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Healthcare Fellows set to launch careers in medicine

Class of 2026 Healthcare Fellows, from left, front row, Giselle Guerrero-Corona, Leslie Arzate-Castillo, Emily Coren, Ryah McDonald; middle, Miranda Lopez, Taylor Currin, Kadence Moore, Genesis Hernandez-Lopez' top row, Robin Gomez-Conteras, Caroline Jackson, Melanie Dowers.

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 3, 2026

Henderson County public schools, in partnership with Blue Ridge Community College, AdventHealth Hendersonville, UNC Health Pardee and the Henderson County Education Foundation, welcomed the Class of 2026 Healthcare Fellows on Monday during the program’s second annual Signing Day event at Blue Ridge Community College.

Building on the success of its inaugural year, the Healthcare Fellows Program is expanding its impact, with 11 recent HCPS graduates selected to participate this year—up from nine Fellows in the program’s first class.

Each Healthcare Fellow will receive full financial support for their studies at Blue Ridge Community College, including tuition, books, and required gear, sponsored by AdventHealth Hendersonville or UNC Health Pardee. Upon successful completion of their program, each Fellow is guaranteed employment with their sponsoring healthcare organization.

“Seeing this program grow in just its second year speaks to what is possible when our schools and community partners share a commitment to the future of our students,” said Mark R. Garrett, Superintendent of Henderson County Public Schools. “These 11 graduates are beginning a pathway that gives them the education, support, and experience they need to build meaningful careers right here in Henderson County. We are incredibly proud of them, and grateful to our partners for investing not only in these students, but in the future of healthcare in our community.”

The Signing Day recognized the 11 Fellows as they took the next step toward rewarding, high-demand healthcare careers and highlighted the continued collaboration among local education, healthcare, and community partners to create supported career pathways for Henderson County students.

The Healthcare Fellows include:

• Leslie Arzate-Castillo (North Henderson) – UNC Health Pardee
• Emily Coren (Hendersonville) – AdventHealth
• Taylor Currin (West Henderson) – UNC Health Pardee
• Melanie Dowers (West Henderson) – AdventHealth
• Robin Gomez-Contreras (North Henderson) – UNC Health Pardee
• Caroline Jackson (West Henderson) – AdventHealth
• Giselle Guerrero-Corona (North Henderson) – UNC Health Pardee
• Miranda Lopez (North Henderson) – AdventHealth
• Genesis Hernandez-Lopez (Hendersonville) – UNC Health Pardee
• Kadence Moore (East Henderson) – AdventHealth
• Ryah McDonald (East Henderson) – UNC Health Pardee

“These students have made an incredible and courageous decision to pursue a future in health care, and we couldn’t be more inspired by their commitment,” said Dr. John Bryant, Vice President, Operations and Support Services, UNC Health Pardee. “At Pardee, we’re honored to support their journey—not just financially, but as mentors, role models, and future colleagues. We look forward to walking beside them as they grow into compassionate, skilled professionals who will serve and strengthen this very community.”

Created through a strategic collaboration among HCPS, Blue Ridge Community College, AdventHealth Hendersonville, and UNC Health Pardee, the Healthcare Fellows Program is designed to remove financial barriers, provide mentorship and hands-on experience, and retain talented healthcare professionals in the region. Fellows complete dual-enrollment coursework while receiving support from both academic and clinical mentors.