Bobbi Jo Durst, CEO, PMHNP-BC
CEO and Provider at Alay Health Team
Bobbi Jo Durst is the CEO of Alay health team. She sees patients across the life span, with all different mental health conditions, including emotional health, behavioral health, and addiction problems. She began her nursing career while serving her country in the United States Army as a combat medic and then a trauma nurse. She served 10 years in the military, married, and raised her family on a dairy farm in Wisconsin. While raising her family, she worked as an ER nurse, and a Psychiatric nurse on a maximum-security Forensic unit. She also managed the healthcare needs for the school district in the area, working with kids with physical and mental health conditions.
Bobbi Jo chose to go back to school for her MSN is nursing education. Prior to graduating with her degree, her 7-year-old son tragically died from medical complications. At that point, she decided it was important to go back for her Nurse Practitioner degree and specialize in Mental health to assist others with mental health issues including trauma and grief. Bobbi had worked with Alay Health Team for 5 years prior to purchasing the business and has mentored and educated over 100 students who are also pursuing their degree as a PMHNP.
Christina Fuchs DNP, PMHNP-BC
Provider at Alay Health Team
Christina Fuchs is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion for providing compassionate care and support to individuals facing mental health challenges. With a doctoral background in nursing, I bring a deep understanding of both the clinical and human aspects of psychiatric care.
My approach revolves around treating each patient as a unique individual with their own set of needs and experiences. I prioritize active listening and collaborative decision-making, ensuring that my patients feel heard and valued throughout their journey to wellness. By working closely with patients, their families, guardians, therapists, and other healthcare providers, including those in group homes and assisted living facilities, I strive to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each person’s specific circumstances.
believe in a holistic approach to mental health care, addressing not just symptoms but also the underlying factors contributing to a person’s well-being. Whether it’s through medication management, therapy, or lifestyle adjustments, my goal is to empower patients to achieve their optimal mental health.
Beyond clinical practice, I am dedicated to ongoing education and research in the field of psychiatric nursing, ensuring that I stay at the forefront of evidence-based practices. I am committed to fostering a supportive and non-judgmental environment where patients can feel safe to explore their challenges and work towards a brighter future.
Chelsea Schwartz, PMHNP-BC
Provider at Alay Health Team
Chelsea is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate behavioral health services to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. With a focus on creating a safe and supportive environment, I believe in the power of being seen, heard, and valued in the journey towards mental wellness.
My approach is rooted in personalized care, recognizing that each person’s experiences and needs are unique. By combining empathy with evidence-based practices, I work collaboratively with my patients to develop tailored treatment plans that support their journey to achieving their highest potential of mental wellbeing.
I aim my care at addressing various mental health challenges, from anxiety and depression to more complex conditions. Whether through medication management, therapeutic interventions, or supportive counseling, I am committed to empowering my patients to navigate their challenges with confidence.
I am passionate about ongoing education and staying informed about advancements in psychiatric care, ensuring that I am informed by the latest research and best practices. My goal is to provide comprehensive and compassionate care that not only alleviates symptoms but also fosters long-term mental health and resilience.
Ann Barbaro PMHNP-BC
Provider at Alay Health Team
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner currently based in Portland, Maine. I completed my undergraduate education at Salem State University and my graduate education at Walden University. I see children through adults in my practice and enjoy working with clients of all ages. I am eager to help clients who struggle with any mental health issue as well as substance use disorders.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Salem State University, I began working for an outpatient program serving individuals with developmental disabilities. In that program, I gained a great deal of exposure to psychiatry and ran bi-monthly psychiatric clinics for our clients focusing on therapy and medication management. I then began working in a Psychiatric Emergency Department, where my love of psychiatry really flourished, and I further went on to work in several inpatient psychiatry roles. These experiences led me to desire further expertise in Psychiatry and the ability to work as an independent practitioner, and I went on to complete a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program.
I consider myself lucky to work in health care at a time when mental health diagnoses are becoming more accepted and better understood in our culture. I firmly believe that optimal health cannot be attained without giving adequate attention to mental health. Healthcare providers should work harder than ever before to meet the needs of people with mental health challenges. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, my goal is to advocate for patients and direct their care with understanding and compassion. My hope is that the care I provide will ease my patients’ struggles and empower them to live to the fullest degree possible.
