Toni Waller
Age: 24
Hometown: Suitland, MD
Region: Philadelphia
Center: Blue Ridge
Dates enrolled: 11/28/2017 – 9/6/2019
Training: Certified Nursing Assistant, HIPAA Certification

Toni Waller and I grew up in Suitland, MD, and after graduation high school, she began working in fast food. She quickly realized that she wanted more for herself, and set her sights towards a different career. At age 18, she moved to Lynchburg, VA to pursue a degree in early childhood education. She worked at a day care while attempting to put herself through school. Unfortunately, due to lack of financial support, she had to give up on school at that time.
Once she discovered Job Corps, she was excited about the prospect of being able to attend school completely free of charge. “I decided to attend Blue Ridge Job Corps so I could make a living for myself instead of having to depend on others,” Toni explained. During her time in the program, Toni worked hard to become a certified nursing assistant. She assisted as a wing helper at Valley Rehab and Nursing in Chilhowie, VA, which eventually led to a paid CNA internship as she worked to hone her craft before returning home to start her career full-time.
Toni was also involved in several extra-curricular activities, such as serving in Student Government, and volunteering at local elementary schools as well as the Atkins Food Pantry.
Now back in Lynchburg, Toni has experience in both nursing homes and assisted living facilities. I’ve left the program, I’ve worked at several nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Currently, she’s employed as a CNA at Lynchburg Health and Rehabilitation. She is currently looking at options to obtain more certifications such as medical assistant or pharmacy technician.
“For anyone currently in Job Corps, stay focused on your studies, but take time to get involved in other ways such as volunteering like I did.”