From Apprentices to Leaders: Reflections from LEAP Graduates
The healthcare industry offers a wide range of opportunities, where meaningful careers can begin from the ground up and grow into something much larger over time. It’s a field where hands-on experience, dedication, and a passion for serving others can open doors to long-term growth and leadership. That’s exactly the kind of growth our Leadership Empowerment Apprenticeship Program (LEAP) was designed to support. This 48-week, Department of Labor-recognized apprenticeship is built for frontline employees and assistant managers seeking to deepen their skills and assume greater responsibility. Since its launch in 2021, LEAP has supported over 50 team members in advancing their careers.
We recently caught up with three LEAP Graduates: Cristian Alvarado, Denise Gramelspacher, and Sarah Sulenski, to hear about their experiences in the program and what’s next for them at HCSG.
Cristian Alvarado
Over the last few years, we have been following Crisitian’s journey at HCSG. We’ve seen him go from an apprentice to securing his first management role, to now a Dining Training Center Account Manager (TCAM), mentoring his very own apprentice. Having been through LEAP himself, Cristian brings a unique perspective to mentorship. He said, “I make it a priority to ensure Marisol is right in the action of things to better prepare her for a management role.”
Whether it’s covering an open spot on the team, dealing with inclement weather, or everyday hiccups, Cristian knows firsthand that no two days are the same, and ensures Marisol and his team are prepared. Marisol has recognized that guidance. She expressed, “Cristian brings a unique and valuable perspective that has given me added skills and confidence in my ability to succeed.” By the end of the program, participants possess a practical understanding of both daily responsibilities and the expectations of department leadership.
Cristian believes LEAP provided an invaluable blueprint for where he is today and his future with HCSG. By working through every role during his apprenticeship, he developed a genuine understanding of what his team experiences daily. Rather than leading from a distance, he leads with empathy and patience, ready to jump into any position at any given moment. With his sights set on becoming a District Manager, Cristian approaches the road ahead with eagerness and the same determination that carried him through LEAP.
Denise Gramelspacher
A year and a half into her housekeeping role, Denise Gramelspacher joined LEAP and hasn’t looked back since. As she reflected on her experience, she shared, “My LEAP journey has given me the confidence to not only manage my team, but also strengthen relationships with administrators and residents. By learning all of the different facets of a facility, I’m able to better support my team members and truly appreciate what they do.”
That well-rounded understanding of facility operations is something Denise credits as a turning point in her development. An integral part of LEAP involves diving into the administrative side of a managerial role. For Denise, that exposure was eye-opening. “Completing training and learning about the operational side has widened my horizons,” she said.
Armed with those tools and a deeper understanding, Denise has built a career that she is genuinely passionate about. Now a District Manager in Training, she is a testament to what can happen when hard work and the right opportunities are met.
Sarah Sulenski
Sarah Sulenski exemplifies what it means to grow with intention. Since joining HCSG in 2018, Sarah has approached every opportunity with a steady dedication to learning and a desire to contribute meaningfully to her team. It was her ambition that her District Manager recognized early on, prompting her to apply for LEAP.
What has remained consistent throughout Sarah’s growth is her commitment to her team. Being present, taking accountability, and leading by example are core values she learned from her time as an apprentice. Regardless of her evolving responsibilities, Sarah has never stepped away from the day-to-day work that keeps her grounded as a leader. “I’m on the floor every single day, checking in with team members if they need an extra hand,” she remarked.
As she continues in the District Manager in Training program, Sarah is focused on growing into her next role with the same grit she started with. To those considering a similar path, Sarah reflected, “If you’re looking to grow both professionally and personally, seek out HCSG’s career opportunities that are offered—they’re here for you.”
Take the Next Step
The journeys of Cristian, Denise, and Sarah reflect what’s possible in an industry built on opportunity, where the right support, training, and commitment can turn a starting role into a meaningful, long-term career. At HCSG, those paths are not the exception—they’re part of how we grow. If you’re ready to take the next step or simply explore what’s possible, visit hcsgcorp.careers to explore open roles and discover how HCSG supports growth at every stage.