Eleven students graduated from Care Assistants to Nurse Aides in the earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program during a ceremony April 17, 2025, at the EEE Center.
The students went through what instructors call “CNA boot camp,” which includes six weeks of classwork, 14 tests, learning 22 skills, and completing clinical skills labs and on-the-floor experience. The program also covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA once students graduate the course.
The graduates are: Emily Carpenter, Andrea Daniels, Darnella Dent (co-salutatorian), Ireonia Murray, Jahniyia Murray, Niari Nelson (valedictorian), Ashonique Robertson, Charlanda Spragan (Heart Award), Tiffany Williams, Keri Woodby (clinical superlative) and Ivory Woods (co-salutatorian).
They completed their skills and gained hands-on experience at Coliseum and James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and will join the teams at York, Northampton and James River.
Nursing Training and Education Coordinator Terry Williamson, LPN, said the students helped each other the whole class and grew to act just like a family.
“These have been my girls,” she said.
The students advocated for their residents, showed heart and did well in the clinical environment, said instructor Nora Gillespie, RN.
“You all did exceptionally well,” said Director of Education Princess Henderson, RN, BSN. “This field is so wide with so many opportunities, the sky is the limit. This class was a stepping stone, a foot in the door to healthcare.”
Nora, who has instructed the CNA class for 11 years, told the students, “you’re different today than when you started this class. You lead with heart and back it up with skill.”
The students
Princess referred to Emily Carpenter as “a natural.” She was positive and inspired classmates, Terry said.
Andrea Daniels was “in it to win it,” Nora said. Terry added that Andrea has a “glamorous personality that shines.”
Terry shared that Darnella Dent had to miss a couple of classes early on due to illness. Her classmates helped catch her up and supported her to get her through the program.
Ireonia Murray was determined, and her residents loved her, Terry said. She exhibited tremendous personal growth throughout the course of the class.
“You have won my heart,” Terry added.
Terry said Jahniyia Murray has a bubbly personality that she backs up with a smarts.
“You’re going to lead others to be better,” Terry said of Ashonique Robertson, who joined the class with a healthcare background. “You came to do it better, to learn the right way.”
Charlanda Spragan was an inspiration to everyone, Terry said. “She knew she wanted to take care of residents, and she was determined. She can do the hard things.”
Tiffany Williams took a bit to warm up in class, but working with residents brought out her joy, Terry said.
Princess said Keri Woodby’s daughter is a CNA and attending nursing school, which inspired Keri to take the class. “You’re naturally made for this,” Princess said.
The group had (Keri’s) back, Terry said. “You came to us to start a new career and our residents are better for it,” she said.
Ivory Woods was “determined, focused and inquisitive,” Terry said. She said Ivory challenged her to look at certain aspects of class differently.
Valedictorian
Niari Nelson nailed her skills, Nora said.
“She was conscientious of her academics,” Terry said. “She really shined and her residents just loved her.”
Niari shared remarks in her valedictory address, thanking her classmates, the instructors and those who were in attendance.
“We did not expect this day to come, and it’s here. Somehow by the grace of God, we did it. We made it through the blood, the sweat, the tears, the fighting — but I am proud of all of you. You became more than classmates, you became family and we’re a team,” she said.
“This program tested every part of us … so today we don’t just graduate as human beings but as survivors. We know what to take through the chaos, the doubt, and the obstacles that may try to overcome us. …”
About the program
A class will graduate from the Gloucester cohort at Walter Reed on April 24.
The next apprenticeship session starts May 12, with classes being offered on the Peninsula and at Lancashire Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Kilmarnock. Learn more about the program at vahs.com/apprenticeship.
