PHH Scholarship Makes Continued Education in Healthcare Possible for Returning Student

By Misty Cryer

For the second year in a row, Colette Christian was awarded a $50,000 scholarship by Partners in Heart Health at the recent scholar reception. This scholarship is different than most because it isn’t limited to tuition and books. It can be used to help with the cost of living, making it more possible for returning students to pursue higher education in healthcare.

Colette was born and raised in Carlsbad. She said she moved away to go to college in Texas, later living in different places before returning home about three years ago.

“I’m a single mom,” said Colette. She said that she worked in healthcare for many years as a certified surgical technologist and medical assistant. “I’m currently in the nursing program working toward becoming a registered nurse.”

Colette became involved with Partners in Heart Health through her connection with cardiovascular healthcare in Carlsbad with Dr. Ryan’s office, previously Advanced Heart and Vascular Center of New Mexico, which merged with Current Clinic this year.

“I love that organization. Their mission directly benefits people here in our Carlsbad community,” Colette said. “I’ve been able to see the impact they make, not only for our patients, but through opportunities like this scholarship program,” she added.

Currently enrolled in the nursing program at Southeast New Mexico College, which is full-time, Colette said, “I would not have been able to do this program without their help. It just wouldn’t have happened.” She said the scholarships relieved huge financial burdens, allowing her to concentrate on school and the clinicals while putting in the long hours that it takes to be successful in the nursing program.

“I have a mortgage and car payment, and I’m raising this little girl on my own, and there was no way for me to go to school full-time, not working, and have income. They believed in me, and I’m so glad they did,” said Colette.

About the nursing program, she said, “It’s a challenging, challenging program. It just really showed me what I could overcome.” For example, she said she received the 2026 All-State Academic Team from Phi Theta Kappa. “I went to the state capital, and I made straight A’s. It showed me things that I didn’t know that I could do.”

After becoming a registered nurse, Colette said she plans to stay in Carlsbad and continue working in cardiovascular healthcare at Current Clinic. “Eventually I want to move into a nursing leadership role where I can improve patient care and also support the other nurses there.”

She said she definitely wants to stay in the community that has supported her so much in helping her to become a nurse. “It is just super important to me that I stay around and help give back.”

Colette said her family helps her a lot, “I lovingly call them my life managers.” Her mom and dad, Cindy and Gary Taylor, help with her daughter, Violette, who engages in a lot of extracurricular activities including piano, three dance classes, and dog agility.

Describing it all as a team effort with Dr. Ryan, Partners in Heart Health, and her parents, Colette said, “I just have a lot of people supporting me, and I think it’s what you need.”

Seeing students in the program who have failed, Colette said she doesn’t think they had enough support, reiterating that it takes a lot.

“Partners in Heart Health is our foundation that was created approximately three years ago with this real mission to improve cardiovascular health in southeast New Mexico, kind of an innovative approach, with a big focus being staff development,” said Dr. Amanda Ryan.

She said that individuals in different professions within healthcare who really have a desire to continue their education—potentially as a returning student in particular—are challenged in how to really make that work with the cost of living.

“The purpose of our scholarships is to offer support to those students who want to further their education in healthcare and have a committed mission and vision to stay in southeast New Mexico and really provide care to the community at large,” said Dr. Ryan.

About Colette, Dr. Ryan said, “She was nominated for an award at the state and national level for her performance last year in school. She’s a single mom and setting a wonderful example for her daughter,” adding that she will be a great provider for the community.

“All four of our candidates that we are awarding really have a lot to contribute,” said Dr. Ryan.

Partners in Heart Health scholarships awarded this year totaled $67,500. Scholars awarded include Mia Peacock, Erin Chavez, Jena Kraft, and Colette Christian.