From Business Office to Bedsides: Jeff Henry’s Journey
At Transitions Healthcare Gettysburg, Jeff Henry’s journey speaks volumes of resilience, faith, and the power of second chances—and that sometimes, the most unexpected changes in life lead to the greatest opportunities.
An Unexpected Turn
For nearly two years, Jeff worked in the business office at Transitions Healthcare Gettysburg, handling finances and operations behind the scenes. He enjoyed his role and the team he worked with, but in November, he received devastating news—due to budget cuts, his position was being eliminated.
The uncertainty weighed on him. With a family to support—his wife, Jenna, and their two children, Cooper and Harper—he found himself questioning his next steps. But something unusual happened. For the first time in nearly twenty years, Jeff felt drawn to return to church. He didn’t know why, but he felt called to attend mass, sensing that something significant was about to happen.
A Chance Encounter with Perspective
On the morning of his last day in the office, Jeff made his usual stop for coffee. As he waited in line, a fellow customer struck up casual conversation and unknowingly hit a nerve with a simple question: “Going to work today?” Jeff hesitated, knowing this was his final day, but before he could answer, the man shared a detail about his own job. “Well, your day is probably going better than mine. I clean septic tanks.”
At that moment, Jeff realized something profound—no matter how difficult this transition was for him, someone else was facing challenges with perseverance and a positive attitude. It gave him a new perspective.
A Door Closes, A Window Opens
Later that day, Matt Maurano, CEO of Transitions Healthcare, called Jeff for an unexpected conversation: “Jeff, we didn’t think about this a couple of days ago, but we have an opening in activities. Would you be willing to fill in for a few weeks?”
It was an offer Jeff hadn’t anticipated, but one that made perfect sense. He had always been active in supporting events at the facility, dressing up as Santa for Christmas, helping out wherever he could. Without hesitation, Jeff said yes.
What started as a temporary role quickly became something more. Jeff’s energy, compassion, and natural ability to connect with residents didn’t go unnoticed. The activities team and staff saw how much he thrived in a hands-on, people-centered role. Matt then approached Jeff again with a life-changing offer: “How would you feel about becoming a CNA? We could pay for your classes.”
Jeff was stunned. It was an opportunity he had never considered. While he loved working with people, the idea of going back to school at 44 years old was daunting. “I was scared to death,” Jeff admitted. “You can barely teach this old dog new tricks.”
But with solid support from his family, Jeff decided to take the leap. His only request was that he be placed on day shift so he could continue to coach and be there for his kids.
A New Chapter: The Road to CNA
Jeff enrolled in Harrisburg Area Community College’s (HACC) CNA training program, sponsored by Transitions Healthcare. He quickly found himself in a small, but dedicated class of six students—and the only man in the group. “They called me one of the girls,” he joked, embracing the camaraderie.
Despite initial nerves, Jeff excelled in the program. He immersed himself in his studies, balancing coursework with his responsibilities at home. His six-year-old daughter, Harper, even helped him with projects, once telling him, “Daddy, I have a lot of art projects going on, but I’ll see if I can fit yours in.”
Jeff’s hard work paid off. Not only did he complete the program, but he graduated as the Valedictorian of clinicals for his class.
Finding His Calling
Now, Jeff is a full-time CNA on Annex 1 at Transitions Healthcare Gettysburg, and he couldn’t be happier. Every day, he sees firsthand the impact he can have on residents’ lives. “I fell in love with it. This is where I’m supposed to be. I shouldn’t be behind an office door—I need to be with the residents.”
He credits his success to the support of his mentors, coworkers, and family. He also recognizes the strong leadership at Transitions Healthcare that helped him find his new path. “Matt saw something in me before I even saw it in myself. I am forever grateful.”
Jeff’s story is not just one of career change—it’s about the power of trusting the process, embracing new opportunities, and believing in oneself. Transitions Healthcare Gettysburg didn’t just help Jeff find a new career; they helped him discover his true calling.