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

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

Robert J. Schwartz, MD

Rebecca L. Tinsman, PA-C

Robyn Priebe, RD

Jeanelle Achee, PA-C

Location
Springfield Health Center

Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing- University of Vermont 2014
Master of Physician Assistant Studies- Franklin Pierce University 2025

Services
Family Medicine
MOUD (Medication for Opioid Use Disorder)
Women’s and Reproductive Health
Lifestyle Medicine

Philosophy of Care
My practice is to find out what is most important to people concerning their mental and physical health and seek to work together to achieve those goals. I aim to empower patients to be an active participant in their healthcare needs.

About Me
I grew up in Central VT and have worked as a nurse for 10 years in both VT and NH. In my spare time I like to read, eat gluten-free foods, and am slowly getting the hang of flyfishing. I decided to pursue primary care after PA school because I like building connections and relationships with my community. I did some rotations with North Star as a PA student and I am excited to return as a PA-C.

Barbara J. Dalton, MD

Joni Foster-Robison, APRN

Michael Mello, PA-C RRT

Education
Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Franklin Pierce University
Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care, Boise State University

Clinical Specialties
Family Medicine

Philosophy of Care
I’m proud to serve my community and will continue to work tirelessly to meet your specific healthcare needs.

About Me
I am originally from Massachusetts. I served as a Respiratory Therapist since 2016, primarily in Boston, MA. I relocated to this area to become a Physician Assistant and am proud to call this home.

Jackie Roy, APRN

Maria Clough, PA-C

Eliot Hall, MD, FAAP

Sarah Weidhaas, MD

Lauren Lavoie, PA

Shannon Ormsbee

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

Sandra Cotter, LMHC, LADC

Nancy Granger, LICSW

Deborah 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

Kristen Hurd, PsyD

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!

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
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

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

Sarah Wimbiscus, LICSW

Karen Petruney, FNP

Helena Bundy, CCHW

Nicole Montoya, FNP-C

Location
Springfield Health Center, Suite 3

Education
BSN, MSN, AANP certified, ACLS certified, BLS certified, NIHSS certified

Services
Family Medicine

Philosophy of Care
I am committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered, evidence-based care with a focus on prevention, education, and empowering individuals to take an active role in their long-term health and wellness.

About Me
I am a third-generation RN with 8 years of experience. The past 5 yrs, I’ve worked as a travel RN across 13 states, completing 17 contracts in PCU, medical surgery, and step-down units. My travels & collaborations with inspiring providers sparked my passion to advance my career.

Chris Cornelius, MD

Location
Springfield Health Center, Suite 2

Education
Medical Doctor
Board Certified in Family Medicine

Services
Family Medicine

Philosophy of Care
Caring for a person’s health is truly an honor. I do like to focus on prevention. Today’s healthcare can be challenging for both patients and providers, and often times requires negotiation and compromise by all.

About Me
Before joining North Star Health, I spent 20 years running a solo family practice in Rutland, VT. After spending time in Pennsylvania working with seniors, we returned to VT to be full time grandparents in 2025.