Celebrating Growth and Leadership: HSNT's 2025 MA2 Program Graduation

At Health Services of North Texas (HSNT), we are dedicated to cultivating leadership and growth within our team. Today, we celebrate the achievements of three Medical Assistant 2 (MA2) graduates. Their tenacity, dedication, and commitment to advancing their skills embody the values of HSNT and enhance patient care through their exceptional leadership and clinical expertise.

Meet Dalia

Dalia first became a Medical Assistant because of her passion for helping patients and the community. Originally from El Paso, Texas, Dalia joined HSNT four and a half years ago, growing her skills and making a difference in family practice care.

When asked what inspired her to take the extra step to become an MA2, Dalia shared her desire to learn more about patient care and to support her coworkers. “It was the best experience,” she said, reflecting on the MA2 program. Dalia credits her supervisor, Mari Bailey, and her fellow MA2s for their support throughout. “When I had a problem or a question about the trainings, they helped me a lot,” she said.

As part of the program, Dalia volunteered at community events, including one at Gonzalez School for Young Children, where she provided information about HSNT’s services. “Volunteering is important because we can connect with people in our community and share information about our providers and the care we offer,” she explained.

One of the most touching moments for Dalia was sharing the news of her graduation with her family. “My daughter, who’s five years old, and my partner were very excited and proud of me,” she said. With her sights set on becoming a registered nurse in the future, Dalia is determined to continue learning and growing in her career. “The only thing I can do is my best,” she shared with a smile.

Meet Bernice

For Bernice, becoming an MA2 was an opportunity to challenge herself and grow in confidence. Having worked as a Medical Assistant for over 15 years—four of those with HSNT—she decided this year to embrace the challenge and go for it. “I wasn’t feeling confident at first, but everyone encouraged me, and I decided to give it a shot,” she said.

Through the program, Bernice gained new knowledge and refreshed her understanding of essential skills. One of the most impactful parts of her learning experience was discovering more about the Ryan White Program. “I always heard people mention it but didn’t fully understand what it was. Learning about it and how it works was really interesting,” she said.

Bernice also enjoyed volunteering as part of the program, participating in the Jazz Fest to connect with the community and share information about HSNT’s services. “It was great to explain to people what we do and hear how much they appreciate our care,” she said. “Volunteering helps show that we care and are here to help, whether someone has insurance or not.”

When Bernice shared the news of her graduation with her family, they couldn’t have been more thrilled. Her husband and daughter were especially proud of her accomplishment. “My husband would always encourage me when I was nervous about the tests, telling me to take my time and keep going,” she shared. One of the most touching moments came when her mother expressed her pride, saying, “I’ve always wanted you to be a nurse but didn’t have the means to go to school. I’m proud of you.”

For Bernice, her passion for helping others is what drives her every day. “Even if I’m tired or not feeling my best, I come in smiling because I love what I do,” she said. With her positive attitude, Bernice personifies the qualities of a leader and caregiver.

Meet Darron

With over a decade of experience as a Medical Assistant, Darron joined HSNT nearly a year and a half ago after moving to Texas with his wife. From the moment he started, his colleagues saw his potential, particularly his coworker Taren, who encouraged him to pursue the MA2 certification early on. “Taren believed in me before I believed in myself,” Darron shared. “And my wife became my extra cheerleader—she kept me motivated every step of the way.”

Darron found the MA2 program to be both challenging and rewarding. The most difficult part, he shared, was maintaining focus on studying after a long day of work. But the highlight of his experience was the volunteer hours. “Volunteering was my chance to explore different parts of Texas and connect with the community,” he said. He recalled one particularly rewarding moment during an immunization event at a park, where he was surprised by how many people came out to get their COVID-19 vaccines.

Through the program, Darron gained a deeper understanding of HSNT’s history and the Ryan White Program, which was entirely new to him. “Learning about these programs helped me appreciate just how impactful HSNT is,” he said. His passion for helping patients from diverse cultural backgrounds has been a constant throughout his career, and he values the opportunity to provide care to individuals from all walks of life.

For Darron, the relationships he’s built with his coworkers and providers are central to his success. “There’s a symbiosis in how we work together,” he explained. “Understanding each other’s flow helps us provide smoother, more effective care for our patients.”

Looking ahead, Darron is eager to continue growing in his career. He has no plans to slow down, he’s already thinking about pursuing additional certifications to expand his skills further. “The more I can learn, the more I can help,” he said.

To those considering the MA2 program, Darron offers this advice: “Stick to it, and surround yourself with cheerleaders who will keep you motivated. Having people believe in you makes all the difference.”

Looking Ahead

We are proud of Dalia, Bernice, and Darron for their accomplishments and the positive impact they make every day at HSNT. Congratulations to the 2025 MA2 graduates. You inspire us all with your dedication and leadership!

If you’re a Medical Assistant at HSNT and are inspired to take your career to the next level by becoming an MA2, we encourage you to reach out to your supervisor for more information about the program and how you can get started.