Stephen Durand moved to Naples 14 years ago to attend Wolford College where he received his training as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and simultaneously earned a Master’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University.

During his training, Stephen developed a love for obstetric (OB) anesthesia and decided to specialize in it. He also has been a clinical instructor for Wolford College for the past 12 years.

It was during this time of working in OB that Stephen became very familiar with ketamine’s efficacy as a pharmacological agent for surgical pain. When he discovered its use for alleviating debilitating mood and pain disorders, he sought out Brian Mears, a former colleague who was using ketamine to successfully treat people who were once thought to have been treatment resistant.

Soon after, Stephen flew out to Little Rock, Arkansas to tour the flagship location of Alleviant Health Centers. There, he witnessed first-hand the magnificent work they were doing for patients suffering from depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, PTSD, OCD and many pain disorders. Stephen was convinced that Naples needed an Alleviant Health Centers of its own and joined the Alleviant team in order to help as many people as possible in Naples and the surrounding areas to heal pain, restore hope, and regain purpose.

Stephen and his wife Liz enjoy an abundant life together along with three very energetic boys; Marcus 10, Isaiah 8 and Daniel 6. Liz diligently and faithfully homeschools all three of them. Stephen and Liz firmly believe that it is better to serve than to be served and try live out this principle in front of their children. They consider it a high calling to be tasked with the important work of helping to alleviate suffering so that people can experience more joyful lives. In fact, that is their mission.