In December of 2006, Elizabeth Sellitto graduated from Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois with a Bachelors’ degree in art, entertainment and performing arts. Unable to find employment in her field, she worked as a restaurant server while attending college. She continued working in that field because she could not find employment in the arts industry.
In 2008, Elizabeth started work in the medical field as a medical office clerk. She found that she enjoyed this type of work and continued in this role until she gave birth to her daughter that same year. While in the hospital, Elizabeth was inspired by the nurse who helped her with the delivery of her daughter. This nurse changed her life and she decided to pursue a medical career.
Her next job led her to a position as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor for the State of Florida’s Health Department for WIC (Women Infant and Children). In that position she counseled, educated and supported pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Elizabeth began taking Pre-Nursing classes at Edison State College in Southwest Florida in 2010 and in 2011 she was accepted into the Nursing Program at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois. Elizabeth was in great need for financial assistance and was no longer eligible for PEL or Map Grants since she attained her bachelor’s degree. She was referred to Madison County Employment and Training Department by the college to determine if she may be eligible for services.
Elizabeth attended an orientation in the East Alton Field office where she went through the process of testing and assessment in order to qualify for WIA services and determine if she was suitable for classroom training. She qualified for services because of her status as a single mother with no income for the prior six months during which she was supported by her daughter’s father. This relationship was emotionally abusive and had taken a great toll on Elizabeth’s self-esteem and confidence. She was heavily encouraged by supporters to move out of the house she had lived in for several years and start better life for herself and her daughter.
Elizabeth made the difficult decision to change her personal situation and leave this household. This decision changed her outlook tremendously and she instantly blossomed. She was a straight A student, became the President of the Nursing Honor Society and received three prestigious awards which included the Nightingale Scholastic Award, the Marylyn Hackettal Superior Excellence Award and the Touch Lives Award. The Touch Lives Award included a week in Guatemala with a medical team to set up a clinic to treat patients.
Upon graduation from the Lewis and Clark Nursing Program, Elizabeth was hired by Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri as a Registered Nurse in the Cardio Surgery Department. Elizabeth recently left Barnes Hospital to follow her passion of caring for mothers and children and accepted her dream role at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Alton, Illinois in the Labor and Delivery Department.