Emily Peaster is all smiles and she has good reason. As the acting Director of Nursing at Knollwood Manor, located in Macon County, Emily’s story is one of determination and dedication as the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency continues to help people move from dependence to independence.  The RN Bridge program, which helped Emily obtain her education, is funded by the Workforce Investment Act through the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

When Emily first moved to this area approximately 5 years ago she had experience in an Assisted Living facility but no licensure.  She did not even possess a GED.  She loved working in the nursing field and immediately sought to obtain her GED and training to become a Certified Nurse Assistant.  Through Macon County’s Adult Education and local CNA training, both of these goals were reached simultaneously and she began working at Knollwood Manor in September 2005. 

Eager to learn more and advance her knowledge of the nursing profession, she enrolled in a RN Career Mobility program at Bowling Green Technical College in the summer of 2006.  Emily completed all her requirements and became a Licensed Practical Nurse in Dec. 2008.  Through much prayer, dedication, and support she continued on and received an Associates of Applied Science in Dec. 2009.  She graduated with a 3.562 GPA and received the Excellent Clinical and Patient Care Skills Award voted on by her clinical instructors.  She passed the RN state licensure exam in Jan. 2010.   Through this entire process Emily never missed a day of school and managed to work full time.  She is the first person in her family to receive a college degree.

“Seeing people succeed and improve their lives through the use of our programs is rewarding to the employees of the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency,” stated Phyllis Bennett, Executive Director “and we are extremely proud to help Emily as she continues in her endeavors.”

Emily had wonderful support while attending training and would like to thank everyone who had a part in her success.  She stated “Above all the Lord and many, many prayers helped me get through this.”  She also received the Annie Butler scholarship through her employer, Knollwood Manor, to help pay for training. 

Cindy Holland, Macon County WIA Case Manager for Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency contacted Knollwood Manor to see if they had any employees who were in an RN Bridge program. Emily was literally standing at the nurse’s station and was immediately handed the phone. “The WIA program was a ‘Godsend’ ” Emily stated and helped her in her time of need by paying for things such as books, supplies, and licensure fees. 

Knollwood Manor and Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency would like to congratulate Emily on her success.  To see if you or anyone you know qualifies for this program, contact the UCHRA office in your county. For more information visit our website at www.uchra.com.