Kriaras brings to Everest College nearly a decade of experience working for vocational and professional schools. Most recently he served as campus director for Northwestern College in Chicago. Prior to that position, he served as regional director of admissions for International Education Corporation in Irvine, Calif. 

“Dimitrios has demonstrated exceptional leadership in helping multiple higher educational institutions achieve ideal start, retention, graduation and career development objectives,” said Craig Wood, vice president of operations for Everest College.  “The Bedford Park campus, with the goal of training and successfully assisting in the placement of students in high-demand occupations, will excel under his direction.” 

Kriaras holds a bachelor’s degree in technical management from DeVry University in Addison, Ill. Throughout his professional career, he has received recognition for his work ethic and leadership skills, achieving numerous awards for top performance and management.

Everest College – Bedford Park, located at 7414 S. Cicero Ave., offers a variety of programs for full-time and part-time students, including dental assistant, medical assistant, and medical insurance billing and coding.

About Everest College

Everest College provides career-oriented diploma programs in health care, skilled trades and business.  Everest College has eight Chicago-area campuses, including Bedford Park, Burr Ridge, Chicago, Melrose Park, Merrionette Park, North Aurora, Skokie and Merrillville, Indiana. Programs vary by campus. Everest has more than 100 schools in the U.S. and Canada, and is owned by Corinthian Colleges, Inc., one of the largest post-secondary education companies in North America.  For more information, visit www.everest.edu.  For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit our website at www.everest.edu/disclosures.

After raising her children, Ford decided it was time to take care of herself. Ford enrolled at the Everest Institute-Grand Rapids campus the very same day as her visit to pursue both her GED and a diploma from the medical assistant program simultaneously.  

Ford remained diligent in her studies – even when a major family tragedy struck – and for her perseverance and dedication, Everest Institute-Grand Rapids is honoring her with the 2011 Dream Award. The award recognizes one graduate who has completed a post-secondary education while overcoming extraordinary challenges. 

Shortly after beginning her studies, Ford’s nephew was struck and killed by a motor vehicle.  Despite the immense toll his death took on her family, Ford stuck to her goal and persevered through her studies.  Within 90 days of beginning her program, she finally earned her GED – something that eluded her for nearly 20 years.  

Ford approached the remainder of her program with the same hard work and persistence, earning a 3.43 GPA and securing four potential sites to complete the externship portion of her program.  Ford was hired from her externship with Dr. Robert Roberts in Grand Rapids Charter Township – his office’s first new hire in approximately six years. 

She is currently employed by both Dr. Robert Roberts and Grand Rapids Women’s Health.  In her spare time, Ford volunteers at her children’s school, and actively works with the Grand Rapids Public School board on various campaigns in her community. 

“Dione never gave up in the face of her challenges,” said Ruth Stewart, president at Everest Institute-Grand Rapids. “She’s a shining example that it’s never too late to make a positive change for your  life, and we wish her continued success in fulfilling her education and career goals.” 

As a Dream Award winner, Robinson will receive a $2,500 Everest scholarship to pursue further education.

About Everest Institute

Everest Institute has five Michigan campuses located in Kalamazoo, Detroit, Dearborn, Southfield and Grand Rapids.

Everest Institute in Michigan provides career-oriented diploma programs in the health care, technology and business fields. Programs vary by campus. Everest has more than 100 schools in the U.S. and Canada, and is owned by Corinthian Colleges, Inc., one of the largest post-secondary education companies in North America.  For more information, visit www.everest.edu. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit our website at www.everest.edu/disclosures.

Murphy joined Everest College – Merrionette Park in January 2012 from Kaplan Higher Education, where she served as the executive director of product operations. 

With more than a decade of experience serving in various executive roles at post-secondary institutions, Murphy brings a strong background in management, training, operations, recruitment and customer service to her position at Everest. 

“Maegan is a strong leader with a keen eye for detail and proven strength in managing multiple departments,” said Terri Hines, regional vice president of operations for Everest College’s Midwest region. “The Merrionette Park campus, which trains and successfully assists in the placement of students in in-demand occupations, will continue to excel under her direction.” 

Murphy holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and brings professional experience in the fields of situational leadership and behavioral interviewing to her new role. 

Everest College – Merrionette Park, located at 11560 S. Kedzie Ave., offers a variety of programs for full-time and part-time students, including dental assistant, medical administrative assistant, medical assistant, medical insurance billing and coding and pharmacy technician.

About Everest College

Everest College has eight Chicago-area campuses located in Bedford Park, Burr Ridge, Chicago, Melrose Park, Merrionette Park, North Aurora, Skokie and Merrillville, Ind. 

Everest College provides career-oriented diploma programs in the health care, skilled trades and business fields. Programs vary by campus. Everest has more than 100 schools in the U.S. and Canada, and is owned by Corinthian Colleges, Inc., one of the largest post-secondary education companies in North America.  For more information, visit www.everest.edu.  For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit our website at www.everest.edu/disclosures.

# # #

Dena Braun had anything but an ideal childhood. With a drug addict as a mother and a father in and out of jail, her grandmother primarily raised Braun. Although she was determined to escape the lifestyle she was raised in, Braun married a man who became an addict much like her mother, and they started a family. In the back of her mind, however, Braun always remembered a statistic a counselor once shared with her – children of addicts have only a 10 percent chance of avoiding drug abuse themselves. 

“Being one of the ten percent to live a sober life seemed impossible to achieve when drug abuse was all I’ve known,” said Braun, “but I wanted to give my son the best opportunities possible, since my parents were unable to give that to me.” 

After her divorce, Braun recommitted to her education and completed her GED. She learned there was a large job market for medical assistants and decided to attend Everest to obtain the necessary skills. For the first time, she felt confident in the classroom and earned straight A’s. Despite her personal struggles, Braun demonstrated great leadership while at Everest. As a student ambassador, she organized study groups for struggling students in her free time. 

 Braun’s commitment was tested when her mother died during her externship, but with the support of her instructor and classmates, she still completed her degree. Braun graduated and is now a medical assistant at Seton Heart Institute. She plans to return to school and become a nurse.

 “Despite all her struggles Dena completed the program in eight months,” said Kimberly Oppermann, president of Everest Institute – Austin. “She realized her potential and followed her dreams. She is truly inspiration to others here at Everest.”

 As a Dream Award winner, she will receive a $2,500 Everest scholarship to pursue advanced programs in her chosen field of study.

 About Everest in Texas

Everest Colleges and Institutes provide career-oriented diploma and degree programs in healthcare, criminal justice, skilled trades, business and paralegal. Everest in Texas has approximately 5,700 students at nine campuses located in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. Everest has more than 100 schools in the U.S. and Canada, and is owned by Corinthian Colleges, Inc., one of the largest post-secondary education companies in North America. For more information, visit www.everest.edu. Programs vary by campus.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit our website at www.everest.edu/disclosures.

Under the agreement, Elements Therapeutic Massage will make Everest’s massage therapy students aware of its current and anticipated hiring needs, and will interview qualified graduates.  Elements will also provide on-going guidance related to Everest’s massage therapy curriculum to help ensure that it is current and reflects the realities of the workplace.

“Our top priority is to help our massage studios develop a loyal clientele, and by partnering with Everest, we are able to tap into a pool of skilled massage therapists,” said Michele Merhib, RMT and founder of Elements Therapeutic Massage. “We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.” 

“Our agreement with Elements Therapeutic Massage provides an excellent opportunity for our massage therapy graduates to start a career with a rapidly expanding national franchise,” said Wendy Cullen, vice president of employer development at Corinthian Colleges, parent company of Everest College. “This partnership demonstrates the value our programs bring to employers and commitment to helping place Everest graduates in their chosen fields of study.”

Everest’s massage therapy program provides the basic knowledge, techniques, tools and training to enable graduates to practice as massage therapists in a variety of health care settings, including physical therapy clinics, gyms and sports centers, chiropractic offices and health spas. Courses offered include: deep-tissue massage, pre-natal massage, clinical and sports massage, among others. 

About Elements Therapeutic Massage, Inc. 

Elements Therapeutic Massage is headquartered in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and owned by Fitness Together Holdings, Inc. The parent company oversees Fitness Together Franchise Corporation, a one-on-one personal training fitness franchise that began franchising in 1996, and Elements Therapeutic Massage, a massage therapy franchise that began franchising in 2006. Today, the combined franchise network has sold hundreds of franchises across the United States, Brazil, Costa Rica, Israel, Ireland, and Canada. Elements Therapeutic Massage is actively selling franchises, for more information about massage franchise opportunities visit http://elementsfranchise.com.

About Everest College

Everest College provides career-oriented diploma and degree programs in healthcare, criminal justice, skilled trades, business, paralegal, and information technology. Programs vary by campus. Everest has more than 100 schools in the U.S. and Canada, and is owned by Corinthian Colleges, Inc., one of the largest post-secondary education companies in North America. For more information, visit www.everest.edu. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit our website at www.everest.edu/disclosures

“We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Everest College’s first Milwaukee class,” said Mark Sullivan, campus president. “We know this group will flourish as they embark upon the next chapter of their lives, armed with the skills learned to start their new careers.” 

Cassandra McShepard, host of FOX6’s morning show Real Milwaukee addressed the graduates as guest speaker. In her remarks, she reminded graduates, “If you can conceive it, you CAN achieve it”. 

 Everest College in Milwaukee began offering a variety of diploma programs in fall 2010. These programs include Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Massage Therapy and Medical Insurance Billing and Coding and Pharmacy Technician. The campus features interactive classroom technology such as Wi-Fi, laptops and SMART boards, as well as dental and medical labs, a massage therapy studio, a pharmacy, computer labs, a library and more. 

For more information, please contact Marta Fieweger at (414) 390-5500 or visit www.everest.edu.

About Everest College Milwaukee

Everest provides short-term diploma programs allowing students to receive concentrated training in a particular field, in a short time span.  The average program lasts eight to 10 months, making higher education and job training accessible to more adult students. For more information, visit www.everest.edu. For information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.everest.edu/disclosures.

“We offer a degree program that goes beyond the traditional way of thinking for accounting,” said President Chris Peters of Everest College – Dallas. “We prepare our students to be business leaders who can deliver not only traditional accounting results, but also help businesses stay efficient and manage their futures.”

The accounting associate degree program  is a two-year program that consists of coursework in principles of accounting, introductory cost/managerial accounting, corporate accounting, payroll accounting, non-profit accounting, tax accounting, business communications and business law. Graduates can obtain careers as accounting assistants, accounting clerks, bookkeepers and more.

“If anyone is on the fence about pursuing a career in accounting, now is the time,” said Kevin Lewis, accounting program chair at Everest College – Arlington (Mid Cities). “In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry is expected to grow 22 percent between 2008 and 2018. Our goal is to fill those jobs with accountants who can manage risks and apply the latest principles and concepts that will benefit any business that hires them.”

The Everest College – Dallas campus is located at 6080 N. Central Expressway and also offers programs in: Business; Criminal Justice; Medical Administrative Assistant; Medical Assistant; Medical Insurance Billing and Coding and Paralegal. To learn more about the programs available, please contact the Dallas campus at 214-234-4850.

The Everest College – Arlington (Mid Cities) campus is located at 300 Six Flags Drive, Suite 100, and also offers programs in: Business; Criminal Justice; Electrical Technician; Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC); Medical Administrative Assistant; Medical Assistant; Medical Insurance Billing and Coding and Pharmacy Technician. To learn more about the programs available, please contact the Arlington (Mid Cities) campus at 817-652-7790.

About Everest in Texas

Everest Colleges and Institutes provide career-oriented diploma and degree programs in healthcare, criminal justice, skilled trades, business and paralegal. Everest in Texas has approximately 5,700 students at nine campuses located in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. Everest has more than 100 schools in the U.S. and Canada, and is owned by Corinthian Colleges, Inc., one of the largest post-secondary education companies in North America. For more information, visit www.everest.edu. Programs vary by campus.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit our website at www.everest.edu/disclosures.

“The demand for massage therapy as an alternative approach to traditional medicine has grown tremendously over the past decade,” said Brennan. “Having the chance to launch the Massage Therapy program at Everest College in Milwaukee is truly rewarding, and illustrates Everest’s commitment to stay on top of employment trends and opportunities.” 

During her previous Everest College instructorship, Brennan implemented and oversaw a student massage clinic, which provided students the ability to fulfill their required 30 hours of practice by performing massage on community members. Her enthusiasm for her work earned her several award recognitions, including Instructor of the Year in 2008 and an Instructor of the Year nomination in 2009. 

“Everest Milwaukee is very fortunate to have Kelly on board as we introduce our new Massage Therapy program,” said Mark Sullivan, campus president.  “She brings a wealth of experience in several areas of massage therapy, and we look forward to her future with us.” 

Brennan received her massage therapy certification from the Redfern Training Systems School of Massage Therapy.  She is certified in infant, chair, sports and manual lymphatic drainage massage, as well as reflexology and day spa treatments. In addition, Brennan has received training in Tai Yoga massage, Bindegewebsmassage (connective tissue massage), body memory recall and principles of structural integration.

About Everest College Milwaukee

Everest provides short-term diploma programs allowing students to receive concentrated training in a particular field, in a short time span.  The average program lasts eight to 10 months, making higher education and job training accessible to more adult students. In addition to the new Massage Therapy program Everest College in Milwaukee offers a variety of diploma programs, including Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Insurance Billing and Coding, Pharmacy Technician and Medical Administrative Assistant. For more information, visit www.everest.edu. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.everest.edu/disclosures.

“Everest is strengthening Milwaukee’s educational profile with the addition of the massage therapy program and giving prospective students new options for higher education,” said Mark Sullivan, campus president. “Graduates of the massage therapy program will be prepared for a variety of different settings including rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, health spas and sports organizations.” 

The nine-month program provides the basic knowledge, tools, ethics, and behaviors that will enable students to successfully practice as a massage therapist in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, health spas, fitness centers, tourist destinations, etc. Students gain in-depth educational skills that will not only increase their knowledge, but allow them to develop specialized techniques of massage.

 About Everest College Milwaukee

Everest provides short-term diploma programs allowing students to receive concentrated training in a particular field, in a short time span.  The average program lasts eight to 10 months, making higher education and job training accessible to more adult students. In addition to the new Massage Therapy program Everest College in Milwaukee offers a variety of diploma programs, including Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Insurance Billing and Coding, Pharmacy Technician and Medical Administrative Assistant. For more information, visit www.everest.edu. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.everest.edu/disclosures.

left to right, Jan Schoonmaker, in-coming president of FAPSC, Wayne Slater, out-going president of FAPSC, Graduate of the Year Sadie Fox and Claudette Thompson, academic dean from Everest Institute-Kendall.

Miami native Sadie Fox, who graduated from Everest Institute-Kendall with a diploma in pharmacy technician and attended the awards ceremony with campus dean Claudette Thompson, accepted the Graduate of the Year honor.

left to right, Arthur Benjamin board member from FAPSC, Student Services Administrator of the Year Christina Stewart, Wayne Slater, out-going president of FAPSC, and Jan Schoonmaker, in-coming president of FAPSC.

Also, Christina Stewart from Everest University-Tampa was recognized as the statewide winner of the Student Services Administrator of the Year Award, which is named after industry pioneer and active FAPSC member Gail Benjamin.

Kathy Mizereck, executive director of FAPSC, said, “Sadie Fox is one of those amazing individuals who triumphs over adversity to reach her goals. She worked hard to achieve her dreams and never let the word ‘no’ stop her.”

She added, “Christina Stewart has the rare talent of understanding the needs of students while going out of her way to encourage and motivate them. She is proactive, innovative and persistent.”

“We are proud of these awards because they showcase what we do at our campuses every day – contribute to our students’ successes,” said Melissa Flores, division president of Everest-Florida.

She added that she’s particularly proud of the achievement by Fox, who is a pharmacy technician at the Dadeland Publix and was honored in 2010 as the campus winner of the DREAM Award, which is awarded to an Everest student who has overcome tremendous obstacles to complete his or her education. “We’re so glad to be part of her incredible story of perseverance,” she said.

Stewart’s award marks the fourth consecutive year the Tampa campus has garnered a top award from FAPSC.

This year, 14 awards were selected by a panel and given during the FAPSC Annual Conference in South Florida attended by more than 460 administrators and faculty members.

Wayne Slater, the outgoing president of FAPSC, and Jan Schoonmaker, the incoming president of FAPSC, formally presented the honors.

Everest Universities and Institutes

Everest provides career-oriented associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in healthcare, criminal justice, business, paralegal and information technology. Programs vary by campus. Everest has 14 campuses in Florida, and participates in the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System. Everest is owned by Corinthian Colleges, Inc., one of the largest post-secondary education companies in North America. For more information, visit www.everest.edu. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.everest.edu/disclosures.

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