We’re the Castor Health Institute
We’re making healthcare training an integral part of the care ecosystem. From getting your certification at the Institute, to employment opportunities at Castor Home Nursing, to having access to Castor Medical Supplies’ inventory of thousands of products — the end result is a comprehensive and integrative experience for both you, the student, and the patients you’ll go on to serve.
Who We Are
CASTOR HEALTH INSTITUTE LLC is part of the Castor group of companies serving in Northern Illinois. The school employs highly qualified instructors that excel in their own fields. Our mission is to prepare students so that they are ready to practice in their chosen careers after the completion of the training and exam. We offer job preparation, placement assistance, and free sessions to prepare for the state competency exam. Castor strives to have a family atmosphere to provide support and guidance needed from a qualified individual. We recognize the importance of constant quality evaluation to better serve the students.
Visit our Campuses!
Sterling
Address: (Offices) 417 E. 3rd St, Sterling IL 61081 | (Classes) 6 E. 23rd St, Sterling IL 61081
Sterling is where our journey started. Our classrooms feature a warm, comfortable environment combined with the latest technology and resources to ensure you get a top-notch vocational education.
Freeport
Address: 30 E. Stephenson St, Freeport IL 61032
Located in the heart of downtown Freeport, we’re located within walking distance to a variety of shops, cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. Within just five miles of over 10 facilities and hospitals, we’re well positioned within a thriving healthcare industry.
Institute Leadership
Abigayle Miller
Program Manager
Abby has guided the establishment and the growth of the Castor Health Institute since its inception. With over a decade of experience in the healthcare industry, she is dedicated to helping the next generation of healthcare professionals. Outside of her work life, she is a proud mother of two and enjoys engaging in photography, painting, and other artistic activities, including a hair styling business which she runs.
Yugan Sakthi
Director of Education
Yugan brings experience in teaching, curriculum development, project management, and community building. He currently oversees the implementation of the Castor Health Institute’s external-facing projects, including educational programs for healthcare facilities, as well as finding new ways to improve our curriculum and engage students. Yugan also enjoys playing music, reading, and travelling to new places.
Instructors
Dr. Denise Pederson, PhD, BSN
CNA
Denise has worked in healthcare since 1995. She began her career as a CNA. Since then, she has worked in every level of nursing, up to obtaining her PhD in Nursing Education. Denise has worked in memory care, long term care, and post-acute care. She has a strong emphasis on getting to know each patient to meet their holistic needs through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Jaime Hassler
Phlebotomy
Bio coming soon!
Jane Gassman, BSN
CNA
Jane graduated from Clarke University. While in school worked as CNA at Mount Carmel Infirmary and at the Finley Hospital. After graduating with her BSN, she started at CGH Medical Center, where she worked as a float nurse for almost 10 years before working pediatrics for 18 tears. She then worked for 7 years at the Whiteside County Community Health Clinic. Jane now works at Shepherd’s Premier (formerly Avonlea Cottage). With her extensive experience as a CNA, as well as working with CNAs, she understands what is needed to be a great instructor.
Breana Meade, BSN
CNA
Breana earned her EMT-B in 2007, CNA in 2008, ADN in 2014, and BSN in 2021. Breana worked as a CNA and an RN in nursing homes, skilled care, critical access, hospitals (including a Level One Trauma Center), and Meditech EHR implementation. Breana currently works in home health as a hospice RN. Healthcare has been her life since graduating high school and she was introduced to it even prior to that with family members with increased needs. Breana is excited to jump into the education field of healthcare! Breana has 3 kids: John (12), Elliott (4), and Annie (8 months).
Falecia Smith
Phlebotomy
Falecia’s phlebotomy journey started 20 years ago, while working as a CNA, in 2003, she saw what the phlebotomy technician was doing and was instantly intrigued. She knew from that moment she wanted to be a phlebotomist. During her career she has worked in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes; gaining invaluable information that has formed her into the instructor she is today. She is the mother of 5 AMAZING children and 2 grandchildren, as well a dog, Reese.
Elizabeth Priller, MSN-TL, MBA
CNA
Elizabeth is an award-winning educator, nurse leader, and published author with 25+ years in healthcare and 15 years of teaching. She has worked in ICU, wound care, public health, and compliance, and has led enterprise-wide initiatives to advance healthcare quality. Elizabeth is passionate about creating welcoming, engaging, and practical learning environments that foster confidence and leadership. She is a former volunteer firefighter, a lifelong community advocate, serves on many organizations’ boards, and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Elizabeth is an avid artist and hiker who draws inspiration from nature, creativity, and time with family.
Castor Home Health Solutions
