Ann Bell, though a new provider at Keystone Behavioral Health, is not new to the Keystone Health family. Prior to going back to school to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Ann worked at Keystone Behavioral Health as a Registered Nurse for about a year and a half, primarily working with patients with, or at risk for, substance use disorder. It was during that time she realized she wanted to further her education in the mental health field and become a psychiatric provider herself.
Learn more about Ann in our latest Meet The Provider Q&A below.
What led you to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner?
When I was working at Keystone Behavioral Health, I noticed how long our wait times were. That coupled with having experience working in the community, I wanted to make sure I gave back. This was one way to do that. Hopefully to decrease wait times for those needing services, but also to give back to a community that has given us a great life. I am pretty laid back and I hope easy to talk to. I think this is one reason I went into nursing and that eventually led me here.
What is your favorite part of your line of work?
I love talking to people. I am a natural talker, much to my husband’s dismay. I look forward to meeting new people and helping them see a brighter tomorrow.
Why did you choose to work at Keystone?
Keystone is patient-focused. It helps to know that the work we do is directly affecting our local community in a positive way and being patient-focused ensures this.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
Kayaking, hiking, biking, hanging out with my husband and when we are able to, I love visiting our kids. We love to camp at my in-laws in south Jersey, close to the shore. We enjoy meeting up with family and friends when we aren’t traveling. We also enjoy our three dogs and our cat who believes he is a dog and rules the house.
How long have you lived in Franklin County and what do you like about the area?
We have now lived here for 23 years. We moved here from the southern tier of New York. I worried that I would be moving to a city (I grew up in a very small town in New York) but this area is not that way at all. It is also beautiful with access to many of our favorite hobbies.
What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
I lived overseas for four years. China to be exact. I can speak some Mandarin. I joke I speak enough to get a good bargain and stay out of trouble.
You can learn more about Keystone Behavioral Health here.
