Five Town CSD Holds First CNA Graduation

Sep 20, 2019

     Pictured, from left, are Laurie Todd, Tammie Trimble, Theresa Yori, Tanith Giles, Jessica Porter (executive director, Windward Gardens, in back), Abigail Ward, Kim Gosselyn (instructor), Pauline Witham, Keirstin Smith, Kyle Winchenbach, and Josh Sutton. The students are the first CNA graduates of the Five Town CSD program.     

     ROCKPORT — The first Certified Nursing Assistant graduation at Five Town CSD Adult and Community Education was held September 19 at Camden Hills Regional High School. Nine students graduated through a partnership with Harbor Hill in Belfast, Windward Gardens in Camden and Genesis Healthcare. The group included a wide range of ages, those with full-time jobs or no job at all, those with young children and other challenges to overcome. Support for the students came from Five Town CSD Adult and Community Education, Fedcap, Workforce Solutions and the Knox County Homeless Coalition. Genesis Healthcare provided the occupational and clinical instruction free of charge and has hired all of the graduates.

     Maine’s state goal through the Maine Spark Initiative is to have 60 percent of all Mainers holding a credential of value by 2025. Maine Adult Education is expanding workforce opportunities through its classes to help the state reach this goal. A new CNA class will begin on October 7 at Five Town CSD Adult and Community Education. The course is free for qualified students.