Anastasiia Miastkivska is 30 years old and originally from Ukraine. She is a single parent with a family of two. She attained her High School Diploma in 2013. She was eligible for, and funded by, the DWG/QUEST Grant. At program entry, she was underemployed, earning $8.40 per hour as a server, and was eager to begin working towards a healthcare career. Anastasiia completed ESL and Pre-CNA coursework at Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC). The extra support from their staff provided the flexibility she needed, allowing her to learn at her own pace while continuing to work. The QUEST grant allowed Anastasiia to complete her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. She also maintained B grades during her 16-week training while working and caring for her son. In January, Anastasiia passed her certification exam and received her CNA certification on January 9, 2025. In March, Anastasiia became employed as a CNA, earning more than double her server pay rate working for Springfield Clinic.

Anastasia states that, “When you choose this profession, you feel useful and help people. The ability to see how your efforts are affecting other people can be amazingly rewarding.” Anastasia has also completed several prerequisites for LLCC’s Associate in Nursing Degree program. She is currently earning straight A’s in A&P I and Microbiology, with plans to take A&P II and Comp II in the Spring of 2026.