KRISTI Cross
Company: Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
Title: Blueprint Community Health Team Leader for Bennington
Age: 38
Favorite Part of Job: I love being able to innovate, inspire, and empower towards actual change.
Most Inspiring Mentor: My mom. She was a nursing leader within the community who was well respected and admired. 
She was a true transformational leader. I still call her for leadership advice.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: Over the last five years I have run three half marathons and over twenty-five 5Ks.
What three words best describe you: Humble. Dedicated. Determined.
Favorite Vermont Escape: It’s a tie: The Bennington Area Trail System (BATS) trails behind Southern Vermont College and the hiking trails on Mt Mansfield
Favorite Downtime Activity: Hiking the woods of Vermont with my husband and our two children.
Favorite Super Hero: Wonder Woman... of course!
What is the best career advice you have received: To always assume positive intent first and lead with your heart.
What else would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years: Before I turn 40 I hope to run a Marathon and become published.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont: I was born and raised in Bennington, VT and come from a long line of Vermonters. It’s my home.
Career Highlights: I have had a 14-year career as a Registered Nurse in Vermont with experience in sub-acute, long-term care, home health, education, and community health. The last 10 years has been in leadership roles. Recently, I joined the world of community health after graduating with my Doctorate in Nursing Practice. I am currently the Community Health Team Leader for Bennington Blueprint at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. I also work as a part-time nursing instructor at Southern Vermont College. I am really excited to announce that in January 2019 I will be promoted to the Director of Bennington Blueprint.
Community Involvement: I am currently a member of the American Nurses Association, Vermont State Nurses Association, PTSA, and Bennington Rotary. In the past I have been involved in the Bennington Young Professionals, Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless board, Walk to End Alzheimers, Bennington Battle Day Parade, Fight for Air Climb, various sports involvement with my children, and as a hospice volunteer. I have been a member of a local running group, Training for More since 2015. Since 2016 I have been the lead facilitator of a six-week community-based program through the Vermont Blueprint for Health called Chronic Pain Self-Management. In addition to continuing my current involvements, I am really looking forward to my upcoming community involvement with Rise VT and other population health based programs within the community.
