Alumni

NWACC Alumni Spotlights

Jake Good-Fernandez, Class of 2024

My name is Jake, and I have been working as a Firefighter Paramedic with the Bentonville Fire Department for 7 years. In 2023, I decided to further my education by enrolling in NWACC's new Paramedic to RN bridge program. The 1-year (3-semester) program was challenging and prepared us to become entry-level RNs, equipping us for the NCLEX and the workforce. I went through the program with 18 paramedics from local agencies, and it involved rigorous academics and clinical rotations at local hospitals. The last semester covered interesting courses in critical care, pediatrics, and management of obstetrical emergencies. I found the program to be well-designed and was grateful for the opportunity to advance my professional and academic medical career as a paramedic and RN. 

Upon graduating and passing the NCLEX in January 2024, I was hired at Northwest Bentonville in the Emergency Department in February 2024. I continue to work full-time at the Bentonville Fire Department as a Firefighter Paramedic on a 2-day on/4-day off schedule. On my days off, I work 1-2 days a week in the ER as a nurse. Working both in the pre-hospital field as a paramedic and in the ER as an RN offers me a unique opportunity to see both sides. In the field, I can anticipate what medications and procedures will be done once in the ER. On the other hand, I can empathize with crews once they arrive in the ED as to the obstacles, they have to face wherever they pick up their patient. 

Bridge programs like the Paramedic to RN Bridge at NWACC are uncommon on a national scale, and I am thankful that I am in an area that offers such advancement to medical professionals. I hope more paramedics take advantage of the opportunity, and we build a workforce of Medic/RNs to provide high-quality emergency care to our communities. 

                                                                                 

Areli Cabrera, Class of 2021
 
Areli is a 2021 NWACC graduate. During her time at NWACC she served as a LIFE mentor (2019-2021) and was involved in the Honors Society. Areli was the recipient of the LIFE legacy scholarhip and the Ruby B. Mathews Endowed scholarship while enrolled at NWACC.
Since graduating, Areli has completed her Bachelors of Arts from the University of Arkansas and has been an active legacy mentor of the NWACC LIFE program. She plans to continue her education in pursuit of a Masters of Social Work. Most recently, Areli represented the NWACC Alumni Association as the 2024 Plant-A-Seed Soiree alumni speaker. She currently serves as the administrative specialist for the Disability Resource Center at NWACC.

Jonathan Janacek, Class of 2019
 
Whether you need improved style and function of your home, a remodeled kitchen, or a complete home restoration, this NWACC alum has you covered.
 
Janacek is a 2019 Construction Technology graduate and president of Janacek Remodeling, a construction company located in and serving Northwest Arkansas. Janacek Remodeling was originally started 37 years ago by Jonathan’s father and Jonathan joined the company 21 years ago.
 
Jonathan started with NWACC as a high schooler taking concurrent classes and saw the value of an affordable education even as a kid. He then took a break from school between high school and getting his degree. When asked about returning to school, Jonathan said, “it gave me a lot of confidence, going back to school. I had one semester at a university and then dropped out. NWACC gave me a soft landing to come back to and I want to give other students that same opportunity to go back and not be fearful of going to school.” Jonathan has been giving back to NWACC for quite some time now and established the NWACC Janacek Remodeling Scholarship in 2022. “For me, giving back to NWACC through scholarships has been a way to allow other students to reach their dreams the same way I was finally able to reach mine myself.”
 
Jonathan has been involved at NWACC in different ways. He had the privilege of teaching construction courses alongside faculty at NWACC back in 2019 and did that for two years. As much as he loved teaching, he is a husband, father of two, and president of a business full time and ultimately had to step away. However, he has been back on campus multiple times since 2021 to assist Ray Taylor in a class or two. Jonathan was also one of the alumni speakers at the 2023 Plant-A-Seed Soiree hosted by the NWACC Foundation.
 
Empowering students to be confident through education and experiences is Jonathan’s goal when speaking about NWACC to the community, his clients, and his own team. Although graduation is the ultimate goal when returning to school, one class can often be the doorway to returning to school. “There is a place for every student at NWACC, whether traditional or non-traditional, there is a place for every single student,” Jonathan says.  

Shelley Attaway, Class of 2020
 
Shelley Attaway works as a Computer Lab Supervisor at Northwest Arkansas Community College, where she utilizes her skills and expertise to provide assistance to students and faculty with technology-related issues. In addition to her role as a technology assistant, Shelley also serves as a tutor, helping students with computer information assignments and programming. She is committed to empowering students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their academic and professional careers.
 
After several years of working in childcare and raising three children of her own, Shelley pursued her dream of a career in technology. Despite the challenges of managing both her home and education during the global pandemic, she completed her AAS in Computer Information from Northwest Community College. Shelley continues to stay up to date with the latest advancements in her field and aspires to continue her education in the near future.
 
Apart from her professional work, Shelley is a devoted mother of three and enjoys spending time with her family. She also has generously provided pro bono website design and development services to local non-profit organizations, reflecting her passion for giving back to the community and supporting organizations in creating positive change.