Meet the Team
Jessica Anderson, RN
Owner/Program Director
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Debra Langford, LVN
Program Instructor
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Ms. Jay, LVN
Program Instructor
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Tara Cook, LVN
Program Instructor
Jessica started her healthcare career just out of high school. Becoming a nurse in her early twenties, she advanced quickly, being promoted to Director of Nursing, and then to Chief Clinical Officer, where she spent 11 years opening four start-up facilities and overseeing clinical operations. She specializes in regulatory compliance, labor, and staffing. She saw a need for training and education in the field, and moved forward in successfully opening an accredited Healthcare Academy and Healthcare Consulting Firm in 2018 in an effort to improve the quality of accessible Healthcare Professionals in the Texas workforce. Her vision is to impact the healthcare industry in a meaningful and purposeful way. She is devoted to mentoring and ministering to individuals wanting to get a start in healthcare, and to provide career options for those who need flexibility. With a vision to provide higher paying jobs for graduating alumni and fellow nurses, she opened Forward Action Staffing in 2021 and continues to fulfill her dream of making a difference in the healthcare industry, one healthcare worker at a time!
Ms. Jay has been a dedicated LVN for over 12 years. After serving in the United States Army, she discovered her passion for healthcare and pursued a career in nursing. Her diverse clinical experience includes emergency care, plasma centers, retail clinics, corrections, and private duty nursing. She joined the staff at Faith Forward Academy in January 2025 and brings over 6 years of experience as a medical trainer. Empowering future healthcare workers is her passion, and in her spare time, she expresses her creativity through sewing and crafting.
Tara Cook brings 37 years of experience in the medical field, with a career dedicated to long-term care. She began as a CNA, then worked as a Medication Aide for 10 years before becoming an LVN in 2018. Tara’s deep commitment to patient care and her wealth of hands-on knowledge make her a valuable instructor who inspires and prepares future healthcare professionals. Outside of work, Tara enjoys traveling, relaxing at the beach, and fishing with her husband. She also loves spending time with her three dogs and reading a good book.
Debra Langford has been an LVN for over 18 years, bringing extensive experience and compassion to both patient care and healthcare education. She is a dedicated educator who blends clinical expertise with empathy and patience, recognizing that great nursing requires not only knowledge but also the ability to comfort and support others during challenging moments. With years of serving patients and families, Debra understands the importance of teaching with both heart and skill. As an instructor, she is committed to fostering a supportive and motivating learning environment where students feel encouraged to grow while being challenged to reach their full potential. Beyond her professional life, Debra is a proud mom and “Glam-Ma,” and she brings these same nurturing and compassionate qualities into her teaching, inspiring future healthcare professionals every day.
Elizabeth Welborn
Administration/CNA Supplemental Instructor
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Joyce Shields
Administration
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Sharris Hughes, LVN
Program Instructor
After completing her studies at Baylor University, Elizabeth has continued her education in both the healthcare and legal fields, demonstrating a strong commitment to professional growth and lifelong learning. She is deeply passionate about helping students navigate their journey toward a stable and rewarding future in patient care, providing guidance, encouragement, and real-world insight along the way.
Outside of her professional work, Elizabeth enjoys spending time outdoors with her husky and expressing her creativity through painting, bringing balance and inspiration to both her personal and professional life.
Joyce has been building her career in customer service and leadership roles since 2015. She joined Faith Forward Healthcare Training Academy in April 2025, bringing a strong background in administration and student support to the team.
Since 2019, Joyce has gained valuable experience working in early childhood education centers and expanded her expertise into student administration in 2021, giving her a well-rounded perspective that supports both students and staff.
Outside of work, Joyce enjoys crafting, camping with her husband and their two dogs, and keeping up with her energetic three-year-old. She recently welcomed her second child, adding even more joy to her growing family.
With over 8 years of nursing experience, Ms Sharris brings a strong passion for healthcare, education, and service. Originally from Benton, Louisiana, she began her career as a Medical Assistant and Phlebotomist, which inspired her to advance her education and pursue nursing at LSUS.
Her professional background includes travel nursing, home health, and nurse management in Alzheimer’s long-term care, allowing her to offer students valuable real-world insight and hands-on knowledge.
She is a proud mother to her 14-year-old son.
Healthcare is a family tradition, and serving others is all she has ever known. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge, supporting students, and doing God’s work by helping one another and making a lasting impact.