Staff

Karen Beardsley, AA

Finance Manager

Karen has been with Southern VT AHEC since 1999 where she started as an Administrative Assistant.

In addition to her duties as Finance Manager, Karen also administers the Primary Care Educational Loan Repayment Program.

Karen received her degree in psychology from the Community College of Vermont.

Peg Bolgioni, BA

Marketing & Communications Manager

Peg creates, implements and directs the marketing and communications programs for the organization. With over 20 years in both the public and private sectors, Peg has experience in creative and persuasive writing, social media, media relations, content management, and public relations. Peg is a storyteller with the ability to communicate messaging that drives a deeper human connection to a brand.

Peg received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Vermont.

Peg resides in Rutland, is an avid reader, foodie, and serves on the boards of Rutland South Rotary Club and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library at Rutland Free Library.

Carol Knight

Health Careers Coordinator

As a Certified Medical Coder and former LNA, Carol brings robust experience in healthcare support positions to her role as Health Careers Coordinator for the organization’s programs and special projects (e.g., medical student housing and primary care survey). Carol studied at the Community College of Vermont and received her Certified Professional Coding license in 2013.  She has specialized skills in medical records, insurance authorization and billing, and medical coding.

Carol lives with her husband and dog, Luna, in North Springfield where they enjoy long walks on the many nearby trails. She also enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, cross stitch, biking, and volunteering for local organizations.

Amanda Richardson, BA, MA

Director of Health Careers Preparation & Practitioner Support

Jennifer L. Scott, PsyD, ABPP, MBA

Executive Director

Dr. Jennifer Scott is a licensed clinical psychologist and a well-established educator and administrator in the field of higher education. She has contributed to the fields of psychology and education with numerous presentations, publications, and professional service and has been recognized at the local and state levels for excellence in teaching and clinical practice. 

Jennifer earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, and her master’s degree in business administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

As a leader, educator, clinician, and advocate, Jennifer is committed to the education and training of students and young professionals, creating opportunities for all to succeed, and serving the needs of individuals, families, and communities. She lives in Rutland and enjoys spending quality time with her family, connecting with friends, reading, hiking, and watching football.

Alysia Straw, BS, MBA

Director, Health Careers Exploration

Alysia Straw, Director of Health Careers Exploration, leads programming for middle and high school students in southern Vermont, partnering with schools and organizations to inspire future healthcare professionals.

With a robust background in healthcare recruitment, Alysia joins us from Springfield Hospital, where she worked as a Healthcare Recruiter. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Alliance University, an MBA in Healthcare Administration from Rivier University, and a certification in Diversity in Human Resources from Cornell University.

Alysia’s career spans roles including Talent Acquisition Business Partner at Visiting Nurse and Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire, and Talent Acquisition Specialist at Dartmouth Health. She is certified by SHRM (SHRM-CP) and the Human Capital Institute (aPHR), strengthening her expertise in healthcare recruitment.

Beyond her professional life, Alysia is an active community member in Springfield, Vermont, where she enjoys life with her husband, David, and two stepchildren. She’s also a passionate Zumba instructor, sharing her love for dance and fitness for over 15 years.

Susan White, BA

Health Careers Coordinator

Susan has been with Southern Vermont AHEC for nearly 25 years.  She has worked on continuing education programs, medical student projects and other programs to support our Vermont healthcare workforce. 

Over the past 10 years, Susan developed Southern Vermont Area Health Education Center’s College Student Healthcare Internship Program, (C-SHIP) for undergraduate students interested in health careers. She will continue to support the new Director of Health Careers Preparation, Amanda Richardson, while continuing to lead the annual survey of primary care practices in Addison, Bennington, Rutland, Windsor, and Windham counties, as well as develop an alumni tracking process.

Susan received her BA in Political Science from Macalester College and previously worked in membership and alumni development in nonprofits and educational organizations.