The new program provides in-depth instruction on the fundamentals of IT with technical hands-on experience on a variety of hardware and software operating systems and applications. Students conclude the program with  a real-world IT internship.

“The Everest Information Technology Support Specialist diploma program will prepare students, whether they are new high school graduates or those currently employed but wishing to switch career paths, to pursue a career in the dynamic information technology sector immediately upon graduation,” said Joe Belliotti, president of Everest Institute-Dearborn.

“In less than one year students can acquire the professional and technical knowledge that employers expect and need,” he continued. “Our goal is to transform students into sought-after graduates by developing these critical core skills and preparing them to get the appropriate IT professional certifications required by companies today.”

Instructors bring years of personal and professional IT experience to their classrooms, where they teach a curriculum that encompasses desktop and laptop computers, wired and wireless networking products, and computer accessories.

Training is provided in software operating systems such as Windows, Mac and Linux via situational professional modeling and role-playing. The program sets students on track for IT professional certifications required by employers including CompTIA A+, MSFT MTA Windows, MSFT MTA Windows Server and MSFT MTA Windows Security.
Successful graduates will be poised to pursue various career paths, ranging from PC technician, IT support, desktop support technician and support/help desk tech to technical support specialist.

For detailed program information, visit http://dearborn.everestinstitute.edu/.

The Everest Institute-Dearborn campus is located at 23400 Michigan Ave., in Village Plaza. It offers a variety of programs for full-time and part-time students, including business accounting, business office administration, business sales and customer service, Information Technology support specialist, dental assistant, medical administrative assistant, medical assistant, massage therapy, patient care technician and medical insurance billing and coding.

About Everest Institute

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

Everest Institute provides career-oriented diploma programs in the health care, skilled trades and business fields. Programs vary by campus. Everest has nearly 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.

Homestead resident Sammantha Montanez reflects on the past year, she pauses, takes deep breath and, finally, smiles. The radical change for this mother of six is almost too much to process. She says, if she had not had lived it, she might not believe such change was possible.

Last year, she was a stay-at-home mom struggling to make ends meet, but now she is working in a new career as a home health aide after completing the Patient Care Technician program at Everest Institute-Kendall.

Montanez grew up no stranger to adversity and struggle. Born to a young, unwed mother, she and her two sisters bounced between households and foster care during their young lives in Homestead. By the time she was 16 years old, she had two daughters of her own. She earned her G.E.D and worked wherever she could to survive, often going to bed hungry or sleeping on cold benches.

Montanez found a good man to love and care for her and her daughters, and their family grew over the next six years. Seeing him struggle to feed their household, motivated her to dream of bigger things and, eventually, led to a tour of Everest Institute-Kendall.

“I felt right at home during my tour of the campus,” says Montanez. “Everyone was so helpful and caring,” she says. “And, they continued to be so encouraging throughout my program, and would not let me give up – no matter how hard things were,” she added.

Despite enormous obstacles of finding care for her three youngest children and caring for the special needs of her second daughter, Montanez stayed focused on her dream throughout the eight-month program. “It was beyond difficult – just getting to school was a challenge,” she says.

Despite the challenges, this tenacious woman persevered, and offers a great deal of the credit to the support she received from the staff members and instructors. Today, Montanez enjoys her work as a home health aide, and believes the hands-on learning was a key to her making a successful transition into the field.

Montanez also was named the 2012 Dream Award winner for the Kendall campus, an award that acknowledges one graduate who has completed a post-secondary education while overcoming extraordinary challenges. The Dream Award, awarded by Everest Institute, recognizes graduates who have changed their lives for the better through education.

“The hardest part is taking that first step,” she says. “Once you take that step toward your dream, you just keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward. As a parent, I want to be a good role model for my children to show them that anything is possible if you set your mind to it,” says Montanez.

Montanez continues to dream big. She plans to continue her education to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and a midwife.

Besides the Patient Care Technician program, Everest Institute-Kendall, located at 9020 SW 137th Ave., offers training in: Accounting, Applied Management, Business, Criminal Justice, Medical Assistant, Medical Insurance Billing and Coding, Pharmacy Technician and Surgical Technologist.

The campus features flexible options for students to take classes in the mornings, evenings or online. However, not all programs are available online.

Everest Institute-Kendall is part of one of the largest national networks of post-secondary education companies in North America operated by parent company, Corinthian Colleges, Inc. The company’s mission is to prepare students for careers or for advancement in their chosen field. Everest offers diploma programs and associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a variety of occupational areas, including health care, business, criminal justice, transportation technology and maintenance, construction trades and information technology. Programs vary by campus. Campuses vary by state. In Florida, there are 13 Everest Institute and Everest University campuses, including the Kendall campus and three others in South Florida: Hialeah, Miami and Pompano Beach. 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 websites at www.everest.edu/disclosures and www.everestonline.edu/disclosures.

Employment is not guaranteed, but career services assistance is available for graduates.

“According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in massage therapy are expected to grow rapidly as more people learn about the benefits of massage therapy,” said Maegan Murphy, president of Everest’s Merrionette Park campus. “Our goal is to ensure we develop the skilled, quality graduates needed to help meet the growing need for massage therapists in our communities.” 

The massage therapy program at Everest offers students the basic knowledge, tools, ethics and behaviors needed to successfully practice as a massage therapist in a variety of healthcare settings. Students gain an understanding of anatomy and physiology, massage fundamentals, technical expertise and business skills. The curriculum enables the therapist, upon certification or licensure, to gain employment as a certified or licensed professional massage therapist. 

“The demand for massage therapy will continue to increase as older adults enjoy longer, more active lives and younger generations understand and take advantage of the health benefits massage provides at an earlier age,” added Murphy.

Everest’s hands-on training is taught in a variety of simulated environments by instructors with real-world experience as massage therapists.  Upon graduation, Everest College offers its students career placement services in the fields for which they are trained. 

In addition to the newly-added massage therapy program, Everest College-Merrionette Park, located at 11560 South Kedzie Avenue, offers a variety of healthcare training programs, including dental assistant, medical administrative assistant, medical assistant, pharmacy technician and medical insurance billing and coding.

 Everest College’s six other Chicago-area campuses are located in Bedford Park, Burr Ridge, Melrose Park, North Aurora, Skokie and Merrillville, Ind.  

 # # #

About Everest College

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

Thanks to her inspiring perseverance, Malivuk, a graduate of Everest College – Merrionette Park, has won the school’s 2011 Dream Award.  The award recognizes one graduate who has completed a post-secondary education while overcoming extraordinary challenges. 

Knowing that a return to school would ultimately create a better life for her, Malivuk enrolled in Everest College’s medical insurance billing and coding program.  She quickly excelled in her classes and even became a student ambassador, offering her fellow classmates the support and encouragement they needed to succeed. 

As Malivuk pursued her studies, her personal life began to turn around, too.  Thanks to her excellent school attendance record and promising grades, a judge repealed all of Malivuk’s legal matters.  

Finally on the right track, Malivuk graduated from the medical insurance billing and coding program.  She completed an externship with PMRG, a billing company in Tinley Park, Ill., where she was later offered a full-time position. 

“Becky is truly deserving of this award and is an inspiration to all of her teachers, classmates and Everest staff,” said Catherine Killian, president of Everest College – Merrionette Park. “We are very proud she found a way to succeed.  We congratulate her on winning this award and wish her continued success in fulfilling her education and career goals.” 

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

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.

# # #

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