FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chinle, AZ – On August 1, 2025, Navajo Technical University CNA students proudly completed their certification requirements for nursing assistants. Congratulations to all the students who attended the pinning ceremony at the Chinle campus, held inside the two-story building among friends, family, faculty, and staff.
Ella Tallis opened the ceremony with a prayer, followed by Arlena Benallie, NTU Chinle Site Director, and NTU Provost Dr. Colleen Bowman, who welcomed everyone. Each student dedicated months of hard work, with some pursuing further education or advancing their nursing careers. This graduation marks a new chapter for them.
Krista Haven, Program Coordinator, and Candace Tallis, CNA Instructor, delivered the keynote speech, inspiring attendees and presenting awards to each student.
“Whether you continue your education or enter the workforce, I encourage you to set goals. Goals help us enjoy a happy, healthy, balanced, and successful life. They are the dreams and tasks you aim to accomplish,” Krista Haven stated.
The students received training programs that included essential skills such as patient care, vital signs, and basic nursing procedures. Various organizations and programs offer financial aid to support students. Their certification helped meet healthcare needs in hospitals and nursing homes as part of their curriculum.
Candace Tallis, CNA Instructor, added, “Congratulations to all newly certified nursing assistants (CNAs). The field offers ongoing learning opportunities, allowing CNAs to expand their skills and knowledge throughout their careers. Their dedication to compassionate patient care and supporting nurses is invaluable.”
CNA student Ashleigh Clyde gave closing remarks, summarizing key points, offering a call to action, sharing a memorable quote, and thanking the audience as fellow student Matthew Haven closed the ceremony with a prayer.
List of Graduates:
- Jaysiah Bahe
- Teshi Begay
- Hannah Benally
- Nazohni Birch
- Ashleigh Clyde
- Genevieve Curley
- Imani Dunn
- Andrea Gray
- Matthew Haven
- Autumn James
- Faith Spencer
- Dean Todechine
- Ariana Tsinijinnie
For those interested in joining the program this fall, now is the perfect time to apply and take the next step in making a difference in healthcare across the Navajo Nation.
Navajo Technical University encourages anyone interested in pursuing a career in healthcare to consider enrolling in our Nursing program, which continues to grow and serve our communities. This fall, nursing classes will be available at our Chinle Site, where students can begin their journey toward becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and beyond.
Visit www.navajotech.edu to learn more and begin the application process.
Navajo Technical University. Endless Possibilities.
For more information, contact:
For additional information, please get in touch with the RN Program Email at schoolofnurse@navajotech.edu
NTU Chinle Instructional Site
P: (928) 882-3143
P: (928) 674-5764
Jacqueline Begay, Chinle Admissions Officer
P: (928) 882-3135
Howard Kayaani, Chinle Site Registrar
P: (928) 882-3143
Karinne Dohi, Administrative Assistant, Chinle NTU-CNA Program
E: k.dohi@navajotech.edu
P: (928) 882-3156
Krista Haven, Instructor/Program Coordinator
E: khaven@navajotech.edu
P: (928) 882-3156
Dale Morgan, Communications Specialist
E: dmorgan@navajotech.edu