Carina Estrada

Certified nursing assistant Carina Estrada always goes above and beyond to help her patients feel comfortable and safe when delivering at the Birth Center. She goes out of her way to make sure that families feel cared for.

Estrada came to the United States from Mexico at 13 with her parents, joining multiple family members, including five other siblings.

“I had to learn a new language, a new culture, new everything,” Estrada recalled. “I’ve known since I was little that I wanted a job that consisted of helping others. I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives when they most need it.”

Estrada graduated from Shelton High School in 2014 and went to work at Maple Glen Assisted Living as a home care aide. After three years, and starting her family, she also began cleaning banks and offices in the afternoon.

In February 2019, Estrada joined Mason Health in the Environmental Services Department, cleaning patient rooms. It was the best career decision of her life.

“I honestly was really nervous to apply because I didn’t think I would get called back,” Estrada said. “Even though I speak English, I know it’s my second language. It was the best choice I’ve ever made because the years I worked in EVS helped me grow as a person, meet new people and made me realize I wanted to go back and get my CNA.

After obtaining her certified nursing assistant certification, Estrada got a job at the Mason Health Birth Center at Mason General Hospital. She works as a unit secretary for the department, scheduling appointments, requesting patient records, completing transfer paperwork and more.

“I just love this job,” she said. “Having a job that you’re always looking forward to is the most important thing to feel happy where you work. I don’t just have coworkers; I feel like they’re family to me.”

As a Spanish speaker, Estrada knows that she provides a great service to her patients.

“When I walk into a room, I really love seeing the smiles of the families who speak Spanish when they see my face,” she said. “They see someone who will understand their language, their culture. It means a lot to me every single day that I go to work.”

Estrada hopes to one day obtain her registered nursing license once her children are older. She loves spending time with her four children, going to movies, playing volleyball and bowling, and spending time with her extended family.

Estrada was named the May 2024 Employee of the Month.