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.
HeidiJo Leach-Krause
PMHNP-C
Provider at Alay Health Team
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Certified based in Wisconsin, where I am proud to practice with Alay Health Team after completing my preceptorship training there. I completed my graduate education at Walden University and bring to my practice a strong clinical background, a compassionate approach, and a commitment to providing thoughtful, individualized mental health care.
My professional experience in healthcare has given me the opportunity to work closely with patients across a range of settings, deepening my understanding of the many ways mental and physical health intersect. These experiences shaped my approach to care and strengthened my belief in the importance of treating the whole person with empathy, respect, and clinical excellence.
I am passionate about helping individuals navigate mental health challenges with support, understanding, and evidence-based treatment.
My goal is to create a safe and welcoming space where patients feel comfortable, valued, and empowered in their care. I believe that meaningful mental health treatment can be life-changing, and I am honored to be part of that process for the individuals and families I serve
Anthony Daniels, PMHNP-BC
Provider at Alay Health Team
Hello, I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to
providing compassionate, respectful care. My education and training at the advanced practice
level have prepared him to work with individuals from many different backgrounds and life
experiences. Through this journey I have learned the importance of understanding each person’s
unique story and supporting their overall well-being.I values building trust and creating a safe
space where patients feel heard and understood.
I bring over 24 years of nursing experience across a wide range of healthcare settings, which has
shaped my approach to patient care. I believe that one of the most important things a provider
can do is truly listen and establish a strong connection with each patient. By taking the time to
understand concerns, challenges, and goals, I will work to build meaningful relationships that
support healing. My experience allows me to approach care with patience, insight, and a deep
respect for each individual’s journey.
My goal is to meet people where they are in their walk of life and work together to create a plan
that supports positive and lasting outcomes. I am passionate about reducing the stigma
surrounding mental health and helping patients feel comfortable seeking the care they need. I
strive to remind every person that they are not alone and that support is always available.
Through collaboration, education, and encouragement, I am committed to helping individuals
move forward with confidence in their mental health journey.
CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
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.
