Arlington: Conveniently Located at the intersection of I-20 and HWY 287 (Behind Cheddar's and adjacent to Carter Blood Care
4772 Little Road
Arlington, TX 76017
CNA: $950.00
CMA: $1,150.00
GREATER NEW BRAUNFELS/ SEGUIN: Conveniently Located at GRMC Main Hospital Campus Annex Classroom
1215 E. Court St. Seguin Tx 78155
Meet the Team
Jessica Anderson, RN, Owner,
Program Director
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Britnai Shelton, LVN,
Program Instructor
Debra Langford, LVN,
Program Instructor
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Ms. Jay, 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.
Inspired by her father’s illness in 2010, Britnai Shelton transitioned from a career in customer service to healthcare. She began as a CNA, advanced through restorative care and Activity Director in long-term and skilled nursing settings, and eventually became a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Since earning her LVN, Britnai has gained valuable experience in hospital care, travel nursing, plasma centers, and home health. Today, she’s proud to be instructing future healthcare professionals—continuing her passion for service, personal growth, and paying it forward.
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.
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Helen Barnes has been serving as a Licensed Vocational Nurse since 1997, bringing decades of clinical knowledge and leadership to her students. She has worked in various LVN roles, including as a charge nurse, where she honed her skills in patient care and team coordination. Helen began instructing CNA classes in 2002 and has since guided students at Victoria College, Job Corps, Austin Community College, and Seguin ISD. With her extensive background, she is passionate about preparing the next generation of nurse aides for success through hands-on training and professional mentorship.
Helen Barnes, LVN
Program Instructor
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.
Tara Cook, LVN
Program Instructor
Joyce Welborn Shields, CNA
Administration
Joyce has been building her career in customer service and leadership roles since 2015. She joined Faith Forward in April 2025, bringing her strong background in administration and student support to the team. Since 2019, Joyce has gained valuable experience in early childhood education centers and expanded her expertise into student administration in 2021, giving her a well-rounded perspective that benefits students and staff alike. Outside of work, Joyce enjoys crafting, camping with her husband and two dogs, and chasing her energetic two-year-old around.