Medical Matters Weekly Welcomes Social Worker Kris Perry

BENNINGTON, Vt. — Kris Perry, a social worker, child advocate and the director of the Institute of Digital Media and Child Development is the next guest on Medical Matters Weekly at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 17.

Perry holds a bachelor’s in sociology and psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a master’s in social work from San Francisco State University. She made her career as a child advocate within several organizations starting with the Alameda County Social Services Agency, where she worked in child protective services. She pivoted to leading systems change as executive director of First Five San Mateo and later as executive director of First Five in California and nationally in Washington, D.C. She served as president of Save the Children Action Network.

Perry returned to California to serve as senior advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom and as Deputy Secretary of California Health and Human Services Agency. There she led the development of the California Master Plan for Early Learning and Care and was instrumental in the expansion of access to high-quality early childhood programs. In her current role as director of the Institute of Digital Media and Child Development, she works to fund and disseminate scientific research focused on the impact of digital media on child development and the translation of those findings into programs and policies that promote child wellness.

The show is produced by Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) with cooperation from Catamount Access Television (CAT-TV). Viewers can view on facebook.com/svmedicalcenter and facebook.com/CATTVBennington. The show is also available to view or download as a podcast on svhealthcare.org/medicalmatters.

Medical Matters Weekly addresses all aspects of creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for all, including food and nutrition, housing, diversity and inclusion, groundbreaking medical care, exercise, mental health, the environment, research, and government. The show is broadcast on Facebook Live, YouTube, and all podcast platforms.

After the program, the video is available on area public access television stations CAT-TV (Comcast channel 1075) and GNAT-TV's (Comcast channel 1074), as well as on public access stations throughout the United States.

SVMC's Wellness and Care Connection: January Updates

08:45AM / Thursday, January 22, 2026

January 2026 Your monthly update on regional health services and wellness. SVMC offering automated appointment scheduling   Staying on top of important medical screenings just got easier, thanks to an expansion of SVMC's scheduling system, giving existing patients appointment options, via text messaging.   READ MORE ? Grant benefits Baby Cafe   SVMC's Baby Cafe received a generous grant from Heritage Family Credit Union's Foundation, ensuring the program can thrive. READ MORE Sober curious?   Are you rethinking how much you drink? With the health impacts of even moderate drinking, many are considering sobriety. READ MORE Celebrating Tom Dee's Impact at SVMC   Tom Dee, SVMC's president & CEO for the last 16 years, retires this week. We're taking a moment to reflect on Tom's impact. Singer/songwriter Maxine Linehan helped us celebrate Tom's tenure through a special tribute video, first played at the annual Jingle Bell. WATCH HERE Should you take your workout outdoors?   Dartmouth Health's Living Better newsletter explains the mental and physical benefits venturing out in the cold. LEARN MORE ICYMI: Bennington's Baby New Year   A couple from Troy, NY welcomed Baby Adeline on Jan. 1, the area's first baby of 2026. The Bennington Banner highlighted the big news. READ MORE What Our Patients Say   We're sharing direct feedback, (pictured below) collected from patient satisfaction surveys. SVMC and its practice sites always strive to enhance the experience of our patients and families. If you need to discuss your patient experience, contact SVMC's patient advocate. OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS: Is Care Connection arriving directly to your inbox? If not, please join our email list. ?   ?Southwestern Vermont Medical Center | svmc.org ? ?