OUR TEAM
Clinicians
Kate Dormans
PMHNP-BC, CPN
Kate Dormans
PMHNP-BC, CPN
Kate Dormans PMHNP, CPN is a board-certified family psychiatric nurse practitioner and treats patients across the lifespan from childhood through adulthood. Additionally, she is a certified pediatric nurse CPN specializing in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult care. With six years of clinical experience, five of which have been at Boston Children’s Hospital,
Kate uses a collaborative approach meant to empower patients and their families to take an active role in their care. She practices from a place of authenticity and cultural humility, while striving to ensure her patients feel seen and valued. Before obtaining her nursing degree from Northeastern University, Kate majored in Childhood Development while working at the Center for Children with Disabilities.
While working bedside at Boston Children’s during the pandemic, Kate saw an influx of psychiatric children in crisis. She recognized a need in this specialty and found great fulfillment in supporting, advocating for, and bonding with these patients and their families. This prompted her to gain her masters from Regis College, graduating summa cum laude in the spring of 2023.
Kate is trained in assessing, managing, and providing psychopharmacologic medication treatment for an array of mental health conditions including but not limited to anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD. She additionally has substantial experience providing care for children, teens, and young adults through her work at Boston Children’s Hospital in the past. Kate is a lifelong learner, continuously working to expand her knowledge base. Her most recent certifications include Welle behavioral safety management training, counseling on access to lethal means through zero suicide institute, and the CITI program for social and behavioral research.
Outside of work, Kate enjoys baking, hiking, reading, going to concerts, and most importantly spending time with her nine (yes, nine!) nieces and one nephew.
Kate is currently accepting new patients.
Ashleigh Hopkins
PMHNP-BC
Ashleigh Hopkins
PMHNP-BC
Ashleigh Hopkins is a dedicated and compassionate ANCC board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who studied at Regis College earning a Master of Science in nursing, specializing in psychiatric mental health. With over a decade of nursing experience across both acute care and community settings, Ashleigh brings a wealth of knowledge and nursing expertise to her practice.
Her nursing journey began with a Diploma in Nursing from St. Joseph School of Nursing in 2014, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Curry College in 2016. Throughout her career, Ashleigh has demonstrated a strong commitment to patient care, emphasizing empathy and understanding in her approach. She has worked in various roles, including telemetry and medical-surgical units in hospital settings, home health nursing, and and school-based nursing. More recently, Ashleigh focused on community mental health nursing, serving underserved populations facing mental health disorders and social determinants of health. This humbling experience deepened her understanding of the critical need for accessible mental health services and lead her to further her education and training.
As a PMHNP, she is trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders conditions across the lifespan including but not limited to depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, ADHD. Ashleigh’s personal and cultural experiences have enriched her ability to connect with a diverse population of clients, fostering strong therapeutic relationships that promote healing and growth.
Believing in a collaborative approach to treatment, Ashleigh works closely with her clients to develop individualized treatment plans that address their unique needs and goals. She considers the integral roles of nutrition, exercise, and brief psychotherapy in the healing process, supporting her clients on their journey toward improved mental health and well-being. Ashleigh is committed to empowering her clients, guiding them to achieve resilience and a higher quality of life.
Ashleigh is Currently taking new patients.
Rebecca McCloskey
PMHNP, CNO
Rebecca McCloskey
PMHNP, CNO
Rebecca is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner in psychiatry and mental health (PMHNP-BC). Rebecca is Boston Psychiatric Care’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) and leads our clinical team and oversees clinical operations at the practice. She can assess, diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, providing comprehensive mental health care for a wide range of conditions. She specializes in the treatment of ADHD, anxiety and autism spectrum disorders.
She is committed to providing holistic and evidence-based care. Her approach to treatment is collaborative and conversational, providing a low-pressure environment to discuss treatment options. Her goal is to help clients achieve an optimal level of wellness with as little medication as possible, including non-pharmacologic strategies and supportive de-prescribing when clinically indicated. She does not offer regular psychotherapy but can provide referrals to many talented local therapists.
Rebecca completed her clinical training at the University of Texas at Austin where she specialized in family-centered mental health care, especially for those living in marginalized communities. Prior to completing her Masters degree, she taught undergraduate nursing students and worked in various care settings, including pediatric primary care, neuropsychological testing, and housing/case management services. She is a dedicated advocate for mental health and wellness, with over 20 years of experience working alongside folks fighting for equity and dignity in psychiatric care.
Outside of work, Rebecca can be found spending time with her family, playing board games, going to concerts and thrift stores. She likes to sing loudly while driving, attempt various craft projects, and try to keep her plants alive.
Rebecca is currently accepting new patients.
Sarah McDonnell
DNP, PMHNP-BC
Sarah McDonnell
DNP, PMHNP-BC
Sarah is an ANCC board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). She is passionate about patient-centered care, with an understanding that each person is individual and each mental health journey is unique. She collaborates with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that empower them to achieve their mental health goals. Sarah is trained in working with patients of all ages and backgrounds.
Prior to becoming a nurse, Sarah received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wake Forest University. To combine her interests of holistically treating patients and prescribing, she then earned a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) from Boston College and continued at BC to earn a doctorate nursing degree (DNP). Sarah completed her clinical internship at a private practice in Norwell, MA. Her doctoral research project educated anesthesiologists at Signature Healthcare on the harmful presence of race-based medicine, and worked to increase providers’ comfort in discussing race with patients.
She has experience treating a wide range of mental health illnesses including but not limited to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, and eating disorders. When she is not working, Sarah enjoys being active outdoors including playing tennis and skiing, baking, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.
Sarah is currently accepting new patients.
Anya Peters
PhD, PMHNP-BC, CNE
Anya Peters
PhD, PMHNP-BC, CNE
Anya is an ANCC board certified nurse practitioner in psychiatry and mental health and brings 29 years of nursing experience to Boston Psychiatric Care. She moved into psychiatry from an acute care and academic background and enjoys working with children, adolescents, young adults (ages 25 years old and under), and adults on developing a therapeutic relationship that involves thorough psychiatric evaluation, brief psychotherapeutic interventions, and, when appropriate, medication management. She sees a broad range of patients experiencing psychiatric or mental health challenges including mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, (obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder), and ADHD. She believes in working with you to find the best solutions for your specific concerns.
Prior to becoming a nurse, Anya earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology from North Carolina State University. She Later earned her BSN from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, her MSN from Wilmington University, PhD from Widener University, and her post master’s certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health from U-Mass Amherst. When not working, Anya enjoys spending outside time with her family, hiking, traveling, gardening, and cooking.
Anya is currently accepting new patients.
Avery Richard
PMHNP-BC
Avery Richard
PMHNP-BC
Avery Richard is an ANCC board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive mental health care to patients across the lifespan. Avery believes strongly in a holistic, person-centered approach, working collaboratively with each patient to develop individualized treatment plans that support their unique stories, needs and goals.
Avery began her nursing career in 2013 and brings over a decade of clinical experience to her practice. Before specializing in psychiatry, she worked at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital in critical care where she recognized the profound connection between physical and mental health. These experiences honed her ability to support patients and families through complex and challenging medical situations, skills that seamlessly translate into her work in mental health.
Avery is trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions with particular clinical interests in perinatal mental health, pediatric and adolescent care, OCD, anxiety disorders, and supporting neurodivergent individuals.
Avery practices from a place of cultural humility and authenticity, striving to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel seen, heard, and empowered in their mental health journey. She integrates psychopharmacology, brief psychotherapy, and lifestyle-based approaches to promote overall well-being.
Outside of work, Avery can be found chasing after her three young children, cooking, reading, and advocating passionately for neurodivergent communities.
Shelley Ward
PMHNP-BC
Shelley Ward
PMHNP-BC
Shelley is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) committed to providing compassionate mental health care to patients across the lifespan. Shelley’s strong clinical skills are enhanced by her natural ability to build rapport with patients and families, developed during her work in the Burn/Trauma/Surgical ICU at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. For over 20 years Shelley provided expert critical care nursing to patients and families in crisis. Shelley always had a strong interest in psychology and behavioral healthcare. Witnessing the impact a person’s mental health had on their treatment and recovery inspired Shelley to pursue a career as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. Shelley is certified to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of mental health diagnoses in children, adolescents, and adults, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and ADHD. She believes each person brings a unique life experience with them and works with the patient to develop an individualized medication and psychotherapy treatment plan, making referrals to therapists as needed for regular psychotherapy.
Shelley earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Simmons University and her master’s degree from MCPHS University. She enjoys spending time outside with her family, hiking, traveling, and working in her garden. She is committed to working for racial and social justice and is a member of Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) of North Central Massachusetts.
Shelley is currently taking new patients.
Danielle Zito
PMHCS-BC, Founder
Danielle Zito
PMHCS-BC, Founder
Danielle is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, founder of Boston Psychiatric Care LLC, and is currently studying as an integrative and functional psychiatry fellow under Dr. James Greenblatt. Danielle has held her nursing license since 2006 and her board certification from ANCC since 2007. She is trained in the assessment, management, and psychopharmacological (medication) treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions including but not limited to depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD and sees adults aged 18 and older. Danielle is committed to treatment that is patient focused and includes patient participation in the selection of evidence based treatment options and care. Danielle holds the HeartMath Clinical Certification for Stress, Anxiety and Self Regulation program which can include a form of biofeedback. Brief psychotherapeutic interventions are offered during visits, but for regular therapy Danielle provides referrals to many Boston area therapists. Danielle speaks English (native) and Spanish (proficient). She is currently learning Turkish and speaking at an intermediate level.
Prior to becoming an Advanced Practice Nurse Danielle studied Neuroscience and worked for several years in in-vivo addiction research and clinical sleep medicine. She also has experience in in-vitro inflammation pharmacology research and is interested in how inflammatory or autoimmune conditions may impact mental heath. Danielle received her M.S. in Nursing from Boston College and completed her clinical psychiatric internship at Cambridge Health Alliance. When not working, Danielle enjoys learning languages, singing, gardening, and spending time with her family.
Danielle is not currently taking new patients.
Clinicians looking to refer a patient should click here.
Patients and their families interested in becoming a client should call or text (text not encrypted or HIPPA compliant) the office at 617-830-1644 or fill out the new patient inquiry form by clicking here. *Note this is an inquiry form, not intake paperwork.
Office Administration, Management, and Clinical Coordination
Andrea Cantin
Practice Manager
Andrea Cantin
Practice Manager
Andrea , a graduate of Simmons College, joins our administrative team after 29 years in the health and education field. She has worked for the Dartmouth Public school system and Taunton Early intervention. She spent 24 years as a Developmental Specialist for Taunton Early intervention out of Associates for Human Services. Andrea is a certified Early Intervention Specialist as well as a Certified Infant Massage Educator. She has worked with families and children with varying needs and developmental concerns growing as an educator, health services provider, and a person with each and every one of them. Andrea oversees the operations of the entire practice as well as both the operations of the clinical and administrative teams. She also oversees financial and HR management of the practice. Andrea has been a key player in growing our practice clinical and administrative teams. Andrea enjoys helping people reach their true potential by showing kindness and empathy along the way. She enjoys spending time with her son and close friends, traveling and taking time to appreciate the life she has built.
Jeffry Cuizon
Medical Assistant
Jeffry Cuizon
Medical Assistant
Jeffry Cuizon is trained as nurse with over 15 years of diverse healthcare and customer service experience. He has held various roles that demonstrate his flexibility and commitment to excellent care, most recently as a quality documentation specialist, where he ensured accurate patient encounter documentation. His experience as a customer service associate enhanced his interpersonal and communication skills, allowing him to effectively manage inquiries and resolve issues. With exceptional attention to detail and strong problem-solving abilities, he thrives in fast-paced environments and connects well with clients and patients. Jeffry combines his clinical expertise and customer service background to support client practices, improving operational efficiency and patient satisfaction while adhering to high care standards. When not working
, Jeffry loves hiking, camping, and joins fun runs.
Christie Lastimosa
Medical Assistant
Christie Lastimosa
Medical Assistant
Christie is a medical assistant and admin team member who has been working in a variety of healthcare settings for over ten years. Christie has a university degree and training as a pharmacist. She has prior experience working with Express Scripts and OptumRX in benefits management as well as in customer service. Christie is dedicated to providing quality care and services to the needs of a diverse patient population. Christie also has training in medical scribing.
Aiza Moreno
Lead Medical Assistant
Aiza Moreno
Lead Medical Assistant
Aiza is our lead medical assistant, trainer, and an admin team member. She was formally trained in university as a registered nurse and has extensive experience in multiple medical specialties with over 10+ years working in nursing and international coordination. In addition to her medical and nursing knowledge, Aiza has in depth experience with prior authorizations and helping patients utilize the benefits of their insurance as well as medical scribing. When not working, Aiza is a talented crocheter and enjoys spending time with her family.