FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2026
People’s Health & Wellness Clinic Welcomes Ellen Munger as Director of Clinical Services
BARRE, VT — People’s Health & Wellness Clinic (PHWC) is pleased to announce that Ellen Munger, PMHNP-BC, RN, has joined the organization as its new Director of Clinical Services, overseeing the clinic’s medical and wellness programs and helping lead PHWC’s continued growth in serving uninsured and underinsured Vermonters.
Munger, a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner and registered nurse, brings more than three decades of experience in nursing, behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, crisis services, care coordination and health care leadership.
From 2018 to 2025, Munger served as a Medication-Assisted Treatment nurse at Central Vermont Medical Center, caring for patients with opioid and alcohol use disorders and coordinating care with interdisciplinary teams, inpatient rehabilitation programs and detoxification services. Her previous experience includes nursing and leadership positions with the University of Vermont Medical Center, Heaton Woods Residential Care Home, Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England and Washington County Mental Health.
Munger holds both a Master of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Norwich University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Johnson State College.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ellen to the People’s Health and Wellness Clinic,” said PHWC Executive Director Daniel Barlow. “She brings an extraordinary breadth of experience to this position - from nursing and behavioral health to substance use treatment, crisis services and organizational leadership. Just as importantly, she understands the importance of meeting patients where they are. That is fundamental to how we approach care at the People’s Clinic.”
“I’m excited to join the People’s Health and Wellness Clinic and become part of an organization that is so deeply rooted in its community,” Munger said. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen how much a person’s health is shaped by whether they can actually access care and whether that care meets them with dignity and compassion. I’m looking forward to working with the staff and volunteer providers at the People’s Clinic to continue building a welcoming place where patients can get the care and support they need.”
Munger joins PHWC at a time of significant growth for the Barre-based free clinic. PHWC provides free primary medical care, dental care, wellness services, case management, and assistance accessing health care and other resources for adults who are uninsured or underinsured. The clinic relies on a small professional staff working alongside a large network of volunteer medical, dental, and wellness providers.
“Ellen’s background is an excellent fit for the patients we serve at the People’s Health and Wellness Clinic,” said Nicole Valcour, PHWC’s Medical Director. “Her experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, crisis care and clinical leadership will be tremendous assets to our team. I’m looking forward to working closely with her as we continue strengthening and expanding the care available to our patients.”
Munger succeeds Teal Church, who will leave PHWC at the end of September after serving as Director of Clinical Services and helping strengthen the clinic’s approach to caring for patients whose health needs extend beyond the exam room.
During her time at PHWC, Church placed particular emphasis on addressing the social determinants of health that affect patients’ well-being. Among her initiatives was establishing a clothing shelf at the clinic, giving patients in need easy access to clothing and other basic necessities. She also helped PHWC respond to the emergence of xylazine-related wounds among people who use drugs, arranging training for clinic staff and volunteers so they were better prepared to recognize and care for these complicated wounds.
About People’s Health & Wellness Clinic
People’s Health & Wellness Clinic is a nonprofit free clinic in Barre providing medical, dental, wellness and support services at no cost to uninsured and underinsured adults in Central Vermont. Working with a dedicated network of staff and volunteer health professionals, PHWC helps patients receive care regardless of income, insurance status or ability to pay.
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