

Services
Case Management
Community Resources
Collaboration

Areas of Interest
Hoarding Issues

Philosophy of Care
I feel that providing psychosocial supports along with medical care provides our patients with wrap around care and results in more positive health outcomes.

About Me
Growing up I had the opportunity to witness family members providing excellent care to people in different ways. I’ve always enjoyed delving into a complex situation to determine the right course of action. North Star Health employees have been providing excellent care to our community and I’m honored to be a part of this team. I grew up in Claremont and have lived in Vermont for 11 years now. This area is quite familiar to me. I enjoy spending time with family, my 7lb dog and 29lb cat and friends. I enjoy a wide variety of music and middle eastern dance.

Favorite Quote
You can put your cards out on the table, but if nobody wants to play you haven’t got a game, you’ve got a mess.

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