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.
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.
Naomi Mendoza
DNP, PMHNP-BC
Provider at Alay Health Team
Hello! I’m Naomi Mendoza, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a passion for delivering compassionate, culturally sensitive care. My goal is to empower individuals and families by addressing their unique mental health needs through personalized treatment plans and creative therapeutic approaches.
With over 15 years of nursing experience across diverse settings, I’ve had the privilege of working with patients of all ages, including military families and vulnerable populations. My expertise includes thorough mental health assessments, psychopharmacological education, and implementing mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques to enhance treatment outcomes.
I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of Arizona and hold multiple certifications, including an active PMHNP license. I’m proud to be part of professional organizations like the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, where I stay engaged in ongoing learning and collaboration.
Outside of work, I enjoy volunteering in my community, from supporting children’s ministries to providing health education. These experiences shape my holistic and empathetic approach to care.
Let’s work together to build brighter, healthier futures!
