Denise Morris, Instructor and Program Director at Carrington College in Mesa, AZ, nominated Kerry Lopez for the Graduate Spotlight. “Kerry is the gold standard of what it means to be a Carrington College graduate,” Denise says. “She demonstrates leadership, empathy, and excellence, and has proven that transformation is possible when paired with determination and heart.”
During her time in the Medical Assisting program, Kerry faced great personal challenges with resilience. She balanced the demands of single parenting with the rigorous expectations of her program, all while maintaining a GPA of 4.0. “Her academic excellence is a result of her discipline, time management, and commitment to her goals,” Denise adds. “She demonstrated compassion and willingness to help not only her classmates, whom she supported academically and personally, but also people throughout the community.”
Kerry’s hard work in the Medical Assisting program paid off—after graduating, she was offered employment directly from her externship site.
“Kerry was hired at a demanding wound care center—a highly-specialized field—where she continues to excel,” Denise says proudly. “She is a shining example of resilience, integrity, and career success. Kerry makes a strong impression on all who meet her.”
Kerry Lopez’s story is truly inspiring; she shares more about herself and her story here.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. I now live in Mesa, Arizona, where I’m raising my four wonderful children—a 19-year-old daughter, a 15-year-old son, and 12-year-old identical twin boys.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, attending Mass and church events, and relaxing with a good TV series.
When did you graduate from the Medical Assisting program?
I graduated from Carrington College in September 2025, after completing the Medical Assisting program. It truly was one of the best experiences of my life. The program was impressive, and the time went by so quickly. The faculty were knowledgeable, caring, and genuinely invested in our success.
How did you know you wanted to study Medical Assisting?
Before enrolling, I worked in various office positions such as medical billing and coding, taxes, etc., but I knew I wanted a career where I could engage directly with people and make a difference in their lives. I’ve always had a nurturing side, and Medical Assisting gave me the perfect opportunity to combine that with my interest in healthcare.
How did you know that Carrington College was the right place for you?
When I toured Carrington College, everything just clicked. The staff made me feel welcome, the facilities were great, and I could tell the program was well-structured and supportive. Taking that leap of faith turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
What did you like most about the program?
Without a doubt, my favorite part of the program was my instructor, Mrs. Morris. Her dedication, encouragement, and teaching style made a lasting impact on me and my classmates. I also loved the hands-on clinical experience, which gave us the chance to apply what we learned and gain confidence through real-world practice.
Can you share a little about your externship experience?
I completed my externship in September, and it was an incredible learning experience. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was time management—balancing multiple patients while giving each one the care and attention they deserve. I’m very proud to say that I was offered a full-time position immediately after my externship.
Where do you work now? What is your favorite part about being a Medical Assistant?
I currently work as a Medical Assistant at AZ Wound & Hyperbarics. A typical day involves preparing patients for treatment, assisting providers, and helping maintain a positive and comfortable environment. My favorite part of the job is being able to see patients’ progress and know I played a part in their healing process—it’s incredibly rewarding.
Did you face any challenges during your time in the program?
The weekend before school started, I experienced the devastating loss of my ex of 15 years, the father of my children. We separated a few months before this tragedy. Despite the heartbreak, I remained committed to my education, family, and recovery. Balancing family, grief, and academic responsibility required immense perseverance, faith in God, and self-discipline.
This journey has strengthened my character and deepened my sense of purpose, reminding me that resilience can transform even the hardest moments into growth. During my time at Carrington, I also stayed committed to my recovery as I am approaching three years of sobriety. Those lessons helped me stay focused on my goals, and reminded me that with support and determination, even when everything feels impossible, you can keep going. This program gave me a purpose to focus on during one of the darkest times in my life.
Your instructor mentioned that you are active in supporting others’ recovery in the community. Would you mind sharing more about that?
I am deeply involved in recovery work in our community; I was very open about this with my instructor and fellow students.
I regularly attend AA meetings multiple times each week. I have a favorite morning meeting that I attend regularly and I open it—setting up chairs, making coffee, etc.. I would leave my house at 5 a.m. to get there at 5:30. Sometimes I led the meeting. Afterward, I’d take the bus to make it to class on time.
I also returned to my treatment center to share my experience, strength, and hope with women who are beginning their recovery journeys. Being able to share my story and offer hope to others has been one of the greatest blessings of my life.
How did you balance home life, as a parent, with student life and work?
Being a mom of four while in school was definitely a challenge, but also my greatest motivation. I am blessed to have a large family that helps us.
My children are my reason why. I wanted to show them that no matter how hard life gets, it’s never too late to rebuild, learn, and grow. I learned to manage my time carefully — studying late at night, using every spare moment wisely, and reminding myself that this was all for a better future for our family. My kids have been my biggest cheerleaders, and seeing their pride in me makes every sacrifice worth it. This truly is God shining his light in my life. During my darkest moments I was able to go to God and fully surrender and he renewed my spirit, heart, and life. But for the grace of God, go I.
Do you have any advice for new students?
My advice for anyone just starting out is this: stick with it. Don’t second-guess yourself or let fear hold you back. It’s never too late to learn something new or to change your life. Stay focused, stay positive, and remember why you started—your hard work will pay off.