Fostering Conversations

Amy Newfield, MS, CVT, VTS (ECC) is the Program Manager, Training & Health & Wellness for BluePearl Vet Hospital. She has a master's degree in leadership and management and boasts over 20 years in the veterinary profession working as a credentialed veterinary technician. She earned her Veterinary Technician Specialty credentials in Emergency & Critical Care in 2003. Amy is well published in over 1...

Neha was managing a veterinary hospital when she decided to enroll in Penn Foster's veterinary technician program. She realized the value of having a license and wanted to help motivate team members to enroll and become licensed to support their professional future, and decided to do it with them while pursuing her passion for pet care. Passing the VTNE, Neha works as a LVT at VCA, and is thankful...

Jessica Carter was working in entry level jobs in clinics and animal shelters when coworkers encouraged her to enroll in Penn Foster's online veterinary technician program. With two jobs, online learning worked for Jessica. "I was able to get my school done in between work shifts without having to worry about making classes on time," she said. Now, Jessica works as an RVT and training coordinator...

Always determined to make something of herself, Caitlin knew she wanted to graduate high school early and enroll in college right away. She liked that Penn Foster High School challenged her academically, but allowed her to set her own schedule. The first in her family to go to college, she earned an associate degree at 17 with all the prerequisites required for Tallahassee Community College' nursi...

Having to move frequently and not wanting to fall behind in school, Joseph and his family made the decision to enroll him in Penn Foster's online High School program. Joseph graduated a year early and is now pursuing a computer science degree at Gavilan College where he also works as a student assistant, helping students find a path for their careers and transferring to four-year universities. Jos...

Congratulations to the 2020 Penn Foster Graduate of the Year, Keyana Beamon! A graduate of the Veterinary Technician program, Keyana puts her degree to work at Banfield Pet Hospital where she received a raise after completing her studies. A mother, Penn Foster offered Keyana the flexible education she needed. "[Penn Foster] made a huge impact [on my life]... I feel like I'm able to tackle the worl...

A Banfield employee, Simone Conwell was encouraged to enroll in Penn Foster's Veterinary Technician Associate Degree program. She graduated in 2017, and seven weeks after having brain surgery she passed the VTNE the first time. "I learned so much and felt supported," said Simone. Now a veterinary technician at Banfield and a criticalist at BluePearl working to build a new critical care unit, Simon...

Born in Siberia, Russia, Galina grew up in a family of circus performers. A juggler and animal trainer, she worked with sea lions, camels, horses, dogs, and geese. Traveling all over Russia and Europe, Galina and her family eventually began to perform in the United States. Always on the move, Galina didn't think higher education was possible. That's until she found Penn Foster. "Penn Foster's onli...

A navy spouse, Melanie Davis often moves from state to state. She found herself constantly starting at the bottom and having to work her way up to management. Melanie knew she needed a formal education to show hiring managers she has the education and experience needed to lead. "I consider my experience with Penn Foster to be invaluable. It has opened up my eyes to so many possibilities I had neve...

As a mom, Angelina Lowder wanted to set an example for her children. But, with work and family obligations she didn't think she would be able to achieve her dream of earning a bachelor's degree. Thanks to Penn Foster's learning model, she was able to graduate and advance her career. "Being able to take classes online provided me a unique opportunity to go at my own pace. It enabled me to have conf...

Brenda Castellano owns and operates Keystone Stars 4 Group Childcare located in Reading, Pennsylvania, and has been in the Early Childhood and Education field for over 30 years. Her business earned recognition in 2017 by winning the Reading Eagle’s Readers Choice Award for Best Daycare/Preschool. "I contribute my success to my husband for pushing me to continue my education and Penn Foster because...

Twin sisters Kaitlyn and Kourtney Fedor graduated together and celebrated their achievements at Penn Foster's graduation ceremony on June 1, 2019. Both graduated from the Dental Assistant Program. "We both were looking for a dental assistant program for a long time that would work well with our busy schedules. We came across Penn Foster and were instantly surprised by not only the affordability bu...

Before enrolling in Penn Foster Brent Nelson was working 40 or more hours a week to make ends meet. He heard about Penn Foster but didn't consider pursuing his high school diploma online until a Penn Foster commercial came across his television. "I did some research and I made the call and after the call, it was a match made in heaven," said Brent. Now, Brent started his own company and plans on a...

Rocco Pasquarello is a recent graduate of the Freelance Writing program. He's also a Student Ambassador. "Being a Student Ambassador is a blessing in that I get the chance to learn from Penn Foster students along with helping to share wisdom and knowledge with those in the community who needs guidance," said Rocco. Now, Rocco is enrolled in the Desktop Design program. Listen to his story about lif...

Coty was working as a veterinary assistant and manager for a small animal practice, but wanted more responsibility. She also wanted to broaden her knowledge about veterinary medicine and be able to legally perform procedures on the animals. Now, she applies the skills she learned to her every day work. "I'm constantly placing catheters, intubating, running anesthesia, and clipping in cleaning woun...

Synquis Harris was working part-time and living paycheck to paycheck. She dropped out of high school, but always told herself that she would go back and get her diploma. That's when she saw a commercial on YouTube about Penn Foster High School. Now she works as a Senior Account Administrator, being promoted four times in the last two years. "I would recommend Penn Foster to anyone in the world. Th...