My name is San Zai Agdeppa and I am extremely honored and grateful to have been selected as the first Jean Griswold Foundation Scholar in Hawai’i. I have been working as a caregiver for about four years now and it has been nothing but great and fulfilling— being able to care, help, and be part of other people’s lives especially in challenging and life changing circumstances. I have known from the very beginning that caregiving is not just a job, but a passionate journey where I can continue to keep growing by supporting and nurturing others. I find extreme joy in knowing that I am a source of emotional and physical support to someone that makes a difference in the lives of those I care for. I am in the process of furthering my education and knowledge in caregiving and this scholarship is and will be a huge help in ensuring that I can help and care for more people with different needs and circumstances.   

Thank you to the Jean Griswold Foundation for choosing me as a scholarship recipient for 2025. I have been in healthcare since 1999 and am currently starting my 3rd semester in nursing school. I have always found it in my nature to want to help others either by teaching, doing, volunteering, and nurturing others since I was a little girl. My greatest supporters are my family and close friends. My husband of 30 years, our 3 children and our 3 grandchildren cheer me on when I am exhausted.  My extended family has supported me through this journey with words of encouragement. The friends I have made in nursing school are wonderful supporters of each other, making us a team strong enough to be the best nurses yet. The many team members of Griswold in Broomfield, CO have made it possible for me to work and go to school at the same time. If you want it bad enough, it’s worth reaching for the stars! 

My name is Manuel Chevez, and I was born in Nicaragua. I've been living in Maryland for the past two years. I am thrilled to have been selected for the Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship. My family and I see this as the start of a journey that will equip me with the skills needed for my professional and prosperous future. My healthcare career began with six years of work at Hospital San Miguel Arcangel in Panama. I also studied five years of Agriculture at Ingeniero in Nicaragua. My passion for medicine was ignited during my childhood when I experienced my mother’s battle with cancer. This scholarship will provide me with the opportunity to further my education, enabling me to work with patients facing various challenges and ultimately support my family. I have many aspirations, not only in nursing and caregiving but also in roles within the Griswold office alongside Mirza Donegan. Thanks to the Jean Griswold Foundation, my dreams can become a reality, allowing me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients who find comfort and hope in our care. I am committed to honoring the trust placed in me by giving my all. Again, thank you for providing the opportunity to do what I love at Griswold Care.

I am Anthonia Eke and I work as a caregiver with Griswold homecare of west Houston, TX. Compassionate caregiver with over 8 years of experience engaging seniors and other persons with need at home to improve activity level and wellness. This financial support will help me to improve myself further in my chosen path. It will serve as the necessary nexus to help me garner more experience to achieve greater heights. My dream of contributing positively to the society will be achieved. 

Hi, my name is Kimberly Hurley and I’m currently in my last year of nursing school at Lawrence Memorial/Regis College in Medford, MA. My journey in healthcare began as a mental health counselor, where I had the opportunity to work on both a psychiatric and eating disorder unit. My reason to become a nurse has significantly strengthened since my father was diagnosed with stage 3 pancreatic cancer. This experience has taught me that when caring for each patient it’s so important to be an advocate and really listen to your patient. I want to make an impact in healthcare by being there for so many others in the same way I’ve been there for my father.

- Hello everyone! My name is Joanna Jones, and I am currently enrolled in the Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing program at SUNY Downstate College of Health Sciences. As a child of immigrant parents, I have naturally taken on caregiving roles since I was young—from helping my mother navigate the challenges of a foreign world to taking care of my brother, niece, and nephews. This innate tendency to care for others has only grown stronger as I’ve gotten older. I earned my first bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bard College. Over the years, I’ve worked in refugee services in Egypt and Switzerland, addressing the psycho-social impact of forced migration. It was through these experiences that I discovered my true calling: to provide holistic mental health care through the nursing profession. I have always valued and advocated for accessible healthcare, especially in the area of mental health, because, as an Afro-Caribbean woman, I have witnessed many people—including myself—struggle to receive the help they need. I chose an accelerated program because I am not only determined but also inspired by the vast and complex capabilities of nurses as healthcare professionals, and I am eager to make a meaningful impact in that role. In the future, I hope to earn my Master’s as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and open a non-profit organization to serve communities that need care the most. I am immensely grateful to the Jean Griswold Foundation for providing me with the opportunity to continue my journey without the added stress of worrying about how to pay for the next semester of my accelerated nursing program.

My name is Taliya Jones, and I am a third-year biology pre-med student at Xavier University of Louisiana. I am currently on the path to becoming a clinical medical assistant as part of my journey toward a career in medicine. Growing up in Chicago, IL, I witnessed the impact of healthcare disparities, which inspired my passion for improving access to quality care in underserved communities. This scholarship is helping me take meaningful steps toward achieving my educational and professional goals, providing me with the support I need to turn my aspirations into reality. With every step of this journey, I am committed to becoming a compassionate and impactful healthcare provider.

My name is Jake Lindsey, and I am very grateful to be a Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship recipient. I graduated from EMT-B school at Hinds Community College in Fall 2024. I am now attending Advanced EMT school at Advanced Rescue Education Solutions in Biloxi, MS. My goal is to complete Paramedic school and then bridge to RN. My eventual goal is to work my way up to be a Nurse Practitioner. I was in the U.S. Army for a few years then became a science teacher. I have always had the dream of becoming a Medic here at home and eventually a Nurse. The journey here has been challenging but has been worth every step. I finally decided to attend EMT school in the Summer of 2024. I was accepted to the class and received a phone call. I found out my mother had lung cancer and had to have a tumor removed. I moved to Pigeon Forge to take care of her while she recovered. I was unable to attend school that summer. But the surgery went great, and I was able to come home and attend the Fall class. I look forward to being able to serve my community. 

My name is Cynthia Lira. I am a care provider for Griswold, and I have had the privilege of caring for elderly individuals who require assistance with daily tasks. This role has been incredibly rewarding for me. With nearly two years of experience at this company, overall, I have had 8 years. I have developed a deep appreciation for the importance of compassionate care. My philosophy is that age is merely a number, and that individuals of all ages can continue to grow, succeed, and thrive. Furthermore, I am grateful to have received a scholarship that enabled me to pursue my education as a Certified Nursing Assistant.  

I am honored to be a recipient of the Griswold Foundation Scholarship. My name is Christina Lucas, and I live in Pocono Lake, PA. From an early age, I was drawn to helping others, starting as a volunteer at my church’s bingo hall, where I worked the concession stand and interacted with patrons. This experience sparked my passion for service and making a difference in people’s lives. Thanks to the support of the Jean Griswold Foundation, I am now taking the next step in my healthcare journey by pursuing certification as a Nursing Assistant (CNA). I plan to continue my education in Memory Care, therapeutic recreation, and Holistic care, to deepen my impact in this field. 

I started my medical field journey in a medical billing office. I quickly realized the office setting was not for me and I wanted to switch to a hands on field. I became a CNA and I have been doing that since 2017 in the homecare and hospice field. I absolutely loved it. After my kids were in school I decided I was ready to take the plunge and start nursing school. I graduate in March and it has been the most eye opening experience.  I am so excited to continue to grow my career and be the best nurse I can be!

My name is Emily Porter, and I am a Senior at Clifton-Clyde High School. I have worked at the Nicol Home in Glasco, Kansas for almost three years now, but I started working there as a CNA in July of 2023. When I started working as a CNA, I quickly realized that I wanted to stay in the healthcare field for my future career. I have a deep passion for caring for others, which I plan to do in the future as a registered nurse. I want to make a positive difference and provide the best quality of care to others as a nurse. I plan to attend Fort Hays North Central Technical College in Beloit, Kansas in the fall of 2025 to pursue an associate’s degree in nursing. Following my graduation from college, I would like to work as a labor and delivery nurse or a geriatric nurse.

My name is Aravind Sharma and I am extremely excited to be selected as a Winter 2024 Jean Griswold Scholar! Caregiving has played a major role in my life as I have held volunteer and paid positions at multiple organizations, including the Villas at Stanford Ranch, Sunrise, and Griswold Home Care since 2017 (7 years). Having observed my uncle give up his dreams of pursuing a PhD to become a full-time caregiver for my grandmother (diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis) motivated me to make caregiving a central part of my healthcare career.  My undergraduate research interests in understanding how music impacts the cognitive decline of patients with Alzheimer’s disease coincided with my work experience as a caregiver, allowing me to discover how various tenets of healthcare are inexorably connected. I am pursuing the CAA profession (Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant) as I am extremely passionate about the science and art of administering anesthesia given my extensive experience shadowing and working in the operating room. The Jean Griswold Scholarship will not only aid me in financing my schooling but will also cement my passion to continue being part of the care industry well into the future.

My name is Elizabeth Shea. I am currently attending Minneapolis College for an Associate of Science in the Nursing Program, on track to be an RN. My first career was in acting and bartending, but with the pandemic came some drastic life changes. I decided to go back to school but had no idea what to pursue. Upon reading the autobiography of rape victim Chantel Miller, something clicked, I was meant to be a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. I decided to put my caregiving skills to the best use I could think of, serving a deeply vulnerable population with respect and compassion. Coming to Griswold was the best decision I could have made for my education. The company has been incredible about working with my schedule as it changes from semester to semester, including working around clinical hours, lab hours, and exam schedule. They have paired me with incredible clients. I have been witness to some of their most powerful life events. Griswold has helped me to know that I am in the right field, and on the right track. I am blown away at the generosity of the company in granting these scholarships and truly honored to be a recipient.

Hi! My name is Jonnelle Spann. I am very honored and grateful to be chosen for the Jean Griswold Scholarship. I’ve been working as a caregiver all over Montgomery County Maryland for about six years. While also attending college to pursue Nursing. Caregiving is something that comes very naturally to me, since I was a young child. I genuinely enjoy being able to help and make a difference in people's lives. I’m currently attending Montgomery College with a goal to pursue my dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner. As a caregiver I've had the opportunity to see all aspects of the job, and I truly believe I can make an even bigger impact on my community as a NP. This scholarship will help tremendously on my journey through college/nursing school and has motivated me to continue to work hard. 

My name is Psykhe and I am from Barbados. Caregiving has always been the foundation of my life. Growing up, I witnessed close family members, including my father, nephew, cousins, and unless, struggle with hemophilia. Watching their intense pain and the challenges caused by a lack of nursing support deeply inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. My goal is to dedicate my career to serving rural and underserved communities. I firmly believe that no one should have to endure pain or illness without access to adequate care and support. I am sincerely grateful for this scholarship, which allows me to expand my efforts to improve the lives of others.

My name is Katelyn Thoeny and I am currently in nursing school at Denver College of Nursing. Growing up I did not know that I wanted to be a nurse, until one of my best friends had to go through chemo at a very young age. I went to most of her chemo appointments with her and was in awe by the amazing work that the nurses did. The nurses were the main care takers, motivators, change agents, advocates, and caregivers throughout my friend’s experience. After that I was sold on being a nurse. I am blessed enough to have received this scholarship in order to fulfill my dream of being a nurse. With this scholarship I will be able to further my education without the stress of paying for the upcoming quarter. I am so thankful for the Jean Griswold Foundation and the opportunities it will present me moving forward in my education. This is so special to me and I could not be more thankful to have been chosen for this honor.

Hello, my name is Ashlee Thomas, and I am currently a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at North Carolina A&T State University. My academic and professional goal is to earn my nursing degree while gaining valuable experience in the healthcare field. I have a passion for providing personal care and medical assistance to individuals, and I find fulfillment in the responsibilities that come with patient care. My education at North Carolina A&T is equipping me with the skills and knowledge to advance in my career while continuing to serve my community. Looking ahead, I aspire to become a licensed Nurse Practitioner, where I can further develop my expertise in providing compassionate and high-quality care to those in need.

Hi- I’m La’Wonda and I'm 44 years old. I started a journey over 20 years ago to care for people. Since I was a kid I always loved to take care of kids as a kid and everyone around me. Now that I've taken classes and worked as a caregiver I'm more excited and very interested in caring for my loved ones and others who need hands-on care. My plan is to go back to school and get more training so I can become a Hospice Nurse. I wanna build my own facility so I can take care of my family and other families who need the love and care alone with the companionship I offer.

My name is Michelle Thornton and since 2021 I have been a caregiver for Griswold home health agency located in the Blue Bell, Pa area. Currently I am pursuing my journey in the health care field. I am proud to say that being a dedicated caregiver throughout society, I have deeply loved being a caregiver carrying out the duties with 1 on 1 intervention and with couples with their personal care. I am also currently in team leader position at my church, supervising with the facility monitors team on the church campus. Through my years of working as a caregiving, I have learned about individuals and myself that I am a passionate and patient person when it comes down to helping others/clients with their needs. This has empowered me to want to do more with myself in the caregiving field. Families are impacted by the service they receive when they have a dependable and trustworthy caregiver that treats them good and respects their values.  I am grateful to be able to have the drive that I must meet my clients’ needs. This passion for helping others led me to enter a career in the nursing field, where I will give them and love, comfort, healing and care to all individuals that I will encounter in nursing. Knowing that I am committed has demonstrated how important it is to put my great clients’ needs above my own, they come first. This journey in nursing school will be exciting and encouraging to learn new things in the health field, so that the patients can and will see the matter in life. I would like to thank Jean Griswold Foundation for the Scholarship; I can further my education in being more marketable by receiving this scholarship. My ideal hope is to make more valid changes in the lives of others. I will provide the highest quality of care to everyone that comes across my path. When I complete this session of nursing, my plans will do my best and go higher in my education by becoming an LPN. Thanks to Jean Griswold Foundation for this scholarship, now I can move forward in my nursing career. I am so ever grateful. 

Hello everyone my name is Luz Valentin i am so thankful to be a part of the 2024 winter scholars with the Jean Griswold foundation! I am from Bridgeport CT. I have been with Griswold going on 10 years as a caregiver.   I was a medical assistant for about 10 years as well and decided to further my education and now i am enrolled in school full time to become a nurse. I have always had a passion for helping others and i get to do just that being in the medical field This scholarship has helped me to get one step closer in achieving my goal in becoming a LPN and to relieve some of the financial burden. I am beyond grateful to have been chosen and to be a part of an amazing family here at Griswold.

I’m Patricia and I have over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, beginning with my certification as a Home Health Aide in 1992 and progressing to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 2004. I’m currently in my second year of nursing school, further advancing my skills to better serve others. Beyond my professional work, I am deeply committed to giving back to communities in need. As a member of the Carol Grant Gordon Medical Mission, I have traveled worldwide to assist the underserved, including trips to Haiti in 2010 following the earthquake, as well as to Panama, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Antigua. In my free time, I enjoy decorating, traveling, and volunteering with elderly care initiatives.  I am passionate about making a positive impact both locally and globally.