Issariana Chafino

For Issariana Chafino, the journey into healthcare began with small, determined steps. She started as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), providing hands-on care in long-term and assisted living facilities. Later, she earned her Qualified Medication Administration Personnel (QMAP) certification, expanding her responsibilities and deepening her interest in patient care. But Issariana knew she wanted more. “I always had an interest in working within a clinic to help the Latino community,” she says.

Her path became clear after a conversation with a medical assistant at Denver Health, who shared glowing feedback about Emily Griffith Technical College’s Medical Assisting program. Encouraged by their advice, she enrolled—and she hasn’t looked back since. 

In 2021, Issariana graduated from Emily Griffith’s Medical Assisting program. Today, she’s not only working at Kaiser Permanente but also preparing to graduate from Emily Griffith’s Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program this December. Her story is a reflection of the opportunities Emily Griffith offers to those willing to pursue them. The affordability of the program and the tuition assistance through scholarships and 360 Funds made the decision to enroll easier, alleviating financial stress for her family.

The financial support provided through Emily Griffith Foundation has helped her to focus on her studies and her ultimate goal: making a difference in her community. As a bilingual student, Issariana felt a calling to provide compassionate, culturally competent care to Spanish-speaking patients. “I want to make them feel comfortable knowing someone speaks their language,” she explains.

As a mom of two juggling education and family life, Issariana has found great support in the understanding and flexibility of her teachers. “The teachers understand that life happens,” she says. “They support you during rough times and make sure you reach success.”

Her classmates also played a critical role in her journey, becoming a close-knit support system. “Towards the end of the program, you end up with a little family,” she shares. Together, they have pushed each other through challenges, celebrated victories, and are preparing to cross the finish line as a team.

Issariana’s passion for patient care and her community drives her forward. After completing the Medical Assisting program, she spent two years working in clinics, helping patients navigate their care. Now, as she prepares to graduate from the LPN program, she’s eager to take on more responsibility within her scope of practice.

Her work at Kaiser Permanente has provided a stable foundation. Thanks to their education leave policy, she was able to take a year off to complete her LPN program with the assurance of a job upon her return.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to help others, especially the Latino community,” she says. “Being bilingual allows me to make a difference.”

Issariana is quick to credit Emily Griffith’s mission and resources for helping her achieve her goals. “Emily Griffith is the school of opportunity,” she says passionately. “Many of us come from backgrounds of poverty, and we’re here to break that cycle—for ourselves and our families.”

She encourages donors to support Emily Griffith Foundation, knowing their contributions directly impact Emily Griffith Technical College students striving to build better futures. “Potential donors will help students reach their academic goals and achieve success,” she says. “They give us the opportunity to do something with our lives and become something.”