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Care Philosophy: “I enjoy taking care of patients through the continuum of their illness. Working as a hospitalist, I am able to see patients for their entire hospital stay.”

Brenda specializes in Emergency and Hospital Medicine. She and her husband moved to Mount Desert Island from southern Maine to enjoy the outdoors and the small community that MDI has to offer. Outside of work, Brenda enjoys boating, photography and knitting.

Philip L. Brooks, MD, is a staff physician at Cancer Care of Maine in Oncology/Hematology. In his current role, Dr. Brooks sees patients at several Maine hospitals including Mount Desert Island Hospital in Bar Harbor, Maine Coast Memorial Hospital in Ellsworth and Blue Hill Memorial Hospital in Blue Hill.

Dr. Brooks graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and completed his fellowship in hematology and oncology at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

After joining Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) in 1980, he served as Tumor Clinic Director and Section Head of Hematology/Oncology. In addition, Dr. Brooks was instrumental in the foundation of Cancer Care of Maine and developed and expanded oncology programs at MDI Hospital, Ellsworth and elsewhere in the region. During his tenure in China from 2009 to 2012, Dr. Brooks developed and implemented the first international-style hospital-associated outpatient oncology clinic in China at Beijing United Family Hospital. He also oversaw all medical operations at United Family Hospitals in Beijing.

Throughout his career, Dr. Brooks has been actively involved in clinical research including roles as Principal Investigator for EMMC’s Community Clinical Oncology Grant, the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project and Breast Cancer Prevention Trial. Past academic lecture topics include breast cancer pathways, palliative chemotherapy, breast cancer A to Z, and breast cancer management personalized care.

Care Philosophy: “Health begins at home.”

Sveva Brown, MD is board certified in Family Medicine and works at MDI Hospital’s Hospitalist Service, Obstetric Service, and Lisa Stewart Women’s Health Center. She earned her doctorate of medicine from St George’s University and additional education from the PCC Maternal/Child Health Fellowship (Oak Park, IL) and EMMC Family Medicine Residency Program (Bangor, ME). Dr. Brown specializes in family medicine with medical interests including medical education, acute care, surgical (and non-surgical) obstetrics, and global health.

Dr. Brown states that the local community is what drew her to MDI. She shares this brief message to current and/or prospective patients: “I look forward to taking care of you.”

Outside of work, Dr. Brown enjoys spending time in the Great Outdoors.

Care Philosophy: “My healthcare philosophy is built on the foundational tenets of empathy, equality, and integrity. I aim to provide a safe and supportive environment that allows individuals to achieve their mental health goals.”

Abbie Burton, LCPC-C provides care MDI Hospital’s Behavioral Health Clinic in Bar Harbor. Her medical interests include working with young adults and middle-aged adults, though she enjoys working with all age groups. Abbie is an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and most often utilizes cognitive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavioral therapy. Abbie shares that she often finds special interest in cognitive theory and how automatic thoughts intersect with feelings, behaviors, and interactions.

Abbie spent her graduate internship shadowing in the intensive outpatient unit at Northern Light Acadia Hospital. While in graduate school, she worked as a psychiatric technician at Nothern Light Acadia Hospital on the pediatric and adolescent units. Upon graduating, Abbie began working at the Husson University Wellness Center as a clinical mental health counselor. Working with college students, she provided individual counseling services, mental health outreach activities on campus, and collaborated with athletic teams to discuss the stigma of mental health. Abbie also helped to organize Husson University’s first pride week. Abbie holds a bachelor’s degree in cognitive and developmental psychology at the University of Maine in Orono as well as a dual master’s at Husson University in clinical mental health counseling and human relations.

Abbie was born and raised in Bar Harbor, Maine. After recently having a baby, she decided to return to the MDI community to share her strengths as a licensed clinical professional counselor. Outside of work, Abbie enjoys walking her dog, listening to music, and spending time with her family.

Care Philosophy: “Developing a relationship with patients that promotes joint decision making; allowing for a collaboration that promotes health and wellness utilizing evidence-based medicine, lifestyle changes, nutrition and holistic care.”

Maddrey Coover, FNP provides care at MDI Hospital’s Community Health Center in Southwest Harbor. Graduating from Purdue Global University, Maddrey earned her Masters in the Science of Nursing. Maddrey is board certified through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and shares this message to new and prospective patients: “I look forward to sharing your health goals and helping you achieve them.”

Maddrey’s specialty is family practice with her medical interests revolving around physical and mental wellness, health promotion, and nutritional support for patients of all ages. Outside of work, Maddrey enjoys spending time with family, horseback riding, farming, spinning and knitting, and paddling.

Care Philosophy: “Better living through exercise, whole foods and the incorporation of alternative therapies.”

Linda Crowell’s medical interests and expertise center on family and primary medicine. She believes in helping her clients become involved in their own health, and in helping them to make a change for the better, even if it is achieved a little at a time.

Linda first came to Mount Desert Island in 1984 via the Bluenose Ferry, when she, her husband, with their then 4-year-old son in tow, loaded up all of their belongings, drove their old truck onto the ferry and moved here for good. In her free time, Linda enjoys running, biking, reading, relaxing and traveling.

Care Philosophy: “I strive to provide quality healthcare to all regardless of their ability to pay and to address all medical problems in a timely fashion. I attempt to make myself available to all with hopefully little wait time.”

Dr. Stuart Davidson specializes in orthopedic medicine at MDI Hospital’s Orthopedics Department in Bar Harbor. As a board-certified general orthopedist, he treats a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal issues. Dr. Davidson specializes in trauma, join replacement surgery, and sports medicine.

He came to Mount Desert Island Hospital to fulfill his desire to make a difference in the community that he serves. In his free time, he enjoys woodworking, travel, running, softball and biking, caring for his home, and spending time with his dogs.

Care Philosophy: “Keep moving! No matter what, your health issues are – from depression to diabetes, activity keeps you out of my office and feeling good.”

Angela specializes in family medicine. Her medical interests and expertise include women’s health, chronic health illness and illness prevention. She first came to Mount Desert Island as a student of College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor. Outside of the office, she enjoys kayaking, outdoor activities and spending time with family.

Care Philosophy: “I have a passion for performance and process improvement to ensure patient safety and medical error reduction.  I strive to provide high quality, patient centered care to the Bar Harbor community.”

Dr. Nathan Donaldson is a board-certified emergency medicine physician. His medical interests and expertise include emergency medicine, sports medicine, and administration. During his O’Connor Sports Medicine Fellowship, he received the Excellence in Teaching Award. Dr. Donaldson was the Chief Resident at Brown University Emergency Medicine during his residency. He also received the Marc Shapiro Medical Student Teaching Award from Brown University and is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians. A New England native, Dr. Donaldson came to MDI because he saw it as a great opportunity to work for an award-winning community hospital set on a beautiful island location close to family and friends. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, playing tennis, and New England sports.

Care Philosophy: “Every patient deserves unique, individualized care that works for them and meets them in the places where they are ready and able to heal and grow. There is no cookie-cutter solution that works for everyone in all circumstances, and ultimately the patient is the captain of their own ship. My role is to serve as a guide and counselor to help each patient navigate their healthcare journey, providing them with the best current medical information and available options so they can decide what route is best for them; and once a plan is selected, to help them execute that vision effectively and efficiently. Some surgical needs are cut and dried, but many others are more nuanced, and I am here to help each patient arrive at the destination that is best for them on an individual basis.”

Joseph Dougherty, MD, specializes in general surgery, acute care, and trauma surgery. Having graduated from the UC Berkeley (BA) and the University of Michigan (MD), Dr. Dougherty is board certified by the American Board of Surgery. His medical interests include minimally invasive surgical solutions to challenging physical conditions; Surgical Acute Care with the goal of helping people navigate unexpected emergency conditions and return to their normal life; helping people achieve optimal healthy lifestyles through a holistic fusion of exercise, nutrition, and modern medical care.

“The human body is an incredible living machine that can give you a lifetime of joyful smooth service if well cared for and maintained,” says Dr. Dougherty. “Like any machine, it must be properly tuned, well fueled, and used often in order to stay in optimal operational condition. Sometimes the long miles take a toll and we all need some basic maintenance from time to time. Preventive care will help keep you running smoothly and avoid the major overhauls that could leave you rusting in the yard on blocks! Invest in your health: stay active, exercise often, don’t smoke, get proper rest and nutrition, and fix the little things before they become major issues – from gut health to weight loss to hernia repair to preventive screenings, we’re here to help keep you healthy. If you need help with any of those things, come and see me… let’s talk about your health goals and how to help you achieve them.”

Dr. Joseph Dougherty has received a number of awards, honors, achievements, memberships, committee seats, licenses and certifications. In just the last several years, Dr. Dougherty has achieved the following awards and honors:
1. The 2020 US DOD Humanitarian Service Medal for action in support of COVID19 response
2. The AVH Values Oak Leaf Recognition Program (5 times from 2018-2020) for exemplary patient care
3. The US Navy review board for promotion to O-5, Commander in 2019
4. The Navy commendation in 2018 for meritorious service during Operation Inherent Resolve deployment with Naval Expeditionary Medical Unit, selected by CJTF for cross assignment to forward deployed USAF Ground Surgical Team at Syrian border
5. Army Commendation Medal for service in support of 3rd Cav at Al Qaim, Iraq, in 2018

Outside of work, Dr. Joseph Dougherty enjoys spending time with his children and family. He also enjoys wildlife photography, exercise and nutrition, BJJ and other combat sports, powerlifting, botany, birding, scuba diving, travel, and creative writing and poetry. Dr. Dougherty says that MDI presents, “the perfect mix of rural community large enough to be exciting, viable and vibrant but small enough to be a healthy place to raise a family.”

Care Philosophy: “I meet patients where they are and motivate them to become a better version of themselves.”

Laura’s health interests and expertise include exercise prescription, meal planning, portion control, accountability, dietary changes that improve quality of life with a chronic disease, goal setting, weight loss, smoking cessation, and stress management. She is a Certified Personal Trainer, a Certified Health Education Specialist, and a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).

She enjoys working with her clients to overcome barriers and find their way to optimal health. “Having the opportunity to work with the patients in our community makes my day every day. I love being able to play a role in the improvement of someone’s health and quality of life – I can’t think of a better way to spend my time!”

The most common barrier Laura encounters is motivation. “More often than not, people find the accountability to the coach the most important component to achieving their health and wellness goals,” she says. “As coaches, we also help to build motivation by asking the right questions to uncover what underlying motivation can empower our clients, such as quality of life, family, etc.”

Laura provides her patients with individual support and specific tools to assist them in making changes to their lifestyles to improve their health and quality of life. To her, it’s about establishing a starting point and then taking small steps in the right direction. She finds that these small steps can add up to significant health benefits.

Prior to joining MDI Hospital, Laura worked as a Fitness Specialist in Bangor where she trained State of Maine employees. Outside of work, she enjoys running, hiking, paddle boarding, and traveling.

Chip Dugans practices skilled Physical Therapy at Mount Desert Island Hospital in Bar Harbor. graduated from Husson University, with a master’s degree in Physical Therapy in 2001. He has experience working in skilled nursing facilities in both the Bangor and Bar Harbor area. He has also worked extensively in clinical areas such as brain injury rehabilitation, sports medicine, acute and skilled hospital settings, and outpatient clinics.

Care Philosophy: “As a family practitioner, I have the privilege of partnering with patients of multiple ages and generations to work towards optimal health. I find one of the most rewarding aspects of my job is caring for families as a whole. I especially enjoy caring for women throughout their pregnancy, delivering the baby, and watching over the child’s growth and development as their physician.”

Dr. Katherine Gassman is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician specializing in Family Medicine with Obstetrics.  Her medical interests and expertise include normal pregnancy and surgical obstetrics, newborn care, pediatric and adolescent medicine, women’s health, contraception management, preventative medicine, sports medicine, and minor procedures. She also has an interest in medical education and working with medical students and residents.

Dr. Gassman attended medical school at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her residency in Family Medicine at Baylor Scott and White and completed a Rural Family Medicine and Surgical Obstetrics fellowship at Tacoma Family Medicine.

Dr. Gassman first came to MDI right after college as an intern and ended up living on the Island for two years. She was excited to come back ten years later to practice at MDI Hospital and Health Centers. “I love the small town feel and the camaraderie of the year-round residents, as well as meeting new people in the summer…having a national park in your backyard is pretty nice too,” she says.

Outside of the office, she enjoys hiking, mountain and road biking, cross country and downhill skiing, going on adventures with her little border collie Myka, reading, and cooking.

Care Philosophy:  “First, do no harm; second, listen in a genuinely caring manner.  Clarify misunderstandings with detailed explanations and to try to provide reassurance as appropriate.  Identify individualized problems but craft solutions with patient participation in order to bolster self reliance.  Harness the power of the patient’s positive mind.  Never forget that exercise and nutrition are also medicine.”

Dr. Peter Goebel practices Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Trenton Health Center. His medical interests and expertise include musculoskeletal medicine and peripheral neurology. He completed his undergraduate education at Dartmouth College and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Connecticut Medical School. He completed his residency at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center. He previously practiced at Eastern Maine Medical Center and Maine Coast Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Goebel came to MDI Hospital to pursue a mutual interest in reestablishing electrodiagnostic medicine within the MDI Hospital system. Outside of work, he enjoys fitness, yoga, meditation, positive psychology, mountaineering, cycling, skiing, free diving, and kayaking. He also practices technical rescue including fire rescue.

Care Philosophy: “I aspire to help be in a partnership with patients to work towards making them the best version of themselves, focusing on mind, body and spirit to achieve the optimal physical, emotional and spiritual health. I feel preventative care is the most important. Together we will focus on diet and exercise to optimize health and avoid disease processes.

I was lucky enough to be able to complete a fellowship at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona with Andrew Weil, MD. The concept of integrative medicine is to compliment Western medicine by incorporating alternative therapies such acupuncture, herbal remedies and meditation just to name a few.”

Dr. Hanke specializes in integrative and family medicine. Her medical interests and expertise include preventative care, patient education, integrative medicine and osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT). She chose family medicine as a specialty in order to afford her the opportunity to take care of patients in all the stages of life including infants, adolescents, adults and the elderly.

Dr. Hanke chose to attend medical school at the University of New England in Biddeford before ever stepping foot in the state of Maine. “I had visions of rocky coasts, small towns, and friendly neighbors,” she said. “As soon as I moved to Maine, I fell in love. From that point on I recognized I would like to live in Maine to practice and raise a family here. I applied to work in Lincoln, Dover Foxcroft, and MDI. It was a joint decision with my fiancé Jeff to move here. When we interviewed at MDIH, we immediately recognized that this would be a perfect fit for us. We find that each season has something special to offer on MDI. I enjoy the solitude of the winter and the excitement of the summer.”

In her free time, Dr. Hanke enjoys hiking, swimming, and kayaking. She loves gardening and is currently trying to get her basil and cucumbers to grow. She also enjoys traveling and is looking forward to going to Iceland and the Czech Republic in the future. She and her fiancé like exploring MDI, shopping at the farmers market and enjoying an ice cream cone at Mount Desert Island Ice Cream.

“I went into family medicine because I love caring for whole families. My job gets better every year that I work, because the best part of my job is getting to know people and families over time. The world of medicine gets more complicated every year, and I enjoy helping people match their own values and philosophies with a plan for maintaining their health and managing any illness that arises.”

Dr. Casey Smith Hanson is a board-certified family medicine physician practicing at the Trenton Health Center. Dr. Hanson was previously in practice in Gouldsboro and first joined the center in May of 2018. “I’m excited to be a part of the MDI Hospital system, and I am enjoying my work at the Trenton Health Center,” she says. Originally from upstate New York, Dr. Hanson completed her undergraduate education at Swarthmore College and her medical education at the University of Rochester School of Medicine. She completed her residency in the Boston area in the Tufts University Family Medicine Residency program. Dr. Hanson moved to Ellsworth in 2006 with her husband Nate and her two children Lilja and Winslow. She enjoys living in the area and spending time with her family, whether they’re boating hiking, baking or playing board games.

Jessica Hardy provides skilled Physical Therapy at the Trenton Health Center. She grew up in Turner, Maine. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maine in Orono in 2010 with a major in Biology and a minor in Psychology. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of New England in 2013. Jessica has worked in acute care, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Jessica’s specialties include rehabilitation following orthopedic injuries or elective surgeries, treatment of low back pain including SI dysfunction, and balance and gait training. She has treated patients as young as eight years old and as old as 104. Jessica has attended continuing education classes for evaluation and manipulation of the spine. When she isn’t working, she enjoys camping, skiing, and just generally being outside. She lives in Hancock with her husband, Brian, and her young son, Sam.

“Surgery is really about honoring people’s lives—especially as they age.”

Dr. Charlie Hendricks is the Chief of Surgery at Mount Desert Island Hospital. In 2014, he was awarded the Caregiver of the Year Award by the Maine Hospital Association for his lifetime commitment to service and excellence in care. He is an advocate for women and young people, a dedicated father, an active member of his church and a faithful humanitarian. His lifetime commitment to service is most evident in his work with the Hancock County Medical Mission, a group he helped establish in 1989. Every year since he has returned to South America to provide surgical services to disadvantaged and underserved populations. His 25-year commitment to this humanitarian work has inspired countless area medical professionals, students and community members, including all of his six children, to do the same. For Hendricks, the work is its own reward. “The people are very grateful; they have no other access to health care.”

Dr. Hendricks chose to practice in Maine because the quieter pace of life here allows him to spend more time getting to know his patients. “It’s an honor for me to listen to my patients and learn about their lives. ”He greatly admires the relationships that his colleagues in primary care have with their patients. His surgical practice is based in the Cooper Gilmore Health Center, so named for physicians Llewellyn Cooper and Edward Gilmore, who Hendricks explains, have always cared for their patients as much as their patients cared for them. “The biggest compliment I have received is patients asking me to be their primary doctor.”

Bettina, who also goes by Tina, came to MDI because her husband grew up here and they decided that it would be the perfect place to raise their children.

Her medical interests include prevention care, mental health, cancer care and survivorship, as well as improving the quality of life in patients who are living with a chronic illness.

Outside of medicine, Bettina enjoys biking, running, hiking, being in nature with her family, and listening to true crime podcasts.

Care Philosophy: To partner with patients to prevent and manage illness, acknowledging the importance of the mind/body connection, striving for a high quality of life!

Care philosophy: “Effective medical care requires a partnership with the patient. As a clinician, I strive to be an open-minded, compassionate and creative thinker.”

Dr. Kandutsch specializes in family medicine. His medical interests include orthopedic and sports medicine. “I’m fascinated by this field, which is focused on non-surgical treatment for musculoskeletal problems and includes regenerative injections, ultrasound guided procedures and rehab,” he says. Dr. Kandutsch is certified in regenerative injection therapies including platelet-rich plasma therapy and prolotherapy.

Dr. Kandutsch grew up in Bar Harbor. His parents first came to the island in 1954 to start careers at the Jackson Laboratory. Outside of work he enjoys natural science, art, outdoor sports and building and inventing mechanical projects.

“Throughout life people experience many different stressors. My job as a psychologist is to support clients through these difficult times and to help them use their own personal strengths to develop more effective coping mechanisms.”

Dr. Koscherak is a Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology with more than 40 years’ experience treating children, adolescents and adults. Trained in family systems theory and divorce mediation, he uses a short-term, solution oriented approach in therapy sessions. Dr. Koscherak specializes in resolving marital and parent-child relationship issues as well as treating anxiety and depression.

Dr. Koscherak enjoys nature, hiking, kayaking and photography. After visiting Acadia National Park for 35 years, Dr. Koscherak and his wife decided to move to MDI with their dog to live year-round in an environment that they all love.

Katie Lagueux has been an Occupational Therapist since 2016. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social and Behavioral Science and her Master’s Degree from the University of Southern Maine at Lewiston-Auburn. A native of Mount Desert Island, she has experience in skilled nursing, inpatient and outpatient settings. Katie has further expanded her clinical knowledge by completing the following continuing education courses: shoulder rehabilitation, stroke recovery, and kinesiology taping and manual therapy. Katie has a clinical interest in upper extremity rehabilitation, neuroscience, and overuse injuries in musicians. A resident of Franklin, Katie enjoys hiking with her daughter and her husband.

Care philosophy: “I am a Family Nurse Practitioner and enjoy caring for people of all ages but I am particularly experienced and interested in the area of Geriatrics. I spend a great deal of time caring for patients as they age and in end of life situations. I do nursing home rounds each week in addition to my office hours. I enjoy all settings and feel particularly lucky to get to care for MDI Hospital patients in these various settings.”

Katy specializes in family practice and primary care. Her medical interests and expertise include geriatrics and end of life care. Katy is an avid athlete and an active member of the Acadian Youth Sports Board, where she works to help maintain and improve youth sport programs on the island. She and her husband were born and raised on Mount Desert Island and always planned to return to work on the Island as soon as their jobs allowed and positions were available. “I am blessed to help care for so many members of the community in which I was raised,” she says. The couple has two young children. When she is not at work, Katy spends the majority of her time chasing them around. She also enjoy running, hiking and most other outdoor activities.

Health is the sum of complex interactions between our biology, culture, and environment – where the role of the medical provider is to peer through the intricacies and identify points of intervention, where evidence-based practices can improve quality of life through the patient-physician partnership. 

As a practitioner of Family Medicine at MDI Hospital’s Cooper Gilmore Health Center, Dr. Lomelin provides comprehensive care to patients across their entire lifespan. He is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and has completed advanced training in a Family Medicine Residency program. His educational journey includes a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology with minors in Biology and Humanities in Medicine from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology, and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

He invites patients to join him in a collaborative journey towards improved health, leveraging his expertise and genuine care.

Outside of medicine, Daniel enjoys spending quality time with his family, exploring the world through various activities, and indulging in his artistic pursuits of painting and 3D printing.

Melissa has over 30 years in healthcare; 27 years as a registered nurse and 3 ½ years as a Nurse Practitioner. Born in Nova Scotia, Canada, Melissa graduated from Dalhousie University in 1992 with a BScN, then from Simmons University in 2019 with a MSN FNP. She has lived and worked in Texas, Maryland and North Carolina and returned to the Northeast to be closer to family and make a home in beautiful Maine. She brought her husband, Ed, 19 year old son, Jesse and 9 year old dog, Bailey with her. Her 22 year old son, Christian is at the Coast Guard Academy in New London CT.  Melissa loves the outdoors, hiking, running, swimming and skiing in the past. She is looking forward to all that Maine has to offer.

She is very excited to bring her holistic experience to her daily practice here at the MDI Community Center in Southwest Harbor.

Guy Mahan specializes in Emergency Medicine. In his free time, he enjoys gardening.

Care Philosophy: Psychiatry creates a space to examine the human experience – which, for me, feels as fundamental and meaningful as it gets. It is such a privilege to have the opportunity to join patients in making sense of their experiences and finding inner resilience, accompanying them as they face their challenges and celebrating with them as they reach their goals.

Dr. Manning grew up visiting Maine in the summer from Glenmont, New York and always had a passion for the outdoors. After completing her undergraduate degree in Behavioral Neuroscience from Connecticut College, she enrolled in Tufts University School of Medicine where she chose to participate in the Maine Track Program. During her medical training, she completed a psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Maine Medical Center, and she says her experiences in this program only deepened her love for Maine.

After spending about eight years in Portland with her family, they decided they wanted to look into moving to a smaller community and decided on MDI. Dr. Manning accepted the role of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at MDI Hospital and was impressed by the patient-centered values that everyone held at the hospital.

While she began in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, in her current role with MDIH, she is also able to assist patients of all ages and has found that work very interesting and rewarding.

Care Philosophy: “I believe in the close ongoing relationship between physician and patient to optimize the health of body and mind. Taking a holistic approach to care enables unique and individualized treatment through open and honest communication. I view each patient as a valued individual and intricate part of our community. Working together I hope to help each individual continue to enjoy all life has to offer where they are in their health journey by providing the delicate balance of health care with healthy living practices. My hope is to provide care to those in need while keeping in mind where the patient has been and develop healthy goals going forward.”

Dr. Marlowe-Flanagan’s specific medical interests include coordination of care with ongoing medical chronic health illnesses, emergency medicine and emergency medicine advanced cardiac life support education, and providing support during times of end-of-life care.

Dr. Marlowe-Flanagan landed at Trenton Health Center because she had felt so welcomed decades ago going to camp in Brooksville and spending time in Bar Harbor.

Outside of practicing medicine, Dr. Marlowe-Flanagan loves being by and on the water in Maine. She loves the crisp ocean air, being with her family, exploring her creative side through art and making her house a home.

Ryan is an outpatient therapist who enjoys working with patients of all ages. He has worked in inpatient, skilled nursing, private pediatric, and outpatient pediatric settings. Ryan employs a treatment approach based on therapeutic exercise/stretching, manual therapy, and modality use. Prior to being a physical therapist, Ryan worked as a personal trainer. He enjoys spending time with his family, hiking and cycling in his free time.

Care philosophy:

“Psychotherapy is a commitment to change, to work collaboratively with a psychologist to ease one’s emotional and physical suffering and to improve the quality of one’s life and relationships. Psychological pain may have its origin in many different areas of one’s life including genetic predisposition, chronic physical illnesses, life stressors and transitions.”

Dr. Kate Mulrenin specializes in psychology. Her medical interests and expertise include Behavioral Medicine and Psychotherapy. Dr. Mulrenin has published work on PTSD treatment and psychospiritual development. She appreciates practicing on Mount Desert Island because it gives her the opportunity to work with like-minded healthcare professionals who believe in providing integrated mental health services. In her free time, Dr. Mulrenin likes to spend time with her yellow lab, Willa Mae, whom she will assure you can catch a Frisbee better than anyone, canine or human.

“I got into medicine because I like working with people and helping them through problems.  I used to be in management consulting and computers and felt something was missing.  After 9/11/2001, I got involved as a volunteer firefighter/EMT, which introduced me to medicine.

Gordon Murphy specializes in Emergency Medicine and Primary Care. He practices in the MDI Hospital Emergency Room and also sees patients for primary and follow-up care at Cadillac Family Practice.

Care Philosophy: “We all need to be looked at, listened to and heard. Telling our stories then exploring how they’ve changed us and what we’ve learned from them can be a path to healing of the body, mind, and spirit.”

Linda Napier holds a Master of Science in Nursing and studied to become a Family Nurse Practitioner at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Spirituality from Hartford Seminary in Hartford, CT. Specializing in Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Mental Health, Linda splits her time at both the Downeast Treatment Center in Ellsworth and the MDI Hospital Behavioral Health Center in Bar Harbor; where she joined in February of 2018.

Linda came to MDI Hospital with a wide range of health-related experience including:
– Serving as the Director of Health Services at Landmark College in Putney, VT; a college for students with learning differences.
– Writing the weekly health column, “Nurse’s Notes”, from October 2006-December 2010, for the Danbury News Times, Danbury, CT.
– Writing and publishing a book on the necessity of nurturing touch for health, called Tender Medicine: Touching the Heart, Healing the Hurt, and producing a video on the subject.
– Having lectured and coordinated workshops on the subject of “Focused Touch” as an additional tool in the field of healthcare and other health-related issues.
– Creating and implementing programs of exercise, diet, and stress management for high risk cardiac patients and ‘Chairobics’, as well as ‘Chair-yoga’; a therapeutic exercise program for chair-bound seniors
– Serving as Daisy the “Caring Clown” at hospitals, various healthcare centers, and charitable fundraisers.

Linda enjoys outdoor activities such as all-season hiking, kayaking, cross country skiing, and biking. She also enjoys writing poetry and short stories, as well as playing the drums. When she is not enjoying the outdoors, you can find Linda cooking in the kitchen, at the movie theatre, trying out local restaurants, travelling, or spending quality time with family and friends.

Linda Napier shares this message with her current and future patients at MDI Hospital and the Downeast Treatment Center: “Allow me the honor of walking with you for awhile on your journey back to health.”

Care Philosophy: “I believe everyone is unique and knows what they need to do for their health. I support patients in obtaining lighter bodies and clear minds to thrive through daily habits. Coaching sessions address all of the four pillars of health: Eat Well, Move More, Stress Less and Sleep Well.  Together, we review healthy options and set achievable Action Plans. With evidence-based practice standards, we address motivation and roadblocks to success. I believe simple everyday shifts in behavior bring powerful lasting lifestyle change in real-time and at the patient’s own pace.”

Sarah O’Neil is a Certified Health Coach specializing in mindfulness education, yoga, meditation, and healthy kitchen routines. Her wellness interests and expertise include meeting people where they are, and the exploration of how daily routines, seasonal eating, intermittent movement, and attitude shape a person’s health and happiness. She also has a strong interest in brain health and neuroscience, new research on circadian code and clock genes, kitchen medicine, real food movements, and the science of habit change.

As a health coach, Sarah works with patients to make lifestyle and daily habits changes at their own pace. “Simple changes lead to powerful results. Studies show eighty percent of all chronic health issues are connected to diet and lifestyle. I enjoy working through the lens of better body and lifestyle habits with curiosity,” she says. It’s fun supporting people with their personal goals for health and wellness. A reoccurring theme in coaching is ‘I want to feel better, have more energy and look good.’ I love investigating these motivators as anchors in accountability for success.”

Sarah holds a Bachelor of University Studies in Health and Wellness, is a Certified Health Coach, a Mindful Life Coach and a Growth Mindset Coach. She is certified by the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching.

As a naturalist who loves the ocean, MDI is a great fit for Sarah. She first came to MDI from New Mexico and credits the natural beauty of Acadia National Park and her husband for keeping her here. “As Acadia is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, it was love at first sight, oh, and my amazing husband.”

Her outside interests include Ayurveda, yoga, nature, dance and delicious food.

Care Philosophy: “To provide the highest standard of care to every patient that I serve. To impart oral health education to patients for improved outcome. To collaborate with dental specialists and physicians according to a patient’s specific needs. To continue taking dental courses in order to improve the services that I provide to my patients.”

Dr. Jane Ogembo is a dentist with a specialty in dental public health. Before she joined the Community Dental Center of Mount Desert Island Hospital, Dr. Ogembo served as the only dentist at St. Croix Regional Family Health Center in Princeton, a rural Maine community near the Canadian border. Having grown up in a small village in rural western Kenya, Dr. Ogembo understands how challenging it can be for residents in isolated areas to receive essential care, and in 2018, she applied for and received a grant from Maine Health Access Foundation towards developing and improving oral healthcare access for her patients at the St. Croix Regional Family Health Center.

Dr. Ogembo received her DDS from the New York University College of Dentistry, then attained an MPH degree from Boston University School of Public Health, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Dental Public Health from Boston University School of Dental Medicine. Having studied biology in college, she was inspired to pursue dentistry by a trip to the dentist at the age of 20. At that time, she had secured dental insurance through her job at a bank, and thus she found herself in a dentist’s chair–for the first time in her life. She discovered that her dentist was just as fascinated by her, as she was by him. They discussed what she might do with her college degree, and he suggested that with her interest in biology, she might consider becoming a dentist. That formative experience led her to a career devoted to patients who, like her, may not have had access to oral healthcare because of financial or geographic circumstances. As a member of the American Dental Association and the American Public Dental Health Association, she enjoys participating in their work to advance the profession and improve dental services to the public.

Dr. Ogembo joined the Community Dental Center in November 2019. “I came to MDI Hospital to take care of the oral health needs of the communities that it serves,” she explains. “My interest is to collaborate with other primary care providers to improve the health outcomes of our patients, and to expand quality dental services to all patients regardless of their ability to pay.  All children should have a dental home so that good oral health habits are developed as early as possible.”

In her free time, Dr. Ogembo says, “I am an active member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and am currently involved in helping a small rural community in western Kenya build Mlimani Adventist Church at Ringa, in Homa Bay County.” She enjoys traveling and has visited interesting places in the USA, Europe, Middle East,  Africa and the Caribbean Islands.

In a recent interview with Pine Tree Watch, a journalism website, Dr. Ogembo discussed her work on a personal level–harkening back to the origins of her own distinguished career: “In the process of interaction, you learn who I am. I learn who you are,” she said. “It’s a wonderful learning curve. It is important to me to make a difference, whether it is small or fundamental in the lives of people, especially those who are in need. I strive to be someone who is empathetic, who wants to understand people and the particular situation they are in.”

Care Philosophy: “There are often many different ways to accomplish a goal.”

Dr. Rodney T. Ono, MD is a board-certified internal medicine specialist practicing at Cooper Gilmore Health Center in Bar Harbor, ME. He graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine in 1980 and completed his residency at UCLA School of Medicine’s Wadsworth VA Hospital.

Before moving to the Mount Desert Island area, Dr. Ono had been in practice in Hilo, Hawaii for more than 35 years. As a practitioner, he is a strong proponent of the Mediterranean diet. Dr. Ono and his wife first came to MDI in the 1970s as newlyweds. Outside of the office, they enjoy spending time with family and their new grandchildren.

Care philosophy: “One of our core values at MDI Hospital is community. Our commitment is to both serve our community and be active members in our community.  Serving others has always been one of my personal core values, so I feel very fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful, caring organization, especially in the capacity of Community Health Educator.”

Mary Parham, Community Health Educator for MDI Hospital, has been a part of the health and wellness field for many years. Before joining MDI Hospital in 2018, Mary worked in wellness at the Jackson Laboratory. She has always had a passion for helping others achieve their health and wellness goals. In her teen years, she worked as a camp counselor, lifeguard and swim instructor at her local YMCA in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Later, she taught fitness classes in Chicago, Denver and Charleston, South Carolina. She went on to work as Branch Director and Aquatics Director for the Virginia YMCA.

As MDI Hospital’s Community Health Educator, Mary works with a variety of health and wellness providers to bring health and wellness activities to the community—in the form of exercise classes, diabetes education, health coaching, a walking program in Acadia National Park and more. “I am very excited to work with the Care Management team to promote individual and community wellness,” she says. “Care Managers work with patients outside of their doctor’s office and serve many purposes—community outreach, home health and hospice, speech therapy and dietician/health coaching to name a few.”

Mary is a YMCA certified group fitness instructor and swim instructor, as well as a Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach. She and her husband first moved to MDI in 2016 when her husband was hired as the CEO/Executive Director of the MDI YMCA in Bar Harbor.  Mary and her husband had previously worked to open a new YMCA in southwest Virginia and after having established a strong three-branch operation there, and they wanted to finish her husband’s YMCA career on a high note with a New England adventure. “We love it here, and not only because it is so beautiful—the people are wonderful!  It is a perfect fit,” she says.

Outside of work, Mary and her husband love cycling and kayaking. She is also an avid reader and looks forward to exploring more of Acadia each year, both on foot and by bike.

Care philosophy: “So much of what influences our health is seemingly outside of our control, from what is affordable at the grocery store to how we get around this little island, to what our health insurance will pay for. But we are not powerless in defending our own health. I hope to be a partner and advocate for my patients’ wellbeing. I’m very grateful to have this opportunity in this special place among such wonderful people.”

Dr. Plourde specializes in family medicine. His medical interests and expertise include providing both outpatient and inpatient family medicine, public health, chronic disease management and the treatment of substance use disorders. Dr. Plourde attended medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical University and completed his family medicine residency at Oregon Health and Sciences University. He earned his Masters of Public Health degree at Syracuse University and SUNY Upstate Medical University.

Dr. Plourde joined Cadillac Family Practice and Mount Desert Island Hospital to pursue his interest in practicing rural medicine in both the clinic and hospital setting. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, hiking, woodcarving, soccer.

Care philosophy: “As a social worker and therapist, I believe in the importance of meeting people where they are in their journey. I want the people I work with to feel like they are not alone and that someone is here to support and encourage them through life’s struggles and victories. I strive to make a connection with each individual, so that they can leave feeling validated and empowered.”

Nicole enjoys working at MDI Hospital because it gives her the opportunity to provide integrated, personalized-care to her patients throughout the continuum of their care experience. She also enjoys working with the talented providers at MDI Hospital and Health Centers. “I appreciate my social work colleagues and enjoy learning more as the field of social work constantly evolves,” she says.

A Maine native, Nicole recently moved to the Downeast area with her husband and their son.

Care philosophy: “I believe in taking care of everyone that trusts you.”

Dr. Surapaneni Ramanadha Rao specializes in urology. He has been recognized for excellence in urologic procedures by American Medical Systems on numerous occasions. In July of 2014, Dr. Rao was recognized for completing 500 robotic procedures. In addition, he was recognized for performing more than 500 green light laser procedures, the highest in Maine, in October of 2013. When he is not at work, Dr. Rao enjoys spending time with his wife Rama and swimming.

Care Philosophy: “As your local doctor, I’m here to provide you with the care you need, when you need it. I blend passion, compassion, and expertise to ensure you get the care you deserve, right here in our community. My goal is simple: I want my patients to feel at ease, while you’re in my care. I’m not just a doctor; I’m proud to be a part of our island community, committed to ensuring your comfort and well-being”

George Shafranov, MD provides care at MDI Hospital’s Ophthalmology Department in the Northeast Harbor Clinic, located in Northeast Harbor. Dr. Shafranov’s specialty lies in ophthalmology with his medical interests including glaucoma diagnostics and management, and complex cataract surgery.

Dr. Shafranov has served as an investigator for major national studies: Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS), and Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS), lectured as an Invited speaker for various national and international ophthalmology meetings, and co-authored “Shields’ Textbook of Glaucoma”, 5th edition, among many other notable honors and professional experiences.

Dr. Shafranov came to MDI because of his love for Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. Outside of work, he enjoys photography, traveling, hiking, books, technology, psychology, many other interests.

Dr. Shafranov’s shares this message to current and/or prospective patients: “As your local doctor, I’m here to provide you with the care you need, when you need it. I blend passion, compassion, and expertise to ensure you get the care you deserve, right here in our community. My goal is simple: I want my patients to feel at ease, while you’re in my care. I’m not just a doctor; I’m proud to be a part of our island community, committed to ensuring your comfort and well-being.”

Everett Steinbarger, PA-C provides medical care tailored to Hancock County businesses and employees with a focus on occupational safety, prevention, and the treatment of work-related injuries and illnesses. Everett has a background in Occupational Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Orthopedics. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Medicine from Western Michigan University in 1999. His advanced clinical certifications include NCCPA Certification, Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Advanced Trauma Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Fundamental Critical Care Support.

What he enjoys most about his work at MDI Hospital and Health Centers is the sense of community he feels among his fellow team members and the MDI community as a whole. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing and gardening.

Care Philosophy: “In the Emergency Department, I strive to listen diligently, and connect with patients so that I can stabilize any life-threatening situation or treat an acute illness or injury effectively and with compassion.”

Dr. David Sugerman is a board-certified physician specializing in Emergency Medicine. During his career, he has served in several emergent care settings in the state of Ohio, including three stints as Medical Director. He has also been a clinical faculty member at University Hospital Ahuja Medical Center and South Point Hospital, Cleveland Clinic System. In April 2020, Dr. Sugerman joined MDI Hospital as Medical Director of the Emergency Department, having spent three previous summers here as an attending physician.

Dr. Sugerman graduated from Bowdoin College in 1982 and received his MD from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA in 1987. He interned at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT, and completed his Emergency Medicine residency at Long Island Jewish Hospital in New York. In 1994-95 he was a Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellow at The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital in Salt Lake City. Over the years, Dr. Sugerman has held several positions relative to his Sports Medicine training, including Event Physician for the United States National Figure Skating Championships (1998), Team Physician for the United States Freestyle Ski Team (1994-98), and Race Physician for America’s Opening World Cup Ski Races (1994-95).

When asked what drew him to MDI Hospital, Dr. Sugerman explains: “I was intrigued by the unique combination of a very high quality of care, and teaching opportunities through the MDI Hospital-Penn Medicine Collaborative program, in a rural and picturesque setting.”

Outside of the office, Dr. Sugerman enjoys hiking, biking, sailing, and skiing.

Care Philosophy: “My philosophy toward work is to challenge myself continuously, even in aspects of my job with which I’m already familiar.”

Jessie Tilden, CNM works at MDI Hospital’s Lisa Stewart Women’s Health Center. She is board certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board and specializes in midwifery, women’s health, and contraceptive care. Jessie states that, “When the midwife position became available at MDI Hospital, I welcomed the opportunity for a new direction and change of pace.” She has earned her CNM, MSN, BSN, and BSA; obtaining education from the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, University of Louisville, and Lyndon State College. Jessie’s medical interests are in midwifery and women’s health. She comes to MDI Hospital with 23 years of experience as a nurse and/or midwife in both her areas of interest.

Jessie’s shares the following brief message to patients: “I look forward to being a partner in your healthcare by listening to your needs while providing evidence-based care to improve your health outcomes.”

Outside of work, Jessie enjoys spending time with her husband and pets. She also enjoys live music, travel, gardening and crafting.

Care Philosophy: “I like to think my health care philosophy adapts and grows the more I learn from experience, education, and patients. At the core though, is the value of listening. Patients have a lot of wisdom, unique to each individual. I strive to listen for that wisdom and help a patient recognize and appreciate their own wisdom about their health and mind. I hope to help them find and hone the tools and skills they need to build a meaningful and fulfilling life for themselves.”

Dr. Villarreal specializes in psychiatry. Her medical interests and expertise include the practice of psychotherapy in both individual and group settings as well as the treatment of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. “I am a big proponent of psychotherapy and am always curious about new ways of engaging with people, both individually and in group settings,” says Dr. Villarreal. “I spent two years as a resident learning more about group psychodynamic psychotherapy and find it a powerful modality for change.” Dr. Villarreal earned her medical degree and completed her post-graduate residency at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She is board-certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. During her residency, she received the 2019 Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Award and the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching by House Staff. She also received the University of Pennsylvania’s PGY2 Medical Student Teaching Award in 2017.

She first came to Mount Desert Island for a two-week elective rotation in rural psychiatry at the MDI Behavioral Health Center, available to Penn Medicine residents through a partnership with MDI Hospital. In those two weeks, she found something here that she wasn’t expecting. “There was a real sense of community here that I hadn’t realized I was missing,” says Dr. Villarreal. “Like in Philadelphia, providers were working hard for patients, doing their best, facing challenges daily, but here on MDI, I noticed that the providers felt more connected to the people they cared for because they shared the same island, the same restaurants, the same national park, even the same lobster pounds.”

Outside of work, Dr. Villarreal and her husband are avid travelers and look forward to globe-hopping as much as they can. They are excited that Maine offers so much to see and explore and are already busy planning trips around the state. Art is also something that they actively seek out, and you can often find them visiting galleries and museums throughout the year. Hiking and swimming are favorites for Dr. Villarreal as well, and she enjoys reading and crafting when time allows. Now that her residency is completed, she’s hoping to take up knitting and crocheting again, perhaps have the time to finish a few novels or even get a loom and explore weaving. She’s also hoping to find an opportunity to try horseback riding again, which is one of her favorite activities.

Care Philosophy: “It is a priority for me to make genuine connections with my patients, and to express empathy and give validation in order for them to feel seen, heard, and truly cared for.”

Care Philosophy: Practice through education and shared decision making

Dr. Weinstein is a Maine native, growing up in Old Orchard. He fell in love with Mount Desert Island the first time he visited and knew he always wanted to work in a rural area.

Dr. Weinstein provides care at the Trenton Health Center and is one of the only Aviation Medical Examiners (AME) in the local Hancock county area. As an FAA certified AME, Dr. Julian Weinstein is certified to perform required flight physicals for those seeking aviation based examinations to obtain or maintain class II and/or class III medical fitness certifications.

Outside of work, he enjoys rock climbing, aviation, cooking and brewing his own beer. Dr. Weinstein is also a Certified Flight Instructor and was a former Chief Resident.

Care philosophy:

“I strive to make my patients fully educated partners in the medical decision-making process.”

Dr. Robert Weiss specializes in the treatment of pulmonary disease including asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis and hypertension.  His medical interests and expertise include sleep medicine, particularly and sleep apnea and its treatment.  He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Chest Physicians. Dr. Weiss moved to Mount Desert Island after finishing his medical training. In his free time, he enjoys rock climbing on the sea cliffs, kayaking and hiking with friends and family. He is an active member of his son’s school board and has assisted in various school activities and field trips anywhere from Boston to Katahdin. He also enjoys traveling and has ventured to many remote areas including the islands of Arctic Norway, Newfoundland, Alaska, the South Pacific and the Alps.

Care philosophy: “My practice is a collaborative approach to helping others move towards a chosen future utilizing skills, resources and coping abilities. I strive to provide compassionate client care that is individualized, respectful and genuine.”

Laurie Wellman, LCSW, CADC specializes in trauma informed, EMDR, solution focused, substance use, SPACE-(Supportive parenting for anxious childhood emotions) and grief counseling.  Laurie intends to foster a safe space where clients can identify strengths in order to achieve goals.

Care Philosophy: “As a primary care internist, I believe that long term relationships with my patients allow me to give them the best medical care. Many of my patients are coping with multiple chronic medical conditions, and we work together not just to manage an illness, but to help them continue to enjoy the best life possible in the face of whatever conditions they have. I view the role of the physician not to tell patients what to do, but to get patients the information they need to make the right choices for their own unique situation.”

Dr. Peter Witham specializes in internal medicine. His medical interests and expertise include the evaluation and care of patients with multiple ongoing medical conditions and the care of older patients. He believes in establishing long term relationships between patient and providers leads to the best patient care. “I came to MDI to work with a group of people who are dedicated to caring for both their patients and the community as a whole,” he says.

Outside of work, Dr. Witham enjoys photography, hiking, baking, and spending time with his wife and their Bernese Mountain dogs. He and his wife were originally introduced to MDI when they visited the Appalachian Mountain Club on Echo Lake for a camping trip in the early 90s, and they still go every year.

Care Philosophy: Patient centered, detailed internal medicine.

Kate Bartlett Worcester, is a board certified NCCPA and provides care at MDI Hospital’s Cooper Gilmore Health Center in Bar Harbor, ME. Having studied at the University of New England, Kate earned a Master of Science in the Physician Assistant Program. Her medical interests include cardiology, pulmonology, dermatology, and therapeutic botox.

Kate has received a myriad of notable awards, honors, and titles. In 2011, Kate received the Kona Ironman Certified Medical Provider Award. Two years later, she was nominated for the Maine Healthcare Provider of the Year by the Maine Hospital Association. In 2019, she served as a Board Member for the Maine Association of Physician Assistants and in 2021, she served as the Educational Chair for the Maine Association of Physician Assistants. Most recently in 2020, Kate was awarded the Outstanding Healthcare Provider of the Year by the Maine Association of Physician Assistants for her unparalleled efforts in combating the coronavirus pandemic.

Kate states that her brief message to current and/or prospective patients is, “Access to quality healthcare in a rural community is a challenge. MDI Hospital has achieved the greatest form of excellence achieve exemplary quality care. I am proud to be a part of my medical home.”

Outside of work, Kate enjoys golfing, playing the piano, and spending time with her family. Kate originally moved to MDI in 2003 to establish a family and in 2006, she began working for MDI Hospital, saying she has always considered this place her home.