Stefanie came to the PATH program at Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! with two lifelong goals: earn her GED and build a career working with animals. As a mother of two young children with limited resources, reaching those goals wouldn’t be easy, but she was determined to create a more stable future for herself and her family.
Stefanie worked with our team to identify the barriers standing between her and her goals and connect with the support she needed to move forward. Her first step was completing her GED. While enrolled in school, she balanced classes with caring for her children and other responsibilities at home. Our team helped cover the cost of one of her GED tests, and in early 2025, her hard work paid off when she earned her GED.
Stefanie was ready to keep going. Just a few weeks later, she enrolled in veterinary assistant training at Ross Education. She maintained strong attendance, developed the skills she would need to work with animals, and graduated near the top of her class. In April 2026, she passed her certification exam and became an approved veterinary assistant.
Her training also gave her the opportunity to put those skills to work through an externship at a local veterinary clinic. Stefanie’s enthusiasm, compassion, and dedication made an impression on the clinic’s team. By the end of her externship, they offered her a full-time position as a veterinary assistant.
Today, Stefanie is working full time as a veterinary assistant, turning her lifelong interest in working with animals into a career. She hopes to continue building on that experience and eventually explore opportunities in wildlife conservation.
Reflecting on her experience, Stefanie shared:
“Michigan Works has helped me achieve dreams that I never thought would come true. I’m truly grateful for the staff at Michigan Works who pushed me to achieve my goals!”
Stefanie’s journey shows what can happen when determination is paired with the right resources and support. Through PATH, she overcame barriers, reached important education and training milestones, and turned a longtime goal into a career caring for animals.