New Behavioral Health Specialist joins St. Johnsbury Pediatrics

ST. JOHNSBURY, VT (February 22, 2024) – Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) is excited to welcome Susan Rhodes, LCSW to the care team at St. Johnsbury Pediatrics.

Rhodes has worked in social work for 25 years. She received her master’s degree in social work from The University of Texas at Arlington in 2002. She has always known, from a young age, that she wanted to do something in psychology to better understand her family of origin, herself and her relationships.

Rhodes will work with the medical providers, nurses, and care coordinators at St. Johnsbury Pediatrics to offer holistic care for young patients. She is especially interested in building adolescent coping skills to navigate a world post-COVID as well as the social media/digital age.

“It’s hard being a child or teen today,” Rhodes said. “I want to teach ways to deal with a changing world and I am glad that this teaching fits within healthcare. I also enjoy guiding parents on their unique journeys.”

Prior to coming to the Northeast Kingdom, Rhodes was a licensed social worker in Texas. There, and at NVRH, she finds motivation in helping others.

“Being of service, guiding others… it’s magical,” she added. “It’s my personal medicine for internal joy and serenity.”

“St. Johnsbury Pediatrics is excited to announce the addition of our new Behavioral Health Specialist, Susan Rhodes,” St. Johnsbury Pediatrics Practice Operations Director Cheryl Stahler said. “It is essential to integrate behavioral health services to improve patient experience and population health because these problems present so frequently in the primary care setting.”

Outside of work, Rhodes enjoys animals, running, hiking/walking trails, day trips, antique shopping, walking her dog, movies and time with her family. She is building up the courage to do a possible third marathon and hopes to write a book about recovery paths to help families dealing with substance misuse disorders.

“Vermont is beautiful and the community and culture aligns well with my personal value systems,” Rhodes added. “My hope is to inspire others to follow their dreams, as we did by moving here. And I am very grateful to have this new role and I look forward to growing personally and professionally in this new community.”