Carol Anderson, APRN BC
John Anderson, Jr. Ed.D, ABPP
Lisa Appleton, FNP
Specialty:
Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (APRN BC), American Nurses
- Board of Directors, Nurses Alliance for the Prevention of nuclear war
- Steering Committee, Pioneer Valley Chapter, Open Door Society
Education:
- M.S., Pace University/New York Medical College, Briarcliff, NY (Nursing)
- B.S., University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI (Zoology, Pre-Vet)
Specialty:
Behavioral Health
Membership & Board Certification:
- Licensed Psychologist
- Board Certified in Clinical Psychology (ABPP)
- Fellow, Academy of Clinical Psychology
- Fellow, Massachusetts Psychological Association
- American Psychology Association
Education:
- Ed.D., M.Ed., Counseling Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Honors & Awards:
- Distinguished Service Award. ANTIOCH/NEW ENGLAND GRADUATE SCHOOL, Keene, NH
Special Interests:
- Child, Adolescent and Family Therapy
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
~ Learning Disorders
~ Brain Research
Specialty:
Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Family Nurse Practitioner, APRN-BC, American Nurses
- Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, American Heart Association
- Developing Community Crisis Response Teams, National Organization for Victim Assistance
- Community Crisis Response Teams, Massachusetts Office for the Victim Assistance
- Education Committee Member, Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners
Education:
- M.S., Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
- B.S. cum laude, Nursing, Second Bachelor's Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Honors & Awards:
- Ellan Cole Award, University of Massachusetts School of Nursing for academic and clinical excellence in the Master Science program
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
- Peace and Social Responsability Award, University of Massachusetts School of Nursing for work leading to the establishment of the Franklin/Hampshire Community Crisis Support Service
ELAINE BEAUDOIN, LICSW
Specialty:
- Behavioral Health
Membership & Board Certification:
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADC I)
Education:
- M.S.W., University of Connecticut School of Social Work
- B.A., Eastern University, Willimantic, CT
Honors & Awards:
- Connecticut School Social Worker of the Year, 1992
- Women in Leadership Award
Gail Blanchard, FNP, PNP
Specialty:
- Family Medicine & Pediatrics
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitoners
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
Education:
- B.S. Nursing, University of Massachusetts
- M.S., University of Massacusetts, Amherst, MA
- Post Masters Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Special Interests:
- Women's Health & Wellness, Pediatrics, Diabetes, Working with Families
Richard Brown, M.D.
Rheumatology
Dr. Richard Brown joined VMG in October of 2005. Dr. Brown is a well respected Rheumatologist seeing patients in our Greenfield Health Center office on Conway Street as well as continuing to see patients in our Amherst office. Dr. Brown is a graduate of the University of Rochester, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and New England Medical Center where he achieved a Fellowship in Rheumatology.
Rebecca Bucala, DPT
Specialty:
- Physical Therapy
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts Physical Therapy License
- American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Provider
Education:
- Husson University, Bangor, ME
Special Interests:
- Variety of orthopedic conditions
- Combining manual therapy techniques with therapeutic exercise
- Balance and gait disorders
- Osteoporosis management
- Sports and recreational therapy
Peter Buchanan, PA-C
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
- Physician Assistant
Education:
- Undergraduate: University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
- Post-Graduate: Southern New Hampshire Area Health Education Center, Manchester, NH
- Post-Graduate: University of New England, Portland and Biddeford, ME
Special Interests:
- Fluent in Spanish (Reading, writing, speaking)
- Trained Medical Interpreter
Alyse Bynum, MBA, OTR, CHT
Hand Therapist
Ms. Bynum is a certified Hand Therapist treating orthopedic and surgical patients for more than 20 years. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Occupational Therapy from the State University of New York at Buffalo and earned an MBA with a concentration in Health Care Management from the University of Massachusetts, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Ms. Bynum joined the Valley Medical Group (formerly the Massachusetts Permanente Medical Group, associated with Kaiser Permanente) in 1996.
Paul Carlan, M.D.
Specialty:
- Internal Medicine & Pediatrics
Membership & Board Certification:
- Board Certified, American Board of Pediatrics
- Board Certified, American Board of Internal Medicine
- United States Medical Licensing Examinations
Education:
- Georgetown University, Washington, DC
- Amherst College, Amherst, MA
Honors & Awards:
- Emil Ferris Award
- Physician's Recognition Award
- Recognition for Excellence in Teaching
- Bridgett Fawcett Macnamara Award
- Alpha Omega Alpha
Special Interests:
- Proficiency in medical Spanish
Alla Chapman, M.D.
Specialty:
- Family Medicine, Primary Care
Certifications:
- Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics (Sports Medicine is pending)
- Member of AMA, AAFP
Education:
- Karaganda State Medical Institute, Karaganda, Kazakhstan; MD Internal Medicine 1978
- Guthrie/RPH Family Medicine Residency 2001-2004
Honors and Special Awards:
- Patient’s Choice Award (2008, 2012)
- Special Doctor Honor for Doctor’s Day (Outstanding Woman who Protects the Health of our Community), March, 30th, 2014
- "Excellent" patient reviews according to www.ucompaerehealthcare.com/drs/alla_chapman/reviews.html
- Numerous of Thank you Letters from Patients
Special Interests:
- Women's Health
- Dermatology
- Sport’s injuries
- EKG
- Cardiology
Stuart Chipkin, M.D.
Endocrinology
Dr. Chipkin joined Valley Medical Group in September of 2004. Before joining VMG, Dr. Chipkin was Chief, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA and had been on the faculty of University of Massachusetts, Amherst in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences. He is a Board Certified Endocrinologist whose special areas of interest include Diabetes, Hyperlipidemia, Thyroid Disorders and Care of Trans-gendered Individuals. Dr. Chipkin graduated from S.U.N.Y in Brooklyn, N.Y. He did his residency at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, MA, and his research and Clinical Fellowship in the Div. of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of MA Medical Center in Worcester, MA. He is accepting new patients at our Amherst Medical Center.
Mercedes Clingerman, PA -C, M.S.
Endocrinology
Before joining VMG, Ms. Clingerman worked in a community health center in the Worcester, MA area and prior to that with a surgeon in Springfield, MA. She graduated from Springfield College and has her M.S. from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI.
Elizabeth Cory, N.P.
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
- Registered Nurse
Education:
- M.S., University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
-B.S., Nursing, Cum Laude, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Honors & Awards:
- William F. Field Alumni Scholar
-Veterans Administration Scholar
Jennifer DePiero, M.D.
Specialty:
- Family Medicine
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts Medical Society
- American Academy of Family Physicians
- Maine Academy of Family Physicians
Education:
- M.D., University Of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA.
- Pre-Med, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA.
- BSN, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
- BA, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY.
- Certificate of Study-Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Honors & Awards:
- Gerald F. Berlin Poetry award, University of Massachusetts-2011
Special Interests:
- Integrative Medicine
- Palliative Care
- Geriatrics
- Whole Family Care
Specialty:
- Behavioral Health
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- The National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Education:
- Boston College Graduate School of Social Work, Newton, MA
- University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Special Interests:
- Depression
- Anxiety/Panic Disorder
- Bereavement
- Divorce
- Trauma
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Life Transitions
- Elder and Women's Issues
Kathleen DeZenzo, M.S.W., LICSW
Specialty:
- Diabetes Education
Membership & Board Certification:
- Member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators since 2012
- Certified Pump Trainer
- Certified Diabetes Educator
Education:
- BSN Nursing, University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ
- ASN Nursing, Laboure' College, Boston, MA
Lara D. Donachie, RN, BSN, CPT, CDE
John B. Erskine, DPM, FACFAS, FACFAOM
Podiatry
Dr. Erskine joined VMG in September 2007 after several years in private practice in NY and MA, most recently with Pioneer Valley Podiatry that had several offices in Western MA. He graduated as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the NY College of Podiatric Medicine, and with a BS in Biochemistry from State University of NY. He is Board certified in both ABPS and ABPOPPM and is a member of several medical organizations including Fellow American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons, Fellow American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics & Medicine, American and Mass. Podiatric Medical Societies. Dr. Erskine will continue to treat his previous patients as well as accepting new patients.
Ann Sharkey Esrick, PA-C
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Board Certified National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Education:
- Howard University, Washington, D.C.
-Wilkes College, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Steven Esrick, M.D.
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts Licensure
Education:
- B.S., Wilkes College, Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
- M.D., Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
Honors & Awards:
- Air Force Commendation Medal
Specialty:
- Behavioral Health
Membership & Board Certification:
- NASW, The National Association of Social Workers
- LICSW, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
- BCD, Board Certified Diplomate
- MSW, Master of Social Work
Education:
- University of Connecticut School of Social Work, West Hartford, CT
- University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
Special Interests:
- Trauma
- Depression
- Anxiety/Panic Disorder
- Bereavement
- Divorce
- Clinical Hypnosis
- CBT
- Chronic Pain
- Play Therapy
Fran B. Fassler, MSW, LICSW
Jerald Feinland, M.D.
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- American Board of Family Practice
- American Academy of Family Practice
Education:
- State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY
- University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT
Joel A. Feinman, Ph.D.
Specialty:
- Behavioral Health
Membership & Board Certification:
- Listed in National Register of Health Services Providers in Psychology
- Licensed Psychologist, Massachusetts
- Licensed Health Services Provider in Psychology, Massachusetts
Education:
- Ph.D., M.S., University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
- B.A., Sociology, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY
Diane Fisher-Katz, MS, PT, CERT.MDT
Physical Therapy
Ms. Fisher-Katz provides physical therapy services to orthopedic patients at the Northampton Health Center. She is a graduate of Colgate University with a B.S. in Biology, and earned an M.S. in Physical Therapy from Boston University, where she also received the Rehabilitation Service Award in 1986. Ms. Fisher-Katz is certified in Mechanical Treatment and Diagnosis by The McKenzie Institute. Formerly, she was Clinic Manager at Atlantic Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy in Melrose, MA and was on staff at Braintree Hospital. Ms. Fisher-Katz has taught Orthopedic Management Lab Assistance at Springfield College. She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Orthopedic section. She has been a member of the Valley Medical Group (formerly the Massachusetts Permanente Medical Group, associated with Kaiser Permanente) since 1996.
Elissa Forman, MSW, LICSW
Specialty:
- Behavioral Health
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (L.I.C.S.W.)
- Massachusetts Licensed School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor
Education:
- M.S.W., George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University
- B.A., Hampshire College, Amherst, MA
Sandra Gesuelle-Hart, LICSW
Specialty:
- Behavioral Health
Membership & Board Certification:
- Licensed Independent Certified Social Worker (LICSW)
Education:
- M.S.W., School of Social Work, Smith College, Northampton, MA
- M.Ed., Human Services, Antioch University, Keene, NH
- Family Therapy Training Program, Bristol Hospital Mental Health Clinic, Bristol, CT
Honors & Awards:
- Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation for Seventeen years of Adjunct Faculty Service to the Smith College School of Social Work
Special Interests:
- Training and supporting master's level social work students
Emily B. Graef, MSN, FNP-BC
Specialty:
- Family Medicine
Membership & Board Certification:
- American Nursing Credentialing Center - FNP
- Massachusetts Board of Nursing
Education:
- B.A., Studio Art, Carleton College, Northfield, MN
- MS, M.S.N., Family Nurse Practitioner, Simmons College, Boston, MA
Internship:
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA
Honors & Awards:
- Simmons Graduate School of Nursing Award for Excellence in Primary Care
- Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society
Special Interests:
- Adolescent and reproductive health
- Patient Advocacy
Betsy Green, FNP
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts Nurse Association
- Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners
Education:
- M. S., Family Nurse Practitioner, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
- Associates Degree of Nursing, Greenfield Community College, Greenfield, MA
- B.A. in History, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
Special Interests:
- Women's health, adolescent health, diabetes, chronic disease managment
Leanne Greene, MS, PT
Specialty:
- Physical Therapy
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts State Board of Allied Health Professionals
Education:
- Elms College, Chicopee, MA, Bachelor of Arts, Biology, Magna Cum Laude
- Springfield College, Springfield, MA, Masters of Science, Physical Therapy
Special Interests:
- Helping patients choose the right athletic footwear for their foot type/activity level.
- Shoulder Injuries
- Rehabilitation following back injury
Bonnie Grenier, RN, BSN, CDE
Specialty:
- Diabetes Education
- Insulin Pump Therapy
Certifications:
- Certified Diabetes Educator
- Member of American Association of Diabetes Educators
Education:
- BSN, Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA
Marguerite Gump, M.D.
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Board Certified of California
- Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine
- United States Medical Licensing Examination
- American Board of Family Practice
Education:
- M.D., University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
- B.S., Molecular and Cellular Biology, Haverford College, Haverford, PA
Honors & Awards:
- Edward E. Freidman Award in Family Practice
- Medical School:
Grade Honors, General Pathology, Medical Microbiology, Pharmacology, Psychopathology, Obstetrics and Gynechology clinical clerkship, Surgical clinical clerkship, Urology, Family Practice and Medicine Acting Internships, Emergency Medicine, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Infectious Disease, and extamural rotation in Guatemala.
- Undergraduate:
Student Research Grant from Pediatric AIDS Foundation
Robert Hincks, LICSW
Specialty:
- Behavioral Health
Membership & Board Certification:
- Smith College Contemplative Clinical Practice Certification
- Massachusetts L.I.C.S.W. Licensure
- Level II EMDR Certification
- Level I EMDR Certification
- CT Board of Education School Social Worker Certification
- CT Dept. of Health LCSW Certification/Licensure
- Elmcrest Family Institute Family Therapist Certification
Education:
- M.S.W., University of Connecticut School of Social Work, Hartford, CT
- B.S., Trinity College, Hartford, CT
Special Interests:
- Mindfulness Practice
- Life Transitions
- Couples Therapy
- Spirituality
- Anxiety/Depression
Patricia Iverson, M.D.
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- American Academy of Family Physicians
- Massachusetts Medical Society
- Massachusetts License
- Diplomate American Board of Family Practice
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- Neonatal Resuscitation Certification
Education:
- M.D., University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, MA
- B.S., Univeristy of Massachusetts, Boston, MA
Rachel Katz, FNP
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Board Certified with American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- Member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
Education:
- MSN, Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY
- BSN, Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY
- BA, Smith College, Northampton, MA
Special Interests:
- Adolescent Medicine
- Behavioral & Mental Health
- Transgender
David Kaufman, M.D.
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts Licensure
- American Board of Family Practice
- National Board of Medical Examiners
Education:
- M.D., St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO
- B.A., Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- ANCC Adult Certified Nurse Practitioner
Education:
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Charlestown, MA
Patricia Keough, APRN, BC
Shersten Killip, M.D.
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Diplomate, American Board of Family Practice
- Diplomate, National Board of Medical Examiners
- American Academy of Family Physicians
- Society of Teachers of Family Medicine
- North American Primary Care Research Group
Education:
- M.D., Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, NY
- B.A., Amherst College, Amherst, MA
Honors & Awards:
- Abraham Flexner Educator Award for Educational Innovation
Fred Kim, M.D.
Specialty:
- Family Medicine
Membership & Board Certification:
- American Board of Family Medicine
- American Academy of Family Practice
- Doctors of Global Health
- Massachusetts Licensure
Education:
- B.A., University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
- M.D., Albany Medical College, Albany, NY
Internship:
- Harbor - UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA
Special Interests:
- LGBT Health
- Substance Abuse
- Speaks Spanish and Korean
Sandy Kobylarz, PT
Physical Therapy
Ms. Kobylarz graduated with honors from Boston University. She comes to us from Cooley Dickinson Hospital where she has served the Pioneer Valley for 19 years. Sandy began her career in NJ where she implemented the first cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program at Somerset Medical Center. She has also participated in educational series addressing the role of exercise in the management of Diabetes Mellitus. Currently, Sandy has a special interest in assessing and treating shoulder and lower extremity injuries. She utilizes a detailed biomechanical assessment of the lower kinetic chain to design effective treatment interventions and maximize patients function.
Michelle Kofler, MS, PT
Physical Therapy
Ms. Kofler graduated with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Springfield College, Springfield, Massachusetts in 1999. Her expertise includes the evaluation and treatment of patients with a wide variety of orthopedic diagnoses. She specializes in using manual therapy in foot and lower extremity biomechanical evaluation and she performs foot casting for custom orthotic fabrication.
Katherine Krauskopf, M.D., MPH
Specialty:
- Internal Medicine
Membership & Board Certification:
- American Board of Internal Medicine, Diplomat
- American Academy of HIV Medicine, HIV Specialist
Education:
- MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY
- Pre-Med, Harvard University Extension School - Health Careers Program, Cambridge, MA
- BA, Brown University, Providence, RI
Honors & Awards:
- 2007, Klaudia Ewa Knipik Memorial Award, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
- 2006, John Bookman Memorial Prize for Excellence in Academic Achievement, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
- 2006, American Medical Women's Association Glasgow-Rubin Achievement Citation, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
- 2005, Gold Humanism Honor Society Inductee
- 2005, Alpha Omega Alpha, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Special Interests:
- HIV Medicine and Primary Care of Individuals with HIV
Thomas Kreek, FNP-BC
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Family Practice Nurse Practitioner
Education:
- University of Missouri, Rolla, MO, B.S. Chemistry/B.S. Computer Science
- Indiana Univeristy, Bloomington, IN, PhD. Chemistry
- MGH Institute of Health Professionals, Master of Science in Nursing, Family Practice
Internships:
- Caring Health Center, Springfield, MA
- Northampton Area Pediatrics, Northampton, MA
- Baystate Wesson Women's Clinic, Springfield, MA
- Hilltown Community Health Center, Huntington/Worthington, MA
- Baystate High Street Health Center, Springfield, MA
Honors & Awards:
- Member of Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Homor Society
Special Interests:
- Family Practice
Barry Krimsky, CAGS, LMHC
Behavioral Health
Specialty:
- Behavioral Health
Membership & Board Certification:
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Education:
-Univeristy of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, B.A. Educational Research
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, M.Ed. Education
- American International College, Springfield, MA, C.A.G.S. Educational Psychology
Internship:
- Springfield Public Schools
Honors & Awards:
- CAGS with Distinction
Special Interests:
- Individual, couples, and Family Therapy
Kharmen Lopez del Castillo, MD
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- American Academy of Family Physicians
- American Medical Association
- Massachusetts Licensure
- Pennsylvania Licensure
- PALS Certified
- ECFMG Certified
Education:
- B.S., New Jersey City University (Jersey City State College), Jersey City, NJ
- M.D., Fatima College of Medicine, Valenzuela, Metro Manilla, Philippines
Catherine Lukas, MS, RD, LDN, CDE
Specialty:
- Nutrition
Membership & Board Certification:
- Registered Dietician
- Licensed Nutritionist
Education:
- Bachelor's in nutrition at UMass, Amherst, MA
- Master's at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
- Dietetic Internship at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Special Interests:
- Weight management, Diabetes
Jacqueline Mandile, OD
Specialty:
- Optometry
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts Optometry License, TPA Certified
Education:
- Doctorate of Optometry (OD), University of California, Berkeley, CA
- B.S., Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Residency:
- Ocular Disease, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Veteran Administration Medical Center, Manchester, NH
Honors & Awards:
- Beta Sigma Kappa, President, Optometric Honor Society, UC Berkeley
- Summa Cum Laude, Northeastern University
Justine McCarthy, M.D.
Specialty:
- Behavioral Health
Membership & Board Certification:
- American Psychiatric Association
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Western Massachusetts Psychiatric Society
- American Medical Women's Association
- Massachusetts Licensure
- Massachusetts Controlled Substance Licensure
Education:
- M.D., Wright State University, Dayton, OH
- B.S., Ohio University, Athens, OH
VALLEY MEDICAL GROUP
PROVIDERS
Robin McKeon, DPT, PMA-®CPT
James Merlin, O.D.
Julia McDougal Ronconi, APRN
Specialty:
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
Membership & Board Certification:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center, Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- American Psychiatric Nurses Association
Education:
- MSN, University of Utah, College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, UT
- BSN, University of Utah, College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, UT
- BA, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO
Special Interests:
- Psychological Trauma
Specialty:
- Physical Therapy
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts Physical Therapy License
- Pilates Method Alliance Certified Pilates Teacher
Education:
- MSPT, DPT, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
- BA, Dance, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY
Special Interests:
- Outpatient Orthopedics
- Pilates based Physical Therapy
- Posture, Core, and Scapular Stability
- Wellness
Specialty:
- Optometry
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts Board of Registration in Optometry
- American Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
Education:
- O.D., New England College of Optometry, Boston, MA
- MSCVR, Nova Southeastern College of Optometry, Fort Lauderdale, FL
- BS - Health Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Honors & Awards:
- Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Society
- Silver Medal Award, New England College of Optometry
- Kuperstein Memorial Award in Optics, New England College of Optometry
Special Interests:
- Primary Eye Care
- Contact Lenses
Ross S. Midler, M.D.
Herbert Meyers, O.D.
Scott Meyers, Psy.D.
Optometry
Dr. Meyers joined VMG Eye Care Department in July 2005. He is a highly experienced Optometrist who had been practicing in the Springfield area for several years prior to joining VMG. Dr. Meyers graduated from the New England School of Optometry and was a member of the faculty of the New England School of Optometry for 22 years. He has particular interest in diabetes, HIV, macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Specialty:
- Clinical Psychologist
Training & Internship:
- Psychology Externship: Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, NY
- Psychology Internship: Elmhurst Hospital Center (APA Accredited), Jackson Heights, Queens, NY
Education:
- Psy.D., Pace University, New York, NY
- MS.Ed., Pace University, New York, NY
- BA, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
Special Interests:
- Integrated Behavioral Health
- Individual/Group Psychotherapy
- Family Therapy
- Personality Disorders
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- American Board of Family Practice
- Massachusetts Licensure
- New Hampshire Licensure
- New Jersey Licensure
- New York Licensure
- Tennessee Licensure
Education:
- M.D., Pennsylvania State University Medical College at Hershey, Hershey, PA
- B.A., Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, PA
Patricia Mullady, LMFT
Specialty:
- Behavioral Health
Membership & Board Certification:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Massachusetts
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Massachusetts
Education:
- M.A., School of Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- M.A., Applied Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Antioch New England Graduate School, Keene, NH
- B.A., San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
Special interests:
- I provide short- and long-term therapy to individuals, families, couples, adolescents and seniors. I maintain a generalist practice that addresses a spectrum of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, grief and loss, as well as relational issues facing couples and families.
Specialty:
- Sports Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
Membership & Board Certification:
- American College of Sports Medicine
- American Medical Society for Sports Medicine
- American College of Emergency Physicians
- American Board of Emergency Medicine
- Certificate of Qualification in Sports Medicine
Education:
- M.D., Albany Medical College, Albany, NY
- Fellowship, UMass Medical Center, Worcester, MA
- Residency, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA
- B.S., Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA
Honors & Awards:
- Fellow American College of Emergency Physicians
Special Interests:
- Concussion Management
- Pediatric Sports Injuries
- Running Injuries
GREGORY MURPHY, MD
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts Nurse Practitioner Licensure
- Massachusetts Controlled Substance Registration
- ANCC Certification as Family Nurse Pratitioner
- Member, Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Pracitioners
Education:
- M.S.N., Family Nursing, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY
- B.S.N., Nursing, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Honors & Awards:
- Clinical Excellence Award, Binghamton University
Special Interests:
- LGBTQ health, Health care access
Chris Normandin, NP
John J. Novo, M.Ed.,LMFT, CDAC II, LADC
John J. O'Sullivan, PT, OCS, ATC
Jeffrey P. Palmer, M.D.
Specialty:
- Behavioral Health
Membership & Board Certification:
- Licensed Marital and Family Therapist
- Certified/Licensed Alcohol and Drug abuse Counselor
- Member Motivation Interviewing Network of trainers (MINT)
- EMDR Levels I and II
Education:
- B.A., Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
- M.Ed., Counseling/Family Therapy, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Special Interests:
- Training in MI
- Addictions Treatment
- Couples Therapy
- Chronic Medical Conditions
Physical Therapy
Mr. O'Sullivan is a physical therapist with board certification in Orthopedic Physical Therapy from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists. He has a B.S. from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Mr. O'Sullivan has worked throughout the United States. Locally, he has been a member of the Rehabilitation departments at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital and at Mercy Hospital in their Industrial Rehabilitation Program. He is also a certified athletic trainer and has received certification in mechanical diagnosis and therapy of the spine. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the National Athletic Trainers Association and the McKenzie Institute USA. Mr. O'Sullivan joined the Valley Medical Group (formerly the Massachusetts Permanente Medical Group, associated with Kaiser Permanente) in 1998.
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- American Board of Family Physicians
- Massachusetts Medical Licensure
- The International Society for Clinical Densitometry
- American Academy of Family Physicians
- Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians
- Western Massachusetts Regional Director MAFP
- Department of Medicine, Baystate Franklin Medical Center
Education:
- M.D., Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
- B.A., Magna cum laude, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts Medical Licensure
- American Board of Family Practice
Education:
- M.D., University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
- B.A., Biology, Magna Cum Laude, Clark University, Worcester, MA
Ylfa Perry, MD
Jonathan Polgar, PA-C
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts Licensure
Education:
- B.S., Physician Assistant, The Brooklyn Hospital Center/Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY
- B.A., Dramatic Arts, Dickinson Collage, Carlisle, PA
Special Interests:
- Integration of traditional and non-traditional therapies
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts Licensure
- American Board of Family Medicine
Education:
- M.D., Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Intensive post-baccalaureate pre-medical curriculum, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA
- B.A., cum laude in Women's Studies (major) and Geology (minor), Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA
Honors & Awards:
- Faculty Preceptor of the Year-2011 - Ob-Gyn Residents (Boston University)
- Faculty Preceptor of the Year-2008 (Boston University)
- Pfizer teaching Award-American Academy of Family Physicians-2008
- Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award Nominee (Boston University)-2007
- Miriam Kathleen Dasey Award (Yale University)
- NBI Healthcare Foundation Humanism in Medicine Student Award (Yale University)
- Janet M. Glascow Memorial Acheivement Citation (Yale University)
- Connecticut Academy of Family Physicians Award (Yale University)
- Physchological Study of Social Issues Ward and Research Grant (Yale University)
- Farr Research Scholar (Yale University)
- Sarah Perry Wood Fellowship (Yale University)
- Phillip I. Huffman Preceptor ship in Rural Family Medicine (UCSF-Fresno)
- Family Practice Interest Group Leadership Award (American Academy of Family Physicians)
- Frances Perkins Scholar (Mount Holyoke College)
- President, Student Government (Wellesley College)
- Vice-president, Student Government (Wellesley College)
- Leadership America (Wellesley College)
Ruth Potee, M.D.
John L. Prinzivalli, P.T., DPT, MS
Specialty:
- Physical Therapy
Membership & Board Certification:
- American Physical Therapy Associates
- Massachusetts Physical Therapy Associates
- Orthopedic Section of the APTA
Education:
- BS, University of Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY
- MS, University of Scranton, Scranton, PA
- DPT, St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN
Honors & Awards:
- Physical Therapy Team Leader
Special Interests:
- Orthopedic Physical Therapy
- Low Back & Neck Pain
Jeffrey Reed, PT, DPT
Specialty:
- Physical Therapy
Membership & Board Certification:
- American Physical Therapy Association
- IMPACC Ergonomics and Prevention Specialist
Education:
- DPT, University of Montana, Missoula, MT
- MBA, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
- PT, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Special Interests:
- Orthopedics
- Spine
- Work and Sports Injuries
- Neurological Disorders
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Gait and Balance
Tricia Rogers
Specialty:
- Physical Therapy
Membership & Board Certification:
- American Physical Therapy Associates
- Massachusetts Physical Therapy Associates
- Orthopedic Section of the APTA
Education:
- BS, University of Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY
- MS, University of Scranton, Scranton, PA
- DPT, St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN
Honors & Awards:
- Physical Therapy Team Leader
Special Interests:
- Orthopedic Physical Therapy
- Low Back & Neck Pain
Karen Rosenbaum, LICSW
Specialty:
- Behavioral Health
Membership & Board Certification:
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (Highest Level), Massachusetts
Education:
- M.S.W., Group Work/Casework, University of Connecticut School of Social Work, West Hartford, CT
Special Interests:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Life transistions
- Stress
- Creativity
- Midfulness
- Relationships
Bridgette Sacco-Laurens, Psy.D.
Specialty:
- Behavioral Health
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts Licensed Psychologist
Education:
- Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, APA Accredited Program, Antioch New England Graduate School, Keene, NH
- M.A. Degree in Community/Counseling Psychology, Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY
- B.A. Degree in Psychology, Manga Cum Laude, Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY
- Associates in Arts Degree in Psychology, Honors Graduate, Orange County Community College, Middletown, NY
Honors & Awards:
- Geene Pekarik Research Award for Outcome Studies; American Psychological Association Presentation on Outcome Research.
Grants Awarded for work with groups of girls in foster care through New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.
Special Interests:
-Pediatric and Adolescent Psychology and Development
- Founder of local provider coordination group, Pioneer Valley Child Consortium
- DBT Trained
Jennifer Samale, PA-C
Specialty:
- Internal Medicine
Membership & Board Certification:
- Board Certified - National Commission on Certification of PA's
- Massachusetts Licensure
Education:
- Masters in Physician Assistant Studies, MA College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Boston, MA
Honors & Awards:
- Outstanding Perceptor Award Nominee 2007-2008
Special Interests:
- Patient Education & preventative Medicine Counseling
- Opioid Dependence
- Diabetes
- Basic Medical Spanish
Jon Schiller, M.D.
Specialty:
- Family Medicine, Primary Care
Certifications:
- American Academy of Family Physicians
- Pennsylvania Allergy and Asthma Association
- American Academy of Allergy and Immunology
- Mass. State Academy of Family Physicians
- American Board of Family Physicians
Education:
- M.D. University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- B.A. Summa Cum Laude Zoology University of Iowa
Special Interests:
-Chinese culture, language, and medicine
Specialty:
- Behavioral Health
Membership & Board Certification:
- Licensed Psychologist, State of Massachusetts
- American Psychological Association Member
Education:
- Psy. D. in Clinical Psychology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI
- M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI
- M.S.W. in Clinical Social Work, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
- B.A. in Social Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Special Interests:
- Treatment of Anxiety
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Depression
- Woman's Issues
Jean A. Schwartz, Psy.D.
Lauren Schwartz, M.D.
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts Medical Licensure
- ACLS and PALS Certified
- USMLE Steps 1-3
- American Board of Family Medicine Certification
- AAFP Membership
Education:
- M.D., University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL
- B.A., Amherst College, Amherst, MA
Honors & Awards:
- Ganguli Award
- Thomas Brown McClelland Rotary Club Scholarship
- Magna cum Laude, Amherst College
- Amercian Association of Lutherans Fund
Specialty:
- Family Practice, Adults 18+
Certifications:
- Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) since 2000
Education:
- MSN, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
- BSN, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Special Interests:
- Diabetes Management (Type 1 & 2)
- Chronic Disease Management
- Nutrition and Fitness
- Preventative Medicine
- Transgender Friendly
Margaret E. Sharron, NP
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Board Certified with American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Education:
- MSN, University of Massachusetts (UMass), Amherst, MA
- BSN, University of Massachusetts (UMass), Amherst, MA
Special Interests:
- Adolescent and College Age Medicine
- Addiction
- Chronic Conditions
- Exercise
- Stress Reduction
Sharon R. Shumway, NP
Henry Simkin, M.D.
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts Medical Licensure
- American Board of Family Practice
Education:
- M.D., Boston University, Boston, MA
- B.A., Williams College, Williamstown, MA
Honors & Awards:
- Henry Bakst Award for excellence in Community Medicine
- Cum Laude
David Slack, M.D.
Specialty:
- Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine
- American Board of Internal Medicine
- American Board of Pediatrics
Education:
- M.D., New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
- B.S., Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Honors & Awards:
- From BD/BS for Excellence in Primary Care
Special Interests:
- Sports Medicine
- International Medicine
- Developmental Pediatrics
- ADHD
Specialty:
- Diabetes Education/Nutrition
- Medical Nutrition Therapy
Membership & Board Certification:
- Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
- American Dietetic Association Membership
Education:
- B.S., University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Marjorie D. Sobil, RD, LDN, CDE
Matthew Spitzer, M.D.
Specialty:
- Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism
Membership:
- American College of Physicians
- Massachusetts Medical Society
~ The Endocrine Society
- American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
Board Certification:
- Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism
~ Internal Medicine
Certification:
- Endocrine Certification in Neck Ultrasound (ECNU)
Education:
- M.D., SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, Brooklyn, NY
- B.S., Nutrition with Distinction, Cornell University, Ithica, NY
Internship and Residency:
- Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY
Fellowship:
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, 2010-2013
Honors & Awards:
- 2012, Annals' Junior Investigator Recognition Award
- 2010-2012, T32 Postdoctoral Training Grant
- 2007, Endowed Honor Scholarship, SUNY Downstate Health Science Center
- 2007, The Endocrine Society Medical Student Acheivement Award, SUNY Downstate Health Science Center
~- 2006-present, Alpha Omega Honor Medical Society Member
Special Interests:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Obesity
- Thyroid nodules
- Thyroid disease
- Transgender medicine
- Men's health
- Low testosterone
Emily Talley, PA-C
Specialty:
- Family Medicine
Membership & Board Certification:
- National Commission on Certification of Physican Assistant
- American Academy of Physican Assistants
Education:
- Hamilton College, Clinton, NY, Bachelor of Arts
- Duke University, Durham, NC, Master of Health Sciences, Physican Assistat Studies
Special Interests:
- Spanish (Speaking-Fluent;Writing-Basic)
- Nutrition and Fitness
- Public Health Issues
- History of Medicine
Paul S. Thaler, M.D.
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- State of Massachusetts Licensure
- Board Certified in Family Practice
Education:
- M.D., State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
- B.A., Brown University, Providence, RI
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Massachusetts RN/NP License
- American Nurse Credentialing Center
- American Academy of Nurse Pracitioners
- Massachusetts Nursing Association
- Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners
Education:
- M.S.N., Primary Care Concentration, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
- B.S.N., Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
- B.S., Hampshire College, Amherst, MA
Claudia R. Viele, NP
Robert Vigderman, M.D.
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Board Certified Internal Medicine
- Drug Safety Surveillance and Epidemiology Certification
Education:
- M.D., George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
- B.A., Natural Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Margit L. Walker, D.O.
Specialty:
- Family Medicine
Membership & Board Certification:
- American Osteopathic Associate
- American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
- American Academy of Family Physicians
Education:
- D.O., Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, FL
- B.S., University of Massachusetts (UMass), Amherst, MA
- Internship/Residency, Christiana Hospital, Wilmington, DE
- Fellowship, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Honors and Awards:
- National Health Service Corp Scholarship
- University Senior Recognition Award
- Phi Kappa Phi
- Alpha Lambda Delta
Special Interests:
- Preventative Medicine
- Integrative Medicine
Suellen Walsh-Rother, Ph.D.
Specialty:
- Clinical Psychologist
Membership & Board Certification:
- American Psychological Association
- Mass Psychological Association
- Health Psychology Division of APA
Education:
- Ph.D., Fordham University, Bronx, NY
-- B.S, Fordham University, Bronx, NY
Internship & Residency:
- Internship - Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune Township, NJ
- Post Grad Training - The Ackerman Institute for the Family, New York, NY
Honors & Awards:
- Fordham University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Assistant
- Dept. of Veterans Affairs Performance Award
Special Interests:
- Integrated Primary Care Behavioral Health
- Health Psychology
- Cognitive Behavior Treatment
- Brief Strategic Therapies
- Family & Couples Therapy
Marie Wargo, Psy.D., LMHC, CADAC
Specialty:
- Behavioral Health
Membership & Board Certification:
- State of Massachusetts Licensure
- Advance Training in Behavioral Medicine
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (Massachusetts & Vermont)
- Certified Training in Hypnosis for Behavioral Health Professionals
- Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (Massachusetts & Vermont)
Education:
- Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, Antioch New England Graduate School, Kenne, NH
- M.S., Dual Track-Community Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
- B.S., Applied Human Nutrition, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
Caroline White, MPT
Physical Therapy
Ms. White received her Masters in Physical Therapy from American International College in Springfield, MA in 2000. Her expertise includes evaluation and treatment of a wide variety of orthopedic diagnoses. She specializes in manual therapy techniques, including Osteopathic manual therapy, to facilitate recovery from injury or pain. Caroline received a Certificate of Vestibular Rehabilitation in 2004 and she sees about 150 patients a year with a variety of vertigo diagnoses.
Benjamin Woodard, MSN, NP-C
Specialty:
- Family Practice
Membership & Board Certification:
- Board certified in Family Practice, AANPCP
- Massachusetts NP/RN licensure
- Member: American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- Wilderness Medical Society
Education:
- MSN, Sonoma State University, California State University
- BS in Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University
- BA in Psychology, Naropa University
Special Interests:
- Urgent Care, Cardiology, Pediatrics, LGBT Health, Sports Medicine, Mental Health, Integrative Health
- Bilingual in Spanish and English