Dr. Israel Adeloye, DMD, MPH (Dental in Dexter only)
Dr. Adeloye earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from Tufts School of Dental Medicine in 2014 and followed it with a master’s in public health (MPH) from Tufts School of Medicine in 2015. With the privilege of having practiced dentistry in multiple states, he has explored various facets of public health dentistry. In recognition of his dedication to oral health care, he received the Excellence in Oral Health award from the Maine Primary Care Association in 2017. Dr. Adeloye’s passion for public health extends to teaching, where he is deeply committed to nurturing the growth of future healthcare professionals. Beyond his professional pursuits, he dedicates his personal time to giving back. He volunteers at a free clinic in Maine, providing essential dental care, and actively participates in dental/medical international missions, sharing his expertise with those in need. When not engaged in dentistry, Dr. Adeloye finds joy in maintaining an active lifestyle. You’ll often find him at the gym or on his road bike, whether participating in charity events or spending quality time with his family.
Dr. Aaron Guimond, DMD
Dr. Aaron Michael Guimond, DMD, practices dentistry in Maine, specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions related to oral health. He is trained to perform a wide range of treatments, including professional cleanings, restorative procedures, prosthodontics, and endodontics, as well as conducting comprehensive examinations. Dr. Guimond earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of New England Dental Medicine, and holds a bachelor’s degree in biology/pre-med from Liberty University.
Dr. Michael MacDonald, (MD)
Dr. MacDonald has more than 20 years’ worth of experience. He is a firm believer in and advocate for nutritional medicine. He’s written numerous papers on a variety of topics for esteemed medical publications. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Maine Medical Association. He earned his MD from Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, his Ph.D. (Reproductive Physiology) Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, a BS (Microbiology/Genetics) Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, and a Medical Director Certificate from Harvard School of Medicine. Dr. MacDonald has three grown daughters. A well-rounded provider, he has various interests when he is not working, such as downhill skiing, kayaking, photography, snowboarding, gardening, hiking, golfing, cooking and riding motorcycle as much as possible. His favorite color is blue and favorite foods are Indian, Thai, and anything spicy.
Dorothy “Dottie” O’Keefe, Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
Dottie O’Keefe, Adult Nurse Practitioner, became a provider because she wanted to work with people on their individual health and wellness plans and see them through the process. She is experienced in respiratory medicine and infectious diseases. She has a Master of Science, in nursing from the University of Southern Maine, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Kentucky State University, and an associate’s in applied science in nursing. She has four children, nine grandchildren and a large Saint Bernewfie named Maddie. When not working, she enjoys running, gardening, reading, and vacuuming dog hair. She also participates in the Tri for a Cure in South Portland with her family each year.
Annabel Bradford, MD
Dr. Annabel Bradford, MD, is a psychiatry specialist who has extensive experience in Personality Disorders and Addiction & Substance Abuse. She also specializes in Psychiatry and Clinical Social Work. Dr. Bradford graduated from the Smith College School for Social Work, Harvard – Radcliffe College, University of Missouri Columbia School of Medicine. She is married with two children, a dog, chickens, ducks, and quail. Her favorite colors are teal and maroon, favorite foods are fruit and chocolate, and hobbies are family time, outdoor activities, and gardening.
Ellen Anderson, DPM (Podiatry in Dexter)
Dr. Ellen Anderson became interested in podiatry after witnessing the wonderful treatment that her mother and grandmother received from Nora Fanjoy, a practitioner in Dexter. She attended the University of Maine at Portland-Gorham, now known as the University of Southern Maine, and Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine, now known as Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. She was born and raised in Dover-Foxcroft, and after her residency, she moved back to Dover to go into private practice with her late husband, Dr. Mitchell Saunders. She has three children and two grandsons. When not working, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and gardening.
Ashlee Stahl, FNP
Ashlee Stahl is a family nurse practitioner who has extensive professional experience in a variety of areas including preventative care, managing acute and chronic illnesses, and interpreting diagnostic tests. She earned her B.S. in nursing, her MSN-FNP, from Husson University in Bangor.
Nikki Sennett, FNP
Nikki Sennett is a family nurse practitioner who works at HOMETOWN Health Center’s School Based Health Center for RSU 19, located at Nokomis Regional High, 291 Williams Road, Newport. She earned her FNP at Perdue University.
David A. Arena, JD, PsyD, MBA, LCPC, CCS
David A. Arena, Director of Behavioral Health Services, is a skilled behavioral health clinician/supervisor/consultant/administrator with 30 years of experience in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospital, private practice, and residential settings. While in private practice, he provided hypnotherapy, online hypnotherapy, counseling, psychotherapy. He is also a gifted educator having taught at numerous universities, as well as being a sought after speaker, presenter, and author. David is a graduate of the prestigious dual graduate program in law and psychology at Widener University, Chester, PA. He has a Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in clinical psychology, a Juris Doctorate in law, and a Master of Arts in clinical psychology. He also earned a Master of Education in counseling psychology, and a Master of Business Administration in health care administration from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ.
Jennifer Neufeld, LCSW, CCM
Jennifer Neufeld is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Behavioral Health. She has experience in biopsychosocial assessments, smoking cessation programs, and outpatient case management. She earned her Masters of Social Work at the University of Texas, Arlington.
John Talbot, LCSW
John Talbot is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He studied psychology, sociology, and social work at the University of Maine, earning a master’s degree. John has 12 years’ worth of experience working with children and families. Previous employment settings include working in homes and in communities, residential treatment, and middle school. His specialties encompass child/adolescent anxiety, depression, trauma, and conduct behaviors, as well as offering parenting skills and anger management.
Elizabeth Light, PMHNP-BC
Elizabeth Light, PMHNP-BC has been an advocate for and passionate supporter of individuals struggling with addiction and mental health issues for the last decade. She received her Masters of Science in Nursing from Yale University and is a current Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Prior to attending Yale she received her Master’s in Social Work from the State University of New York at Albany. She has worked in a variety of settings within addiction medicine and is passionate about treating individuals holistically by addressing all facets of life and wellness to help them live their best lives. When she is not working you can find her roaming antique stores, engaging in creative pursuits, or in the beautiful Maine nature enjoying a good book.
Click here to view and download the building brochure.
Hometown Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center, has a service area covering 20+ rural communities in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, and Waldo counties. This area has been federally designated as having a shortage of health care professionals. To meet the needs of the community, Hometown will be opening a new Medical and Wellness Facility in Palmyra. As a Patient Centered Medical Home model, Hometown is eager to have preventative care, acute care, behavioral health, oral hygiene and a comprehensive wellness center under one roof. The medical facility design will provide cutting edge patient flow, air filtration, medical and dental pods, integration of behavioral health services in an effort to provide warm hand offs. The pods allow for more communication and oversite of our staff as providers will be in the pod with their care team.
Hometown serves everyone without regard for ability to pay. The percentage of people in the service area population with incomes below 200% of federal poverty level (FPL) ranges from 35% in Waldo and Penobscot Counties to 41% in Piscataquis and 44% in Somerset. Approximately 12% of the population of each county is uninsured, and 15% of the total population is over the age of 65 (ranging from 14-18%).
The wellness part of the building will have a gym space with treadmills, a walking/running track, and equipment, classrooms to hold informational sessions, brown bag luncheons for the community, and regular sessions with a pharmacist who will do a comprehensive audit of an older adults’ medications. There will also be nutrition classes, specifically for those on SNAP to help them eat healthier. Hometown collaborates with local farmers in the Farm Share program. Hometown has a community garden currently to grow and give away free produce. The new facility will allow for an expansion of the garden so more people can be fed nutritious food. A food cupboard will also be on site. There will also be a day care center, and an opportunity to expand the Medication Assistance Treatment program to fight the opioid crisis. Older adults will have space to gather to increase their sociability and decrease loneliness and isolation.
There is nothing like this facility in the state. It will be comprehensive in medical care, dental care and in health and wellness opportunities. The nearest facility similar to this one is the YMCA which is 30+ minutes of travel time, which presents a large barrier to many people in the community. Additionally, it can be expensive to join. It is important to note that the wellness center is not just for patients. Anyone may use the gym, take classes, and use the food cupboard. This is a community facility for everyone.
There are concerning trends in Hometown’s area, including sedentary lifestyles, poor mental and physical health, obesity, heart disease, increasing suicide rates and drug abuse. The wellness facility will support a healthier lifestyle and provide the opportunity for people to actually get involved with their own health. It’s one thing for a provider to recommend diet and exercise but quite another thing for the patient to actually have the ability to follow through.
Going to a gym can be intimidating. Learning how to eat right can be daunting. Trying to do both can also be costly. The wellness facility will not only allow people to participate in a very cost-effective way, but staff will be able to provide guidance on site.
The COVID pandemic changed the way we all live. Patients are hesitant to visit a facility out of fear of contracting the virus so subsequently they get behind on their regular appointments, which reduces preventive care. We can’t fault them for that. The risk in the community is real. Hometown has had extraordinary success keeping people safe, but it wasn’t easy. Outdoor testing during Maine winters was not a viable option, yet we did it. Additionally, it has been extremely difficult on staff testing sites over the last two years. The new facility will have special accommodations for pandemic-related services.
The total square footage of the facility is 50,000 square feet: Health Center 27,500 and Wellness Center 22,400. It is two floors and will have an elevator to eliminate barriers to access. The land has been secured in Palmyra and the architect firm, Harriman, in Portland, has been engaged.
The bottom line is that this project stands to significantly increase the health and wellness of the entire community. So many physical conditions, emotional and mental illnesses can be lessened or overcome altogether with access to the right treatment and services. That is what Hometown wants to do.