Plymouth Place Celebrates Eighth CNA Graduating Class

For the eighth time since launching its Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Academy, Plymouth Place in LaGrange Park, Ill., is celebrating new class of graduates—each one a shining example of growth, determination and the power of opportunity.

Congratulations to CNAs Clayton John Azcarraga, Kaitlin Wheeler and Kya Williams.

Thought the program Plymouth Place has now helped launch many 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. Today the program is run by Plymouth Place’s Marycon Tate.

“Marycon is a great mentor,” said Jay Biere, president and CEO of Plymouth Place. “We are grateful for the opportunity to grow our own CNA’s who have been supported financially by the gracious financial gift of our residents through the scholarship program. Thus far we have graduated 38 students, all whom have taken on advanced roles and responsibilities, serving with excellence at Plymouth Place and in turn supporting their families.”

Past graduates appreciate the CNA program. “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 of Plymouth Place. “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 them 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 Biere. “We’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to make their lives better and improve the lives of our residents.”

But Plymouth Place has more than the CNA Academy. 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 nurses and their families here,” Biere added. “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 Biere. “Each day, they make a difference by helping residents live their best lives—and that’s what it’s all about.”