American Senior Communities (ASC) and Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County (HHC) recognized 20 graduates of the Opportunities to Nursing Excellence (O2NE) Program at a luncheon on Aug. 6 at the Bridgewater Club in Westfield.
This innovative scholarship program was created to support employees who aspire to advance their careers in nursing. The program reflects a shared commitment to fostering professional development and strengthening the long-term care profession across the state.
Congratulations to the 2025 HHC graduates:
- Cassandra Gerdes, RN – Ben Hur Health & Rehabilitation
- Austen Maikranz, LPN – Cypress Grove Rehabilitation Center
- Cierra Williams, LPN – Danville Regional Rehabilitation
- Casey Dragoo, LPN – Edgewater Woods
- DD Turner, RN – Franklin Meadows
- Haley Powers, RN – Greenwood Meadows
- Keesha McGraw, LPN & Saskia Benschop, LPN – Harcourt Terrace Nursing & Rehab
- Mila Rice, LPN – North Woods Village
- Kyra Michaels, LPN – Rosebud Village
- Eva Vires, RN – Seymour Crossing
- Marklee Haltom, RN – Springhill Village
- Sarah Jackson, RN – Zionsville Meadows
Congratulations to the 2025 ASC graduates:
- Shlena Webb, RN & Serina Crouch, LPN – Bethany Village
- Samantha Herald, RN and Ashley Wohlford, LPN – Hickory Creek at Winamac
- Trudy Hartzler, RN – Markle Health & Rehab
- Kehonsha Young, LPN – Rosegate Commons
The O2NE program provides a valuable pathway for caregiver staff to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) by offering direct funding to accredited nursing schools, all while allowing participants to continue working in their current roles. Funding provided through the program covers tuition and book expenses and supports participants with the flexibility to pursue their education without financial hardship.
To date, the program has created educational and career advancement opportunities for over 260 graduates. Many have earned their RN licensure and have been promoted to clinical management positions.
“We’re incredibly proud of the outstanding clinical talent we have across the state at American Senior Communities, and the recent O2NE graduates truly reflect that excellence,” ASC Chief Nursing Officer Alicia Sims said. At ASC, helping our team members grow in their careers is a top priority. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2025 O2NE graduating class.”
About American Senior Communities
American Senior Communities offers a wide variety of Lifestyle and Care Options including Garden Homes, Assisted Living, New Energy Wellness, Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing Care, Hospice and Respite. Our mission is to compassionately serve each customer with quality care and excellence. To learn more about American Senior Communities, visit ASCCare.com. For career opportunities, visit CareerswithASC.com.
