Oswego Health Celebrates Seven October CNA Graduates

OSWEGO – Oswego Health announced seven graduates of its paid Certified Nursing Assistant training program at The Manor at Seneca Hill in an October 20, 2026, news release.

(Oswego, NY – October 20, 2026) A career in healthcare can begin in many different ways. For seven recent graduates of Oswego Health’s paid Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program, the common thread is a desire to help others, make a difference and build a future in healthcare.

Oswego Health recently celebrated the graduates at The Manor at Seneca Hill, where participants completed an intensive, five-week, 240-hour training program combining classroom instruction, hands-on skills development and supervised clinical experience. Unlike traditional training programs, participants are paid throughout their training, allowing them to develop valuable skills while earning an income.

The Manor at Seneca Hill is the only facility in Oswego County to offer this type of paid, on-the-job CNA training opportunity, reflecting Oswego Health’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare workforce by investing directly in the people who care for its residents.

The October graduates bring a variety of backgrounds and personal experiences to their new roles, each with a unique reason for choosing a career in caregiving.

The newest graduates include:

Allison Vanauken of Altmar, who previously worked at the Altmar Hotel and was drawn to becoming a CNA because she wants to help people and be there for those who may not have anyone else to support them.

Melissa Shaw of Oswego, who previously worked as a lab aide at Oswego Health. Interested in becoming a registered nurse, Shaw saw the CNA program as an opportunity to take another step toward her healthcare career goals.

Isabel Maddalena of Wellsville, formerly employed at Giant Food Mart, who enjoys working with people and helping others.

Morgan Martin of Fulton, who previously worked at Turtle Cove and chose to become a CNA to grow her experience in the medical field while continuing to do something she enjoys: helping others.

Nikki Messina of Solvay, who previously worked for Freedom Care and was inspired by her mother’s work caring for older adults and people who were ill in their homes. Wanting to help her mother and others in the same way, Messina pursued CNA training.

Arionna Williams of Hannibal, who is beginning her working career with a first job at Oswego Health. Her interest in becoming a CNA comes from a desire to care for people and help those who need it most.

Ianhia-Sheree Bingham of Deland, Florida, who previously worked at Vona’s and wants to make a positive difference in the lives of others, particularly by helping people have better days during difficult times.

Their stories reflect the many paths that can lead to healthcare, united by compassion and a willingness to learn. As they transition into their CNA roles at The Manor, the graduates will put their training into practice while building relationships with residents and supporting their daily care.

Carrie Thornber, RN, Clinical Care Coordinator and instructor for the program, plays an important role in guiding participants from the classroom into the responsibilities of resident care.

“Being a CNA is about so much more than learning clinical skills. It’s about recognizing the person behind the care, treating every resident with dignity and compassion, and understanding how the little things we do each day can make a tremendous difference,” said Thornber. “My goal is for every graduate to leave this program feeling confident in their abilities, proud of the work they do and committed to continuing to learn. I want them to understand the impact they can have—not only on residents’ health and well-being, but also on their sense of comfort, connection and quality of life.”

For Oswego Health, the program represents more than a training opportunity. It is an investment in the next generation of healthcare professionals and in the future of care for the community. By providing paid, hands-on training and a pathway into employment, The Manor helps remove barriers to entering the healthcare field while building a pipeline of skilled, compassionate caregivers.

The CNA program is one of several ways Oswego Health supports employee growth and career advancement. Through opportunities such as tuition assistance, mentorship and professional development, employees can continue building on their experience and pursue additional roles across the organization. For some, becoming a CNA may be the first step toward becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse; for others, it is an opportunity to establish a meaningful, long-term career caring for others.

By creating opportunities to learn while earning and grow while serving, Oswego Health is helping employees turn their interest in healthcare into a career—and strengthening the compassionate care residents and families count on.

Enrollment is now open for the next CNA training session at The Manor at Seneca Hill. For more information or to register, call 315-349-5300 or visit CNA Program.

About Oswego Health

The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents throughout Central New York. As a nonprofit healthcare system established in 1881, Oswego Health is proud to be one of Oswego County’s largest private employers. More than 1,500+ employees spread throughout its 25 campuses, work for the Oswego Health system, which includes the 132-bed community Oswego Hospital, a 32-bed psychiatric acute-care facility with multiple outpatient behavioral health service locations, The Manor at Seneca Hill, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility, and Springside at Seneca Hill, an independent retirement community.  The health system also operates Oswego Health Home Care, the only hospital-based certified home healthcare agency in the County, as well as two outpatient centers, including the Fulton Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, physical therapy, and occupational health services, and the Central Square Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, and physical therapy services. In addition, the healthcare system includes Oswego Health Medical Practice, a multi-specialty medical group offering the community accessible, high-quality healthcare. 300+ physicians and advanced practice providers offer an extensive array of services across CNY, including primary care and specialty care in orthopedics, cardiology, ENT, gastroenterology, breast care, general surgery, urology, pulmonology, and bariatrics; for more information about Oswego Health, visit www.oswegohealth.org.