Southern Vermont AHEC

Mr. Potato Head takes Center Stage in Week One of M.E.D.I.C.!

We’re back! Southern Vermont AHEC is excited to once again partner with River Valley Tech Center for their annual M.E.D.I.C. program—and we kicked things off with a very special guest star: Mr. Potato Head!

Week One brought together 16 students from Lara Peck’s Health Science Program, along with five additional interested students from Springfield High School, accompanied by Michelle Pintro-Petrillo, Work-Based Learning Coordinator.

Their mission? Put the Potato Head families back together again! But this was no ordinary game. Students jumped into the Mr. Potato Head Quality Improvement & Trauma Simulation, an experiential learning activity commonly used in medical schools, nursing programs, and hospitals.

Our Southern Vermont AHEC team members, Carol Knight and Alysia Straw, created a scenario designed to mirror the teamwork, communication, and problem-solving required in real-world healthcare.

The challenge? A mass casualty incident at the Annual Copper Hill Cheese Rolling Contest in Brockworth, England! 🧀🏃‍♂️

Working in four teams of 5–8 students, participants took on the roles of surgeons, Quality Control specialists, and Supply Chain specialists. They had to collaborate, think critically, and put their Potato Head patients back together—all while experiencing the importance of teamwork and quality improvement in healthcare.

A big thank-you to Lara Peck, Michelle Pintro-Petrillo, and everyone at River Valley Technical Center for making this collaboration possible. We're looking forward to another exciting year of hands-on learning and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals!



Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce Springfield School District Springfield Hospital, Inc. - VT North Star Health Vermont Health Careers

We recently had the pleasure of celebrating three very special women who have retired or will soon be retiring from Southern Vermont AHEC; Karen Beardsley, Finance Manager: Susan White, Director of Health Careers Programs & Practitioner Support; and Carol Knight, Health Careers Coordinator.

Together, these incredible women have dedicated nearly 60 years of service to Southern Vermont AHEC! Each is exceptionally talented, knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated to the work they do and the people they serve. Their contributions to our organization and the communities they support are immeasurable.

The celebration was filled with laughter, a few tears, heartfelt remarks, great music, good food, family, friends, board members and work colleagues. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on their many accomplishments, share memories, and just express how much they mean to us.

They deserved the best send off we could give them!

National AHEC Organization The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont Governor's Institutes of VT North Star Health Northern Vermont AHEC Grace Cottage Springfield Hospital, Inc. - VT Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce

As we wrap up Vermont Health Careers Awareness Month, one thing is abundantly clear: Vermont’s health care professionals truly are the best of the best! They are highly skilled, compassionate, dedicated, and passionate about making a difference in the lives of the people they serve.

For Ciera Keefe, RN, at Springfield Hospital, Inc. - VT nursing is about more than providing excellent care—it’s about community, connection, and being there for your neighbors.

Working at a small, rural Vermont hospital allows Ciera to build meaningful relationships with her patients, provide personalized care, and help ensure that people can receive the care they need close to home.

Here’s Ciera’s story, in her own words…

“My name is Ciera. I was born and raised in New Hampshire, just across the river. When I moved to Vermont and became an RN, I knew I wanted to stay at our small rural hospital and help make a difference for patients in our community.

I am passionate about the care I provide and do all I can to keep our patients right here in our community. This makes things easier for them, as well as for their families and friends who want to visit.

A small rural hospital is so much more than a hospital. It’s your neighbors, friends, and family, and you feel that connection when you’re cared for here.

I became a nurse because I wanted to help people through some of the toughest times in their lives and support them on their journey to getting better. I truly have a passion for what I do.”

Thank you, Ciera, and to all of Vermont’s dedicated health care professionals, for the skill, heart, and compassion you bring to your work every day!

It’s people like you who make a difference—and make our communities stronger!

Vermont Department of Health National AHEC Organization North Star Health Vermont Health Careers River Valley Tech Center Town of Springfield, Vermont

Celebrating Vermont Health Careers Awareness Month!

As we enter the final week of Vermont Health Careers Awareness Month, we’re reflecting on the inspiring stories, unique journeys, and personal choices that lead people to careers in healthcare. Each story reminds us that, at the heart of healthcare, is a passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Meet Dr. Dimas C. Espinola!

We’re pleased to introduce Dimas C. Espinola, MD, MPH, MPS, FAAP, DABOM, Staff Physician in General Pediatrics at Community Health

Why did Dr. Espinola choose a career in medicine? In his own words:

“I chose medicine because I wanted to make a difference in people's lives. As a pediatrician, I work alongside families to support children from infancy through adolescence as they build the foundation for a healthy and fulfilling future. Every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy, pursue their dreams, and contribute to the world in their own unique way."

Dr. Espinola’s words beautifully capture the heart of pediatric care: partnering with families, nurturing healthy beginnings, and helping every child reach their full potential.

Join us in celebrating Dr. Espinola and all the dedicated healthcare professionals who make a difference in Vermont communities every day!

What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare? Share your story in the comments!



Vermont Department of Health National AHEC Organization Rutland Regional Medical Center Rutland Community Collaborative
UMass Chan Medical School Vermont Health Careers Northern Vermont AHEC College of the Holy Cross

What does the future of Vermont’s healthcare workforce look like?

October is Vermont Health Careers Awareness Month, and we’re celebrating the people, pathways, and possibilities shaping the future of healthcare in our state!

We’re excited to feature Dr. Rick Hildebrant, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Health, in an engaging podcast conversation about one of Vermont’s most important priorities: building and sustaining a strong healthcare workforce.

From the challenges facing healthcare today to solutions that can make a difference, Dr. Hildebrant shares insights on supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthening care in communities across Vermont.

Could a career in healthcare be your future? Whether you dream of becoming a doctor, nurse, or another healthcare professional, your skills, passion, and commitment could make a lasting difference in the lives of Vermonters.

Tune in, get inspired, and explore the future of healthcare in Vermont! https://youtu.be/Ck-0DccvpTY

👇 Let’s hear from you! What inspires you—or someone you know to pursue a career in healthcare? Share your story or thoughts in the comments!



National AHEC Organization Northern Vermont AHEC Community Health Governor's Institutes of VT North Star Health The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont Rutland Regional Medical Center Vermont State University Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center UVM Health - Porter Medical Center

Exploring STEM, Inspiring Future Healthcare Heroes!

The career wheels were definitely turning at the recent Rutland Area STEM Fair at Vermont State University Castleton Campus More than 400 seventh- and eighth-grade students from Bellows Falls Middle School, Otter Valley, West Rutland, Poultney, Fair Haven, and Vergennes came together to explore the exciting possibilities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (yep, that’s STEM, folks! 😉).

Our Health Careers team, Alysia Straw and Carol Knight, was ready to bring healthcare careers to life! Students got hands-on with some very cool activities, including practicing suturing and taking on a unique guessing game: reaching into a mystery box of healthcare devices and identifying each item by touch alone.

Shout-out to our Northern Area Health Education Center, Inc. colleague Tracy Truzansky for the brilliant idea behind the mystery box activity!

The curiosity was contagious, the students were engaged, and the possibilities were endless. Events like these can spark a lifelong interest in science and healthcare—and maybe even inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals!

A big thank-you to VTSU Castleton for hosting this wonderful annual event and helping students discover where their futures might lead!

Bellows Falls Middle School
Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union
West Rutland School
Fair Haven Union Middle and High School
Addison Northwest School District
Poultney School

Shining the Spotlight on Our Healthcare Heroes!

In celebration of Vermont Health Careers Awareness Month, we’re recognizing the dedicated healthcare professionals who make a lasting difference in our communities.

One thing that truly stands out about our healthcare heroes is their commitment and longevity. We are pleased to celebrate Tracy Austin, Manager of Specialty Services at Springfield Hospital, Inc. - VT who has proudly served the hospital for nearly 25 years!

A Springfield native, Tracy has built her career close to home, making a difference in the community she knows and loves. We’re grateful for her leadership, dedication, and commitment to quality patient care.

Here’s Tracy’s story, in her own words:

“My name is Tracy Austin, and I was born and raised in Springfield, Vermont. Early on, I knew I wanted a career that would keep me connected to my community. I am proud to have worked at Springfield Hospital for nearly 25 years. I truly enjoy serving as Manager of Specialty Services and leading a hardworking, motivated team.

Although I have witnessed many changes in healthcare over the years, I remain proud that everyone at Springfield Hospital is committed to providing quality care ‘where people come first.’”

Thank you, Tracy, for nearly 25 years of dedication to Springfield Hospital and the community you call home! Your story is a wonderful reminder that healthcare is more than a career — it’s a commitment to people, community, and compassionate care.

Northern Vermont AHEC Vermont Health Careers North Star HealthSpringfield Hospital, Inc. - VT River Valley Tech Center Town of Springfield, Vermont

Women Can Do Conference 2026!

Recently, our Southern Vermont AHEC Health Careers Program Coordinator, Carol Knight, joined forces with Tracy Truzansky, Workforce Development Program Manager at Northern Vermont AHEC, to bring hands-on health career exploration to Vermont State University Randolph Campus.

Hosted by Vermont Works for Women, this inspiring event welcomed more than 450 high school girls and gender-expansive youth from across Vermont to explore a wide range of career opportunities, from forestry and the trades to healthcare and beyond.

At the Southern Vermont AHEC table, students got hands-on practice with surgical suturing, while Northern Vermont AHEC brought the fun (and the chocolate pudding!) by demonstrating proper glove removal using pudding as a mock contaminant. We loved connecting with students interested in everything from diagnostic imaging and oral surgery to veterinary technology and cosmetology!

We’re proud to be part of an event that encourages young people to explore new possibilities, discover their strengths, and envision themselves in careers where they can make a difference.



Workforce In Motion Vermont Department of Health Vermont Health Careers EastRise Credit Union TD Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) Vermont Electric Power Company Vermont Agency of Transportation Vermont Department of Labor NorthCountry Federal Credit Union Community College of Vermont (CCV)

Vermont Health Careers Awareness Month is about celebrating our compassionate and highly skilled workforce as well as preparing the next generation of health care professionals in our communites.

Jennifer Scott, Executive Director of Southern Vermont AHEC, writes in this week's Health Talk Column, (published in the Rutland Herald and Barre-Montpelier Times Argus)
https://www.rutlandherald.com/features/weekend_magazine/health-talk-celebrate-vermont-s-future-healthcare-workforce/article_61fb8d94-104c-54b6-9c50-17612303b147.html
that we can all play a role in helping to build and sustain a future health workforce in Vermont.

Vermont Department of Health Vermont Health Careers Rutland Regional Careers Rutland Regional Medical Center Vermont State University River Valley Tech Center Community Health Northern Vermont AHEC National AHEC Organization Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce Springfield Hospital, Inc. - VT Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems

Health Talk: Celebrate Vermont’s future healthcare workforce October is Health Careers Awareness Month in Vermont, a time to celebrate the people who care for our communities every day and inspire the next generation of Vermonters to consider

Alysia Straw, as a member of the Springfield Interagency Core Team, recently attended the statewide Interagency Core Transition Team Conference in Killington. This year's theme, "The Power of Firsts", was dedicated to improving the transition after high school for students with disabilities.

Among the key focus areas were:
• College access and youth readiness
• HireAbility employment and employer partnerships
• Multi-system collaboration and transition planning
• Self-advocacy and family partnering

Vermont Family Network HireAbility Vermont Vermont Pathways to Partnerships Vermont Department of Health