Certify It by The Mason Center for Healthcare Education

A Look Inside the Hillcrest Foundation’s Local Mission | Lavonda Cantrell

In this episode of Certify It, Doug Bryant sits down with Lavonda Cantrell, Vice President of The Hillcrest Foundation, to explore how the organization is transforming lives through education, community partnerships, and direct support services. From funding CNA certifications to providing transportation and covering critical healthcare costs, the Hillcrest Foundation is breaking down barriers for individuals seeking careers in healthcare and seniors needing essential services. KEY TOPICS COVERED 1. The mission and founding principles of The Hillcrest Foundation 2. Community partnerships with hospitals, nonprofits, and aging services 3. Real-life patient success story funded by the foundation 4. Supporting other nonprofits like Random Acts of Flowers 5. Upcoming events including golf tournament and a comedy fundraiser 6. How listeners can donate or get involved Connect with Doug: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-bryant-ed-d-mba-sphr-77092a201/] Buy Tickets: https://givebutter.com/ijwGmx [https://givebutter.com/ijwGmx] Sponsored by Propel Insurance [https://www.propelinsurance.com/] Produced by Grit and Gravel [https://www.solinitymarketing.com/] Learn More About The Mason Center for Healthcare Education. [https://www.themasoncenterknox.com/about/]

Why Medication Aides Matter in Senior Living | Kim Mountz

What if the next step in your healthcare career didn’t require years of school, but could dramatically increase your skills, confidence, and impact? In this episode of Certify It, Doug Bryant sits down with Kim Mountz, Vice President of Clinical Services for Hillcrest Healthcare, to discuss the Medication Aide program at the Mason Center for Healthcare Education. As a coauthor of the program and a long-time long-term care leader, Kim shares why Medication Aides are essential extensions of nurses, not replacements, and how this role strengthens resident trust. KEY TOPICS COVERED 1. Why long-term care “gets in your blood” 2. The stigma and truth about careers in senior living 3. How the Tennessee Medication Aide program was developed and approved 4. Why CNAs are uniquely positioned to succeed as Medication Aides 5. How Medication Aide certification prepares you for LPN or RN programs Connect with Doug: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-bryant-ed-d-mba-sphr-77092a201/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-bryant-ed-d-mba-sphr-77092a201/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-bryant-ed-d-mba-sphr-77092a201/] Learn More about the Mason Center for Healthcare Education [https://www.themasoncenterknox.com/]: https://www.themasoncenterknox.com/ [https://www.themasoncenterknox.com/] Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing [https://gritandgravel.com/]

How Nursing Burnout Led to a New Purpose in Education

In this episode of Certify It, we welcome Daphne Credle, LPN, an instructor at the Mason Center for Healthcare Education. Daphne shares her personal journey into nursing, from being inspired by caregiving in her family to navigating early-career burnout during the COVID era. What started as an interest in pediatrics eventually led Daphne to an unexpected but fulfilling role in healthcare education. She discusses why nursing careers are rarely linear, how burnout doesn’t mean failure, and why trying different paths within healthcare can lead to long-term satisfaction. KEY TOPICS COVERED 1. Daphne Cradle’s journey into nursing and education 2. Navigating burnout without leaving healthcare 3. What certified medication aide (CMA) training looks like 4. The importance of mentorship in healthcare education 5. Learning styles and student success strategies Connect with Doug: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-bryant-ed-d-mba-sphr-77092a201/] Learn More about the Mason Center for Healthcare Education: https://www.themasoncenterknox.com/ [https://www.themasoncenterknox.com/] Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing [https://gritandgravel.com/]

A 2025 Certify It Compilation

In this special year-end episode of Certify It, we reflect on the inspiring students, educators, and senior living leaders who shaped 2025. Doug revisits standout conversations—from career-advancing stories of CNAs becoming LPNs to the essential role of hands-on training, community partnerships, financial pathways, and mentorship in growing the next generation of care professionals. This highlight reel showcases real student journeys, insight into Tennessee’s projected 2028 nurse shortage, and the transformative power of sponsorship opportunities.  This month, we highlight: * The role of financial sponsorships and healthcare partners in reducing student debt * The impact of hands-on labs, clinicals, and real-world skills training * Student success stories, including career transitions and confidence-building * The importance of mentorship and supportive learning environments Connect with Doug: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-bryant-ed-d-mba-sphr-77092a201/] See the Full Episodes Ellen Lamkey [https://www.themasoncenterknox.com/certifyit-ep-6-how-can-continued-education-solve-staffing-challenges/] Kensey Zimmerman [https://www.themasoncenterknox.com/certifyit-ep-7-how-innovative-education-supports-healthcare-and-senior-living-staffing/] Brandi Cox [https://www.themasoncenterknox.com/certifyit-ep-8-understanding-medication-aides-a-special-announcement/] Michael Burris [https://www.themasoncenterknox.com/certifyit-ep-9-how-to-extend-your-career-with-continued-education/] Tiffany Schuster [https://www.themasoncenterknox.com/certifyit-ep-10-from-culinary-to-care-tiffanys-path-to-becoming-a-cna/] Dava Snyder [https://www.themasoncenterknox.com/certifyit-ep-11-what-inspired-us-to-create-more-courses-with-dava-snyder/] Sue Casey [https://www.themasoncenterknox.com/certifyit-ep-12-why-being-a-cna-makes-a-difference/] Brittany Burris [https://www.themasoncenterknox.com/certifyit-ep-13-how-our-courses-are-changing-lives-real-student-stories/] Brittany Hudson [https://www.themasoncenterknox.com/certifyit-ep-13-how-our-courses-are-changing-lives-real-student-stories/]

How Our Courses are Changing Lives: Real Student Stories

In this inspiring episode of Certify It, host Doug Bryant sits down with two students on different steps of their healthcare certification journeys at the Mason Center for Healthcare Education to hear their stories and how continuing their education is making their dreams a reality. In this episode, discover: How students find their way into healthcare and CNA programs The support and sponsorship opportunities available through Hillcrest Healthcare Communities Our hands-on learning through clinical labs and testing sites Connect with Doug: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-bryant-ed-d-mba-sphr-77092a201/] Meet our Guests: Brittany Burris: A current CNA student sponsored by Hillcrest Healthcare Communities, who shares how she found her calling in long-term care and what it’s like returning to school after more than a decade.  Brittany Hudson: A 17-year CNA now training as a Med Tech, opens up about balancing family life with professional growth, the value of empathy in patient care, and her plans to advance her career. Learn more at https://www.themasoncenterknox.com/podcast/ Produced by Solinity Marketing Sponsored by Propel Insurance