Dr. Thornton has been practicing nephrology in Maine for the past twenty years. He completed medical school at Boston University. He trained in an Internal Medicine Residency and a Nephrology fellowship at Boston Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Thornton is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. Dr. Thornton is a clinical instructor of medical students from The University of New England School of Medicine. Dr. Thornton is active in treating all forms of kidney disease with special interests in hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and critical care nephrology.

Dr. Pyenta is a native of Michigan. He earned his medical degree at the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine residency and General Nephrology Fellowship training at St. John Detroit Riverview Hospital in Detroit, MI. He has special interest in renal transplantation patients and he has completed a Transplant Nephrology Fellowship at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology.

Dr. Wright joined Nephrology Associates in 2018. He completed medical school at the University Of New England, internal medicine residency at the University of Massachusetts in Worcester, and nephrology fellowship at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. He is board certified in internal medicine and nephrology. In addition to general care for patients with kidney disease, special interests include polycystic kidney disease and hypertension.

Kim is a Nurse Practitioner with more than 15 years of nursing experience and over five years of advanced practice experience specializing in nephrology. She earned her BSN from the University of Southern Maine and her MSN from Saint Joseph's College of Maine. She is board certified in Family Practice by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She provides care for patients with chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, and those requiring dialysis management, with a focus on complex medical conditions affecting kidney health.

Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Kimberly worked as a critical care nurse in the intensive care unit, where she gained extensive experience managing critically ill patients and complex medical cases. She has also served in a hospital house supervisor role, providing clinical leadership and oversight of hospital operations and patient care. In addition to her clinical practice, Kimberly has taught undergraduate nursing students at two universities, reflecting her commitment to education and the development of future healthcare professionals.

Her diverse background in critical care, leadership, and nursing education allows her to bring a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to nephrology care, with a strong focus on improving outcomes and quality of life for patients living with kidney disease

Dr. Opolinsky received his baccalaureate degree from Queens College and his medical degree from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine residency, including a year as Chief Resident, and then his Nephrology fellowship at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. Since then, Dr. Opolinsky has practiced in central Maine, serving as both a Nephrologist and a Hospital Medicine physician. He has worked with Nephrology Associates of Central Maine since 2024.

Chelsea Ouellette is a Nurse Practitioner who has been caring for patients since 2014, beginning her career as a Registered Nurse at Central Maine Medical Center. In 2017, she transitioned into her role as a Nurse Practitioner. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Southern Maine in Portland.

Chelsea has several years of experience in internal medicine and has also worked in palliative care. She now specializes in nephrology, drawn to the complexity of kidney disease and the impact that thoughtful, patient-centered care can make. Chelsea is passionate about supporting patients through serious illness and is committed to combining clinical expertise with compassion, clear communication, and respect for each individual’s goals and needs.