The Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties (VNA) proudly announces Dr. Jaina Clough as the new Hospice Medical Director. Dr. Clough comes highly recommended to the VNA with years of experience from Fletcher Allen Health Care where she served as a primary care physician. The Hospice Medical Director works to ensure that regulations for hospice eligibility are in concert with a patient’s primary care physician. The VNA views this position as critical in providing the best possible care to patients and their families.

Family nurse practitioner Emily LeVan of Randolph Center has joined the Bethel Health Center. The Bethel clinic is part of Gifford Medical Center.

LeVan earned her family nurse practitioner master’s degree from University of Cincinnati and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Southern Maine in Portland. She is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Kate Clemente didn’t have to look far to find her role model. The Montpelier native’s mother has been a physician assistant for 35 years, dedicating herself to her profession and her community.

Now Clemente is doing the same. A certified physician assistant, Clemente has joined Gifford Medical Center’s family practice in Randolph and will be seeing patients at the Rochester Health Center in the coming months as well.

Tao Smith, head of school at Killington Mountain School (KMS), recently announced that three key positions at the ski academy have been filled to match the school’s continued expansion and growth. Deb Newson, director of student life and assistant director of school operations and former freestyle program director, has been named assistant head of school. Holly Morse leads the academic faculty as the new director of academics and Josh Bullock has been appointed to the newly formed position of strength and conditioning coach for all athletic disciplines.

Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company has named Valerie Traynor senior vice president of specialty foods, a newly created position. Traynor will have national account responsibility for all Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company’s current and future products.

Traynor brings more than 20 years of research and marketing expertise to her new position, including nine years in specialty foods retail as executive marketing director at Whole Foods Market. Most recently, she was owner and president of a marketing and consulting firm specializing in the natural and organic foods industry.

Head Men’s Basketball Coach John Dyer, renowned for recruiting top student-athletes and producing a successful men’s basketball program since 2003, has left Vermont Tech to concentrate on serving as head coach and director of team operations for Dragonheart Vermont. Founded by Dyer and his wife, Linda, a breast cancer survivor, in 2003, Draghonheart Vermont supports teams of women — particularly breast cancer survivors — participating in dragon boat racing.

Simpson Cabinetry, a custom cabinet and woodworking shop, has been purchased by Betsy and Andy Cabrera of Richmond, Vt. The Cabreras plan to expand the business while continuing the company’s tradition of locally built, quality custom kitchens, baths and furniture.

Elaine Sopchak has been most recently appointed to the Channel 17 Board of Trustees. She is from Essex Junction. The Channel 17 Board of Trustees oversees operations for this government access channel. It is made up of members from the 7 communities served in the Comcast North and Burlington Telecom regions. Trustees are appointed by their home community.

New England Federal Credit Union (NEFCU) announced the winners of its annual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Scholarships. Three scholarships of $3,000 each were awarded.

The 2012 NEFCU STEM Scholarship Winners:

Alison Cook of Essex Junction is a senior at Essex High School. She will be attending Middlebury College in the fall.

Frank Lucian IV of Port Orange Florida, is attending the University of Florida. He is pursuing a degree in Materials Science and Engineering.

The Central Vermont Medical Center Auxiliary Scholarship Chair Peg Ayer announced that the Auxiliary awarded ten $2,500 scholarships to local students planning to study for careers in health care.

“Students and adult learners throughout CVMC’s service areas were invited to apply,” stated Heidi Pelletier, CVMC Auxiliary president. “We believe it is important to assist area students in their quest to become the next generation of health care providers.”