Val embodies the spirit of Amherst Family Practice with her warmth, her dedication, her high standards and her cheerful efficiency. She serves as office manager while also working at the front desk, greeting people, answering phones, and being sure that patients are scheduled promptly and appropriately. She helped create Amherst Family Practice, bringing to us her extensive experience in the many aspects of running an office. She previously served as office manager or office coordinator for several dental offices, and has worked in other medical, industrial, retail, and city government offices. She was for many years a dental assistant, so has first hand experience with the patient care aspect of the practice.

She has three grown children - and 4-1/2 grandchildren. She is certified as a Master Gardener - her green thumb keeps Amherst Family Practice looking beautiful! Val enjoys yoga, which she practices on a regular basis. She has also taken courses in clowning and she raises goats! Very artistic, she makes the wreaths in our office and the cards that we use for special occasions.

Giovanna's energy and enthusiasm make quick work of many varied tasks at Amherst Family Practice. She is a receptionist at the front desk, cheerfully scheduling appointments and welcoming you to the office. She is in charge of medical records and does our computer scanning. She actually enjoys cleaning and is responsible for keeping our custom-made gowns and other laundry clean and neat. She worked in retailing and customer service in her native Colombia and worked at Sears in this country. She has taken computer courses at STCC and is a graduate of the ESL program there.

She is now a US citizen, having passed her examinations. She enjoys cooking and crocheting. Most important: Giovanna is the proud mom of two adorable sons.

Laurie is our expert in the mysteries of medical insurance. She comes to us with over sixteen years of experience in medical billing. She makes sure that the bills we submit are timely, accurate and correctly coded. She will cheerfully answer your questions about insurance payments and charges. She also serves as a receptionist, to greet you and help you schedule appointments.

Laurie loves to cook. She is a superb baker and candy maker, and even has her own business creating delicious homemade chocolate candies and other goods for sale. (Order from her if you ever want a special treat for yourself or others.) She enjoys spending time with her family -- her husband, three children, and a granddaughter.

Jenn, our gentle and versatile medical assistant, has also worked for us at the front desk and doing scanning. She is a Pioneer Valley native who earned her Medical Assistant Certificate from Ultrasound Diagnostic School. She also holds an Infant and Toddler Teacher Certificate from the Department of Early Education and Care and worked for many years as a teacher of toddlers - she is great with kids! She is familiar with other aspects of health care from working in a dental office and a pharmacy.

She loves to read and spend time with her son. She has her own greenhouse, and enjoys a special project of growing flowers for the cemetery where her grandparents are buried.

Cheryl comes to Amherst Family Practice with many years of experience. She worked previously in a pediatric office and also in a multi-specialty office of internists and cardiologists. She continues to work for Stavros, providing individualized care to clients. She has certificates as both a Medical Assistant and a Medical Secretary, having graduated from the St. John's School of Business. She loves working with people. You will appreciate her calm, caring, and competent demeanor!

When she is not at work, Cheryl enjoys walking, camping, going to the beach, watching movies, and spending time with her family.

Lauren, our friendly and outgoing receptionist with experience in customer service, welcomes you with a cheerful greeting and is always eager to help you in any way possible. She is also training to be a medical assistant. A graduate of the High School of Science and Technology, she enjoyed her Advanced Placement psychology course and is fascinated by the medical aspects of Amherst Family Practice.

A stylish dresser who in interested in clothing design, Lauren has an easy-going personality. She loves to meet new people and to laugh. She says she also loves to shop and to eat!