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 five 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 raised 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 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. As a native Spanish-speaker, she is a big help to our Hispanic patients.

Laurie is our expert in the mysteries of medical insurance. A certified coder, she already had 16 years of experience in medical billing before she came to us. She will cheerfully answer your questions about insurance payments and charges.

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 two grandchildren. Val's green thumb rubbed off on Laurie, and she now has a houseful of beautiful plants.

Heather comes to Amherst Family Practice with extensive experience in many aspects of health care. She graduated from Greenfield Community College's Practical Nursing program and has had clinical experience with children, elders, and in-betweens. She is a Certified Medical Assistant, and she has also worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, a Personal Care Attendant, a paraprofessional aide for school children with disabilities, a daycare provider for infants and young children, and an administrative assistant for a local business. In this age of electronic medical records, her typing skills (she holds a clerical certificate) and computer know-how (she has designed and maintained a club website) are big assets. We particularly appreciate her expertise in wound care

Outside of work, she was the secretary and treasurer of the Yankee Motor Club and enjoys cruising in her 1966 Mustang. She is also a NASCAR fan. She loves to cook and bake and is a skilled cake decorator. She relishes spending time with her husband and two children - and her dog, a Weimaraner - and vacationing in Wisconsin with relatives. She is very involved with her daughter's burgeoning career as a singer and song writer.

You will immediately feel at ease with Kristen, whose energy, warm friendly personality and gentle sense of humor are an asset to Amherst Family Practice. Kristen is a Certified Medical Assistant and also a Certified Nursing Assistant, having graduated from the Farren Care Center program. She has years of experience doing both nursing home care and in-home care. A graduate of Mohawk Trail Regional High School, she has also taken courses at Greenfield Community College.

Kristen is the busy mother of two young children. In her free time she loves fishing, mountain biking, and rooting for the Red Sox.

Molly is a Northampton native and graduate of Hampshire College with a Bachelor's degree in Public Health and Community Development. She is an EMT who served both at Hampshire and at Hamilton College and is a Certified Medical Assistant. She was a staff member at the Hampshire College Wellness Center, and co-president of the Student Health Advisory Committee. She has worked with disabled children and youth through Northampton's Collaboration for Educational Services, interned at Project Cope in Lynn working with addictions, and provided health education in Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, and El Salvador. An upbeat, friendly, and enthusiastic person, she will make you smile. She speaks fluent Spanish.

Molly is an athlete who played field hockey and football and did track, discus, and shot put. She has taught rockwall climbing, and she helped coach track and field at Northampton High School. She has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and many other organizations. Her long-term goal is to become a Physician's Assistant.