BucksportRegional Health Center

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BucksportRegional Health Center

Serving the Bucksport region since 1974.

Medical Providers

Cindy Avery, MD
Cindy Avery, MD

Dr. Cindy Avery has extensive experience in community care, geriatrics, and is a skilled preceptor training and mentoring medical students and residents. She graduated from the Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, spent two years at Faculte Libre de Medicine, Lille, France, and earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and pre-medical studies from the University of Massachusetts. She is Board Certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Avery speaks French and Spanish. She is married to Richard and they have an adult son, Ben, and adult daughter, Beth Ann. They also have a small menagerie of animals. She also enjoys breadmaking.

S. Kumar Biswas, MD
S. Kumar Biswas, MD

Dr. Biswas has practiced family medicine at Bucksport Regional Health Center since 2002. He became a Physician because ever since he was a child in Bangladesh, he wanted to help the sick and those in need. He is a member of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom, and board certified in internal medicine in the U.S. Dr. Biswas attended Dhaka Medical College in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh, U.K. He has been married to wife, Yasamin, for 28 years, and has two children. When he is not working, he enjoys listening to music, traveling, badminton, and photography.

Dr. Thomas Bugbee - Ellsworth
Dr. Thomas Bugbee - Ellsworth

Dr. Bugbee earned his medical degree, with honors, from the University of California, Davis, and completed his residency at Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster, PA Family Practice. Dr. Bugbee is certified with the American Board of Family Physicians, and is a member of the board of directors of the Maine Academy of Family Physicians. He has an extensive experience, having worked as a family physician, an emergency room/ambulatory center physician, and a hospitalist at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital.

Kathleen McCall, MD
Kathleen McCall, MD

Dr. McCall was working in a lab doing research when her boss, took her to an outreach clinic in a rural area in Oregon. She realized rural medicine really called to her because it made her feel that it was possible to make a difference, very directly, in a community. Dr. McCall went to Albany Medical School and entered a Family Medicine Residency Program at the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota.

Dr. Stephen Nightingale - Ellsworth
Dr. Stephen Nightingale - Ellsworth

Dr. Nightingale has been practicing in the area for many years and is highly skilled in several disciplines. He earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama and is Board Certified in internal medicine, pediatrics, and laser surgery with a special interest in venous disease. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians.

Nicholas Vachon, DPM
Nicholas Vachon, DPM

Dr. Vachon became a Physician because he wanted to help people in pain. Foot pain, to be exact, which is why he chose podiatry as his specialty. He has been practicing for several decades. His professional interests include, diabetic wounds, sports medicine, reconstructive forefoot surgery, foot wounds and injuries of the foot. He received his BS in biology from UMaine and earned his MD from Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. He received his surgical training from Boston City Hospital, Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Podiatry Hospital of Pittsburg. Dr. Vachon is married to wife, Dottie, has three grown children, and two Wheaton terriers. When he is not working, he spends his time fishing and hunting. He also enjoys gardening, running and biking.

Sara Willey, NP
Sara Willey, NP

Hurricane Katrina came just two months after Sara and her family moved to New Orleans and overnight they were homeless and jobless. The compassion shown to her by others during this difficult time made Sara realize that she wanted to have a career where she could give back to her community. Becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner felt like the best way for her to achieve that goal. Sara specializes in family medicine, with patients of all ages. Sara has a BSN from George Mason University, and Masters of Science in Nursing from Husson University. She is married with two daughters and four cats. She loves running, traveling, reading and learning new things.

Timothy Clifford, MD
Timothy Clifford, MD

Dr. Clifford is an avid learner with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. The medical profession fits that trait perfectly. He has been a provider for decades, having spent most of his career at Bucksport Regional Health Center. He also was, at one time, the Medical Director for the MaineCare and Goold Health Systems. Dr. Clifford graduated Boston College, with a psychology major, and earned his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine. He is married to wife, Nancy, a dentist, and has two grown children. In his spare time, he enjoys running, reading mysteries, and gardening.

Craig C. Benson, DO
Craig C. Benson, DO

Dr. Benson promotes health by advising patients concerning diet, hygiene, and methods for prevention of disease and has substantial experience in urgent care. He has a Bachelor of Science in biology and completed a Family Practice Internship at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, TN. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathy from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, WV. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, the American Medical Association, and the American Society Addiction Medicine.

Brandy George, FNP
Brandy George, FNP

Brandy became a provider because she enjoys helping people, especially in health promotion and prevention. She also enjoys building relationships with her patients. Team work with fellow providers is an important component to her as she seeks to provide the best outcomes for her patients. Brandy earned her MSN and FNP from the University of Vermont, Burlington, and her BSN from Rhode Island College. She is an AANP Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Brandy is married with two children, three cats and three dogs. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and music festivals. Her favorite quote is, "Cherish your yesterdays, dream your tomorrows, and live your todays." Anonymous.

Heidi Shawley, FNP
Heidi Shawley, FNP

Heidi has experience in chronic disease management, geriatrics and long-term care. She earned a Master's Degree in Nursing- Family Nurse Practitioner, from Husson University, Bangor, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Maine Fort Kent. She is a Certified Rehab Registered Nurse.

Jessica Barry, FNP
Jessica Barry, FNP

Jessica is a Family Nurse Practitioner. She graduated from the University of Maine, Orono, with her FNP Masters of Science, and Husson University, Bangor, with a Bachelor’s of Science in nursing. She also attended Excelsior College, Albany, NY with a BA in Psychology, and University of Maine at Augusta, with an AA in Mathematics. Jessica was in the Maine Air National Guard, Bangor, for many years. She is a member of the American Nursing Association, Maine Nurse Practitioners Association, and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Ruth Tainter, FNP
Ruth Tainter, FNP

Ruth Tainter, Family Nurse Practitioner, has experience in various medical specialties, including, ambulatory surgery, emergency room, and helping patients manage chronic diseases. She attended the University of Maine, Orono, and earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing Masters. Ruth is involved with many activities that support the community and co-chairs her church’s Public Suppers which involves planning, shopping, and cooking monthly meals (prior to COVID 19 restrictions) for up to 160 individuals. When not working or volunteering, Ruth is interested in sailing, restoring a 22-foot sailboat, a 12-foot dingy and a 1978 Triumph Spitfire.

Mary Jude, FNP
Mary Jude, FNP

Mary E. Jude, PhD, MPH, MSN, FNP-C, has worked as a Nurse Practitioner with the tribes of Maine. She is also experienced in internal medicine, endocrinology and emergency medicine. At BRHC, She focuses on acute care and care for individuals with diabetes. She has undergraduate degrees from UMaine at Augusta, and University of the State of New York, her FNP/PA certificate from the University of North Dakota School of Community Medicine at Grand Forks, a Master’s in Public Health from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, CA, and a Master’s of Science in Nursing and PhD from the University of Maine.

Behavioral Health Providers

David Harlan, LCSW
David Harlan, LCSW

David is a versatile therapist who uses solution focused brief intervention techniques to work with families in distress, intervening in substance abuse problems, treating post-trauma anxiety, using homework assignments, and providing clients with tools for problem solving. He has a BA in sociology from Taylor University, and earned his MSW in Treatment of Individuals, Families, and Groups from Loyola University. David is married and has an adult son and daughter. He moved to Maine as a young adult to pursue Maine’s wilderness and outdoor activity – that is where you will find him now when he is not working.

Jonathan Heeren, PhD
Jonathan Heeren, PhD

Jonathan, a clinical psychologist, has practiced for decades and uses evidence-based cognitive-behavioral, collaborative and solution-focused brief intervention techniques to work with a diverse range of families and patients of all ages. He earned his MS in Counseling/Clinical Psychology from University of Oregon and his PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Virginia. He has a wife, Phyllis, and two grown children. When not working, he and Phyllis enjoy hiking, camping, riding their motorcycles and exploring Maine.

Mary-Ann Williams, LCSW
Mary-Ann Williams, LCSW

Mary-Ann has worked with all ages as a social worker, ranging from infants to elderly. Her passion is helping families, supporting parents with parenting skills and stress management, as well as with kids who have a variety of challenges. She provides individual, couple, family counseling, as well as play therapy. Mary-Ann earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Maine. She is a member of Phi Alpha Honor Society. She is married with two daughters and two cats. When not working, she enjoys working in her flower gardens, doing family activities, playing computer games, and arts and crafts. She has two favorite quotes: “Don’t give up. I believe in you all. A person’s a person, no matter how small.” Dr. Seuss. And, “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Jane Goodall.

Ilse Larrivee, LCSW
Ilse Larrivee, LCSW

Ilse is part of the Behavioral Health Program and sees patients in Bucksport and Ellsworth. She co-facilitates one of the MAT Groups. She has worked with families in their homes, Family Reunification, contract agency with DHHS, and was the Clinical Supervisor for Sweetser’s Residential, Children’s Crisis Unit, and their Day Treatment Program. She grew up overseas, spent a year and a half in Romania doing volunteer work, sings and plays guitar, and helps run a tie dye business! 

Carlie Jo Bragdon, LCSW
Carlie Jo Bragdon, LCSW

As part of our Behavioral Health Program Carlie sees patients in Bucksport and in Ellsworth. She provides counseling and co-facilitates Medication Assisted Treatment Groups. She has worked as a case manager, provided in-home therapy to families, worked as a psychiatric clinician on an inpatient unit, and spent time as an assistant clinical director for a residential program in the state. Carlie graduated from the University of Maine with a master's in social work. She is a local girl, having grown up in Bar Harbor. She now resides on the ocean with her wife and four dogs. Carlie enjoys kayaking and exploring islands nearby. She is an American Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Volunteer and a trainer of suicide prevention and domestic trafficking of children awareness.

Isabelle Vachon, LCSW
Isabelle Vachon, LCSW

Isabelle believes that people are capable of positive change and growth that can come in many ways. She attended the University of Maine earning degrees in social work. Isabelle was born and raised Ellsworth and has family in the area. She lives with two rescue cats. Her favorite quote is, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou

Dental Providers

Paul Gualtieri, DDS
Paul Gualtieri, DDS

Dentistry is in Dr. Gualtieri’s blood. His father was a dentist, and they practiced together until, at the age of 80, his dad retired. His father taught him, at a young age, the fundamental principles of being a good dentist. Dr. Gualtieri is skilled in all aspects of dentistry. He received an Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene from NYC Technical College, a BS in Microbiology from Wagner College and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree at New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Gualtieri resides in Castine with his family, Kelly and their children, as well as their aquatic turtle. His hobbies include a love for muscle cars and vintage two stroke motorcycles.

Jessica Poole, RDH
Jessica Poole, RDH

Jessica received an Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Maine at Augusta’s Bangor campus, in 2006. She began working at Bucksport Regional Health Center that same year. She is thankful to work in a strong team environment, and feels that the patients recognize and benefit tremendously from this. She is mindful of her patients who are anxious and nervous in the dental office setting, and takes great pride in ensuring a comfortable and successful visit. When she is not in the office, she enjoys spending quality time with her children, Taylor, Blayne, and Kinley, being with family and friends, watching Taylor play sports, camping, attending concerts and cheering on the New England Patriots!

Nicole Gillway, RDH
Nicole Gillway, RDH

Nicole is passionate about working in the dental field. She thoroughly enjoys her working relationship with patients of all ages. She finds it very rewarding to have the opportunity to help and educate each patient individually. Nicole attended Bucksport High School, and graduated from the University of Maine at Augusta’s Bangor campus, receiving an Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene. She began her dental hygiene career at a private dental office in Blue Hill, and was thrilled to have the opportunity to practice in her hometown, at Bucksport Regional Dental Center, starting in 2013. Nicole is married to her husband James, who is a Merchant Mariner, Police Officer, and Army National Guardsman. They have two children, Alexis and Wyatt, and a Husky named Kylie. When she is not at work, she enjoys any outdoor activity with her family and friends. She particularly enjoys biking, kayaking, hiking and fishing.

Accepted Insurance

In addition to MaineCare and Medicare, we accept insurance from most popular insurance companies.

Transportation Information