Health Center Staff

Julia has served as the director of the health center since December 2020, stepping into the position during the COVID-19 pandemic. She joined the health center team as a nurse practitioner in 2016. She completed her Master’s in Nursing at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Institute of Health Professions and is board certified in adult and women’s health. She comes to Bentley from Boston Medical Center where she provided care to patients in the adult primary care practice and breast health center. Julia started her nursing career at MGH in the gynecology-oncology unit, a highlight of which was training nursing students. Prior to starting her clinical career, Julia traveled worldwide advocating for reproductive health for conflict-affected populations at the Women’s Refugee Commission (NYC) and supported research into female methods for HIV prevention at Ibis Reproductive Health (Cambridge). Julia earned her Master’s in Public Health in 2001 from Portland State University. Outside of work, Julia enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as keeping fit, staying mindful and trying to keep up with her two teenage daughters.
 

Nora has served as the associate director of the Health Center since December 2020, moving into a leadership position to aid in the COVID-19 pandemic response. Nora joined the Health Center team in 2018 as a board-certified women’s health and adult/gerontology primary care nurse practitioner. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Northeastern University and her MSN at MGH Institute of Health Professions. Before becoming a nurse practitioner, Nora was an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, serving on ships on all coasts of the U.S. and in the Arctic. She is an India-trained yoga therapist, certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists, and enjoys incorporating those practices into her work with patients. Her clinical interests include LGBTQ health, urgent care, gynecology, contraception and PrEP. Nora enjoys biking with her kiddos, weightlifting, yoga and all Marvel movies.

Pete started at Bentley in January 2021 as a registered nurse working at the COVID-19 Screening Test Program. Once completing his education and training, Pete transitioned to the role of nurse practitioner in the fall 2021 semester. He is a graduate of the MGH Institute of Health Professions where he earned his board certification in adult primary care with advanced training in women’s health. Within the field of medicine, he has a strong passion for preventative care and health promotion. Originally from Derry, NH, Pete now lives in Haverhill, MA. Outside of work, he loves to golf and enjoy the local New England sports team. He and his wife, Brittany, are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first baby, Peter III, this June. Pete is excited to join the health center team and contribute to advancing the health of Bentley students. 

Emily is an alum of the University of New Hampshire, where she received both her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degrees. During her time there, she worked in a crisis center for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and became passionate about providing support and working to create change in the community. Prior to coming to Bentley, Emily worked as a case manager on the CARE Team at Suffolk University, providing support and resources to students experiencing a variety of both personal and academic concerns. She has also worked in a case management capacity with student athletes, families of children with chronic illnesses, and both adults and children in therapeutic settings. A life-long South Shore resident, Emily loves going to the beach, doing craft projects, and baking during her downtime.

Anne has enjoyed working as an NP at Bentley since she joined the office in the fall of 2005 and has found that working with college students is very rewarding. Before starting at Bentley, Anne worked as an NP in primary care for 5 years at South Boston Community Health Center and a small primary care office in Beverly, MA. She received her Master's degree in adult primary care from Simmons College in Boston, and her Bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Before becoming an NP, Anne also worked as a nurse for 7 years. Anne enjoys providing medical care to students, being an ally to the LGBTQ community, and working alongside her Student Affairs colleagues—which includes teaching rape aggression defense (RAD) with University Police. Personally, she enjoys spending as much time with her family and friends and being as active as time allows.

Dianna joined the health center team in 2022 as a board-certified family nurse practitioner. She earned her DNP and MSN from Regis College and her BA from Tufts University. Dianna’s doctoral dissertation focused on cultural competence in college health. As a nurse practitioner for over 20 years, Dianna has strived to promote the health and wellness of college students. She enjoys working with traditionally underrepresented students and is an ally to the LGBTQ community. Her clinical interests include preventative medicine, eating disorders and holistic health. Outside of work, Dianna enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, running, painting and playing the cello.

Tara began her career at Bentley in 2001 and received her associate degree as a medical assistant. Prior to coming to Bentley, Tara worked as a medical assistant in a private gynecological practice for 12 years. She was promoted in 2012 to the position of senior medical administrative assistant and then to office coordinator. Tara holds the institutional knowledge for the Health Center. She ensures students are seen at the Health Center in a timely fashion and is also likely the person answering many student questions by phone or email. Tara was born and raised in Waltham, and her daughter completed her graduate degree at Bentley. She also helps out on major fundraisers for the American Cancer Society. When not at Bentley, Tara can be found in the gym or vacationing with her family in New York City, New Hampshire, Cape Cod or on a beach in Florida. 

Debbie Melchiorri started at Bentley as our medical administrative assistant in January 2006. She brings with her 17 years of experience from Waltham Hospital, including time in the Emergency Department, Cardiac Rehabilitation and Human Resources. Prior to Bentley, Debbie worked for the Newton-Wellesley Hospital Urgent Care Center. Debbie prides herself on being a lifelong resident of Waltham, where she and her husband raised their three children. Her oldest daughter graduated from Bentley in 2004. These days she and her husband enjoy their time with their three grandchildren.

Kenya is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and a certified strength and conditioning coach in addition to kettle bell instructor and weightlifting coach. She worked for 9 years at Boston Medical Center in the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Weight Management where she guided patients through their health and wellness journey, focusing primarily on weight loss and health-related comorbidities. She has also studied with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Kenya has worked with clients as their strength coach/personal trainer since 1999 until today. She also works with clients as a health and wellness coach. Prior to her transition into nursing, Kenya served as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at Syracuse University from 2002 to 2005. In her off time, she enjoys reading a good biography, chasing after her rambunctious 5-year-old, color coordinating her organizer, eating traditional foods from around the world, singing off key, lifting, walking and searching for fabulous dresses with pockets.

Stephanie has worked closely with the Bentley team since 2020, initially serving as the liaison between the University and the MA Covid-19 contact tracing team. As our Student Health Specialist, she now oversees incoming student compliance with Bentley Health requirements. In addition, Stephanie continues to take on other important projects that promote the health and wellbeing of our students and our campus. Stephanie worked as an EMT and lifeguard throughout her time at UMass Amherst, where she obtained a BS in Biology. She volunteered with the Peace Corps in South Africa for over 2 years, facilitating evidence-based programs on HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and infectious diseases. She is passionate about health equity and supporting our diverse student population. Outside of work, you can find Steph curled up with a book next to her two cats, Zelda and Aerosmith.

Jacquie joined the Heath Center team in 2021 as a board-certified adult nurse practitioner. She brings 25 years of clinical experience to the Health Center with the last 9 years dedicated to college health. She splits her time between caring for Bentley students and training the next generation of nurse practitioners as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Northeastern University, where she also completed her Doctor of Nurse Practice degree. Jacquie has 3 children in college, so she certainly understands the parent perspective! She loves traveling and is looking forward to doing more of that when her kids are done with school.