Will County Gazette

The Tinley Park Village Board recognized some of the community's local businesses as part of the board's monthly "business spotlight" program at its meeting on Feb. 7.

As part of the spotlight program, the board invites business owners to speak about their businesses to the community. Monica Long, owner of Hearts 2 Heal, was introduced, telling the board that her motivation was all about filling a need in the community.

"I always knew that I wanted to teach," Long told the board. "So three degrees later, all in nursing, I realized there were gaps in healthcare that could benefit from passionate, knowledgeable educators who knew a lot about nursing and could also help navigate like-minded compassionate care providers into the field of nursing to fill the gaps and care for the ill."

Hearts 2 Heal Training Institute provides a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program and CPR training for individuals, Long explained. Programs on CPR certifications are available on weekdays, evenings, and weekends to allow people flexible options to receive training. Long said she has been a nurse for almost 30 years now, and loves to share stories and training with anyone who is interested. She entered nursing at the encouragement of her mother, and she said she quickly became a believer in it.

"It's more than just a business to me," she said, "it's my passion."

Long opened Hearts 2 Heal in 2020 during the pandemic, when she felt there was a dire need for CNAs to support growing needs for healthcare workers. The program teaches students the necessary skills and experiences to help them succeed in the healthcare industry and make a difference in the lives of patients. The CNA training program consists of classes three days a week for eight weeks, has low tuition and students are provided free books and supplies, Long said. 

Long recently opened another location in Chicago, and she hopes to expand into medical technology as well, adding a phlebotomy program to ease stress in hospital labs, she told the board.

The next class begins in April, and she invited prospective students to contact her for more information.

Gordon Hallbeck, owner of Hillgrove Tap, was also recognized by the board, but was unable to attend, the board said.