Staff profile: Maria Brandt, CNA – Assisted Living & Thrive™ Memory Care

A Journey from X-ray Technician to Certified Nursing Assistant to Licensed Practical Nurse

Maria Brandt, CNA, made a big change in 2015. She left her 15-year career as an X-ray technician in Mexico City to start fresh with her husband and two sons in New Jersey. Since her X-ray tech certification from Mexico didn’t transfer directly to the US, she decided to get certified as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) first and then as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to start working sooner.

In 2019, Maria started working at Applewood as a CNA, handling full-time day shifts in Assisted Living and Thrive™ Memory Care. “I took care of my elderly parents and I understand the special care, patience and consideration older people need,” Maria explains. “Over the years, I’ve become very close to our residents and we have traveled through the months and years together.”

Maria’s son is graduating from Montclair State University in December, and her daughter consistently makes the honor roll in middle school. Her husband and kids were behind her as she pursued her dream of advancing her clinical skills. In 2023, Maria became a full-time student to pursue a two-year Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree. As a result, she changed her Applewood schedule to work the overnight 11 pm to 7 am shift, Monday through Friday.

“Maria is committed to furthering her clinical career at Applewood, which is inspired by a genuine passion for making a positive impact on our residents,” notes her supervisor, Kerry Piscitelli, Assisted Living Coordinator. “I have no doubt her determination and hard work will make her dream of becoming a nurse come true.”

Maria misses her day shift crew, but they know she’ll return around early 2025 after finishing her LPN degree. She points out how awesome her team at Applewood is—they’re skilled and motivating, pushing her to learn and advance in her nursing journey.

“No matter where you are in life, you can always learn and do more,” Maria notes. “My incredible family has also inspired me to go after every goal in life and I can’t wait to bring my new skills to the residents of Applewood!”