PRIMARY CARE AND PEDIATRICS
Michael Watto, DO
Dr Watto, DO, MPH, joined HealthFirst in February 2023 and serves as their Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Watto provides primary and osteopathic care to patients in both the Laconia and Franklin HealthFirst locations. Dr. Watto has an extensive medical and military background. Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, he completed his residency training at Martin Army Community Hospital, Fort Benning, Georgia. Dr. Watto completed his medical education at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, where he received his DO degree in Osteopathic Medicine. He has also earned a master’s degree in public health from the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University. Dr. Watto spent more than 20 years in the US Army serving in a variety of roles as a physician leader. Highlights include his service as a flight surgeon, a deployment to Iraq, and providing medical care and ringside coverage to the All-Army Boxing team.
Michael and his family have lived in central NH for nearly a decade where he has worked at Speare Primary Care in Plymouth, NH since 2015 specializing in family medicine. He has held the position of Medical Staff President at Speare Memorial Hospital as well as Director of Health Services at Plymouth State University. Dr. Watto was recently honored as a “Top Doctor 2022” by New Hampshire Magazine. Other notable achievements include his selection as Franklin Pierce University Clinical Preceptor of the Year, earning the US Army Combat Medical Badge and being named a Distinguished Military Graduate.
An osteopathic medicine (DO) doctor differs from a medical doctor in that they use the same conventional medical techniques as MDs but with a few other methods. They bring a unique, patient-centered approach to every specialty across the full spectrum of medicine. They are trained to listen and partner with their patients to help them get healthy and stay well.
(LACONIA, FRANKLIN & CANAAN)
Eleanor “Nora” Janeway, MD
Dr. Eleanor “Nora” Janeway has been a primary care doctor since 1993. She graduated from the University of California School of Medicine and did her residency in Internal Medicine at The Cambridge Hospital in Massachusetts. She worked for 23 years at a neighborhood health center where she trained junior doctors in Internal Medicine and was a Harvard Medical School Clinical Instructor in Medicine. Dr. Janeway’s medical interests include safe and appropriate prescribing, treatment of Hepatitis C, care of elders, treatment of addiction, and women’s health care. Dr. Janeway sees patients aged 16 and older. She is fluent in Spanish and English. Dr. Janeway served as HealthFirst’s medical director from 2018 to January 2023. Dr. Janeway is the fifth generation of Janeway physicians. She lives in western NH, and when she is not seeing patients, she is planting her garden or clearing trails.
(FRANKLIN)
Lara Wheeler, MD
Dr. Wheeler is a general pediatrician, primary care provider, taking care of newborns through late adolescence. Dr. Wheeler provides preventative and acute care, including anticipatory guidance for normal growth and development and vaccine education for well-baby and well-child visits. Additionally, she treats acute and chronic disease and offers behavioral health counseling, diagnosis, and treatment including ADHD, anxiety, depression, and LGBQT issues. Dr. Wheeler has a broad knowledge of reproductive health care for adolescents including Nexplanon placement.
(LACONIA & FRANKLIN)
Ben Gardner, MD
Ben has been practicing medicine since 1996 and provides family medical care, pediatrics, sports medicine, and minor orthopedics. He serves as the Cardigan Mountain School’s physician as well as the health center’s Medical Director. He previously served as a physician with Dartmouth College Student Health Services, and Assistant Medical Director at Phillips Exeter Academy. He served for 16 years as the Medical Director at Choate Rosemary Hall, supervising 19 medical staff serving 850 students and 32 athletic teams. He also served as an Assistant Professor and Clinical Instructor at Yale University. Ben received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and his medical degree from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. As an Enfield resident, Ben has always been active in sports and has coached lacrosse and hockey for the Upper Valley youths.
“I’d be honored to welcome you and your family to HealthFirst Canaan where you’ll find a caring team of providers ready to get to know you.”
(CANAAN)
Dr. Elise Wojcik, DO
Dr. Elise Wojcik, DO, is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician with specialty training in Geriatric Medicine. She earned her osteopathic medicine doctorate from the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. She completed her Internal Medicine training at Ascension Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc, MI, and her Geriatrics Fellowship at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI. Although she was born and raised in Wisconsin, she met her husband in Maine and decided to make New England her home. She is excited to be at HealthFirst where she can provide quality medical care for her new neighbors.
(LACONIA)
Nick Croce, DO
Dr. Croce, DO, is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician who received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of New England in Biddeford, ME, and after that graduated from the University of Massachusetts Worcester Family Medicine Residency Program.
Dr. Croce offers a humanistic approach to preventative care, management of chronic medical conditions, treatment of acute conditions, and performing office-based procedures. He also practices Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). This hands-on procedure considers the interconnectedness of the body’s systems to help treat many common conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, headaches, constipation, sports injuries, sinus problems, pregnancy-related pain, and more.
Dr. Croce is not just a professional but also a family man who values quality time with his loved ones. He enjoys exploring local hikes and playing basketball with his wife and kids. His eagerness to join the HealthFirst community and build enduring relationships with his patients is palpable.
(CANAAN)
Catherine Holub-Smith, DNP
Dr. Catherine Holub-Smith, DNP, has achieved a very successful career in the healthcare field, first as a Registered Nurse and currently as an Advanced Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She has gained significant clinical experiences from a variety of organizations, including a public health department, private practice, home health and hospice care, acute care hospitals, various schools, and rural primary care and family practices. During her journey, she discovered her love and passion for caring for infants, children, and adolescents. Catherine continued to advance her career by completing her Master of Science degree in Nursing and Community Health and becoming certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. While working as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, she has been able to help countless children and adolescents through early outreach and education, well and sick child clinics, school-based programs, and child and adolescent development and health education. Always seeking new knowledge and experience, Catherine completed her Doctorate of Nurse Practitioner degree in 2014. She continues to be recognized as a successful leader in the Nurse Practitioner field, having been awarded New Hampshire’s Nurse Practitioner of the Year in 2015 and the American Association of Nurse Practitioner’s State Award for Excellence in 2016.
(FRANKLIN)
Lisa Baker, PA-C
Lisa Baker, PA-C, is a Physician Assistant with 30 years of experience as a primary care provider. Lisa graduated from Northeastern University Physician Assistant program in 1993, also earning a master’s degree in health professions. After graduating she went to work in Snow Hill, North Carolina, working in a community health center through the National Health Service Corps. She was there for five years when she and her family decided it was time to come back home. She then went to work in Lincoln, NH, where she spent the next 18+ years working in a family practice setting. Lisa then moved to Speare Primary Care where she had worked for the last five years. Lisa enjoys being a ‘family provider’ and seeing multi generations of families. Lisa treats patients ages 13 years and older. She manages routine and complicated health care needs and places emphasis on relationships with patients to look at all aspects of their life, not just their medical conditions. Lisa is excited to be joining the HealthFirst care team.
(LACONIA)
Richard Young, APRN
Richard Young, APRN, graduated from Bethel College in St. Paul, MN, with a Bachelor’s in Nursing. After graduation, he became a commissioned officer in the US Public Health Service. He was subsequently deployed to provide nursing care to federal prison inmates in Rochester, MN, and also to Alaska Natives in Kotzebue, Alaska.
While working in the small rural hospital above the Arctic Circle in Northwestern Alaska, that Rich discovered his passion for the nurse practitioner role. Due to the isolation of the hospital in rural Alaska, he was required to work in several different nursing roles, including pediatric nursing, ER nursing, medevac nursing, med-surgical and obstetrical nursing. Rich enrolled in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at the University of New Mexico, graduating in 1998 with a Master of Science in Nursing. Rich believes the most important skill of a family nurse practitioner is to be an excellent listener who helps to facilitate the development of the FNP and patient relationship which is the heart of Primary Care. Rich brings a lot of experience in family practice medicine such as chronic conditions management including diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma.
(LACONIA)
Alyssa Albro, APRN
Alyssa Albro, APRN, received her undergraduate degree from Brandeis University in 2013. She was then fortunate to be granted a research internship at New Hampshire Oncology and Hematology which provided her invaluable insight into the importance of holistic care. Alyssa earned her Master of Science in Nursing in 2018 and recently completed the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at the University of New Hampshire. She has spent the past 4 years working in the hospital setting at a Level 2 Trauma Center. Most recently, Alyssa worked as a Clinical Nurse Coordinator promoting best practices and advocating for the needs of all patients. She provides thorough and compassionate care, recognizing the importance of the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual factors that shape every individual. As a Nurse Practitioner, Alyssa believes in the importance of patient empowerment and will work with patients of every age to set reasonable and attainable goals throughout their health journey.
(LACONIA)
Carly Rose Burke, APRN
Carly Burke, APRN, is a Family Nurse Practitioner who received her diploma in nursing at Saint Joseph School of Nursing in North Providence, RI, and her undergraduate and masters nursing degree at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. She is board-certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. In her last 10 years working as an APRN, she has worked in adult medicine, with a clinical interest in adult primary care, gerontology, and palliative care. In Carly’s free time, she enjoys spending time with family, hiking, and photography. HealthFirst welcomes Carly to its team of caring providers.
(FRANKLIN)
Megan Lewis, APRN
Megan Lewis, APRN, is a Family Nurse Practitioner practicing in Laconia. Megan will be offering a new and greatly needed role at HealthFirst by seeing patients with same-day, acute care needs. As a Lakes Region native, Megan began her healthcare career as an EMS provider and continued her journey by earning her Associate Degree in Nursing from LRCC in 2018. She earned her BSN from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2019 and her MSN from Frontier Nursing University in 2023. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she was a Registered Nurse at LRGH’s Orthopedic Unit, and most recently worked at Concord Hospital’s Emergency Department. Working in the back of ambulances, to hospital bedsides, to busy emergency departments, Megan is experienced in treating patients in a variety of circumstances. Megan is looking forward to offering care to the Lakes Region community as HealthFirst’s new same-day provider.
(LACONIA)
Isabel Watts, APRN
Isabel is a Family Nurse Practitioner who received her BSN and MSN from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. She completed a fellowship in community health and family medicine at Lamprey Health Care in Newmarket, NH. Isabel is passionate about preventative medicine and patient centered care. As a family nurse practitioner, Isabel enjoys taking care of patients across the lifespan, and supporting whole families in care decisions. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, spending time with her family and playing with her baby.
“I love nursing because it combines compassionate care with scientific thinking and problem-solving. I enjoy building collaborative relationships with patients and making them feel heard, believed, and supported.”
(CANAAN)
Jennifer Tichich, APRN
Jennifer Tichich, APRN, graduated with honors from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. She worked in acute care as a Registered Nurse before pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Adult Nurse Practitioner Program. She is board-certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner through the ANCC. Prior to joining HealthFirst, she worked in Pain Management, Primary Care, Long-term care, and Occupational Medicine. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family outdoors. They are avid hikers in the New Hampshire mountains and their faithful canine companion Molly, a Kolu Husky, enthusiastically leads each hike!
(LACONIA)
Kimberly Fader, APRN
Kimberly Fader, APRN, is a Family Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience providing care to patients of all ages. Since 2007, she has served as a primary care provider at a Federally Qualified Health Center, where she has developed expertise in preventative care, acute visits, and chronic condition management. Kimberly values the diversity of primary care and takes pride in partnering with patients to help them achieve their healthcare goals.
She began her nursing career in the Boston area and became a certified nurse practitioner before returning to her home in central New Hampshire. Passionate about the outdoors, Kimberly enjoys a variety of outdoor activities and is grateful to live and work near the lakes and mountains she loves.
(FRANKLIN)
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Ashley Douthart, LCMHC
Ashley Douthart, LCMHC, is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and the Behavioral Health Director at HealthFirst. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Colby-Sawyer College. She then received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. Ashley joined the Behavioral Health staff at HealthFirst as an intern in 2013 and then became a full-time employee after completing her master’s program in 2014. While she is credentialed and licensed to work with clients of all ages, she enjoys supporting children and adolescents, and helping those clients with substance abuse disorders find treatment and enter recovery. Ashley is also nationally rostered in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), a therapeutic model designed to work with children and families who have been exposed to trauma. She is a Clinical Supervisor with the CPP Network and a Board Approved Clinical Supervisor with the State of NH. Ashley has developed and launched a successful school-based counseling program in five local school districts and is passionate about helping those in the most need. Her dream for behavioral health would be to create future programming for a school-based health center.
(FRANKLIN & CHURCH ST.)
Julianna Marone, LMFT
Julianna Marone, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Keene State College in 2013 and completed her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University in 2016. Julianna has experience working with people of all ages and specializes in treating trauma, depression, grief, anxiety, and treating children whose parents are amidst separation or divorce. She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Julianna has ample experience working with individuals and families who are having difficulties creating and maintaining positive and caring relationships. In Julianna’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, listening to music, singing in a women’s choir in Concord, NH, watching sunsets at the lake, and doing puzzles.
(FRANKLIN & CANAAN)
Kristyn Adler, LICSW
Kristyn Adler, LICSW, is a licensed independent clinical social worker who obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work and psychology at the University of Vermont. After completing her studies, she remained in VT working with disadvantaged youth and families, gaining experience in therapeutic foster care, crisis intervention, residential treatment, intensive community-based wraparound services, juvenile detention, and school-based environments. As a certified Lifeguard Instructor, she enjoys bringing her training in therapeutic and adaptive swimming into her clinical work. Driven by her passion for serving survivors of significant adversity, she received comprehensive training in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and has remained involved in VT’s Human Trafficking Workgroup for the last several years. Kristyn brings both playfulness and compassion into her work and strives to create genuine, warm, and supportive connections with those she serves. In her downtime, she enjoys swimming, spending time with her family on Lake Winnipesaukee, crafting, attending concerts, and playing with her two Havanese pups.
(CHURCH ST.)
Courtney Clairmont, LMFT
Courtney Clairmont, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at HealthFirst. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of New Hampshire. There, she participated in an internship working to support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. She then went on to receive her Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of New Hampshire. During her master’s program, she worked with individuals, couples, and families through the therapy center at UNH, and participated in an internship at a local community mental health center working with children and families. Courtney uses an integrative approach, pulling from various models to meet each client’s unique needs. She works at both the Franklin and Laconia HealthFirst locations, and also provides school-based counseling services. When she is not in the office, Courtney enjoys spending time with friends and family on the lake, reading, hiking, and baking.
(FRANKLIN & CHURCH ST.)
Laura Walker, CMHC
Laura Walker, CMHC, is a Behavioral Health Specialist who received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Michigan State University. She went on to become a Certified Holistic Health Coach, specializing in clean eating, diet management, and overall wellness. She received her Master of Science degree from Plymouth State University with certificates in Addictions Treatment and Personal Approaches to Transformation and Healing. Laura is currently in training to offer Child and Parent Psychotherapy. She is credentialed to work with clients of all ages, and her practice focuses on trauma-informed treatment to address anxiety and depression, as well as issues related to self-esteem, self-care, emotional self-regulation, coping strategies, cognitive flexibility, interpersonal relationships, and life transitions. Laura uses an eclectic approach, drawing from a variety of theoretical models to meet client’s diverse needs. In a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space, she will work collaboratively with clients to help identify what’s holding them back. Laura works in both the Laconia and Franklin offices of HealthFirst. Laura is a proud mom of a talented teenager, and she enjoys reading, writing, delighting in time outdoors, playing cards, volunteering at her son’s sporting events, and spending time with family.
(FRANKLIN & CHURCH ST.)
Dustin Bousquin, CMHC
Dustin Bousquin, CMHC, is a Behavioral Health Specialist who received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a concentration in Mental Health, from Plymouth State University. Dustin then went on to complete his Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Plymouth State University. Dustin takes an integrated approach when treating his patients, pulling from different modalities that include CBT, DBT and a client centered approach, working with his patients to form an individualized treatment plan to fit a wide array of needs. While Dustin enjoys working with kids, teens, and LGBTQ+ individuals, his diverse skill set and qualifications allow him to work with anyone to help them achieve their mental-health goals. When not working, Dustin enjoys camping, spending time with friends and his cat, hiking, reading, and spending time by the lake.
(CANAAN)
Barbara Hutchinson, LMFT
Barbara Hutchinson, MFT, is currently awaiting her marriage and family therapy license. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hollins University in Roanoke, VA, and completed her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at Antioch New England Graduate School in Keene, NH. With 18 years of experience in children’s residential and community mental health, Barbara has gained extensive knowledge in working with DCYF, DJJS, and school systems (including IEP and 504 plans), which has deepened her understanding of the challenges families face and fueled her compassion for their journeys.
As the youngest in a large family, Barbara has a strong passion for supporting family connection and communication. She is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and has experience providing both individual and group therapy in this modality. Additionally, she is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (both brief and long-term), and Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and is currently pursuing certification as a play therapist. Barbara believes in a personalized approach to therapy and continually seeks new training opportunities to ensure she provides the best possible support for her clients. In her free time, Barbara enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, camping, and playing with her corgis.
(LACONIA & CANAAN)
Lydia Butner, LCMHC
Lydia is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and has been a part-time provider with HealthFirst’s School-Based Services team since August 2024. Prior to this, Lydia spent 7 years providing clinical mental health care in community mental health, college, and private practice settings in rural Kansas. She received her bachelor’s in English from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and a Master of Arts-Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University. She has received training in play therapy, trauma care, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Lydia engages clients with a relaxed, curious, and creative style while remaining focused on helping clients build their knowledge of themselves and gain tools to help them resolve struggles and process stressors. In her time away from work, Lydia enjoys time outside with her family, game nights with friends, and baking gluten-free desserts.
Aimee Roberts
Aimee Roberts is a Behavioral Health Crisis Specialist who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Southern New Hampshire University and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. Aimee joined the Health First team in 2024 as a Crisis Specialist, bringing with her extensive experience in human services. She is passionate about helping individuals in emotional distress, providing them with essential coping strategies to de-escalate and manage their challenges. Outside of work, Aimee enjoys quality time with her family, friends, and two dogs. She also loves cooking, baking, and relaxing by the lake.
(LACONIA)
2024-2025 Behavioral Health Interns
Kristen Forge
Kristen Forge is a Behavioral Health Intern with HealthFirst Family Care. She is pursuing her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern New Hampshire University. Kristen received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Keene State College, with an Associate’s Degree in chemical dependency. Additionally, Kristen has been awarded a Master of Science degree in Forensic Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. Kristen has a special professional interest in mood disorders and working with specialized populations, children, and adolescents and favors Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Kristen comes to this internship with advanced training and skills in the field of mental health. Her expertise includes trauma-informed care, being an instructor for Youth Mental Health First Aid, crisis management, and psychoeducational programming with pre-sentenced and incarcerated populations (both adults and adolescents). These experiences have equipped her with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals in these groups and the effective strategies needed to support their mental health. Kristen is excited to be at this stage in her career, nearing graduation and licensure. She is particularly passionate about working in the mental health field and helping people overcome the challenges they face. She is also eager to continue developing her skills and begin to apply them to make a positive impact in the field and the community. Kristen is a married mom of three kids (16, 11, and 6) and two dogs. She loves spending time outdoors, going fishing, camping, and exploring new places with her family. When Kristen needs a break, she enjoys relaxing with a good book or watching the latest true crime documentary.
Lilly Hearn
Lilly Hearn is a Behavioral Health Intern working towards her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Plymouth State University, which she will receive in 2025. She was awarded her bachelor’s degree from Rhode Island College in history and creative writing. Lilly knew right away that she has a passion for working with those navigating eating disorders. As her program has progressed, she has also discovered a professional interest in working with children, as well as disadvantaged populations. Lilly is excited to grow in all facets of her counselor identity. She looks forward to developing a theory with which she will resonate. Lilly is also looking forward to learning and working with all different populations, expanding her comfort level as a clinician. In her spare time, she likes to spend time doing artistic or outdoorsy things. During her undergraduate experience, she received three awards for her non-fiction short stories. After moving to New Hampshire, Lilly developed a love for hiking. She is currently working on beating the “52 With a View” list!
Kendra Lacourse
Kendra Lacourse is a Behavioral Health Intern with HealthFirst Family Care. She is working towards a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Addictions Counseling at Plymouth State University. Kendra graduated from Plymouth State University in December 2022 with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a concentration in mental health and minors in anthropology and sociology. Kendra has a special interest in working with children and, specifically, at-risk adolescents. Kendra has previous experience working in an inpatient behavioral health setting in forensic psychology, which she enjoyed. Kendra has taken many small workshops on art therapy, especially its use with teens and young adults. Additionally, she has run art therapy exercises in a group classroom setting. A fun fact about Kendra is that she is a paranormal investigator and spends her free time exploring haunted history, as well as doing investigations – her most recent being an overnight at The Conjuring house.
Connor McCarthy
Connor McCarthy is a Behavioral Health Intern working towards his Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Plymouth State University. Connor received his bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism from the University of Massachusetts Amherst Isenberg School of Business. His special areas of interest are anxiety and depression, as well as LGBTQIA+ populations. Additionally, Connor is working on a certificate in addictions counseling. As an intern, Connor is excited about working with patients to explore what different types of skills and specializations would best meet their needs. In his free time, Connor enjoys writing and experimenting with new recipes for cooking.
Evika Toth
Evika Toth is a Behavioral Health Intern who received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Plymouth State University in 2023. She is currently working on obtaining her Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Plymouth State University and plans to graduate in August of 2025. Evika uses an integrative approach when she treats her patients in order to best fit their needs. She pulls from therapeutic modalities including Narrative, Strengths-Based, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Evika enjoys working with couples and families that include school-aged children, but she also likes to work with individuals. Evika offers both in-person and virtual appointments. When Evika isn’t in the office, she enjoys spending time with her cat, reading, being active, and going out to eat with friends.
Zeke Anene
Zeke is a Behavioral Health Intern at HealthFirst and is pursuing a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with a focus on addictions treatment at Plymouth State University. His passion for mental health has led him on a journey of continual learning and exploration. Zeke holds a bachelor’s degree from Salem State University, where he studied psychology, sports and movement science, exercise science, and pre-rehabilitation.
Before embarking on his academic path, Zeke served in the United States Army as part of a brigade combat team and was deployed to Iraq in 2016. His military experience gave him unique insights into mental health challenges, particularly the struggles faced by veterans and active-duty service members.
Zeke’s approach to therapy is grounded in connection and empathy. He works collaboratively with patients to help them process their thoughts and experiences through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and family systems-based techniques. While deeply invested in the study of psychology, he also believes in the power of the mind-body connection, seeing it as key to wellness and happiness. An avid runner and exercise enthusiast, Zeke enjoys discussing others’ views about this experience we call life.
Mikayla Khoury
Mikayla Khoury is a Behavioral Health Intern who received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is currently working toward her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Wellness Leadership from Plymouth State University. Mikayla earnestly believes in treating individuals holistically, utilizing eclectic and strength-based approaches to healing and overall well-being. She is interested in assisting adults of all ages with self-care, self-awareness, self-esteem, identity, life transitions, and interpersonal relationships. She has experience working in youth development and eating disorder treatment in non-clinical roles and looks forward to applying her knowledge as a counselor. In addition to these special interests, Mikayla is ready to support individuals of all backgrounds facing a variety of issues, including anxiety and depression. She is committed to fostering safe, supportive, genuine connections with all clients while developing her professional skills. When not working or studying, Mikayla loves to cook and explore new activities, most recently scrapbooking and ice skating!
Grace Knowlton
Grace Knowlton is a Master’s Level Clinical Social Work Intern on the Behavioral Health team with HealthFirst Family Care. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Southern New Hampshire University in 2022. She is working towards earning her master’s degree in social work with a concentration in mental health and trauma at Denver University. Grace is interested in working with a wide age range of individuals. While her primary focus is on mental health and trauma, she is eager to grow in different aspects of her social worker and counselor identity. Grace is passionate about ending the stigma surrounding mental health and underscores the importance of mindfulness. She also incorporates different therapeutic frameworks, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Holistic Therapy. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga and spending time outside. Most importantly, she enjoys hanging out with her dog and taking him on adventures – their most recent adventure being her dog’s first time camping.
MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT
Kelley Watkins, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Kelley Watkins, APRN, is a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has a deep passion for the care of individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. She incorporates the principles of patient-centered care including respect, education, physical and emotional support, and integrative care with primary care providers. Additionally, Kelley provides treatment for Hepatitis C and has over a decade of experience in treatment of acute and chronic illnesses.
(LACONIA, FRANKLIN & CHURCH ST.)
Nancy Nemcovich, LADC
Nancy Nemcovich, LADC, has worked in the field of substance misuse for 34 years. She graduated from Keene State College with a BA in Psychology and NH Technical College with a certificate in Alcohol Counseling. Her career started in 1984 at Seminole Pole Hospital, a 28 Day Substance use treatment program in Sunapee, NH. During her career she has worked for the state of NH Multiple DWI Offender Program for 20 years, Concord Hospital Substance Use Services for 20 years, and with court ordered adolescents. She is currently working with Aware Recovery Care Program, an in-home addiction treatment program in NH through BC Insurance. She is also a member of the Tilton Rotary Club and is a Board Member for the Tilton Northfield Family Resource Center, and the Franklin Mayor’s Drug Task Force.
(LACONIA, FRANKLIN & CHURCH ST.)
PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS
Ingrid Farrell, DNP, PMH-C
Ingrid Farrell, DNP, PMH-C, has over 20 years’ experience in healthcare. As a registered nurse, Ingrid worked in a variety of settings including emergency departments, cardiac, and intensive care units. It was while working in the emergency department that Ingrid discovered her passion for working with people with mental illness and addiction. Seeing the effects of stigma and the lack of access to behavioral health care led her to pursue her career as a nurse practitioner specializing in psychiatric care. She graduated in 2022 from the College of St. Scholactica, is a board certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, and in January 2025 was awarded her perinatal mental health certification. Following graduation, Ingrid and her husband moved to New Hampshire where she worked as an attending psychiatric nurse practitioner in the inpatient setting. Ingrid is an active member of the American Nurse Association, the American Psychiatric Nurse Association, and the New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Association. She believes the path to improved mental health starts with developing therapeutic relationships and establishing mutual goals of treatment. Ingrid is dedicated to providing compassionate, person-centered care at HealthFirst as a psychiatric nurse practitioner as well as working closely with the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) team.
(LACONIA & FRANKLIN)
Cassie Tucker, PMHNP
Cassie Tucker is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who has been in the nursing field since 2007. She obtained her BSN and MSN from Grand Canyon University. Later, she obtained her post-grad degree at Rivier University and became a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Cassie has worked in various fields within behavioral health, including inpatient, outpatient, substance abuse, and dual diagnosis. During her career, she discovered her passion for working with those struggling with substance abuse or dual-diagnosis patients. She utilizes a non-judgmental approach and supports patients wherever they are on their mental health journey. In Cassie’s free time, she enjoys working in her epic garden, hanging with her 3 dogs, and being with her family.
(CANAAN)
NUTRITION
Laurie Terwilliger, RDN
Laurie Terwilliger, RDN, is a Registered Dietician Nutritionist working part-time at HealthFirst Family Care Center, Inc. Whether you are trying to manage a chronic disease or just want to lose weight and learn how to eat healthier, Laurie works with each individual to develop a personal diet plan that fits with his or her lifestyle. Laurie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from San Diego State University and a Master of Science degree in Zoology from Washington State University. After working as a field biologist and science teacher, Laurie applied her extensive science background to the study of nutrition. She completed her dietetics coursework at the University of New Hampshire and was accepted into the Dietetic Internship Program at Keene State College where she gained practical experience in the clinical, community and food service fields of dietetics. Her special areas of interest are in diabetes education, geriatric nutrition, and promoting healthy food and eating patterns to prevent and/or manage chronic disease.
(LACONIA & FRANKLIN)
