Marshiek Moore-Garrison – Culinary Arts Technician

Though she admits she didn’t want to be trained in culinary arts when she began at Caroline Center in September 2005, Marshiek Moore-Garrison now glows with enthusiasm about the career she started here. Marshiek works for Tom “Pep” Perella of Pepper’s Catering, where she prepares and serves food for the students at The Catholic High School. Though it took time to feel comfortable in the new kitchen, and though frying will never be an easy task (“I never want to see a chicken nugget in my house”), Marshiek loves her work. Marshiek’s job is not just about the food, of course, but also about her family of co-workers, and her relationship with the students. “Remember the grouchy old lunch lady? I’m not that lady, I smile,” she laughs. She jokes with her co-workers, quoting to them so frequently from her recent food preparation safety course at Caroline Center that they call her “Little Serve-Safe.”  Marshiek’s got it: she has the knowledge of food safety and preparation, loves preparing and cooking, has a family of cooks, and a fulfilling job. She’s truly become a Caroline Center success story.

Roxie Moyd - Professional Upholsterer

Roxie Moyd came to Caroline Center in Spring 2004 after hearing about it from a friend who had completed the certified nursing assistant program.  Wanting to make a change in her life and try something new, she decided to enter the upholstery program. She found the people she met were nice and after completing the initial 15-week program, she became a member of the close-knit Caroline Center Upholstery family and continued her training in the trade. Over the following two years, Roxie went from knowing only how to re-cover dining room chair seats to a point at which she says she felt like she had “mastered the craft.” She learned the different processes of re-upholstering various pieces of furniture and was trained with skills that allowed her to move to a different shop.  “Tearing down, sewing, everything I learned, all the little extras, the short-cuts that help me out, I learned at Caroline Center” says Roxie.  Roxie ambitiously left Caroline Center and took a job at Olympic Upholstery.  Adjusting to a new environment had its challenges, but she had confidence in her work and was willing to work hard and independently.  She says her new place of employment is “just like Caroline Center, except I don’t have to rip up the furniture.” She is not sure where she will find herself in the future, but she knows upholstery will continue be a part of her life. Roxie, we are proud of you!

Michaela Moaney  - Certified Pharmacy Technician

Michaela Moaney graduated from Caroline Center’s Pharmacy Technician program in December 2005 and immediately started working at the Walgreens Pharmacy  on North Avenue.  When she began, the pharmacy was understaffed, so she worked long, busy hours filling prescriptions, preparing medicines, and working with customers. Since more techs have been hired, including another recent Caroline Center graduate, the job has gotten easier and with her experience, Michaela is confidently helping newer staff. 
Still, Walgreens keeps her busy.  “The pharmacy part is fine,” she says, “I like doing the filing system.  I have a lot of control and freedom with it.”  Her challenge is working with customers whose numbers and needs can be overwhelming.  However, the staff saves her, “We work together well, it’s good being with good people all day.”  While her current plans are to stay at Walgreens, her sights are set on pharmacy school in the future.  As she grows in her career, she keeps the lessons she learned at Caroline Center with her. At the pharmacy, she runs into many students from Caroline Center.  “It’s fun to have that community.  I’m glad I’m part of Caroline Center.”  Like all alumnae, she will always be a part of Caroline Center.