At Chronic Pain & Wellness Centers, our exceptional team of providers is the cornerstone of our commitment to your well-being. With years of experience and a shared passion for transformative care, our experts are here to guide you on your journey to a healthier, pain-free life. Each provider brings a unique blend of expertise and compassion to our practice, ensuring that you receive personalized and comprehensive care that you can trust.
Nurse Practioner
Arielle’s professional journey has encompassed various healthcare settings, from telemedicine to primary care, retail clinics, and mental health. Her educational background includes degrees from both Howard University (BSN) and the University of Cincinnati (MSN). Before embarking on her career as a nurse practitioner, Arielle thrived in the fast-paced environment of the emergency department, where her critical thinking skills shone brightly.
Notably, Arielle’s commitment to healthcare extended beyond her clinical practice. She worked alongside the COVID-Ops team within the White House, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of thousands. Arielle’s passion lies in ensuring that every individual she encounters feels heard and is thoroughly educated about their specific health conditions.
Arielle is not only a healthcare professional but also an active member of both the international nursing sorority Chi Eta Phi Sorority Inc. and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Beyond her professional achievements, Arielle enjoys exploring her surroundings, indulging in sports, hosting game nights with friends and family, and savoring the culinary delights of the area.
With Arielle as part of our team at Pain Relief Specialists, you can trust that your chronic pain and wellness needs will be met with expertise, empathy, and a commitment to your overall health and well-being.
Nurse Practioner
Meet Brittney Barnes-Blount, an accomplished nurse practitioner that is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care. Based at the Chronic Pain & Wellness Center in Frederick, MD, Brittney brings a wealth of experience and a solid educational background that enriches her clinical expertise.
She originally attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, in Princess Anne, Maryland, where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Services and continued earning her Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Brittney worked as a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counselor before she pursued her interest in nursing, graduating with an Associate Degree in Nursing from Montgomery College. She later went onto earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Walden University while working as a Staff Nurse in Washington, DC. Brittney worked in various nursing specialties from Orthopedics, Cardiac, Stroke and Medical-Surgical. During her time as an Assistant Nurse Manager, she completed her Masters Degree in Nursing, specializing in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care. Brittney is a Board Certified Adult Gerontologic Nurse Practitioner, licensed in Maryland and West Virginia.
Previously, she served as a Center Nurse Practitioner in Martinsburg, WV. In this capacity, Brittney took a proactive approach to managing acute geriatric patients, offering comprehensive clinical education to both staff and patients, and diligently overseeing patients with chronic conditions. Her contributions extended beyond patient care as she was an active participant as a panel board member, ensuring the selection of top-tier providers for her organization.
Brittney has over 12 years of Acute Care Inpatient Nursing experience in caring for patients in various specialties. She has a passion for nursing and a commitment to continuous learning and development sets her apart. She continues to hold active nursing licenses across multiple states, including DC, MD, and WV; with a diverse skill set encompassing medication administration, nurse management, and primary care experience.
Certified in Gerontological Nursing and as an Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, Brittney upholds the highest standards of care in her practice. Brittney’s commitment to patient well-being, combined with her solid foundation of knowledge, continues to leave a positive and lasting impact on the landscape of healthcare.
Nurse Practioner
Katie Sutton is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with a specialty in Family Nursing. Prior to pursuing nursing, Katie attended the University of Maryland, College Park and graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. Following graduation, Katie worked with adults with intellectual disabilities for several years. In 2013, she decided to pursue a career in nursing as working in healthcare was always a passion of hers. Katie graduated from Howard Community College with her Associate Degree in Nursing in 2015. She then received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Maryland School of Nursing in December 2016. Upon graduating from nursing school, she began her nursing career in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the University of Maryland Medical Center. While Katie loved working in the ICU and valued the knowledge she gained while providing care to critically ill patients, she yearned for a more influential role in her patients’ care.
Therefore, in 2019, Katie returned to school to obtain her graduate degree as a family nurse practitioner. She graduated with honors from Georgetown University with her Master of Science degree in Nursing in May 2022. After receiving her Master’s degree, she left the ICU after 6 years and began her career as a nurse practitioner at a private cardiology practice in Rockville MD. In this setting, she effectively diagnosed and managed patients with various cardiac diagnoses. She independently treated patients and provided general cardiology care and episodic care while also taking on a role as an electrophysiology nurse practitioner allowing her to expand her knowledge in treating patients with arrythmias and cardiac devices. Upon leaving cardiology, she began her career at Chronic Pain Treatment Center in September 2023. Katie has a passion for providing personalized care and enjoys establishing meaningful relationships with her patients.
Outside of work, Katie loves to spend time with her husband and their three young kids. They are excited to welcome another child into their family in January 2024. They love to be active and spend time outdoors together.
Medical Director
Melissa Bassett CRNP joined Potomac Healthcare Alliance in 2020 and is the Medical Director overseeing Chronic Pain and Wellness Centers. As a Registered Nurse, Melissa specialized in women’s health and preventative care. She was the clinical partner for the department of maternal fetal medicine at GBMC hospital prior to pursuing an advanced degree. She graduated with honors from Simmons University in Boston, MA with a Master of Science in Nursing. She is an active member of the American Nurse Association, American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Nurse Practitioner Association of Maryland. She has strong experience in primary and preventative care, has worked as a clinical consultant for the wellness and weight management program which was integrated into her primary care practice, and obtained certification as a diabetic educator. Melissa empowers her patients with invaluable insights into obesity, weight management, and diabetes control, fostering a journey of informed health choices. Additionally, her tenure as a Pain Relief Specialist marks her commitment to alleviating suffering and enhancing the quality of life for those seeking solace from pain.
Melissa is known for superlative listening and a desire to form a therapeutic relationship with patients.
Melissa was raised in the cornfields of the Midwest and landed in Maryland by virtue of her husband’s military (Go Air Force) service. She is an accomplished vocalist, is not accomplished at but enjoys painting, loves to travel, and is generally a nerd! When not working, she spends time reading, doing yoga, and traveling with her family which includes a big drooly dog and two rescue cats.
