Certify It by The Mason Center for Healthcare Education

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

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0400

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

The mission and founding principles of The Hillcrest Foundation
Community partnerships with hospitals, nonprofits, and aging services
Real-life patient success story funded by the foundation
Supporting other nonprofits like Random Acts of Flowers
Upcoming events including golf tournament and a comedy fundraiser
How listeners can donate or get involved

Connect with Doug:

Buy Tickets: https://givebutter.com/ijwGmx

Sponsored by Propel Insurance

Produced by Grit and Gravel

Learn More About The Mason Center for Healthcare Education.

Why Medication Aides Matter in Senior Living | Kim Mountz

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0400

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

Why long-term care “gets in your blood”
The stigma and truth about careers in senior living
How the Tennessee Medication Aide program was developed and approved
Why CNAs are uniquely positioned to succeed as Medication Aides
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/

Learn More about the Mason Center for Healthcare Education:

https://www.themasoncenterknox.com/

Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing

How Nursing Burnout Led to a New Purpose in Education

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 01:00:00 -0400

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

Daphne Cradle’s journey into nursing and education
Navigating burnout without leaving healthcare
What certified medication aide (CMA) training looks like
The importance of mentorship in healthcare education
Learning styles and student success strategies

Connect with Doug:

Learn More about the Mason Center for Healthcare Education:

https://www.themasoncenterknox.com/

Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing

A 2025 Certify It Compilation

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 01:00:00 -0400

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:

See the Full Episodes

How Our Courses are Changing Lives: Real Student Stories

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 12:30:00 -0400

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:

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

Why Being a CNA Makes a Difference

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 01:00:00 -0400

Join Doug Bryant as he sits down with Mason Center for Healthcare Education instructor Sue Casey to explore her journey from nursing to education, and her passion for shaping the next generation of caregivers. Sue shares her earliest memories of wanting to be a nurse, her experiences working in long-term care and rehabilitation, and the defining moments that led her to teach CNA students. Together, they discuss the value of compassion in caregiving, the misconceptions about CNAs, and the hands-on learning experience that sets the Mason Center apart.

Learn more at https://www.themasoncenterknox.com/podcast/

Produced by Solinity Marketing

Sponsored by Propel Insurance

What Inspired Us to Create More Courses with Dava Snyder

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 01:00:00 -0400

How do Medication Aide certified team members support senior living operators? Host Doug Bryant with Dava Snyder, Regional Director at The Courtyards Senior Living, sits down to discuss how the Medication Aide course has created better career opportunities for team members and led to more personalized care for residents.

Learn more about The Mason Center for Healthcare Education

Produced by Solinity Marketing

Sponsored by Propel Insurance

From Culinary to Care: Tiffany’s Path to Becoming a CNA

Wed, 21 May 2025 01:00:00 -0400

From culinary staff to CNA at Hillcrest Communities Island Homes, Tiffany Schuster discusses the 7-week CNA course and the benefits of diving into the people-first business of healthcare. Hear how the hands-on experiences and present instructors made all the difference in her path toward career advancement.

Learn more about The Mason Center for Healthcare Education

Produced by Solinity Marketing

Sponsored by Propel Insurance

How to Extend Your Career with Continued Education

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 01:00:00 -0400

Tune in to the latest episode of Certify with guest, Michael Burris, CNA at Shannondale Maryville, to hear how he’s growing his career in healthcare by taking our Medication Aide course. Listen as he shares about his first hand experience at The Mason Center for Healthcare Education and how he plans to expand his career after certification.

Learn more about The Mason Center for Healthcare Education

Produced by Solinity Marketing

Sponsored by Propel Insurance

Understanding Medication Aides + A Special Announcement

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 01:00:00 -0400

Looking to grow in your healthcare career? Gain insider information on what a course completion through The Mason Center for Healthcare Education could do for your career. Doug Bryant and Brandi Miller Cox highlight details like what to expect in courses, how many hours are required, what to wear, and what jobs are likely for candidates who have completed a course at The Mason Center for Healthcare Education. Plus, hear exciting information about the upcoming 5th Annual Knox Rox benefit concert with Lavonda Cantrell.

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Learn more about The Mason Center for Healthcare Education here

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Certify It is sponsored by Propel Insurance

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Produced by Solinity Marketing

How Innovative Education Supports Healthcare & Senior Living Staffing

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 01:00:00 -0400

Join Doug Bryant as he sits down with Kensey Zimmerman of 865 Academies to discuss how an innovative way to education can help guide students into their ideal field. Listen as they discuss how, with the help of The Mason Center for Healthcare Education, this can boost staffing in senior living communities.

Learn more

Produced by Solinity Marketing

Certify It is sponsored by Propel Insurance

How Can Continued Education Solve Staffing Challenges?

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 01:00:00 -0400

On this episode of Certify It, Doug Bryant is joined by Ellen Lamkey, Director of Nursing for Island Home Health and Rehab. Ellen shares her 14-year journey in long-term care, the transformative impact of upskilling employees, and how education is key to workforce development.

Learn more

Produced by Solinity Marketing

Certify It is sponsored by Propel Insurance

The Need for Healthcare Education with Dottie Lyvers from the Office on Aging

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Join Doug Bryant In this episode of Certify It, as he sits down with Dottie Lyvers, director at the CAC Office on Aging, to talk about the impactful work of the Office on Aging and the growing need for resources for aging adults. Dottie highlights the challenges and needs created by a growing senior population, from aging in place to preventing elder abuse.

Learn more about The Mason Center for Healthcare Education here

Produced by Solinity Marketing

Certify It is sponsored by Propel Insurance

Empowering Futures: How The Hillcrest Foundation Supports Healthcare Education in Knoxville

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Join Doug Bryant In this episode of Certify It as he welcomes back Lavonda Cantrell, Vice President of the Hillcrest Foundation. Lavonda discusses the Hillcrest Foundation's impact on Knoxville's healthcare community, its mission to support education, and efforts in providing opportunities for Knox County. Listen as they also highlight inspiring success stories and the recent fundraising efforts of the Hillcrest Foundation.

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to join us in supporting education efforts in Knox County by giving to The Hillcrest Foundation here.

Listen to Doug and Lavonda’s last conversation here

Certify It is sponsored by Propel Insurance

Produced by Solinity Marketing

Impacting the Community Through Educational Pathways

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Join Doug Bryant and Abby Gibbons as they discuss the relationship between the efforts of Mobility Mentors like Abby and the Mason Center for Healthcare Education. Hear an inspiring conversation about how the two come together to create brighter futures for Knox County residents.

Learn more about United Way

Learn more about The Mason Center for Healthcare Education

Certify It is sponsored by Propel Insurance

Produced by Solinity Marketing

Building the Future of Healthcare

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Join Doug Bryant as he sits down with Barry Davis, President & CEO at Hillcrest Healthcare Communities, and Bill Mason, Board Member, to discuss how The Mason Center for Healthcare Education got its name, and how they helped make this dream a reality.

Learn more here

Produced by Solinity Marketing

Certify It is sponsored by Propel Insurance

A New Era in Health Care Education: The Mason Center for Healthcare Education

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Join Doug Bryant as he talks with his two friends, Brandi Miller (Executive Director of The Mason Center) and Lavonda Cantrell (Vice President of The Hillcrest Foundation) to discuss what The Mason Center is and how it can help kickstart your healthcare career.

Certify It is sponsored by Propel Insurance

Welcome to Certify It: The Podcast for Advancing Your Career in Care

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Welcome to Certify It, a new podcast from the Mason Center for Health Care Education. Join your host, Doug Bryant (Senior Vice President of Learning, Diversity, and Talent at Hillcrest Healthcare), each month as he walks you through practical ways to advance your career in care.