Opening Doors to New Opportunities: Celebrating Plymouth Place’s Eighth CNA Graduating Class
For the eighth time since launching our Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Academy, Plymouth Place is proud to celebrate a new class of graduates – each one a shining example of growth, determination and the power of opportunity.
Congratulations to our newest CNA graduates: Clayton John Azcarraga, Kaitlin Wheeler and Kya Williams.
With this class, Plymouth Place has now helped launch 31 CNA careers – each one a story of transformation made possible by a program that not only educates, but uplifts people in their careers and lives.
Where Generosity and Possibilities go Hand-in-Hand.
The CNA Academy was initiated in 2021 by the Plymouth Place Office of Philanthropy in collaboration with a resident’s generous family. Open to all Plymouth Place employees, the CNA Academy is donor funded and supported by the Elvira Teuffer Scholarship Fund and through a two-year grant from the Pepper Family Foundation.
The CNA Academy was created to help employees advance their careers while continuing to work and earn a living wage. “Working at Plymouth Place is just a great opportunity if you want to excel in life,” said Diamond McLean, a past graduate who now works as a CNA on the third floor. “I’ve worked in a lot of senior living communities that don’t offer opportunities to move up. Plymouth Place does.”
For many, earning a CNA degree is just the beginning. Graduates have gone on to pursue Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Nurse (RN) degrees – further proof that when you invest in people, amazing things happen.
A Culture of Support and Innovation.
The culture of support at Plymouth Place is felt at every level…from the donors – many of which are residents – who fund the scholarships, to the leaders who mentor future healthcare professionals, to the employees who bring care and compassion to work each day.
“We’re really proud of our graduates,” said Jay Biere, President and CEO of Plymouth Place. “We’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to make their lives better and improve the lives of our residents.”
As an example, to address the labor shortages in the industry, Plymouth Place has a nurse recruitment office in the Philippines, in partnership with five other communities. “We have 15 overseas nurse and their families here,” said Jay. “We’re honored to give them an opportunity in this country while providing our residents with tremendous support and care.
Investing in People. Changing Lives.
For graduates like Deanna Sparks, who moved from Resident Assistant to CNA through the scholarship program, the experience is both personal and transformative. “My last job didn’t offer enough funds for me to finish my CNA program. Plymouth Place gave me another chance,” she said. “It means a lot. I’ve found more joy and connection here than anywhere else.”
What’s Next?
The CNA Academy’s ninth class is already in the works, continuing Plymouth Place’s commitment to empowering employees and providing exceptional care.
“Our graduates truly become part of the Plymouth Place family,” said Jay Biere. “Each day, they make a difference by helping residents live their best lives – and that’s what it’s all about.”
To hear more inspiring stories from our CNA graduates, listen to our latest podcast episode.
To learn how to advance your career at Plymouth Place through our CNA Academy, CLICK HERE.