Advanced Search
All Doctors
All Services
All Locations
All Patient & Visitor Information
Search Rutland Regional Medical Center
I Want To
Home > For Healthcare Professionals & Staff > Nursing Excellence
At Rutland Regional Medical Center, we are honored to serve our community with compassion and expertise. As the Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), I am proud to lead a team of dedicated professionals committed to clinical excellence and providing evidence-based care to our patients.
Our commitment to supporting careers in nursing and healthcare is a priority. We believe in challenging the status quo and fostering innovation in our practice. Through ongoing education and development opportunities, we empower our nurses to stay at the forefront of healthcare advancements, ensuring that our patients receive the highest quality of care.
Rooted in research and driven by data, our decisions are focused on providing optimal patient outcomes. By combining the latest evidence-based practices with compassionate care, we strive to meet our goals, exceed expectations, and achieve high standards for clinical and nursing excellence.
Whether you're an experienced nurse or just beginning your career, Rutland Regional Medical Center is dedicated to helping you grow both personally and professionally. Join our dedicated team and help us continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
Sincerely,
Kelly Watson, DNP, MHA, RN, FACHEVice President & Chief Nursing OfficerRutland Regional Medical Center
Rutland Regional Medical Center’s nurse leadership team is comprised of diverse nurses with proven leadership skills. The nursing team is led by our Chief Nursing Officer who seeks to empower all nursing staff to work at the top of their license in a collaborative environment.
Dr. Kelly Watson serves as the Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Rutland Regional Medical Center. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Regis University, a Master of Health Administration from the University of Southern California, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Regis University. She is board certified in healthcare management through the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and is currently serving as the ACHE Regent for the state of Vermont. She also serves as an ex-officio board member for the ACHE Northern New England Chapter. In addition to roles at the hospital and with ACHE, Dr. Watson teaches online graduate courses part-time with Vermont State University, Castleton and the University of California, Los Angeles. Prior to moving to Vermont in 2022, Dr. Watson served on healthcare executive teams in both the Denver and Los Angeles markets. She and her family enjoy hiking, skiing, and traveling.
Elizabeth Kyhill is the Vice President of Medical Group Operations. As a native of Fair Haven, Vermont, she graduated from Fair Haven Union High School, then St. Anselm College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Later she earned a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Management from Walden University. Elizabeth began her career with Rutland Regional Medical Center in 2004 as a nurse and has worked in several clinical positions throughout her tenure at the hospital. In her current role, Elizabeth is responsible for the overall direction, leadership, and operational management of all clinic-based medical practices at Rutland Regional. Elizabeth actively volunteers in the community, including at the Rutland County Free Clinic. She enjoys outdoor recreation such as skiing, golfing, hiking, and boating.
Kathleen M. Boyd is the Senior Director of Care Management and Population Health at Rutland Regional. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Vermont in 1984 and master’s degree in nursing from Walden University in 2017. Her certifications include Nurse Executive – Boad Certified, Certified Case Manager, and Registered Nurse – Board Certified for Medical Surgical Nursing through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Kathleen is a member of the Rutland Free Care Clinic Board of Directors and is active in the Rutland Community Collaborative. She is also a member of the American Nurses Association, Association of Nurse Leaders, and Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing. Kathleen lives off-grid with her husband and enjoys gardening, exercising, and spending quiet time with a good book.
Sheena Fisher is the Director of Emergency Services and provides oversight of the House Resource team. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Vermont Technical College, Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University, and Master of Science in Nursing Leadership from Western Governor’s University. Sheena holds a certification in emergency nursing. Sheena also serves on the Regional Ambulance Board.
Wendy Kline is a Senior Director at Rutland Regional. Wendy joined the organization in January 2023 and brings 15 years of leadership experience in Cardiac Acute Care, Critical Care, Education, and Medical-Surgical nursing from large healthcare system in Sarasota Florida. Wendy has been a member of American Organization of Nursing Leadership (AONL) since 2012, been an AONL Fellow in management/leadership since 2017, and served on the Florida Organization of Nurse Executives board from 2018-2022. Wendy is an active member of the Organization of Nursing Leaders serving Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Vermont. Wendy and her husband happily settled into their new lives in Vermont and are excited to impact healthcare in the New England community.
Allison Windas is the Senior Director of Quality and Safety at Rutland Regional Medical Center. She earned her Master of Healthcare Administration and Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degrees from the University of Phoenix. Currently, she is working on her Doctor of Healthcare Administration through Walden University. She also holds certifications as a Certified Nurse Executive-Advanced through the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a Certified in Nurse Executive Nursing Practice through the American Organization of Nurse Leaders, and a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality through the National Association of Healthcare Quality. She has been a quality and patient safety leader in systems across the country and has also served as a pediatric hospital Chief Nursing Officer and a system Assistant Chief Nursing Officer.
Lesa Cathcart is a long time Rutland Regional employee with over 40 years of experience in the mental health field. She is the Director of the 24- bed inpatient psychiatric unit, which includes 18 general psychiatric beds and 6 psychiatric intensive care beds. Lesa earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Norwich University and Master of Science in Administration from St. Michael’s College. Lesa holds the psychiatric mental health nursing certification. Lesa is passionate about providing high quality psychiatric care in a supportive and welcoming trauma informed patient - centered environment where patients can focus on recovery and heal. She also enjoys traveling, spending time at the ocean, and being with her grandchildren.
Deborah Hough is the Director of the Surgical Service Line, which is composed of the Ambulatory Care Unit, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, Operating Room, and the Sterile Processing Department. As a long-time employee Debbie started her career at Rutland Regional on the Surgical Care Unit with the goal of becoming an operating room (OR) nurse. She has called the OR home for the past 33 years. She has held positions as OR Staff Nurse, Orthopedic Team Leader, OR Manager and currently Director. Debbie earned a Bachelor of Science from Trinity College in 1988, an Associate Degree in Nursing from Castleton State College in 1990, Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Castleton University in 2018, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Norwich University in 2020. Debbie holds certifications of Certified Perioperative Nurse and of Certified Surgical Services Manager. She is also a member of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, the Norwich Community Advisory Board, and Sigma Theta Tau Omega Mu nursing honor society. Debbie enjoys Broadway shows, volunteering at local events, fashion, and biking.
Lindsey Munger is the Director Outpatient Oncology and Diagnostic Nursing/Infusion Services at Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC). She has worked at RRMC for 12 years in a variety of roles including as a float nurse, as a staff nurse in the Foley Cancer Center, and in Utilization Management. Lindsey graduated with her associate degree in nursing in 2008 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2018. Currently, Lindsey is enrolled in the Master of Nursing leadership program at Western Governors University. Lindsey has three boys who play a variety of travel sports, so you can find her most weekends either at a football field or hockey rink!
Faith Stone is currently serving as the Program Director of the West Ridge Center, a program of Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC). Faith has worked at RRMC for the past 24 years in various roles including staff nurse, educator, and manager. Faith received her Associate of Nursing from Castleton State College followed by Bachelor of Science, Nursing from Castleton University. Behavioral health and substance use disorder have been the primary focus of Faith’s nursing career, and she believes that there is an essential need for nurses to partner with patients to improve the quality of life and the well-being of those dealing with behavioral health and substance use disorders.
Dr. Carole "Gert" Mayes is currently the Manager of Nursing Excellence at Rutland Regional Medical Center after spending multiple years as a perioperative nurse and clinical educator. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1989, a Master of Science with an emphasis on Nursing Education from Idaho State University in 1998, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from The Catholic University of America in 2019. She holds a board certification in perioperative nursing through the Competency and Credentialing Institute and in nursing professional development from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Dr. Mayes is active in the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses and Sigma Theta Tau. She, her husband, and American Shelter “puppy” enjoy the peace and beauty of living below the Taconic Mountain range.
Nursing Jobs
