Certified Nurse Aide Training (CNA)

Hi! My name is Andrea Walters and I am the Program Manager for our CNA training program. I started my Goodwill career in our program for adults with developmental disabilities. I loved my time in this program but was excited to transition to the CNA team because of the staff on this team and the opportunity to learn new things. What I love most about Goodwill’s CNA training program is the commitment our Instructors and Career Coaches have to help students become the best CNAs they can be. Our team is committed to making training accessible and helping all students reach their goals which is an amazing thing to be a part of. I also love observing and celebrating students’ determination and hard work when they graduate from our program.

Before working at Goodwill, I obtained a degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time outside and snuggling my two cats. I also spend a lot of time reading, golfing, and thrift shopping at Goodwill. I cannot say enough positive things about our CNA program and am very grateful to be a part of this wonderful team.

When I first embarked into the nursing profession, I told myself that I wanted to make a difference in humanity as well as my community. It is my belief that having a passion for your profession can make an impact on a greater scale. By being a Nurse Aide Trainer, I believe I can make that difference. My teaching philosophy is based on the premise that all future students are given the opportunity to discover their growing potential through motivation, self-evaluation, and self-awareness. I believe the learning process is a partnership, it is student-centered just as care to our patients is patient-centered. It is a mutual plan of care implemented with a common goal for success.

On a personal note, I am a Veteran, I completed eight years in the Army Reserves with one deployment. This is where I met my future husband who gave me two beautiful children.

I love our CNA program at Goodwill Industries because it gives opportunity while impacting individuals within the community in a positive way. It builds confident Certified Nursing Aides in becoming a successful member of the nursing profession.

Hello, my name is Kim, and I am a Career Coach for the CNA training program.

I graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in health communications. I have worked in healthcare for many years, and I was also a CNA, myself!

What excites me about the Goodwill CNA program is the compassion and enthusiasm the staff has for each student’s success. A career as a CNA is very rewarding and can be a huge step toward other careers in healthcare. I love being able to help others on their journey and to be able to help them achieve their employment goals. I am grateful to be part of a wonderful team that is committed to supporting and helping students succeed.