Psychiatric Nurses

Maryellen Pachler - Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kirstin Anastasia - Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Maryellen Pachler - Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

We are pleased to provide in-office treatment of psychological and behavioral problems by an experienced pediatric and adolescent psychiatric nurse practitioner, Maryellen Pachler. Maryellen is a board-certified nurse practitioner in pediatric primary care and child and adolescent psychiatry. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston University and Masters and Post-Master, in Nursing degrees from Yale University. The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners has recognized her as a mental health care expert.

Maryellen has experience working at the Yale Child Study Center, and she works in collaboration with a board-certified child psychiatrist. She is experienced in Parent Management Training and the treatment of anxiety disorders in a primary care setting with cognitive behavioral therapy. Maryellen's experience also includes the treatment of depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and behavioral problems such as temper tantrums and discipline issues. She treats children and adolescents.

If you would like to make an appointment, please talk to your doctor or physician assistant.

Kirstin Anastasia - Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

We are pleased to announce that Kirstin Anastasia has joined us, along with Mary Ellen Pachler, in providing in office treatment of psychological and behavioral problems.  Kirstin Anastasia has over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families in a variety of settings, including an established private practice in Fairfield, inpatient units, and home care. 

Kirstin received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Rhode Island before entering the Accelerated BSN/MSN program at the University of Pennsylvania.  Kirstin completed the graduate program at the University of Pennsylvania with a Masters of Science in Nursing specializing in Child and Adolescent Mental Health.  The American Nurses Credentialing Center recognizes her as a board certified Clinical Nurse Specialist in Child/Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health. 

Kirstin is experienced in the areas of Anxiety Disorders, Disruptive Behavior Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, and Affective/Mood Disorders.   She is passionate about empowering families and fostering children’s strengths while using multiple treatment modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family systems theory.  Kirstin approaches each child as part of a larger family system where parent support and education is vital for individual growth and treatment.  Like Mary Ellen Pachler, she is trained and experienced in psychopharmacology .

While working at Bridgeport Hospital, Kirstin received both the Starfish Award and Nightingale Award for her compassion and commitment for caring towards both patients and fellow coworkers.   

If you would like to make an appointment, please talk to your doctor or Physician Assistant.