Barbara J. Dalton, MD

Sarah Weidhaas, MD

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

Maria Clough, PA-C

Katie Macksoud, PA-C

Location
Springfield Health Center

Education
Franklin Pierce University, NH
Master of Physician Assistant Studies, 2022

Clinical Specialties
Internal Medicine
Family Medicine

Philosophy of Care
Viewing the person as a whole is how I approach patient care. I find that it is just as important to build rapport with the patient, to develop an open and honest relationship and line of communication, in order to provide the best medical care possible. I find being present by engaging and listening to the concerns/goals of patients is the best initial step in providing care.

About Me
I am originally from Rhode Island and was drawn to the practical aspect of medicine – being able to compassionately improve people’s lives. I enjoy getting to know patients in the primary care setting and managing their care over time. In my down time, I enjoy a good book, nature walks, photography, working out, exploring new coffee shops, and hanging out with my cats.

Favorite Quote
“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” -Babe Ruth

Rebecca L. Tinsman, PA-C

Joni Foster-Robison, APRN

Jackie Roy, APRN

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

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

James Walsh, PMHNP-BC

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

Sarah Wimbiscus, LICSW

Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Clinical Education Specialist

Maureen Shattuck, RN, CDCES

Locations
Springfield Health Center
Charlestown Health Center
Rockingham Health Center

Audrey Lohr, FNP-C, IFMCP

Locations
Springfield Health Center

Education

Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, Institute of Functional Medicine, 2023
Master of Science-Nursing, FNP-C, Simmons University, Massachusetts, 2018
Registered Nursing (RN) Certificate, University of Vermont, 2015

Clinical Specialties
Primary Care
Acute Care
Chronic Condition Management
Functional Medicine

Areas of Clinical Interest
Functional Medicine
Nutrition Support and Guidance
Women’s Health

Philosophy of Care
My approach to patient care is individualized and in-depth. I enjoy listening to each patient’s story and working with them to find the root cause of their issues. I empower patients in making their own decisions in their healthcare by providing information and personalized support.

About Me
I have always been drawn to fostering wellness in others and love how nursing provides the social and scientific foundation to do so. I am particularly excited to work at North Star Health because it values quality healthcare for everyone, rooted in community values.

I am a native Vermonter, now living with my husband on an organic vegetable farm. I have always loved Vermont and cherish being close to my family and lifelong friends in the area. It’s an honor to serve the communities I grew up in as a primary care provider. In my free time I enjoy spending time outdoors with my dog, Eve, and reading. I also enjoy traveling and sharing fun food experiences with friends.

A Favorite Quote
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” -Jon Kabat-Zinn

Cynthia Mowry, MSW

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 Team Lead

Dr. Carlie M. Felion, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, BC-ADM

Location
Springfield Health Center
Mobile Health Services Unit

Education
Associate of Science in Nursing- Vermont Technical College- May 2009
Bachelor of Science in Nursing- Chamberlain College of Nursing- May 2010
Master of Science in Nursing- Duke University School of Nursing- September 2013
Certificate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program- Duke University School of Nursing- May 2020
PhD, University of Arizona College of Nursing- August 2024

Clinical Specialties
Family Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Board Certified- Advanced Diabetes Management

Areas of Clinical Interest
Healthcare-related Trauma
Supporting Chronic Care Needs
Care Coordination
Rural Health

Philosophy of Care
I provide high-quality patient care that is warm, friendly, compassionate, and relationship-focused. I do my best to listen well and partner with people as we work to achieve their health goals and ensure they enjoy an optimal quality of life. I provide evidence-based care, but integrate nutrition, lifestyle approaches, and mind-body practices to ensure a holistic approach to overall health and well-being.

About Me
I live with my husband and family in Peru, VT. I am a native Vermonter, but for the past 7 years, I lived in Glendale, Arizona. In my free time, I enjoy walking in nature, visiting National Parks, photography, camping, kayaking, learning Tai Chi, spending time with friends and family, and gluten-free cooking/baking. We also have several pets that we deeply love and dote on now that our human children are grown.

Favorite Quote
“At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did. They will remember how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou

Nurse Practitioner

Shannon Ormsbee

Registered Dietician and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Robyn Priebe, RD

Nurse Practitioner

Anna Letendre

Location
Springfield Health Center

Education
MSN FNP Degree, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine 2021
BSN Degree, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 2009

Clinical Specialties
Family Nurse Practitioner

Philosophy of Care
I believe in a holistic approach to care that is tailored to each patient. Every human comes from different backgrounds & experiences, and I like working with patients to help them live healthier & happier lives that are specific to each patient and their goals.

About Me
Originally from Massachusetts, I have called Vermont home for the last 15 years, with many travels in between. I have worked as a nurse in Rwanda and Honduras. I love leaning about different cultures and traveling. I love hiking, exploring rivers with my dog and cooking.

Physician

Dr. Carol Blackwood

Karen Petruney, FNP

Kristen Hurd, PsyD

Physician

Jeff Allyn, MD

Location
Springfield Health Center

Education
Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 1985
Broadlawns Medical Center, Family Medicine Residency; Des Moines, IA 1988

Clinical Specialties
Family Medicine

Areas of Clinical Interest
Addiction Medicine
Hospice and Palliative Medicine

Philosophy of Care
The primary care provider most often can diagnose and manage an individual’s healthcare needs. When necessary, we call on the skills of other specialists. Then I become the conductor of a symphony, coordinating, centralizing, and sometimes explaining information from those other sources.

About Me
As a primary care provider I am given the opportunity to beneficially intervene in people’s lives. I can think of no other profession where I have the honor of developing such relationships. I grew up in an Iowa town of 200 before going to college and medical school in New Orleans. Returning to Iowa, I practiced for several years in rural communities. My son, Liam, and I embarked on the adventure of moving here in 2021. It’s wonderful!

Favorite Quote
“We’re all just walking each other home.” -Ram Dass

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

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Andrew Meyer, RN, MSN, BA, PMHNP-BC, APHN-BC