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!

Jeston Whitsell, PharmD

Gregory Raines, PA-C, MPH

Education:

Masters of Medical Science – Yale University 2008;

Masters of Public Health – Dartmouth College 2023,

Masters of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School 2003

Gregory Raines, PA-C, MPH  comes to North Star with 30+ years of emergency medicine, urgent care, and paramedic/EMS experience working in rural Vermont, the New York City area, greater Boston, and other places. Extensive background in public health and public policy as well as biomedical sciences. He says. “Modern medicine focuses on long-term outcomes, but caring for people is about addressing their daily needs when they’re ill. This is the focus of my practice – your experience – to get you through your ailments and back to your day-to-day life.”