August 10, 2026
At Future Plans, we believe that career success starts with understanding who you are, discovering your strengths, and connecting those insights to meaningful opportunities. For three individuals who participated in the Future Plans Career Assessment and Coaching process, that journey led to careers in healthcare after recently graduating from the Practical Nursing Program at Washington County Career Center Adult Technical Training.
Each student completed the Future Plans assessment and coaching process, helping them better understand their interests, strengths, and career possibilities. From there, they took the next step by earning their CNA/STNA credentials and gaining valuable experience in the healthcare field. Today, they are continuing their journeys as licensed practical nurses and pursuing even greater goals.
Michele’s Story
Michele began her healthcare journey in September 2020 when she earned her CNA/STNA certification through Washington County Career Center Adult Technical Training.
After working as a nursing assistant and gaining hands-on experience caring for patients, she never lost sight of her dream of becoming a nurse. As a member of the Career Center’s first Practical Nursing cohort, Michele graduated on May 8, marking a major milestone in a journey defined by determination and resilience.
After spending 20 years away from healthcare, Michele returned to the profession she loved while balancing 12-hour weekend night shifts, full-time nursing classes, family responsibilities, and significant health challenges. While pursuing her nursing education, she continued managing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and supported her son through cancer treatments.
Today, Michele is a Practical Nursing graduate whose story reminds us that every dream begins with a single step. Her journey from CNA to LPN demonstrates the power of perseverance and a commitment to serving others.
Catherine’s Story
Catherine completed her CNA/STNA training in January 2021, taking her first step toward a healthcare career she had long envisioned.
After successfully battling HER2-positive breast cancer and achieving remission, she decided to continue her education by enrolling in the Practical Nursing Program. As a wife, mother of three, and cancer survivor, Catherine balanced family responsibilities, classes, and medical appointments while pursuing her goals.
Today, she has graduated from the Practical Nursing Program and accepted a position with Memorial Health System at Selby Hospital in Med-Surg. She has also been accepted into Ohio University, where she plans to continue her education and work toward becoming a registered nurse.
Her advice for others is simple yet powerful: “Keep going. Never doubt yourself. You will surprise yourself.”
Makalei’s Story
Makalei’s healthcare journey started in April 2022 when she earned her CNA/STNA credential through Washington County Career Center Adult Technical Training.
Inspired by her mother, a nurse whose strength and compassion helped her overcome a rare kidney disease and a double kidney transplant, Makalei found a passion for healthcare and committed herself to pursuing a nursing career.
Throughout nursing school, she relied on the support of her husband, family, and loved ones while balancing the demands of school and everyday life. Despite the challenges and sacrifices, she remained focused on her goal.
After graduating from the Practical Nursing Program on May 8, Makalei has already been accepted into the LPN-to-RN Accelerated Program at West Virginia University at Parkersburg. Her dream is to become a pediatric nurse and serve children and families in her community.
Building a Future Through Education and Opportunity
Michele, Catherine, and Makalei each took different paths, but they share a common starting point: a commitment to investing in their futures.
Through the Future Plans process, they explored career opportunities, received coaching and guidance, completed workforce training, and earned credentials that opened doors to meaningful careers in healthcare.
We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in the lives of their patients and communities.
Congratulations, Michele, Catherine, and Makalei!
