Canal Alliance and College of Marin Celebrate Graduation of Fourth Cohort of Certified Nursing Assistant Program  

On December 17, 2024, Canal Alliance and College of Marin (COM) celebrated the graduation day of the fourth cohort of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) students. This was a moment of immense pride and joy for not only the graduates, but for their families, friends, and instructors.   

Students of the CNA program complete a 12-week training program that provides them with the necessary skills and knowledge for patient care within any healthcare setting. After completing the course, Canal Alliance and COM staff continue to support graduates, working with them as they study to pass the state-required exams and interview for jobs in the field.  

At the graduation, while many spoke of the technical training graduates now possess, others shared some of the more innate characteristics so important to succeeding as a CNA. Justin Salter, a Registered Nurse Director of Staff Development at Villa Marin, and Professor at Dominican University, shared,  
 
“You all have learned a great deal of knowledge and skills that will enable you all to be confident and competent CNAs, but there is another ‘C’ word that gets left out of patient care, that separates good caregivers from great caregivers. It is compassion. Please do not forget to be compassionate caregivers. As you have the ability to make someone’s day a good one or a bad one.” 
 
Kim Jupe, an alumna of the College of Marin’s nursing program in 2005 and a registered nurse, has been an integral part of this cohort’s journey. Since 2022, Kim has served as an adjunct instructor at the College of Marin Nursing Department, bringing years of experience and insight to the classroom. She has been instrumental in guiding students through the program, sharing her knowledge of both the technical and compassionate aspects of nursing care. 

“I think what makes this cohort special is that they come through Canal Alliance,” Kim said. “They are community members that would probably not have an opportunity to be in school, and I love that we can support people who have been in the caregiving role but have never been through a training program to get certified. Many of them are English-language learners, and it’s been inspiring to see them succeed.” 

For many students in the program, the support and encouragement from Canal Alliance have been key to their success. Maria Corona Leiva, one of the graduates from this cohort, shared her experience: 
 
“I really enjoyed the wonderful instructors we had and the great environment,” Maria said. “I worked closely with Francesca and Arim from Canal Alliance to get me to enroll. They helped me every step of the way, making sure I was supported and had everything I needed to succeed.” 
 

Maritza Gonzalez, another graduating student, who returned to school as a way to motivate her own daughter to continue her educational journey, expressed her gratitude for the support she received, not just from the instructors and Canal Alliance, but also from the camaraderie she found within the cohort: “I am so happy because we made a new family. We are all new friends. Thank you for believing in all of us. We are a CNA family.” 

 
Maria and Maritza’s journeys are a strong reminder of the life-changing impact of community support.