A New Chapter in Care: Celebrating the Spring 2026 Clinical Medical Assistant Graduates

Celebrating the Spring 2026 Clinical Medical Assistant Graduates!

“As medical assistant, we are more than just the title… We have the power to make patients feel safe, respected, protected.” “So keep striving, keep pushing forward even when you think that it’s not working out.” These are just some of the inspiring words shared by a cohort of 12 women who are now celebrating a new chapter in their medical careers. On Thursday, March 26, the graduates proudly completed the Clinical Medical Assistant program, offered through a partnership between Goodwill Southeast Georgia and Savannah Technical College. The Spring 2026 cohort participated in the program through scholarships underwritten by Goodwill Southeast Georgia’s Opportunity Center programs. “When you shop and donate at Goodwill, those dollars are what we turn into our programs and this program here,” said Holly Schor, Chief Mission Officer for Goodwill Southeast Georgia, during the graduation ceremony.

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A Day to Celebrate

Surrounded by family, friends, fellow cohort members, and instructors and leaders from Goodwill and Savannah Tech, the graduates celebrated the culmination of a four-month journey filled with learning and perseverance. Amy Fireck, RMA, CPT, COHC, the course instructor, congratulated the cohort, recognizing their individual strengths and offering encouragement as they prepare for the next steps in their careers. “Healthcare needs skilled professionals like you, but it also needs people who can bring humanity, compassion, and even a little laughter in difficult situations,” Fireck shared. “You may not feel like you know everything, and it’s OK because no one ever does. But you know enough to begin, you know enough to learn, and you know how to care. This combination will take you further than you can imagine.”

Graduate Stories: LaShanda and Ke’Aira

The graduates agree wholeheartedly with their instructor. Lashanda Williams and Ke’Aira Moore shared reflections on stage of how relationships and personal care not only helped them succeed in the program but informed their philosophy on the type of healthcare professionals they want to be. “We came together, didn’t know what to expect, but we all had a common goal that we all want to obtain. Just being there for four months with you all, we all became family and I’m so happy,” said Lashanda.

For Ke’Aira, her motivation is deeply personal. Her lived experience as a patient has reinforced her calling to care for others. “Living with Sickle Cell has given me the perspective that many people don’t see from the outside.” Ke’Aira shared. “That’s why I’ve experienced the pain, the fear, the waiting, and sometimes not even feeling fully understood and right there, that’s what fueled my passion. I feel like I was called to this because I know what it feels like to be on the other side of care.” Ke’Aira says she’s driven by the opportunity to positively impact each patient’s experience. “I try to be the kind of medical assistant I needed during those moments…We are the calm and someone’s anxiety, the helping hands during difficult moments, and sometimes the first smile the patient sees when they walk into the clinic. We have the power to make patient and feel safe, respected, protected.”

Encouragement for the Future

Holly Schor reminded graduates that the commitment they made to themselves is now shaping their future. “Each of you made a commitment, took your growth and your future, and thought about what that was going to look like for yourselves,” said Schor. “You showed up consistently, even while juggling work, family, and all the responsibilities that life brings. And because of that commitment, you are here today celebrating something meaningful. What I hope you take away from this experience is that it wasn’t just about completing the program. Along the way, you proved something more powerful to yourselves: that you can do hard things.”

Start Your Journey Today!

Goodwill Southeast Georgia is here to help make the next step possible-so you can move from a job to a better job, and ultimately to a career that supports your life goals. Discover your path to a brighter future by visiting one of our Opportunity Centers or access support anytime-24/7-through Goodwill’s virtual resource, My Career Advisor. When you step through the door at Goodwill, you’ll find encouragement, education, training, and the resources you need to move forward-all at no cost to you. Goodwill Southeast Georgia is a non-profit social enterprise. Its mission services are funded by donations and purchases at Goodwill retail stores, outlets, and e-commerce sites, as well as support from business programs including contract services and G-Force Manufacturing here in Southeast Georgia.