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Meet the Team

 

Emanuel "Manny" Papadakis, RVT, RDCS - Technical Director

 

Manny is a registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer (RDCS) and registered vascular technologist (RVT) through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), the main accreditation organization for sonographers.

Manny’s role is to produce vein mappings that help the physician create a treatment plan and to provide ultrasound guidance for ablations and sclerotherapy. When working with patients, he listens closely to where their sources of discomfort are so he can perform a better vein mapping, which will result in a better outcome. He also tries to connect with patients and get to know them a bit more on a personal level, making for a more comfortable and less intimidating visit.

Prior to VHC, he worked as a Cardiovascular and Vein Lab Technical Director for 10 years. His background includes providing an array of diagnostic imaging tests, including stress testing, echocardiography, and general vascular and vein specialized procedures.

 

“Knowing that I make a difference in a patient’s health is very rewarding. I have seen patients that have chronic leg swelling, heavy legs with achiness, and even ulcerations. Providing the guidance required to treat the patient is rewarding since I have assisted in the patient’s overall treatment and quality of life.”

Sam Armfield, RVT, RDMS - Ultrasound Technologist

 

Registered Vascular Technologist , Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Sam has over 20 years of hospital and private practice vascular diagnostic ultrasound experience. He trained at Thomas Jefferson Hospital for Diagnostic Ultrasound and was previously the Program Director for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography at a school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Sam’s role is to evaluate patients for venous disease and assist with minimally invasive venous intervention procedures. He also makes patients feel welcome and explains the process before, during, and after evaluations. He strives to ensure that patients are relaxed, pain-free, and comfortable.

 

“There is an atmosphere of caring, professionalism, and competency at VHC. I enjoy working with such a well-educated team.”

Bethany Dymond, Practice Manager

 

Bethany has almost 20 years of experience in healthcare administration. Before VHC, she was an Office Manager for a large multi-location specialty practice that provided a wide range of services including spinal procedures, surgical procedures, osteopathic manipulation management, acupuncture, behavioral health care, and addiction medicine.

At VHC, Bethany oversees the daily operations and works continuously to improve internal processes to meet patient needs. Bethany’s strong focus on patient relations allows her to address concerns with empathy and to help create a welcoming environment.

 

“I deeply value how VHC embodies a patient-first culture, where the focus is always on the wellbeing of every person. I’m so grateful to be part of a team that prioritizes compassionate care, collaboration, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.”

Keila Connolly, Business Manager

 

Keila provides support to our providers and all staff in a variety of areas, including patient intake and scheduling, prior insurance authorizations, and following up on acute patient issues. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelors Degree in Athletic Training and holds a Masters Degree in Healthcare Administration from the Southern New Hampshire University.

Keila enjoys streamlining processes and workflows to help the team operate smoothly and efficiently while providing exceptional care. In everything she does, she always keeps the focus on doing what’s best for our patients.

 

“I value every patient interaction and want each individual to know that they are in good hands. I enjoy resolving issues and advocating for our patients however is needed.”

Emily DeLuca, Ultrasound Technician

 

Emily received her Bachelor of Exercise Science from St. Joseph’s College in Maine, with a minor in Psychology. She is currently participating in VHC’s first Ultrasound Internship. As an Ultrasound Intern, Emily studies to be a registered phlebology sonographer and trains with the Ultrasound Technologists as they evaluate patients and perform endovenous treatments. Emily also continues to work part-time as a Patient Care Coordinator, assisting with administrative tasks and making patients feel welcome.

 

“I'm really enjoying working at VHC getting hands-on medical experience. I also like getting to know the patients better – they’ve been very open and encouraging while I'm learning!”

Sherry Seymour, Care Specialist

 

Sherry has more than 30 years delivering exceptional customer service as an outpatient office manager and through direct patient care at Maine Medical Center and New England Rehabilitation Center of Portland. She was also the Program Coordinator for a domestic violence prevention program and spent 15 years as an Administrative Assistance Lead at InterMed’s Physical Therapy department.

At the VHC, Sherry performs multiple roles. As a Medical Assistant, she greets patients, takes their vital signs, and prepares them for what to expect during their treatment. She also works as an insurance specialist, assisting the Finance Manager and Patient Care Coordinator Lead with authorization to ensure coverage of procedures. Sherry enjoys helping patients in all aspects of their care, focusing on customer service 110% at all times.

 

“I truly love knowing how we impact the lives of our patients in positive ways. Seeing our patients leave feeling valued and cared for is the best feeling!”

Shannon Kinonen, Lead Patient Care Coordinator

 

Shannon is one of our Patient Care Coordinators, helping to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible for our patients, whether she is scheduling appointments, answering questions, or listening to their concerns.

Prior to working at VHC, Shannon was an office manager for a physical therapy clinic for four years and the Director's Assistant for a rehab facility, which offered physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapy. She spent the last 10 years in retail management, and with her strong customer service background, patients’ needs are always her top priority.

 

“The team atmosphere at VHC is the best! Everyone always works together to make the best experience for each and every patient. It's so rewarding when a complex case is resolved, and the process was seamless for the patient.”

Patrick Stauffer, Patient Care Coordinator

 

As Patient Care Coordinator, Patrick greets patients, checks them in, schedules appointments, and answers questions upon check-out. He has previous experience in the dental field and substance use disorder treatment centers.

Patrick endeavors to treat each patient with kindness and compassion in every interaction!

 

“We treat everyone who comes to VHC as a person, not just a patient. That care extends throughout the entire staff.”

Sydney Pearl, Medical Assistant

 

Sydney graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and a Minor in Chemistry. Her experience includes working as a rehab technician at the Goodwill Neurorehabilitation Center in Scarborough.

At VHC, Sydney works with patients, taking their vitals, preparing them for their visit, and assisting with venous procedures. She explains to every patient what to expect during their appointment, and she enjoys helping patients as they progress through treatment.

 

“I like to get to know every patient, and make it obvious that their health is our top priority. I try to be as friendly, helpful, and understanding as possible.”

Emie Wood, Medical Assistant

 

Emie will be entering her senior year at the University of Southern Maine where she will major in Human Biology. Her goal is to become a Physician's Assistant. She is a registered EMT and was the medical director at a summer camp in Nobleboro, Maine.

Her role at VHC is to greet patients and help them feel comfortable while taking their vitals and getting them prepped for a procedure. Emie strives to ensure that the patient knows that the VHC team is here for them on their vein treatment process every step of the way.

 

“My favorite part is making connections with patients and ensuring that they get the best patient care possible.”

Melina Masseli, Medical Assistant

 

Melina graduated from Wheaton College in Massachusetts with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a minor in Public Health. Before VHC, Melina was a Physical Therapy Aide. She was also an intern with International Medical Aid at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mombasa, Kenya, an experience that provided hundreds of hours of shadowing physicians, and community outreach through health and hygiene clinics at local schools, mobile medical clinics, and women's health education sessions.

Melina’s role is to greet patients, preparing them for examinations by taking vital signs and recording medical histories, as well as assisting providers during venous procedures. Making patients feel heard, supported, and comfortable are her utmost priorities.

 

“I love seeing the smiles on patients' faces following their treatment, knowing that our support has made meaningful improvements to their health and overall quality of life.”

Alaijah Rubianes, Medical Assistant

 

Alaijah graduated from Bowdoin College where he studied Biochemistry and Sociology. He has been involved in volunteering with assisted living, patients with post-traumatic stress, and shadowed physicians in primary care, radiology, and dermatology.

As an M.A., Alaijah helps patients prepare for their treatment, takes their vitals, and assist providers with procedures and record keeping. His goal is to provide meaningful care by making patients feel comfortable, answering their questions, and providing reassurance.

 

“I love how this work allows me to be a small part of a patients’ journey and see the confidence they gain.”

Joanne Wang, Medical Assistant

 

Before joining the VHC team, Joanne worked as a Perioperative Services Technician in the Operating Room Department at MaineHealth. She graduated from Cornell University with a major in Biochemistry and a minor in Data Science. She plans to attend medical school.

Joanne rooms patients and measures their vitals, assists the provider during procedures, and prepares medications, as well as other clinical and administrative tasks. She approaches each patient knowing that there is so much more to people than can be seen on the surface. Understanding each patient's mental framework and personal experiences guides her interactions, ensuring that every patient feels seen, understood, and valued.

 

“We have the unique ability to dramatically improve patients' lives. Being able to be a part of that journey is such a privilege.”