The main focus of each Premier Education Group campus is to pre-pare each student for successful employment in his or her chosen

career field. That is what career-focused education at PEG is all about. First, each curriculum is designed to be in line with the needs of employers. Next, professional instructors provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in their chosen field. Finally, the Career Services staff engages with students during the course of their instruction, leading them through a series of steps as they transition from being a student to becoming employed in their new careers. The Career Services staff assists students in the area of Career Development with resume critique, interviewing skills, current job search techniques and the development of their professional portfo-lio. Partnering with faculty, the Career Services team develops extern and employment opportunities for students. Many of PEG’s programs include externships, which provide students with real-world experi-ence before graduating. Frequently, externships result in offers for permanent employment. Career Services departments are continually developing relationships with employers and externship sites within each career field. In addition, they foster strong relationships with business lead-ers to host professional development events at the campus that will introduce students to potential employers and current trends in the industry. The relationship between the student and the Career Services staff is paramount. According to Linda Moynahan, Corporate Director of Career Services, “Our departments support students in their job and externship attainment through employer referrals, coaching, and guiding them to 'think outside of the box' while capitalizing on every

Premier Education Group is pleased to announce the addition of the Hallmark Institute of Photography to the PEG family! Located in Turners Falls, MA, Hallmark was established in 1975 in response to the need for a photography school that fused artis-tic technique with the business skills

necessary to operate a photography business. Residing in a first class facility with the finest technology and equipment, Hallmark is under the direction of the school’s President and Executive Director George J. Rosa III. A Hallmark graduate of 1980, Rosa has seen classes grow from 50 to 250 under his direction, with students from all 50 states as well as numerous countries from across the globe, including Brazil, Ethiopia, Germany, Ireland, Japan and Switzerland. This past spring Hallmark joined Premier Education Group, com-bining PEG’s excellence in education and experience in school admin-istration with Hallmark’s excellent reputation around the world for graduating well-trained photographers. “I’m ecstatic about the future that lies ahead for us and grateful for the support we’ve received from Premier,” said Rosa. “It’s inspiring to know that we have like-minded visionaries who share our commitment to, and compassion for, our students. The partnership is a win-win for all and couldn’t have come at a better time,” he said.

Premier Education Group is proud to announce the opening of its fourth Salter School location in New Bedford, Massachusetts! The campus opened its doors this summer to students interested in pursuing careers as Professional Medical Assistants. The facility houses four lecture rooms, two computer labs and two medical labs, as well as a library and a student lounge. An 800-square-foot fitness lab is also under construction to accommodate the newest program—Professional Fitness Training! To increase the school’s visibility in the community, Campus President Mary Lynch, Director Henry Przybylowicz and Admissions Director Pam Flynn-Lord have been busy meeting with area workforce development organizations and providing campus tours to elected officials. “Local officials are very excited about the positive impact that the campus will have on the city,” Przybylowicz said. The first class of Medical Assistant students began this past August and classes in the Fitness Training program are scheduled to begin soon. “(Regional Director) David Colozzi, Mary, Pam and I are truly excited to build a cohesive, innovative team of professionals who share the vision of PEG and who will be a positive addition to the North Atlantic Region,” Przybylowicz said.

Premier Education Group Newsletter Fall/Winter 2009 Volume 8 Issue 17

A Leader in Professional Career Education

Branford Hall Career Institute • Seacoast Career Schools • Hallmark Institute of PhotographySuburban Technical School • Salter College • Harris School of Business • The Salter School

Branford Hall Career Institute • Seacoast Career Schools • Hallmark Institute of PhotographySuburban Technical School • Salter College • Harris School of Business • The Salter School

PEG Continues to Expand!

PEG's Career Services Teams - Committed to Student Success

Hallmark Institute of Photography ~ Turners Falls, MA

The Salter School ~ New Bedford, MA

"Career Services Director of the Year" Meri Hartig from Branford Hall in Bohemia, NY, with graduate Nancy

Zelaya

PEG Regional VP David Colozzi presents an award of excel-lence in Career Services to Christopher Briley from Seacoast

Career School in Sanford, ME.

employment opportunity.” Linda adds, “Our Career Services staff is focused on one common objective - student success after graduation!” Hats off to PEG’s Career Services Teams for their total com-mitment to student success!

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Alumni SucceSS“Congratulations to our spotlight graduates”

“I was 24 years old, working at a doughnut shop and not happy where I was in life,” Justin Craven explained. “I wanted more and the only way you can get that nowadays is with an education.” “I always wanted to work in the healthcare field, but I did not like the sight of blood or needles. I thought the Health Claims Specialist program was perfect for someone like me so I decided to enroll at the Salter School in Malden, MA.” “It was six years since I was in a school setting and the thought of going back scared me. After my first week, however, I met some amazing people and I had a great school experience. The faculty and the student body were great. I found out that if there is something you really want, and you put your mind to it, you will succeed,” Jus-tin said. After graduation, Justin was hired as the Managed Care Coor-dinator at Visiting Nurse and Community Health, an agency in Arling-ton, MA that provides a wide range of skilled care to their clients in

Stephanie Savia decided to go back to school because she wanted a challenging career. She said, “My job as a Front Desk Supervisor was very repetitive. It did not require much thinking and it was very unful-filling.” Stephanie had an extreme interest in the legal system and wanted to work in a fast-paced, challenging environment so she chose to enroll in the Paralegal program at Branford Hall Career Institute in South-ington, CT. “Branford Hall was close to my home and the staff made it so easy for me to enroll. The campus was very welcoming and extremely informative,” Stephanie shared. “I took comfort in the students around me. We were all going through the same thing so there was a nice support system. Every one of the in-structors made my experience back at school worthwhile. The faculty and staff were encouraging and it was nice to go to school everyday knowing there were people who cared.” Once Stephanie completed her program, she was hired as a Paralegal at a law firm where she focuses on Insurance Defense and Personal Injury. She explained, “I handle all the scheduling, as well as prepare and file all the motions and pleadings in court. I have a wonderful career and I can wake up everyday with a smile on my face, ready to go to work.” “Choosing to go to Branford Hall was one of the best deci-sions I have made and it has broadened my horizons in so many ways. Because of what I learned, I have the knowledge and the ability to pursue any career in the legal field. I moved my life in an upward direction. You only live once, so why wait?”

With an Education

Stephanie Savia

“My previous jobs at warehouses and machine shops required a lot of lifting. Every-day after work, I would have backaches and my joints would hurt all day. I was not enjoying my work. It was all physical labor and I was very unhappy,” Christian Delgado explained. Christian’s wife encouraged him to take the first step towards a new career and go back to school. He chose the Accounting program because of his grandfather. Christian said, “I admired my grandfather who was an ac-countant. He was my biggest inspiration and the reason why I chose Accounting as my career path.” Christian enrolled in the Accounting program at the Salter School, now Salter College in West Boylston, MA. After the comple-tion of his program, he was hired at Imperial Distributors, Inc. in Worcester as an Accounts Payable Auditor. “I love going to work in an office environment. I know that I will be using and challenging my mind - not my body for physical or exhausting labor,” he expressed. The accounting skills that Christian obtained at Salter apply tremendously to his career today. "Salter taught me how and where to apply debits and credits which is such an important skill to know. My job depends on it. Other key parts of my job which I learned at school are keyboarding, Microsoft Excel, and knowing how to use asset, liabil-ity, and shareholder equity accounts." Christian added, “Salter College has changed my life!”

Applying Your Mind

Christian Delgado

The pay was not enough for Kim Williamson, a wife and mother of two, working as a Customer Service Repre-sentative at a home improvement store. In search for a career and not a job, she enrolled in the Medical Assistant program at Suburban Technical School in Hempstead, NY. “The campus was close to where I lived and offered flexible schedules so I could continue to work,” Kim said. “I had wonderful teachers who kept me grounded and focused on why I was there.” Kim now works as a Medical Assis-tant for Dr. Anelise Engel, an Internal Medicine and Bariatric physi-cian in New York, NY. “My life has benefited from my decision to go back to school because now I have a great job in the heart of Manhat-tan. I am doing really well with the knowledge that I gained and I’m continuing to learn new things everyday,” she shared. “Graduating from Suburban Tech expanded my career choices. I’m able to apply for a MA position, EKG technician, or work in a lab as a Phlebotomist. My family from Mississippi is so proud of me. I’m the only one who left home to better myself. With the help of Suburban Tech, I am doing just that!”

Made it in Manhattan

Kim Williamson

Challenge Yourself

Christine Rohde was at a crossroads. She was aspiring to become a sign language teacher, but the closest school she found was located over five hours away. “I wasn’t ready to move away from home and because of my family’s finances, I decided not to pursue that career path,” she said. One day, still contemplating what to do, she received an informa-tion piece in the mail from Branford Hall Career Institute located near her home in Bohemia, NY. “The Medical Billing and Coding program sounded interesting and it was something I could see myself doing. I met with an Admissions Representative to learn more and enrolled that day,” Christine shared. Christine excelled through the program and was Valedictorian of her graduating class! She expressed, “My instructors gave me confidence and recognized the potential I had in the medical field. They always encouraged me to work harder.” The program allowed Christine to have more career options, such as working at a specialist's office or insurance company. She accepted a position at Financial Medical Systems, a full service med-ical billing company in Hauppauge, NY. “I help patients understand their medical bills and I also deal with insurance companies to help them pay claims,” she explained. “I am more financially stable and my life has become less stressful.” Christine added, “I can’t imagine doing anything else in my life now that I am a Medical Biller. Branford Hall was most certainly a great career move for me. I strongly recommend anyone who is unsure of what they want to do with their career to look into Medical Billing and Coding.”

Christine Rohde

Valedictorian

the comfort of their own homes. Justin stated, “I maintain our patients' ac-counts and I obtain authorizations from insurance companies so patients can re-ceive in-home care from our clinicians.” Justin’s life has benefited from his decision to go to the Salter School. “I used to serve coffee and now I have a great new job and skills that can take me places. With this education, I can work in any hospital or doctor's office. I no longer have to worry about hav-ing enough money to pay bills and I can pretty much live my life stress free. I can actually do things, like go on vacation." Justin added, “If you are thinking about going back to school, do not hesitate because it will be worth all of your hard work to make a bright future for yourself.”

Justin Craven

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“Congratulations to our spotlight graduates”Alumni SucceSS

Michelle Willette was at a time in her life when she wanted to learn a new career. She previously owned and operated Stewart's Ambulance Service, Inc., and when she sold the company she found herself with a lot of free time. “I felt the most beneficial use of my time would be to go back to school,” Michelle said. She explained, “I have spent most of my life seeing people in pain, being that I am a paramedic, and the cost of insurance and medi-cal bills only adds to people’s stress. I wanted a career where people left with smiles instead of worries. I knew I felt best after I received a massage, so I began looking into massage schools.” “When I interviewed at Seacoast Career School in Manches-ter, NH, I knew it was where I wanted to be. I had a sense of being at home and the environment was professional and warm. Plus the flexible schedules that were available allowed me to take day classes which I liked because I am a single mom of two daughters,” Michelle stated. With her previous business experience and her new massage therapy skills obtained from Seacoast, Michelle opened a Massage Envy fran-chise in Manchester, the first spa franchise to open in the state of New Hampshire! Massage Envy has clinics in 40 states and is recog-nized as one of the leading franchises in a recent Entrepreneur’s Fran-chise 500 survey. Michelle shared, “The Massage Therapy program was amazing

Envious Careerand led me to where I am today. I love going to work." As part of operating Massage Envy, Michelle needs to employ skilled mas-sage therapists. “Since opening my business, I have hired a total of 12 graduates from Sea-coast Career School! I am always thrilled with the quality of massages they perform and their at-tention to detail,” she expressed. Michelle is on Seacoast’s Advisory Board and she also hosts field trips for current massage students, providing them with insight into massage therapy careers and encouraging them to set goals for themselves. “It’s an honor for me to give back to Seacoast for all they have done and help promote a great school that has changed my life. I look forward to hiring more talented Seacoast graduates in the fu-ture.”

Michelle Willette (2nd from left) with other Seacoast graduates

After feeling very dissatisfied with her life for quite some time, Suzanne Kuhn de-cided to make a change. “I worked at vari-ous office jobs, but never felt like they were going anywhere. I felt like something was missing in my life. I was just going through the motions of each day…kind of stuck in a rut,” Suzanne expressed. She wanted a career that she could feel good about and would love doing every day. Suzanne decided to combine her two passions - being around others and helping people - and enrolled in the Medical Assis-tant program at Harris School of Business in Stratford, NJ. Suzanne did extremely well in the

program. She said, “I received my first honor roll ever after the first module which was Medical Office Simulation Software. I proved to myself that I could really do this!”

More Meaning to Life With the help of the Career Services staff at Harris, Suzanne is now working as a Certified Medical Assistant for Family Practitio-ner Dr. David Neidorf in Lindenwold, NJ. “I love every moment and this is a dream come true for me. I am utilizing everything I learned at the Harris School. I "room" patients which consists of taking their vitals, reviewing medications and checking patient’s Electronic Medical records for test results. I administer injections, EKG’s and take care of lab work. I also refill prescriptions and schedule appointments,” Suzanne explained. Dr. Neidor stated, “Suzanne is a hard working, dedicated employee who came to me extremely well trained and knowledge-able of what the Medical Assistant job entails. Her motivation level is outstanding.” Suzanne would like to thank the faculty and staff who were always there to help and do whatever they could to make her feel confident and comfortable. Suzanne shared, “Because of Harris, I am now able to offer my family financial support alongside the emotional support. I feel satisfied with all aspects of my life. My experience at Harris has given my life more meaning and a purpose. ”

Suzanne Kuhn

Externships play an important role in students’ education, offering them on-the-job experience and easing the transition from school to the workplace. Seacoast Career School is especially proud of the relationship it has built with Healthcare Administrative Partners, LLC, a large medical billing company that has a facility in Portsmouth, NH. Since 2002, HAP has become the premier extern site for Sea-coast students in the Health Claims Specialist program. Including externs, an estimated 37 students from Seacoast Career Schools in Sanford, ME and Manchester, NH have been employed by HAP. Many of these students had their externships at other facilities and two grads have been promoted to team leaders. “We frequently call Seacoast when we are adding staff because we know that the stu-dents at Seacoast have chosen medical billing as their career and are dedicated, hard-working employees who take their jobs seriously,” said Linda Muchemore, Director of the Northeast Division of Health-care Administrative Partners, LLC. Muchemore also stated that the students have a strong basic knowledge of medical billing and are eager to learn as much as possi-ble. In fact, the last two employees hired at HAP have been graduates of Seacoast Career School. As a medical billing company, Healthcare Administrative Part-ners is in a position to expose students to the latest in medical billing technology and processes, a wide range of insurance carriers, as well as the functional jobs that are required for medical billing. In turn, HAP has an opportunity to hire externs that have a positive, energetic attitude and understand the requirements for promptness and excel-lent attendance, Muchemore said. Of the 20 externs that HAP has accepted from the Sanford cam-pus, 15 have been offered permanent positions at the company during their externships, she said. Currently, HAP has 14 employees that are Seacoast graduates. In addition to hiring Seacoast grads, Healthcare Administrative Partners serves on the Seacoast Advisory Board and hosts field trips

for medical billing students. During the trips, Seacoast students are able to see the various procedures involved in claims processing, from receiving, processing and entering charges to billing and printing claims, electronic receipts and denials. Students are also given the opportunity to meet and speak to working Seacoast graduates and take part in a question and answer session after the tour. The company focuses primarily on radiology practices, many of which are hospital based. They handle all aspects of the accounts re-ceivable process, including: receipt of charges, claims editing, claims transmission (both paper and electronic), account reconciliation (in-cluding credit balances), patient inquiries, re-billing, correspondence and claims denial management. Seacoast Career School is very proud of their relationship with Healthcare Administrative Partners and looks forward to provid-ing them with many more externs and skilled employees in the future.

Seacoast Health Claims Specialist graduates

working at Healthcare Administrative Partners

A Premier Externship Site

Page 4

"People begin to become successful the minute they decide to be."~ Harvey Mackay

On April 25, 2009, Premier Education Group held its annual corporate in-service event in Windsor, CT. Over 500 PEG employees from Maine to Delaware attended the event to celebrate achievements and to learn new skills to enhance the educational experience for students at all of PEG’s 24 campuses. This year’s presentation, titled “Delivering the Dream,” was given by Mr. Jeff Schillinger. During the past 11 years, Mr. Schillinger has been primarily involved in training teachers and administrators on how to better serve students and improve outcomes. A key theme in his presentation was that student success is not just the responsibility of educa-tors, but involves everyone in the school. Katin Keirstead, Director of Education of Seacoast Career School said, “His presentation sparked a lot of ideas that I was able to implement in my school. I took many of his ideas and created an in-service for my faculty. It was a lively and informative session that helped instructors plan fun and interactive activities to get students engaged and excited." Erik Schmid, Director of Education at the Harris School of Business, also found value in the materials provided by Mr. Schillinger. “I have been implementing ideas from the handout and having my instructors choose one item to implement in their classrooms and provide feed-back on it at the next faculty meeting. It has been going very well and most instructors are seeing that just one little thing can give them greater insight into their classes.” The event was organized by the corporate Education and Career Services departments to recognize the hard work and dedication of faculty, education and career services personnel who go above and beyond the call of duty for their students every day.

Premier Education Group’s newest program, Professional Fitness Trainer, prepares individuals not only to get in shape, but also to shape their professional lives and the lives of their future clients. In order to ensure the highest quality of fitness education possible, PEG has partnered with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) to deliver a top-notch health and fitness cur-riculum and training methodology in a hands-on, classroom setting to individuals seeking to become professional fitness trainers. The program, introduced this past spring at four Branford Hall Career Institute campuses, is under the di-rection of David Pettrone Swalve, PEG’s Professional Fitness National Director. “PEG expects to be the single largest provider of education and training for qualified fitness trainers in the entire Northeast,” said Swalve.

The United States Department of Labor predicts that the Professional Fitness Trainer industry is growing faster than average and expects a 27% increase in the need for fitness trainers through 2016. PEG’s 900 hour

program prepares students for occupations in health clubs, rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, spas, resorts, corporate fitness facilities or as suc-cessful entrepreneurs in their own private fitness practices. The curriculum, developed through focus group meetings with expert trainers and facility owners, is already receiving acclaim from the industry’s top professionals. “I am impressed with the depth of Branford Hall’s curriculum as well as their balanced approach to fitness train-ing education,” said Dr. Micheal A. Clark, CEO of NASM. Clark, also the physical therapist to the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and Men’s Health maga-zine’s selection as the top visionary to shape the future of the health and fitness industry, went on to say, “The blending of classroom education with hands on lab work prepares professionals for not only the NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam, but for a lifelong career in fitness.”

Get Your Career Path in Shape

"Delivering the Dream"

In an effort to strengthen Premier Education Group’s relationship with national blood collection organizations, campuses companywide have held dozens of blood drives in an effort to give back to their local communities. With assistance from the American Red Cross, along with other blood collection organizations, PEG has had a very successful start to their drives. Last year approximately 377 pints of blood were collected. This year, at only about half way through the scheduled blood drives, the company has nearly doubled last year’s results with over 730 pints of blood collected. Students and staff alike were pleased to be able to contribute by donating blood. “The students were enthusias-tic and encouraged each other to donate,” said Diana Alagna, Medical Program Director at the Branford Hall Southing-ton campus. “Students had commented that this was a great way to give back to the community.”

Director of the Salter School Malden campus Laurie O’Malley was equally satisfied with the school’s first blood drive. “It was a huge success,” she said. “We had 46 possible donors with a result of 30 complete units taken. Students

and faculty alike were very excited to participate and give to such a worthy cause.” Not only does the success of these PEG blood drives directly impact the physical well being and lives of those in their community, it will benefit PEG students as well. For each pint collected, PEG President Gary Camp has agreed to donate $2 to the PEG Scholarship Fund. Campuses are eager to maintain the momentum they have been building in their blood drives. “The turnout was outstanding and we all look forward to the next blood drive,” said Laurie. Likewise, Windsor’s Professional Medical Assistant Program Director Margaret Wilkinson said, “The event exceeded expectations on both sides. We are anxiously waiting for our next drive.”

Students Give the Gift of Life

Students receiving hands-on fit-ness training at Branford Hall.

Mr. Jeff Schillinger

Studying to become a Medical Assistant will not only enhance your career options—it may also give you the necessary skills to save a life! Professional Medical Assistant Anais Rivera was shopping at her local CVS pharmacy in Hartford, CT when she heard a woman scream-ing, “Please help me, my baby stopped breathing!” Anais, who received her CPR certification at the Branford Hall campus in Windsor while studying to become a Medical Assistant, ran over to help the mother and child. Anais quickly took charge of the situation by ensuring that 911 was called and starting CPR immediately on the 10-month old baby. Anais was able to get the baby breathing again and was told by the EMS that her efforts had saved the baby’s life. Medical Assistant student Michele Palazzo at The Salter School in Fall River was put in a similar situation when a woman started hav-ing a heart attack while he was in court. When Mike saw that the woman was in distress, he immediately focused on his medical skills to assist the woman until paramedics arrived. In addition to staying by the woman’s side, he was able to keep everyone in the courtroom calm and made sure that the ambulance was called immediately. The court was very appreciative of his help and, in thanks, waived all of his court fees. Premier Education Group is very proud of Anais Rivera and Michele Palazzo for their acts of heroism. Both students have proved themselves to be exceptional medical professionals—not only for their technical skills, but for the leadership, integrity and compassion for human life they showed in the face of adversity.

Acts of Heroism In accordance with what has become a Premier Education Group tradition, three PEG campuses teamed up this past summer to participate in the Multiple Sclerosis Cape Cod Getaway – the largest MS bike ride in New England, which ran from Quincy, MA to Provincetown. The fund-raiser, which spans two days and 150 miles, drew Massage Therapists and Medical Assistants from the Branford Hall Career Institute Springfield and Windsor campuses, as well as The Salter School in Fall River. In total, 45 massage students worked tirelessly providing much needed massages to the over 600 riders who participated in the event. In addition, the Medical Assistant students helped run the reception area. Salter School faculty Dianne Sass and Rob Allen, along with Branford Hall faculty Julie Himmelwright, supervised the event. “I thought we had a great turnout," said Sass. “(The students) enjoyed meeting other students from different campuses and they really started working together and sharing tips.” According to Sass, the riders, MS staff and volunteers com-mented on the professionalism of the massages, as well as the stu-dents’ overall attitude and demeanor. “I think events like these are a very important part of our training,” she said. “Students are able to see how much massage can make a difference, and how good they feel when they are able to volunteer their time.”

MS Cape Cod Getaway

Blood donor and in-structor Kelly Lacluyze

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cAmpuS HeAdlineS

• Medical Assistant faculty members were invited to visit the Endocrine Associates of New Ha-ven to accept an EKG machine – a generous gift from the practice that will further assist students in their preparation for careers in the medical field. • The campus is looking fresh and new thanks to a remodel of the first floor and lobby areas! The lobby was upgraded from car-pet to beautiful porcelain tile. Outside, the building landscap-ers have been sprucing up flower beds, pruning trees and installing a few new parking signs that have weathered over time. • To accommodate Branford Hall’s continued growth, the campus is leasing an additional 5,230 square feet of space. This space will house the Professional Fitness Training program and a new Wellness Center to give Massage Therapy students the opportunity to work in a real spa environment.

• A big thanks to the Student Council for sponsoring a student/faculty barbecue this summer! Everyone enjoyed the good food and the opportunity to socialize during games of volleyball and badminton. • Career Services Director Nancy Davis and Massage Thera-py Instructor Jason Miller orga-nized an advisory board meeting recently. The meeting was well attended by students, graduates and area business owners.• Students in the Professional Fitness Training program attended a presentation by Golf Fitness Specialist Nick Garrity from Atlanta, GA. After the presenta-tion, the students had an opportu-nity to test their newly-learned skills at Gold’s Gym in Windsor. Students from Springfield and Southington also attended.

• The student government, along with staff from the Springfield Medical Campus, participated in the City Wide Clean-Up event - part of the “Keep Springfield Beautiful” campaign, this sum-mer. Branford Hall joined forces with the YMCA to clean up the communities near the Y’s corpo-rate office in downtown Spring-field. • An “Administrative Lock-Up Day” was held to raise money for the local Relay for Life event, recently. Four school adminis-trators were “arrested” by the SWAT team (Student Services Coordinator Julie Himmelwright) and placed in jail. The accused had to raise money by securing donations from students, staff and faculty members in order to be released. Congratulations to MA Program Director Kim Rock for raising the most money!• Thanks to the hard work of students and staff members at the Springfield campus, the Red Cross Blood Drive was a success! In ad-dition to securing donations from current students, mailings were sent out inviting graduates and future students to the campus to make a donation to this life-sav-ing organization.

• The campus is proud to an-nounce that their grant request for an OSHA safety training pro-gram was approved! The state-administered grant will help them train students and instructors in OSHA safety and will give stu-dents an edge in the job market upon graduation. • The two Branford Hall cam-puses in Springfield competed in a series of softball games at Forest Park in Springfield this summer. The series ended in a tie, with one win each for the Springfield Medical and the Springfield Tech campuses. • Congratulations to those stu-dents who passed the CNM Micro-soft Certification Tests recently!

• The Bohemia campus has become approved to offer NATE certification for their students! Many HVAC companies require this certification to be considered for hire. Graduating with a 608 EPA license and the NATE certification will make their grads even more attractive to potential employers. • Equipment in the HVAC de-partment has been updated with top-of-the-line heating, air conditioning and refrigera-tion equipment. Students in the refrigeration classes disassemble and reassemble the new walk-in refrigerator just as they would in a typical work day. In heating and air conditioning labs, students install modern mini split systems and learn to service and maintain all of this equipment so they are ready to perform on the job when they graduate.• Per tradition, the Bohemia Campus welcomed the Long Island Blood Service, a poten-tial employer for graduates, to the campus! The blood drive has become an annual event for the school and the students look forward to making a difference by organizing and donating to this great organization. • Communications instructors Mr. Tramontana and Ms. Dagradi held a classroom debate recently. The topic chosen was euthanasia with Mr. Tramontana’s class arguing for the legalization and Ms. Dagradi’s class arguing against. Both classes did such a great job preparing for and participating in the debate, the conclusion was declared a draw. Great job on both sides!

• The campus is proud to an-nounce a 100% pass rate for students who took the National Phlebotomy examination! Con-gratulations on a job well done!• Students and faculty celebrat-

• New York Assemblyman Bob Reilly had a very successful visit to the school recently. He spent almost two hours at the school, visiting each class and talking with students. He also met with a group of student ambassadors

ed Paralegal Week by presenting all students in the program with a special Branford Hall pin, a pizza party and by scheduling a guest speaker, Human Resources professional Amy Raider. Amy discussed common resume errors, law office etiquette, dress code and office professionalism.• The Branford Hall community came together this summer to help fight cancer at the Relay for Life event in Southington, CT. Approximately 40 students and in-structors took part in the 24-hour walkathon, raising over $3,000 for this important cause!

Branford, CT

Branford Hall Career Institute

Windsor, CT

Southington, CT

Springfield, MA

Springfield, MA (Tech Campus)

Albany, NY

Salter College

West Boylston, MA

• The Student Government Association is sponsoring a very successful recycling project. Paper, plastic and cardboard are collected and transported to a nearby recycling plant, eliminat-ing 60% of the waste generated at the school! A big thanks to SGA Advisor Sean Hendricks who was the guiding force behind the program.• Hats off to the grads! The Salter College community gath-ered on June 12th to celebrate the achievements of their gradu-ating class. Ms. Rita Moran, Vice President of National Grid, was the commencement speaker. In her speech, Rita talked about striving for leadership and “the power of action.” • The Culinary Arts Program has just added three certification ex-ams from the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation. The subject areas are Nutrition, Menu Marketing and Food Cost Control. These certifications will enhance the students’ portfolio upon graduation and may help them attain management certifi-cation in the future.

The Salter School

• Tina Ryan went from being a Salter School student to an MA in-structor whose passion for teach-ing earned her the Above and Beyond Award. Tina’s ability to relate to her students and make learning fun are two reasons why she was nominated. Congratula-tions Tina!• The Student Council selected two students to attend a Quar-terly Advisory Board Meeting to speak about themselves and why they had chosen to attend The Salter School. Paralegal students Aaron Dale and Emilia Smugare-wska presented themselves very professionally and did an excel-lent job representing the council. Well done!• Three students from the Massage Therapy Department attended a health fair at North Shore Community College, where they received an overwhelming response to their massage servic-es. There was a long line waiting for an available chair at the Salter School booth for four straight hours! Fantastic work everyone!• The Malden campus is proud to announce that it has met the cri-teria to become a testing site for the National Phlebotomy Associa-tion (NPA) Certification Test!

Bohemia, NY

Malden, MA

and talked about the importance of developing networks to help them in their job searches. He mentioned numerous times how impressed he was with the profes-sionalism demonstrated by the students. Reilly said, “The most important quality that employers look for is dependability – be-ing there, on time, and ready to work. I was very impressed to see all of the students who received perfect attendance awards.”

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cAmpuS HeAdlineS

• The Tewksbury campus held a BBQ this summer to say farewell to Dr. Tomas Flores. Tomas has been the longest-standing instruc-tor at The Salter School and will be sorely missed as a leader in the Medical Assisting department. • Students from both the MA and MT departments took a field trip to Ledyard, Connecticut to view the “Bodies Revealed” exhibit. The trip captivated the students and gave them an up close look at the structure and function of the human body.• School Director Topher Good-man was put behind bars for “good” on behalf of the Salter School to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Although bail was set at $800, the campus exceeded their goal and was put on the honor roll. Thank you to everyone who participated in this worthwhile cause!

• The campus would like to rec-ognize Jeffrey Costa, a remark-able individual whose wife died from cholangiocarinoma cancer last year. In addition to raising his children and attending school, Jeff started the Susan M. Costa Cholangiocarinoma Foundation to help find a cure for this rare form of bile duct cancer. The Salter School salutes Jeff and the passion he brings to this impor-tant cause.• Students in the Health Claims Specialist and Medical Assistant programs will now have the op-portunity to gain valuable expe-rience at nine new externship sites! These sites include Compu

• Welcome, Gary Hamel! Gary has made PEG a family affair by joining his wife Cindy Hamel (admissions representative in Fall River). Gary’s entrepreneurial background will serve him well in his new position as an admissions representative.• Henry Przybylowicz, former Director of Education in Fall River, has been promoted to Campus Director of the New Bed-ford Campus. He will join Mary Lynch, President of Fall River and New Bedford and Pam Flynn-Lord, Director of Admissions.

• Students, staff, family and friends gathered to celebrate the achievements of the graduates during the Spring Commencement Ceremony. The campus was very pleased to host Dr. Faron Bore-ham of Premier Education Group as the guest speaker. It was a wonderful evening for all!• Congratulations to those faculty and staff members who were formally recognized for their excellence at the corporate in-service event recently. Those receiving awards included Direc-tor of Career Services Christo-pher Briley, Director of Education Katin Keirstead, Massage Therapy Instructor Heidi Call and Medi-cal Assistant Instructor Mathew Robinson.

• A local chiropractor and mem-ber of the Harris School of Busi-ness’ Advisory Board in Wilming-ton has also become a benefactor. Dr. Stacey Cohen donated two medical tables to the school.• The Financial Aid department has created a directory of schol-arships that could be available for students who are researching supplemental funding. Interested students can access this directory through the FA office. • Health Claims students have been asked to assist a local at-torney with his cases by spend-ing several hours each week researching and sorting medical bills based on the conditions they relate to. He has informed his partners of the students’ help and feels this is an excellent opportu-nity for externships and/or place-ments after graduation.

• On six separate occasions, hospital staff from the AtlantiCare Hospitals in Galloway Township and Atlantic City, NJ requested chair massages from the students of the Harris School of Business.

• The Gift of Life Organization spoke to the campus about the importance of organ donation and how donations have benefited them as well as many others. The day was educational to both students and staff and the cam-pus cannot wait for Gift of Life to come again.• Wendy Brooks, owner of the staffing agency Brooks Personnel, spoke to the students and offered tips on interviewing, resume writing and dressing profes-sionally. The students found the advice very helpful.• Congratulations to all Stratford grads! 2009 graduates, along with their families, friends and staff celebrated their accomplishments on October 23rd.

• Since March 2009, Cherry Hill has significantly increased its certification pass percentage due to its new study session program held on Saturdays once a month. Great job!• Cherry Hill has begun a Stu-dent Ambassador program as well as a Student Council. The Student Ambassador program has veteran students walk new students to class, assist and mentor new stu-dents with homework assignments and encourage students who are dealing with issues like transpor-tation and child care. • Congratulations to the Cherry Hill campus, whose HCS NCCT cer-tification pass percentage is 93%!

• Massage Therapy instructor Joe Frazer participated in the King Pine triathlon with two mas-sage therapy students recently. The three competed in the event as a team, with Joe swimming 1/3 mile, Wendy Ulbrich biking 12.5 miles and Meredith Roby run-ning 3.5 miles. • Congrats graduates! Approxi-mately 120 students gathered together this summer to celebrate their achievements in the com-pany of their family and friends. Faculty members from each department spoke at the event, including Stephanie Alamo of the Massage Therapy program, Roy Degrandpre of the Health Claims Specialist program and Tania Shedd of the Professional Medical Assistant program.• The Seacoast Student Council worked with a neighboring salon for an externship makeover raf-fle. The names of every student going on externship were entered into a drawing to receive a wash, cut and style at Signature Styles,

• The Harris School of Business in Hamilton sponsored a school wide field trip to see the “Body World” exhibit at the South Street Seaport in NYC. Approxi-mately 90 of their students, as well as many faculty members, were in attendance. • Carol Caravelli was honored with an "Instructor of the Year" award. She has been a member of the faculty since January 2008. Carol has demonstrated a passion

Claim in Newport, RI, Medical Resources Home Health in North Dartmouth, MA, East Bay Surgical Center in Swansea, MA and Ortho-pedic Specialties in Falmouth, MA. • Congratulations to Sherri Tager and Dianna Sass for their recent achievement awards at the corporate in-service event! Medical Assistant Instructor Sherri Tager was recognized as “Teacher of the Year” at The Salter School and Massage Therapy instructor Dianna Sass was given the “Above and Beyond” award.

Seacoast Career Schools

Harris School of Business

The hospital employees were so pleased that some of the gradu-ates may be awarded a contrac-tual agreement to offer profes-sional massage services to the hospital staff on an ongoing basis!• Students will volunteer their massage services at various fund-raising events such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Soci-ety “Bike MS: Coast to Coast,” in Cape May, NJ, as well as the “Kelly’s Ride” event in Ocean City. • Admissions Director BJ Torres recently attended the Garden State Employment & Training Association (GSETA) convention in Atlantic City to renew relation-ships with agency members in New Jersey. Representatives of the NJ Workforce and Unemploy-ment Offices met to discuss fund-ing and opportunities for unem-ployed citizens and to connect them with training programs. BJ was able to talk with old and new GSETA employees to refresh them on Harris’s multiple locations in NJ and the programs offered.

along with a basket of products so they can maintain their fresh new look during their externship.

Tewksbury, MA

New Bedford, MA

Fall River, MA

Sanford, ME

Manchester, NH

Cherry Hill, NJ

Wilmington, DE

Linwood, NJ

Stratford, NJ

Hamilton, NJ

Jane Parker, VP of Accreditation at Premier Education Group, was recently elected President of the Massachusetts Association of Private Career Schools (MAPCS). “MAPCS repre-sents the private career schools in the state of Massachusetts,” Parker said. “We have various committees that work to help schools through Legislature and educational workshops.” According to their website, MAPCS is a non-profit organization whose mission is to “promote high educational standards in busi-ness, occupational and vocational schools and encourage ethical practices in schools, between schools and with employers and the public.” “The awesome part of this is that I will be working directly with Mary Jayne Fay, the Coordinator at the Department of Education’s Office of Proprietary Schools. She is the one who oversees the schools in the state of Massachusetts,” Parker said.

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And current eventS

• The Dover campus has moved! They are now located across town from their previous location in a new facility with seven classrooms, three MA labs, a Surgical Tech lab, a library, student lounge, and staff lounge. The campus is enjoying their new location and getting to know their neighbors!• Brian McCarthy, Investigator for the Chief Medical Examiner’s office for Kent and Sussex Coun-ties in Delaware, was a guest speaker for the student body on July 21.

• Students were welcomed back from break with a student ap-preciation day summer bash. Raffle tickets were given to students with perfect attendance and students were served lunch and dinner by the faculty. Thanks to everyone who organized the event.• The Career Services Workshops are designed to help prepare students for their careers by teaching job search techniques, performing mock interviews and resume preparation. Inspired by the workshops, students are taking the initiative and actively seeking work and externship sites at various hospitals, clinics, and private practices.• Over 100 of Suburban Tech-nical School’s graduates were invited to attend the 2009 Spring Commencement held at Jericho Terrace on July 22.

• The Upper Darby campus held its first American Red Cross blood drive recently, which was organized in part by the Blood Drive Committee of the Upper Darby Student Council. The school was able to collect 15 pints and the blood drive committee has set a goal to double that amount dur-ing the next event. • The Student Council partnered with the Dental Assisting program to offer teeth cleaning services to the student population. More than 30 students signed up and received services from the Dental Assistant students.

for helping students become suc-cessful. Congratulations and keep up the good work!• Team Hamilton participated again in the 2009 National MS Super Walk at the Freehold Town-ship, NJ site. For the 10th year in a row, "Road Patrol" was provided by Admissions Director Susan Kershaw who assisted walkers who were unable to complete the 5.6 mile course with a ride to the finish line. Six hundred walkers took part in the event raising $1.7 million to benefit those afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis.

Suburban Technical School

Hallmark Institute of Photography

• On Friday, June 19th, Hallmark Institute of Photography held its 34th commencement ceremony. The graduating class of 2009 con-sisted of 195 students, from the

When Medical Assistant students open up their Workbook to Accompany Delmar’s Comprehensive Medical Assisting book this fall, they may notice a familiar name on the author page. Gerry A. Brasin, CMA (AAMA), CPC and Corporate Education Coordinator at Premier Education Group co-wrote the book, utilizing her years of experience in Medical Assisting and education to create the 4th edi-tion of this widely-used text. Along with Barbara Dahl, CMA (AAMA), CPC, Brasin has spent the past few years map-ping the workbook with the text, updating information and fixing inaccuracies that were

published in earlier editions. “My biggest fear as an author was not having it be correct,” she said. Brasin is an active member of the Cengage Learning Medical Advisory Board, which is how she became involved with the project. “They asked me if I would be willing to work on the book,” she said. “I was very honored to be asked. The main text is a wonderful book.” The workbook, published this spring, reinforces information learned in the main textbook through learning reviews, vocabulary builders, chapter worksheets and a final competency exam that covers all of the essential knowledge and skills of a Medical Assistant.

Education Coordinator by Day, Coauthor by Night

newS In addition to the workbook, Brasin was involved in the cre-ation of the E-Medsys training CD, which she worked on with Salter College adjunct faculty member Cecile Favreau. Brasin and Favreau worked together to come up with scenarios that will walk students through the front and back ends of electronic health record manage-ment. This digital companion to the workbook is expected out by early fall.

United States, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Dominica, Ecuador, Ger-many, Iceland, Ireland, Mexico, and Singapore, making this the most internationally diverse class ever to attend Hallmark. Photographer Sam Abell, known most for his 30-year career with National Geographic, delivered the Keynote Address. Congratula-tions to the class of 2009!• Gregory Heisler, renowned portrait photographer, has joined Hallmark's staff as Artist-in-Residence for the 2009/2010 school year. Mr. Heisler comes to Hallmark with a wealth of experi-ence gained throughout a life-time career as a New York-based photographer. In addition to 70 cover portraits for Time Magazine, he has photographed Presidents George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, along with Bono, Bill Gates, Yasser Arafat, Robin Williams, Michael Phelps, Shaquille O'Neal, Muhammad Ali, Tina Turner and Mick Jagger, among others. The school is very excited to benefit from Heisler’s tremendous expertise!• Students and staff members participated in the 14th annual Relay For Life of Franklin Coun-ty, a fund-raiser to benefit the American Cancer Society. Hall-mark has been a major sponsor of this event for the past three years and its relay team, the "Hallmark Hipsters," has raised over $15,000 for two consecutive years and has

earned platinum status, a first in Franklin County history!

Upper Darby, PA

Dover, DE

Turners Falls, MA

Hempstead, NY

Gerry Brasin

Jane Parker

President Parker

Branford Hall Career Institutebranfordhall.edu

Branford, CT(203) 488-2525Southington, CT(860) 276-0600Windsor, CT(860) 683-4900Springfield, MA(413) 781-2276Springfield, MA(Technical Training cenTer)(413) 732-0546

Bohemia, NY(631) 589-1222Albany, NY(518) 456-4464

Salter Schoolsalterschool.com

Malden, MA(781) 324-5454

Tewksbury, MA(978) 934-9300

Fall River, MA(508) 730-2740

New Bedford, MA(774) 328-3500

Suburban TechnicalSchoolsuburbantech.eduHempstead, NY(516) 481-6660

Seacoast Career Schoolsseacoastcareerschools.eduSanford, ME(207) 490-0509Manchester, NH(603) 624-7222

Don’t Miss Out! Classes are forming! For information about enrolling in a career directed program, please note the campus locations listed to the left. PEG is always exploring new externship sites! Employers interested in becoming an externship site should contact the Career Services Director at the nearest campus.

Sanford

non-outline text for new map locations

Premier Education Group Campuses

Harris School of Businessharrisschool.eduCherry Hill, NJ(856) 662-5300

Linwood, NJ(609) 927-4310

Wilmington, DE(302) 478-8890

Hamilton, NJ(609) 586-9104

Stratford, NJ(856) 435-7827

Dover, DE(302) 674-8060

Upper Darby, PA(484) 463-3800

Salter Collegesalter.eduWest Boylston, MA(508) 853-1074

Students’ Point of ViewWhich of these technologies would be the most difficult to give up and

why: TV, Cell Phone or Computer?Cell phone because I cannot leave the house without it. It’s a security thing. Just in case of an emergency it makes me feel like help is only one call away. – Patricia Fernandes; Fall River; Health Claims

My computer would be the most difficult technology to give up because it is my connection to the outside world. Without my computer I wouldn’t be able to research or stay in touch with distant family and friends. - Stephanie Smith; Wilmington; Medical Assistant

TV because after awhile the computer starts to hurt my eyes. When you get tired of everything else you can always sit down and watch TV. – Rebecca Chillas; Dover; Medical Assistant

My family and I live without the convenience of technology. We have not had cable TV in years. Instead, we spend time together as a family. We also have not had cell phones in years. Nothing is so important that I need to be at the beckon call of a phone. We have a computer but we use it for games only. There is no substitute for family interaction and a computer makes it easy to forget that. – Shelly Roach; Sanford; Medical Assistant

The most difficult technology to give up would be a cell phone. Think about it. Computers are good for information, you can do that on a cell phone now and even TV. Why give up one when you can have all three in one? - Lisa Uhl; Stratford; Multi-Skill Health Technician

What has been the highlight of your school experience so far?

Getting the old gray matter functioning again and mixing with people of all ages while finding different opinions. – Robert E. Moy; Manchester; Health Claims

Knowing that I don’t have to rely on someone else to provide my son and I with a successful future is the best feeling in the world.– Melissa Porter; Dover; Surgical Tech

The highlight of my experience has been the teachers, staff and classmates. Each person has made an impact in my life in some way. We all are different but we all share something in common - we all want to succeed! I love that about my school. – Roynisha Jones; Southington; Paralegal

Gaining knowledge about the medical field that I didn’t know before. Most of the teachers are truly dedicated to enhancing every student’s learn-ing experience and personally I benefited from their professional backgrounds mixing with the given curriculum. I feel like I have gained a wealth of

knowledge that has prepared me to start a new career. – Becky Thoresen; Windsor; Medical Assistant

Making it to Clinical III with straight A’s. I thank God everyday for giving me the strength. – Shante Leathers; Fall River; Medical Assistant

How would you describe your perfect day off?

A beautiful summer day, sunny and 80 degrees. Taking a long walk on a hiking trail where there is no noise, just the sounds of nature. Then having a picnic sitting next to a waterfall. – Susan Gilbert; Windsor; Medical Assistant

A nice day in Manhattan, touring different museums and strolling through Central park. – Tiffany Gonzalez; Linwood; Medical Assistant

It would be a relaxing day at a spa for the perfect manicure, pedicure and massage. Thereafter, I would hang out with my friends and enjoy their company. – Jonell Johnson; Wilmington; Dental Assistant

My perfect day off would be relaxing with my girlfriend at the beach, sitting or laying out, catching some rays, the cool breeze from the ocean, the sand between my toes, beautiful skies and the cool ocean water. – Christopher Soler; Southington; Massage Therapy

It would start with an early morning breakfast followed by a fishing trip. I would get together with my friends and play sports, go swimming and have a cookout. At dusk, I would hop on my motorcycle, pick up my girlfriend and go out to a fancy dinner, probably followed by bil-liards or bowling. I would round my night out with a three to 10 mile run. - Timothy Bennett; Springfield Tech; Professional Fitness Trainer

A good book, sunny day, peace and quiet. – Laurie Tetreault; Tewksbury; Health Claims

A Message to PEG Students

Congratulations to the more than ten thou-sand current and new students about to start their career training programs at our campus-es. As we enter the Fall of 2009, I am confident that the decisions that brought you to Premier Education Group can, and ultimately will, pre-pare you for a new career in the months and years ahead. I urge you to focus clearly on your goals and use your time effectively. You will gain an extremely valuable experience and education from the staff at your campus. In closing, remember, anything truly worth while requires hard work, a commitment to excellence and determination to reach your goals. The difference between success and failure is directly related to the decisions we make every day. Best of luck in 2009-2010.

Sincerely,Gary CampCEO, Premier Education Group

Hallmark Instituteof Photographyhallmark.eduTurners Falls, MA(413) 863-2478