By Shima Zormandshahriyari, Northwest Region

Cynthia Morales, a veteran and a stay-at-home mom living in the Pacific Northwest, was able to learn and grow in a new career while still being able to be present for her family, all thanks to a Red Cross training program.  Cynthia, along with other graduates, celebrated the first graduating cohort of the Red Cross Dental Assistant Program at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in May 2026. She views this program as a great stepping stone and a rewarding opportunity for the military community.  

“These programs help many people who are in the same boat as me. A veteran who can still be able to help out her community in the military, who wants to enter the medical field, and a stay-at-home mother who wants to start a new career while juggling at-home life and also being a military spouse," she said.  

Before joining the program, one of the challenges for Cynthia was figuring out how to work in the dental field. Through this program, she gained confidence in her abilities and realized the positive impact this job has on patients.  

Kristin Horsley is the Service to the Armed Forces regional program manager based at JBLM and leads the dental program. She describes this transformation as one of the most inspiring aspects of the program. She says graduates attain new confidence, new skills, and a clearer vision for their future.  

 “Over time, they gained confidence, developed technical skills, and learned how to navigate a fast-paced healthcare environment. But beyond clinical training, we saw growth in professionalism, teamwork, and self-assurance. By the end of the program, these individuals weren’t just learning - they were contributing members of the care team," Horsley said.  

The strong and sustainable partnership of the Red Cross and the Madigan Army Medical Center’s Dental Activity (DENTAC) created this program to support patients and open doors for individuals interested in healthcare careers. Horsley believes the partnership assures that this program is not a one-time success; rather, it is a foundation of a long-lasting program and a pipeline for employment.  

Cynthia’s message to those who want to embark on this journey is to do so without hesitation, noting that even though it can be hard at times, it is very rewarding.  

“You're going to learn a lot from the amazing mentors in the clinics,” she said.  

If you’d like to learn more about this program and apply for the next cohort, email Kristin Horsley at: kris.horsley@redcross.org.