DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — For teen parents, finishing high school can be one of the hardest milestones to reach. Finding stable work afterward often feels even further away.
Dontoria Lowe, who goes by Tori, knows both challenges well.
A recent graduate of the Chiles Academy — a Daytona Beach public charter school for pregnant and parenting students — Lowe was first introduced to AdventHealth Daytona Beach as a student through a partnership between the school and the hospital.
Chiles Academy serves pregnant and parenting students in grades six through 12, combining academic instruction with on-site childcare to help students earn a high school diploma while caring for their children.
AdventHealth Daytona Beach began partnering with the school three years ago, welcoming students into the hospital for job-shadowing, mentorship and career exposure. Each group spends about 40 hours inside the hospital, rotating through departments such as laboratory services, patient experience, environmental services, food and nutrition, wellness center, registration, wound care and front desk areas.
Lowe is one of the first participants to complete the hospital’s hands-on mentorship program with the Chiles Academy and transition into a full-time hospital role.
During her rotations, she developed an interest in laboratory work, and upon graduating from the mentorship program, she contacted hospital leaders to ask about working in blood collection and testing. Her interest led lab staff to design a pilot phlebotomy training program that allows her to work, learn and support her young son at the same time.
“She’s eager, prepared and a fast learner,” said Terrance Ward, AdventHealth Daytona Beach laboratory assistant. “This is the first time we’ve created a training plan like this in the lab. This program gives young parents real skills, confidence and stability.”
Lowe recently completed the training program and is now working full-time as a phlebotomist, collecting blood samples used in patient care and testing.
Local leaders say the partnership focuses on people, not just positions.
“Our students are capable, focused and determined,” said Abby Barrett Ferguson, principal and executive director of Chiles Academy. “When they’re given access to real-world opportunities and people take the time to invest in them, it can change what they imagine for themselves and their families.”
“This is about taking time with students and helping them see what’s possible,” said Shaun Nebblett, director of human resources at AdventHealth Daytona Beach. “When we invest in people early, it strengthens families and the community around us.”
One of the mentors supporting students sees that impact through personal experience.
Sara Palmer, a practice manager with AdventHealth Medical Group OB/GYN in Daytona Beach, attended Chiles Academy more than 20 years ago as a teen parent. She balanced high school while caring for an infant, later continuing her education at Daytona State College and building a career in women’s health.
“When I walk into that building, I remember how much support mattered at that stage of my life,” Palmer said. “Having someone believe in you and help you keep moving forward makes a real difference.”
For Lowe, the opportunity carries personal meaning.
“Growing up, my family struggled, and I don’t want that for my child,” she said. “Being here helps me build a future so my son can look back and see what’s possible.”
As new Chiles Academy students prepare to enter the mentorship program, educators and hospital leaders say Lowe’s story shows how steady support and shared effort can open doors — not just for one graduate, but for families across the community.
“When we invest in young people and meet them where they are, we don’t just change individual lives — we strengthen families and communities,” said Dr. David Sinclair, president and CEO of AdventHealth Daytona Beach. “This partnership reflects our commitment to creating pathways to purpose, stability and hope.”
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