The Candray Institute
Surgical Precision Meets Bold Ambition
The Candray Institute, LLC is a healthcare-focused workforce development company specializing in Sterile Processing—the essential field responsible for cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments to prevent infection. The Institute offers certification training for future healthcare workers, along with individualized coaching in resume writing, interview preparation, hospital internships, and job placement. Candray also consults with hospitals to improve onboarding practices and reduce surgical-related infections through better education and training.
Founder AlessandRa Nicholson began her entrepreneurial journey with a deep passion for healthcare and a strong desire to build something meaningful in her hometown. What she lacked was a clear roadmap to launch and grow a business. After being referred by a fellow entrepreneur, she connected with the Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU, where she received one-on-one support on critical early steps—registering her LLC, developing a business plan, and managing expenses.
One major obstacle she faced was not having a permanent address for her business. At the time, AlessandRa was also experiencing homelessness. “I was homeless when I began meeting with Yemisi [Anderson, an SBDC advisor],” she shared. “If not for her, I would have given up completely.” The SBDC helped her identify affordable solutions, including using co-working space through the SIU Incubator Program.
With support from the SBDC, AlessandRa officially registered The Candray Institute and launched a pilot training course. “I’ve launched a pilot course of my offerings, have a business address in my hometown, and secured funding to help me expand,” she shared.
The pilot program delivered Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) training and gathered valuable feedback to refine future paid offerings. As students prepare for the certification exam, the program is already proving its ability to create pathways to economic mobility and long-term financial stability. For many, it’s not just about job training—it’s a life-changing opportunity to break generational cycles of poverty.
Through a combination of one-on-one advising and her participation in the 10-week Carbondale Accelerator Program, AlessandRa gained the tools and confidence to take her vision even further. She competed in two business pitch competitions—one requiring a 10-minute presentation and another just 90 seconds—and won first place in both. In total, she secured $11,000 in funding to reinvest in her business.
Looking ahead, AlessandRa plans to expand services, continue building community partnerships, and grow The Candray Institute’s impact across Southern Illinois and beyond.
Learn more about The Candray Institute:
facebook.com/CandraySPD
candrayinstitute.wixsite.com/entry-level-expert