BATTENKILL VALLEY HEALTH CENTER - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Co - Executive Director
- Co - Executive Director Clinical Director
Dr. Van Berckelaer (Dr. Van) is a graduate of Harvard Medical School and completed her family medicine training at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in California. She then spent time with Doctors Without Borders in Maradi, Niger, and in the Central African Republic providing direct care to adults and children. Dr. Van went on to complete her Masters in Health Policy Research from the University of Pennsylvania in 2010. Before moving to the area in 2017, she worked in Philadelphia at several community health centers, including Delaware Valley Community Health, Sayre Health Center, and Puentes de Salud. She speaks English, French, Spanish, and Dutch. She enjoys caring for patients of all ages. Dr. Van Berckelaer and Corey Bell, FNP provide care to BVHC patients as a care team.
Dr. Cunningham spent 36 years at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center as an Internist. After retiring in 2014, Dr. Cunningham has kept busy teaching at the Department of Medicine Residence Program at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, MA. He previously served as a board member of the Bennington Area Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, as well as the board of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. He and his wife, Janice, have four grown children, Christine, Deborah, Kathryn, and Daniel. They enjoy visiting their children and grandchildren.
Carol has worked in the world of psychology for more than 30 years. Early on in her career, she spent four years as an instructor at the University of Toledo teaching psychology courses. Since 1995, Carol has been conducting individual, marital, and family psychotherapy through her private practice. In Carol's free time, she enjoys being with her family, traveling and hiking. Carol and her husband live in Dorset and together have three children, Jesse, Eli, and Cyd.
Chris worked for the Vermont Department of Health for 32 years before joining the Rutland County Supervisory Union in 2016. At the Health Department, she collaborated with a variety of community partners to improve health outcomes throughout Bennington County. As a school nurse, Chris promoted health and wellness, and connected families to community services. Chris was formerly on the board of the Northshire Day School and currently serves on the board of Hunger Free Vermont. Over the years, she has been involved with many organizations throughout Bennington County. Now retired, Chris is excited to be a part of improving health equity as a member of the BVHC board. She and husband, Seth, have one adult son, Reed.
Following his graduation from Regis College in 2010 with a Bachelor's degree in Science of Nursing, Corey Bell, Family Nurse Practitioner, began his nursing career at Bennington Health and Rehabilitation in Bennington, VT. In 2012, Corey relocated to the Capital Region and worked as a registered nurse in Albany Medical Center's Emergency Department. Six years later, he began a Science of Nursing Master's program at Frontier University while continuing work as a registered professional nurse at Malta Medical Emergent Care. Graduating in 2018, and subsequently receiving his post-graduate certification as an FNP, Corey joined the teams of Planned Parenthood of Greater New York and of Northern New England. During his time at Planned Parenthood, Corey was responsible for preventive and episodic care related to sexual and reproductive health, including primary care services, management of depression and anxiety, and gender-affirming care. Corey and Dr. Van Berckelaer provide care to BVHC patients as a care team.
Job Titles:
- Executive & Operations Support Manager
- HR and Operations Manager
- Human Resources and Operations Manager
Courtney Hopkins joined the BVHC team in June 2015 as a Patient Service Representative, and in short order she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our patients. She never fails to take the lead when issues arise or when opportunities for improvement become apparent. In 2018, Ms. Hopkins was promoted to Executive/Operations Support Manager. In this position, she is responsible for providing support to members of the management team and Board of Directors. In addition, Ms. Hopkins oversees facilities management and human resources for BVHC.
Job Titles:
- Biller and Dental Patient Service Supervisor
Jamie has served southern Vermont as a member of law enforcement since 2004. He currently holds the rank of Sergeant with the Manchester Police Department and is a member of the Career Development Center's Law Enforcement Program board. Throughout Jamie's career, he has worked to establish partnerships to enhance community well-being and looks to continue that work as a member of the BVHC board. He is committed to his family, his work, and his community. Jamie and wife, Cat, have three children and have lived in Arlington since 2009.
Jim began his banking career in 1987, and since 2000, has served as the President of Tri State Area Federal Credit Union overseeing nearly $40MM in assets. Jim has served on the board of Hoosick Falls Health Center and the SVMC Regional Advisory Board which have strengthened his understanding of the issues facing healthcare in rural areas. Jim brings with him a desire to help address and solve the provider shortage in the area and a willingness to dedicate the time necessary to do so. Jim, his wife, and his college-aged daughters live in Hoosick Falls, NY.
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance
- Director of Finance and Grants Management
Janet Hollner, Director of Finance and Grants Management, is responsible for all accounting functions and financial recordkeeping and reporting for BVHC's grants. Ms. Hollner joined BVHC in March of 2018 after twenty-two years in the Finance Department of Southwestern Vermont Health Care. At SVHC, she performed a variety of accounting functions for several corporations that were either part of or affiliated with the health system. An integral part of Ms. Hollner's role at SVHC was accounting for all of the health system's grants and donations. While working at SVHC and raising two children, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Southern Vermont College.
Ms. Hollner served on the board of PMH Credit Union and was Board Chair during the process of seeking a merger partner and ultimately merging with Vermont State Employees' Credit Union (VSECU) in 2014. Since that time, she has served on the Board of VSECU, representing members in Southwestern Vermont.
Ms. Hollner grew up in a village not much bigger than Arlington in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State and moved to Albany for college. She met her husband in Albany, and they moved to Vermont the year they were married. Prior to working at SVHC, Ms. Hollner worked as the Office Manager for the historic E.L. Nichols Department store in Bennington and as the bookkeeper for The Enchanted Doll House in Manchester.
Ms. Hollner feels lucky to call Vermont her home. She enjoys walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and riding her motorcycle through Vermont's beautiful countryside.
Jessica Bachiochi oversees transitional care for BVHC patients and those with chronic conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure. Jessica works with BVHC transitional care patients, primary care providers, their family members and a wide range of community resources to ensure quality care post-hospitalization. She follows up with high-risk chronic care patients to ensure they are following their care plan and utilizing available Blueprint services, as well as community services, to help them meet their healthcare goals.
Jim began his career in healthcare in 1990 working in the Emergency Room at Central Vermont Medical Center. Since completing the Physician Assistant (PA) Program at the University of Iowa, Jim has worked extensively as a PA in both primary and orthopedic offices in Vermont and New Hampshire.
Jim joined BVHC in September 2022. He enjoys sharing his love of the outdoors with his patients, cultivating active lifestyles to promote healthy living with patients of all ages.
Job Titles:
- Director of Quality
- Director of Quality and Compliance
June Onorato's career in healthcare launched in 1993 in the front office of Arlington Family Practice (AFP) and later, Mrs. Onorato served as the practice's Office Manager for many years. When AFP transitioned to BVHC in 2014, Mrs. Onorato's role also transitioned with the development of the new organization, holding various positions including Practice Administrator, Assistant Director of Finance and Operations, Director of Administration, and most currently as the Director of Quality. She also served as a Vermont Blueprint for Health Quality Improvement Facilitator at Rutland Regional Medical Center where she provided support and facilitation in quality improvement activities for primary care practices in the Rutland health service area.
During Mrs. Onorato's tenure, she has managed projects such as AFP's implementation of an integrated Electronic Health Record and Practice Management system, the accreditation process to achieve National Committee for Quality Assurance's Level 2 Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), and facilitated in the development of BVHC's organizational structure in the years prior to its inception. As a member of BVHC's management team, Mrs. Onorato was instrumental in establishing BVHC's finance department, achieving the FQHC's Level 3 PCMH, and leading the quality team.
Mrs. Onorato is a 2017 graduate of Champlain College earning a Master of Science degree in Health Care Administration and a 2016 graduate of Johnson State College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management. She is dedicated to serving the community where she and her family live and work. Mrs. Onorato is an officer and member of several non-profit organizations dedicated to health, veterans and children of the community where many of her family members serve as well. Mrs. Onorato enjoys travel, fitness, camping, opportunities for learning, new horizons, and making memories with family and friends.
Our plan to ensure ongoing access to medical and mental health care and to increase access to dental care has evolved for many reasons. What has not changed is our commitment to sustain a healthcare clinic in the heart of Arlington for our current patients and for future generations of patients to come.
On June 18, 2016, BVHC purchased the former Lonergan & Thomas building at 18 Church Street followed by the acquisition of our current location, 9 Church Street on July 8th. Preserving the integrity and appearance of historic downtown Arlington, we embarked on a nine-month renovation project that was both ambitious and needed. The contractors and partners throughout the renovations created a working environment that was safe, and because it was a staged project, there were no interruptions to patient services; something we are very proud of.
On May 16, 2017, our dental clinic opened, providing greater access to those in need of oral care.
In keeping with the federally qualified health center mission, we are proud to announce that BVHC recently received funding to expand access to mental health services and substance abuse services focusing on the treatment, prevention, and awareness of opioid abuse. We are in the process of putting this grant funding into action and have begun offering these services to our current patients.
Job Titles:
- Director of Development and Community Relations
Kate Bryan was born and raised in Arlington, VT and graduated Arlington Memorial High School in 1996. Immediately following her graduation, Ms. Bryan joined the workforce.
Following jobs that included work as an innkeeper, retail associate, front desk receptionist, the opportunity to fill the post of Development Officer at Maple Street School, an independent day school in Manchester, VT, arose. During her time at MSS, she helped to close out a capital campaign that had raised $5 million and created a successful annual fund campaign that totaled over $1 million during her tenure. In 2014, Ms. Bryan received the Timothy G. Scott Award for Leadership in Development from the Independent School Association of Northern New England.
In early 2015, Ms. Bryan sat on the Community Relations and Development Community at BVHC, volunteering her time on the first fundraising golf tournament for the organization. In March of 2016, Ms. Bryan joined Battenkill Valley Health Center as the Director of Development. Shortly after joining the team, BVHC was awarded $1 million which commenced the renovation project at 9 Church Street. Originally working closely with the renovation team from a development stand point, Ms. Bryan, using her "jack of all trades" work ethic, slid into the role of project manager, acting as the liaison between the contractors and BVHC. Throughout the renovations, she worked with contractors, staff members, and designers to help bring BVHC to where it is today. Using her knowledge and love for the town of Arlington, Ms. Bryan has worked to cultivate relationships within Arlington to bolster BVHC's patient panel and philanthropic support.
Kayla Davis earned her Baccalaureate of Social Work with a second major in Sociology from Castleton State College in 2006 and her Masters of Science in Social Work from Columbia University in 2007.
Ms. Davis began working for BVHC in April of 2014. Ms. Davis quickly transitioned into the role of Executive and Operations Administrator where she helped develop the administrative infrastructure of BVHC as part of the management team. In that role, she managed human resources, facilities, credentialing, and board management, along with other responsibilities. Ms. Davis most recently filled the role of Director of Community Relations and Development.
Job Titles:
- Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Kelly Davis, a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, obtained her undergraduate degree from Samaritan School of Nursing in Troy, NY, and her Master's degree from Regis College in Weston, MA. Kelly spent 26 years as a registered nurse at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, caring for patients at SVMC's Women's and Children's Services at the beginning of her career. She later transitioned to Nurse Case Manager through the Vermont Blueprint for Health. In this role, Kelly provided care to patients engaged in treatment for substance use disorders for seven years. During that time, she saw first-hand the need for mental health providers. Kelly joined the BVHC team in October 2019 and is trained to provide medication management to patients across the lifespan. She resides in Shaftsbury with her husband and two children.
Kelly is currently providing services to patients 18 years and older by referral from their primary care provider.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Masters Level Social Worker
Kiana Gates is a Licensed Masters Level Social Worker in Vermont and a Licensed Certified Social Worker in Massachusetts, working towards her independent licensure. Kiana obtained her Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) from Castleton University followed by her Master's in Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University, where she concentrated in the areas of health, mental health, and disabilities. Kiana began her career in the mental health field as a crisis recovery specialist at Rutland Mental Health and an intern at the Newstory Center, where she worked through her undergrad. After her undergrad, Kiana joined Teach for America and was a special education teach in Memphis, TN for 2 years. During this time period, Kiana also worked in the admissions department of an inpatient psychiatric facility in Memphis, TN. In 2019, Kiana moved back to Vermont and worked as a trauma informed school social worker with children in grades K-5, a crisis clinician, and the social worker for the Vermont Blueprint for Health. Kiana currently works part-time as a Nephrology social worker, and is an instructor at CCV. Kiana has a very diverse skill set and has provided therapy to children, teenagers, and adults. Kiana is trained extensively in perinatal mental health and is certified in perinatal mental health (PMH-C). Kiana is passionate about all populations she works with, but is particularly passionate about those who are parenting or are in the pregnant and postpartum period. Kiana does extensive work with Postpartum Support International, and is a Vermont board member and helpline volunteer. Kiana has lived in Vermont for most of her life and currently lives in Bennington with her partner, dog Lulu, and her son.
Kiana is currently providing services to patients 5 years and older. For more information on becoming a patient of Kiana's, please call the front desk at (802) 375-6566 X 6.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Leigh Ullman, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, obtained his undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan University followed by his Master's in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Leigh began his career as a child welfare worker in Kenosha, WI where he spent three years conducting child abuse and neglect investigations. For the next six years, he provided short-term individual and group therapy to patients at an in-patient psychiatric hospital. The majority of Leigh's career has been spent providing therapy to individuals, families, and groups. He has trained extensively in trauma treatment and has developed trauma-informed care programs for various agencies. Leigh is also trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy. He believes that his trainings have enabled him to better understand and treat others with attachment and self-harm issues. After 40 years in Wisconsin, Leigh and his wife now call Vermont their home.
Leigh is currently providing services to patients 5 years and older. For more information on becoming a patient of Leigh's, please call the front desk at (802) 375-6566 X 6.
Mary Ann is currently a self-employed psychotherapist and Reiki Master Teacher and practitioner. Previously, she worked as a Clinical Psychologist for children and their families at United Counseling Services for 14 years. Mary Ann volunteers her time to the Greater Bennington Interfaith Community Services, the Rutland Area Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, and at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center as a Reiki volunteer. She has two children, Amie and Will, and is the proud grandmother to Anna, Sawyer, and Owen.
Dr. Howard joined the family medicine team at BVHC in May 2019. Dr. Howard spent three years as a medical resident at Pine Bluff Family Medical Center where she had extensive training in family medicine and the emergency room/urgent care services. She has been providing direct care to patients of all ages in her home state of Arkansas since 2010. Dr. Howard received her undergraduate education from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, her medical degree from the University of Arkansas, Little Rock, and is board certified in family medicine. "I am so grateful to call the beautiful Green Mountains my home and to care for the people of the area. I am excited to be at BVHC and work with the team to focus on achieving the best patient outcomes."
Megan Herrington received her Masters of Public Health in 2010 and has since been dedicated to innovative program development, incorporation of evidence-based strategies to reduce health disparities, cross-sector collaboration, and professional team development with the goal of building impactful and equitable health systems. In May 2019, Megan became the Public Health Services District Director for the Vermont Department of Health in Bennington. There she provides direction and oversight to the Office of Local Health, a district that serves 35,000 residents and a geographic area of 678 square miles. Megan currently serves as the Public Health Commissioner for the Bennington Regional Planning Commission and previously served on the New Orleans Food Policy Advisory Committee in Louisiana. Megan and her husband will welcome their first child in May 2023 and live in Bennington.
Melissa graduated from Duquesne University's Science of Nursing Master's program and has since dedicated more than 20 years to the healthcare field. Melissa began her nursing career at Bennington Area Home Health (VNA&H-SVHC), growing the hospice program and guiding the agency through its initial Medicare survey for the hospice program. Since earning her certification as a Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in 2010, Melissa has worked in various care settings providing preventive care, disease management, and diagnostics to patients across the lifespan.
Melissa joined BVHC in August 2022 and conMelissa joined BVHC in August 2022 and continues to work with hospice. She enjoys caring for patients of all ages and collaborating with patients to improve their health.
Dr. King was the director of the Bennington Veterans Affair (VA) Clinic from 1997-2015. During his time leading the VA, Dr. King oversaw the growth in the Clinic from a small office on a bus to a 25-employee practice. Currently the medical director at the Vermont Veterans' Home in Bennington, Dr. King has a special interest in long-term care and the medical care of older adults. In the past, he has volunteered as a United Way board member and he ran an afterschool music program at Molly Stark School. He and his wife, Dawn Dayton, have two adult children, Heather and Jessica. They thoroughly are enjoying grandparenthood.
Rachel Rodney provides patients with valuable dietary skills to lead a healthy lifestyle. During a patient visit, Rachel learns about current diet and offers ideas to help patients make healthy food choices. As part of our Church Street Clinical Campus Project, Rachel plans to utilize our community meeting room and teaching kitchen where patients can learn with a hands-on approach how to cook delicious, healthy meals for themselves and their families.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder and Retired Associate Director of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 's Lighting Research Center
Russ is the co-founder and retired associate director of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Lighting Research Center and Professor Emeritus of Architecture at Rensselaer. He has authored numerous research reports, books, and articles on lighting, daylighting, architecture, and energy. Russ has been the project architect for over 100 buildings, developed and directed the National Lighting Product Information Program, and has served as a Director of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. Along with his wife, Janice, Russ lives in Shaftsbury and has four grown sons.
Sandi Parks was born and raised in Shaftsbury VT and graduated from MAUHS in 1979. She began her career in the medical field working for Shaftsbury Medical Associates in 1983. She went back to school and graduated from Southern Vt College in 1991 with an Associates Degree in Medical Assisting. Over the many years employed there, she filled various roles but mainly you could find her in the business office until its closing in June of 2022.
She joined BVHC in August of 2022, given the role of Human Resource and Finance Associate. She loves Vermont and living in the town she was raised in. Her biggest passion is her family. She enjoys gardening, reading, painting and music.
Sandi Parks was born and raised in Shaftsbury VT and graduated from MAUHS in 1979. She began her career in the medical field working for Shaftsbury Medical Associates in 1983. She went back to school and graduated from Southern Vt College in 1991 with an Associates Degree in Medical Assisting. Over the many years employed there, she filled various roles but mainly you could find her in the business office until its closing in June of 2022.
She joined BVHC in August of 2022, given the role of Human Resource and Finance Associate. She loves Vermont and living in the town she was raised in. Her biggest passion is her family. She enjoys gardening, reading, painting and music.
Tom spent the majority of his 44+ year career as a chief financial officer for various health systems in VT, MA, and NH. During that time, he played an integral role in the strategic financial and facilities planning for health systems in preparation for changing technology and industry trends. Tom's knowledge of the complexities of the health industry and the delivery of health care in a community setting will be invaluable to the BVHC board. Tom's involvement with other local organizations includes the Bennington Performing Arts Center, the Bennington Rotary Club, and Bennington County Open Arms. Tom and his wife, Sharry, live in Pownal and enjoy traveling to visit their grown children and their families.