Westfield Technical Academy allied health seniors are pinned for receiving their Certified Nursing Assistants certifications.
Reminder Publishing photos by Amy Porter
WESTFIELD — Although all 13 of the Allied Health students recognized in Westfield Technical Academy’s 18th annual CNA pinning ceremony on Feb. 14 have received their certificates as certified nursing assistants, their future goals in the health profession are diverse.
Seniors honored for earning their CNA certifications were Rebecca Barlow, Christopher Ethier, Connor Gendron, Emma Gillis, Angela Gustafson, Caitlyn Hall, Emma Lilly, Jiani Rijos, Mackenzie Roberts, David Sarmiento-Bermejo, who could not attend the ceremony; Lucas Stefanik, Melanie Szczepanek and Nayleisha Williams.
Rebecca Barlow is participating in cooperative education as a patient care technician (PCT) at Baystate Noble Hospital, where she can be found in the ER, telemetry, medical/surgical and rehab unit assisting patients. She has committed to Westfield State University for nursing in the fall of 2025 and plans on becoming a pediatric nurse.
Christopher Ethier is preparing to work with Baystate Laboratories in Springfield as a central processing technician. He is taking a gap year to further explore opportunities in the medical field before going to Holyoke Community College for a general science degree.
Connor Gendron is currently doing internships at Baystate Neurology and the Baystate Reference Laboratory in Springfield. He has been accepted into Western New England’s neuroscience program.
Emma Gillis is on internship with the Westfield Fire Department, shadowing the paramedics and firefighters. She will be attending Westfield State University in the nursing program, and plans on becoming a pediatric nurse.
Angela Gufstafson, who switched to allied health halfway through her sophomore year due to her growing interest in the healthcare field, is currently in co-op as a CNA at Westfield Gardens. She is preparing to attend the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams to study radiology, with the goal of becoming an X-ray technician and becoming licensed in CT scans.
Caitlyn Hall is preparing to go out on co-op at Vantage Nursing and Rehab as a CNA. She plans to attend Springfield Technical Community College for health science, and then transfer into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program to become an ultrasound technician.
Emma Lilly is doing co-op at VCA Montgomery Road Animal Hospital. Her plans after high school are to either continue her career at VCA or work as a home health aide before joining the veterinary technician program at Holyoke Community College in 2026.
Jiani Rijos is on cooperative education at Armbrook Village assisted living facility as a resident care associate. She plans on becoming a surgical technician, which she will pursue at Springfield Technical Community College.
Mackenzie Roberts is a resident care assistant at The Arbors assisted living facility. She plans to attend STCC for health science and become a surgical technician, with aspirations to continue in the field or pursue a four-year degree in medical forensics.
David Sarmiento-Bermejo, who was unable to attend the pinning ceremony, is doing an internship at Osowski Dental and plans to pursue a career in dentistry.
Lucas Stefanik will be pursuing a general studies degree at STCC, with plans to obtain his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license.
Melanie Szczepanik is participating in co-op as a resident care associate at Armbrook Village assisted living facility. She plans to attend Westfield State University in the fall as a nursing major and has a goal of becoming a NICU nurse.
Nayleisha Williams is currently in co-op with Holyoke Medical Center as a healthcare apprentice. She will be attending Westfield State University in the fall as a health science major. Her goal is to become an obstetrician.
At the ceremony, allied health department head Maureen Baillargeon said, “It’s been a blessing teaching them all every day.” She described the students as a smart, respectful group, with most in the top quarter of their class, and many in the top 5 and 10% of their class.
In addition to their work in health care, many of these students have competed and won medals in SkillsUSA, have participated in leadership roles on sports teams and are members of the National Technical Honor Society.
“I am very proud of all you,” Baillargeon told them, describing their different co-ops, internships and job shadowing, before preparing to present them with the caduceus pin. “Let these pins be a symbol of your dedication, hard work, the light each of you possess, and the bright future ahead of you.”
Keynote speaker for the ceremony was Sen. John Velis, who stressed the importance of people entering the healthcare field, given current shortages in personnel, beds and mental health care, among others. “We don’t have enough young men and young women for what we’re here to honor you for as CNAs. Thank you,’ he said.
Also present to congratulate the students for their hard work and dedication were Rep. Kelly Pease, Mayor Michael McCabe, Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski and WTA Principal Bruce Hastings. Czaporowski said they are entering more than a profession. “It’s a calling.”
