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.

My name is Chris! I am here to be one of your biggest supporters and motivators as you advance through the CNA training course.  I have been with Goodwill for three years now. I spent some time working with our Re-Entry team and now work to help people achieve their professional goals with our CNA team. Before working with Goodwill, I earned a degree in Psychology from Grand Valley State University. I also worked in the car rental business and with at-risk teens.

In my spare time, I coach rowing for one of the local high schools here in Grand Rapids. I enjoy long drives with good music or a good podcast to listen to, fries, and movies. I really love the art of storytelling and seeing how a journey begins, progresses, and ends.

What I love about the CNA program is that I am able to see students’ personal journey from the day they attend their first day of class, to the day they graduate. I am honored to work with so many amazing people with their own motivations for joining our training. As time goes on, I get to know our students that much better and see their growth as they navigate through classes. Here at Goodwill, we provide the book and blank pages for you to write your own CNA success story. Come join us and create a best seller!

My name is Kyle, and I am an Enrollment Specialist for the CNA Training Program!

I’m originally from Midland, Michigan, and I graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Public & Nonprofit Administration.

My favorite thing about the CNA Training Program is the staff and the organization’s commitment to providing a quality, affordable program for people looking to take the next step in their careers!