MISSION:
To provide excellent healthcare and wellness education for the infants, children and adolescents in Durango and the surrounding areas.
For over 15 years now, families from Durango and the Four Corners area have entrusted the health care of their infants, children and adolescents to Pediatric Associates of Durango.
Art Zemach, MD, FAAP:
Dr. Zemach moved to Durango in 1997. He and his wife Colleen have six children and one dog. He enjoys whitewater kayak racing, skiing, mountain biking, and music. Dr. Zemach has provided excellent pediatric care in La Plata county for many years. We are so excited to welcome him back to the practice of medicine at Pediatric Associates of Durango.
Michelle Simonelli, MSN, APRN-CNP, CPNP-PC
Michelle is moving back to the Southwest from Columbus, Ohio. She grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and found her way to Ohio for college. She graduated from Denison University in 2015 with a Bachelor’s in Spanish and Chemistry. She swam competitively in college, earning several top-3 finishes at the national level, and is proud to be a two-time NCAA Champion. She graduated in 2021 with her master’s from “THE” Ohio State University, and is now a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in primary care. While earning her master’s, she worked full-time as a registered nurse in the step-down ICU float pool at Ohio State, gaining experience with the adult gerontology population in cardiology, neurology, transplant medicine, and general medicine. In the Spring of 2020, she had the uniquely challenging experience of caring exclusively for COVID-positive inmates for the first four months of the pandemic. While working on her doctorate, she worked full-time as a nurse practitioner at a primary care pediatric clinic and continued to work part-time at OSU as a bedside nurse. Her husband is also in nursing and they met at their local church in 2019 while volunteering on the worship team. They have a beloved and sweet mini Aussie mix named Gracie and are excited to move to the mountains to be closer to family. Michelle loves caring for children of all ages and has a sweet spot for adolescents struggling with depression and/or anxiety. She’s excited to be here and can’t wait to meet you and your kiddos!
AMBER LAYTON, PHD, LPC:
Dr. Layton specializes in Behavioral Health management. Utilizing various theories and techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral, Solution focused, and EMDR. She has a strong background in developing a holistic approach aimed at improving a patient’s mental health while providing empathy, patience, and respect to the patient. She has 8+ years of experience in delivering individual and group therapies, conducting mental health assessments, determining the diagnosis, as well as developing treatment and crisis plans.
Dr. Layton earned her undergraduate degree in Communication and Psychology from University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM. She earned her master’s degree from Walden University specializing in Mental Health Counseling, and her Doctorate degree in Advanced Human Behavior from Capella University.
In her free time, Dr. Layton enjoys spending time with her family, reading, desert sports, and snowboarding.
Bill Streusand, M.D.
Dr. Streusand is a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist with nearly 40 years of experience as a provider and medical director in various inpatient and outpatient settings. He was chief of psychiatry at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, and is co-founder of the Texas Child Study Center. He has practiced and promoted integrated behavioral health care for many years. Dr. Streusand is available for on-going collaboration with our practice, as well as for diagnostic evaluations and medical consultation.
Jacquie Sils, LPCC
Jacquie is a licensed counselor, she graduated from Liberty University with her master’s in professional counseling. She has a history of working with children and adolescents, along with autism, ADHD, behavioral difficulties, and developmental disabilities. Along with a various other diagnosis. Jacquie, her husband, and dog child Joey moved from Ohio in March 2022, due to the amazing views and abundant outdoor activities. When she not at work she is probably out on some adventure, either camping, hiking, or any other outdoor activities the area has to offer. She is excited to be part of this team and working work families in the Durango area.
We, at Pediatric Associates of Durango, are passionate about setting a new standard for health that empowers children to reach their full potential.
Prenatal & Get Acquainted Visits: Pediatric Associates of Durango offers a complimentary visit which allows you to learn more about our practice. This visit allows you to meet with a practitioner, ask questions and hear more about the services we offer. Please call for more information, or to schedule a prenatal/get acquainted appointment.
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