Officers, Stewards, and Staff
By Your Side, On Your Side, Because We Care
Nicole DiVita, President
Ophthalmology, COT
7 years at UVMMC
Email: nicoled@vfnhp.org
“I support VFNHP because they give us a voice in the workplace and are committed to ensuring our rights are protected. Having worked in a nonunion private practice prior to UVMMC for the first 10 years of my career I see the union as a valuable asset in my career.”
Jess Kilpatrick, Executive Vice President
Baird 5, R.N.
20 years at UVMMC
Email: jessicak@vfnhp.org
“In our contracts, we have bargained for a fair process around how time off gets granted, what shift lengths are (based on unit sometimes), how call is assigned, etc. While the contract outlines these scheduling practices, it doesn’t mean that your unit has to change what is working for your group. There is specific wording in the contract that states a unit can continue to use a practice that is in place. This language is still true several contracts later in both the nurse and technical units. Each unit all does something a little different with schedules and other contract areas because it works for that unit.”
Mike Popovitch, VP of Technical Professionals
Radiology OR Specialty Technologist
18 years at UVMMC
Email: mikep@vfnhp.org
Chief Steward for: IP Radiology, Interventional Radiology
Sharon Shroeder, Vice President of Communications/Treasurer
Mother-Baby (B7), R.N. IV
Email: sharons@vfnhp.org
Jason Serota-Winston, VP of Organizing
Email: jasonsw@vfnhp.org
Sophia Simkins, VP of Political Education
Email: sophias@vfnhp.org
Kelly Borch, Grievance Chair
Mother Baby (B7), R.N.
16 years at UVMMC
Email: kellyb@vfnhp.org
“Union members have the right to bring a Union Steward into meetings with Management that could lead to discipline. We always encourage our members to exercise this right. Having someone at your side in meetings with Management helps maintain your rights under the contract. Our presence often changes the tone for the better.”
Rachel Foxx, Grievance Chair
Mother Baby (B7), R.N. & IBCLC
16 years at UVMMC, 15 of which working on the Mother-Baby Unit.
Email: rachelf@vfnhp.org
Chief Steward for:
“I support our union because together we are stronger, together we look out for and support each other, and together we provide safer patient care. It’s about a healthy work environment for our members, and a healthy and safe healing environment for our patients.”
Eisha Lichtenstein, Grievance Chair
RN, ED
Email: eishal@vfnhp.org
Chief Steward for: ED
Bea Disogra - Williston
Outpatient Neurological Surgery, R.N. IV
Bea has been an RN 34 years, 14 of which have been at UVMMC. Prior experience includes ED, Cardiac and Primary Care.
Email: beatriced@vfnhp.org
Chief Steward for:
“Before working here at UVMMC, I was a union nurse at CVPH. Unions are democratic organizations, and by design, they reflect what the members are willing to do to make positive changes. One experience with one union shouldn’t be the reason for not supporting another. Our union is only as strong as our members make it, and here at our hospital, we’ve been putting in the work for years to raise standards of patient care, maintain a bench of talented caregivers, and build a transparent and effective union.”
Clare Doyle - SICU
SICU/PICU, R.N.
28 years at UVMMC
Email: clared@vfnhp.org
Chief Steward for:
“I support our union because we need to take matters into our own hands and demand equality and justice for all. We can’t depend on management to do the right thing. Even when you have a good manager, it can change overnight. By being a part of a union, we are able to take matters into our own hands because we actually have a seat at the table.”
Amy Lovett - CT Tech
Tracy Fornasier - Williston
Adult Primary Care at APC Williston, R.N.
I have been a nurse for 23 years. Over the years, I have worked inpatient on McClure 6, and outpatient in the Neurosurgery Clinic and most recently in Adult Primary Care at APC Williston.
Email: tracyf@vfnhp.org
Chief Steward for:
“Our union, and specifically my involvement as a Chief Steward, has shown no evidence of a fractured or contentious relationship with my direct Management. I think our contract improves the relationship. There are clear parameters that everyone is aware of and a process to hold Management accountable if the terms do not get followed. That level of transparency only leads to a healthier work environment for all of us.”
Ann Niekrewicz - Baird 4
Baird 4 RN
years at UVMMC
Email: annn@vfnhp.org
Chief Steward for: Baird 4+Shep 4
Chris Gonyeau - Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Therapy, Respiratory Therapist II
25 years at UVMMC
Email: chrisg@vfnhp.org
Chief Steward for: HIM Coders, PRD Coders, Respiratory Therapy, Pulmonary (ACC)
“I support VFNHP to better the care of our patients. Being part of this community, I want to know that we can provide the best care possible and our union provides the power to make that happen.”
Rosa Cirelli - MHT
MHT Shep 3/6 (They/Them)
7 years at UVMMC
Email: rosamariac@vfnhp.org
Chief Steward for: Techs
Ann-Elise Johnson - Mother Baby
Mother-Baby (B7), R.N. III
7 years at UVMMC
Email: ann-elisej@vfnhp.org
Chief Steward for:
“I’m active in the union because I believe that together we can make this a healthy workplace for us and our patients.”
Jenn Long - UHC
Adult Primary Care-UHC, R.N. IV
9 years at UVMMC
Email: jenniferl@vfnhp.org
Chief Steward for:
“I support our union because I believe in the collective power of nurses and health professionals. Our individual commitments to the service of others are amplified by the strength of our membership!”
Benton Taylor - VAT
McClure 5/Vascular Access, R.N. II
5 years at UVMMC in McClure 5, Neurology/Neurosurgery, & Vascular Access
Email: bentont@vfnhp.org
Chief Steward for:
“I support our union because I believe in the collective power of nurses and health professionals. Our individual commitments to the service of others are amplified by the strength of our membership!”
Jason Kirchick - Miller 5
Email: jasonk@vfnhp.org
Chief Steward for: Miller Building
Kacey Walsh - ED
Email: kaceyw@vfnhp.org
Chief Steward for: Emergency Department
Alysha Clifford - Baird 3
Email: alyshac@vfnhp.org
Chief Steward for: Baird 3, Shep 3-North
FAQs
We are a strong union of health care professionals organized to ensure access to high-quality health care for everyone in the communities we serve.