Adding a new chapter to its commitment to healthcare excellence, the Southern Vermont Area Health Education Center (AHEC) has welcomed several esteemed health professionals to its board. Introduced by Jennifer Scott, PsyD, ABPP, the announcement emphasizes the significant contributions these new members are poised to make in advancing AHEC’s mission of improving healthcare access and quality through education and community partnerships.
A Leader in Intense Care and Community Support
Mindy Dame, MS, RN: A Pioneer in Intensive Care
Mindy Dame, MS, RN, joins the board with a rich background in managing operations at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) in Bennington. As the Director of Intensive Care and Women’s and Children’s Services, Mindy oversees a 10-bed ICU and a full spectrum of pediatric, obstetric, and gynecological care services. Her innovative spirit led to the founding of the first Baby Café at SVMC, which provides crucial lactation support and professional care for breastfeeding mothers. The Baby Café has become a beacon of support for new mothers in the community, helping to alleviate the challenges of breastfeeding through expert guidance and a welcoming environment.
Mindy’s teams have been recognized with the prestigious Daisy Award for excellence in both clinical and compassionate nursing care. Beyond her current role, she is an academic instructor at Vermont State University and is pursuing a doctoral degree in nursing, showcasing her dedication to continuous professional growth and education. Her involvement in academia not only highlights her commitment to teaching the next generation of nurses but also reflects her broader vision of integrating clinical practice with educational initiatives. This dual role ensures she remains at the forefront of nursing advancements and best practices, providing a well-rounded perspective to the AHEC board.
Integrating Holistic Healthcare Through Education
Carlie Felion, PhD, APRN: Bridging Clinical Care and Research
Carlie Felion, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, BC-ADM, brings an impressive combination of clinical and academic prowess to the AHEC board. As the Community Health Team Lead with North Star Health in Springfield, Carlie’s expertise lies in nursing with precision science and healthcare-related psychological trauma. Her PhD from the University of Arizona emphasizes nursing education, underlining her role as a bridge between clinical care and research. Carlie’s contributions to healthcare have been recognized through the University Fellows Program and her membership in Sigma Theta Tau, an international nursing honor society, further cementing her status as a leader in the field.
Carlie is triple-board certified and has been instrumental in advancing clinical practices and healthcare outcomes through her interdisciplinary approach. Her participation in the Vermont Educational Loan Repayment Program reflects her ongoing commitment to the localized healthcare community, ensuring that her expertise remains accessible to the residents of Vermont. This dedication to both local and broader scientific communities underscores her multifaceted role in healthcare. As an advocate for continuing education and professional development, Carlie provides vital insights into the intersection of advanced nursing practices and educational programs, making her an invaluable asset to the Southern Vermont AHEC board.
Laura Lober, APRN: A Family’s Dedication to Healthcare
Laura Lober, APRN, FNP-BC, joins the board with 25 years of nursing experience, nine of which as a board-certified nurse practitioner. At Mountain Valley Health in Londonderry, Laura champions holistic, patient-centered care that considers physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. Her personal touch in patient care is evident in her practice and extended within her family, as her daughter Emma is inspired by the MedQuest Program and is training to become a registered nurse. Laura’s practice embodies the principles of comprehensive care, aiming to treat the whole person rather than just symptoms, a philosophy that aligns closely with the mission of Southern Vermont AHEC.
Laura’s involvement with Southern Vermont AHEC is bolstered by her receipt of the Vermont Educational Loan Repayment Program, further solidifying her deep-rooted connection to Vermont’s healthcare community. Her experience spans rural and urban settings, providing her with a nuanced understanding of the diverse healthcare needs within the state. This extensive background enables her to advocate effectively for both policy changes and direct patient care improvements. Laura’s commitment to her community and her profession is also reflected in her role as a mentor to aspiring healthcare professionals, ensuring that her knowledge and experience continue to benefit future generations.
Harnessing Technology and Heritage in Healthcare
Heddy Pomazi, MHCM: The Convergence of IT and Healthcare
Heddy Pomazi, MHCM, combines over a decade of healthcare IT project management expertise as an Information Services Project Manager at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (BMH). Starting her career in radiology, Heddy transitioned into IT, taking roles such as Radiology Systems Administrator and EMR Clinical Analyst before ascending to her current managerial position. Her journey from radiological practice to healthcare IT showcases her adaptability and forward-thinking approach, which are crucial in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Heddy’s educational background includes bachelor’s and master’s degrees in healthcare management, alongside advanced radiologic technologist training in Budapest, Hungary. Notably, her children’s participation in Southern Vermont AHEC programs underscores a family dedication to healthcare education and professional development. Heddy’s dual expertise in clinical and IT domains enables her to spearhead initiatives that improve patient care through technological advancements. Her ability to navigate complex healthcare systems and implement effective IT solutions positions her as a key player in enhancing the operational efficiency of healthcare facilities.
Elevating Healthcare Standards Through Collaborative Leadership
Collective Expertise Enhancing AHEC’s Mission
The Southern Vermont Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is once again demonstrating its unwavering commitment to healthcare excellence by welcoming a group of distinguished health professionals to its board. This latest initiative, spearheaded by Jennifer Scott, PsyD, ABPP, underscores the vital role these new board members are expected to play in furthering AHEC’s mission. The organization has long focused on enhancing healthcare access and quality by leveraging education and forming robust community partnerships. With these new additions to the board, AHEC is poised to make even greater strides in addressing the healthcare needs of the Southern Vermont community. Each board member brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and dedication to their role, ensuring that AHEC remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation and service. This commitment not only enhances the organization’s capabilities but also promises to deliver substantial benefits to the community it serves, paving the way for meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery and outcomes in the region.
