Kylee Clifton

El Dorado County Office of Education

Nominated in 2025

Kylee Clifton is a resident of El Dorado County and has lived here most of her life. Kylee experienced a tumultuous upbringing before being adopted by her biological grandparents. She struggled to complete high school but ultimately completed her diploma through Adult Education where she set the goal of becoming involved in the medical field. She learned about the Marshall School of Medical Assisting in Partnership with El Dorado County Office of Education in early 2024 and was determined to become a professional Medical Assistant. She was accepted into the program for the fall 2024 session.

In her teen years, Kylee struggled with substance abuse disorder. However, as part of her journey to remain sober and improve the quality of life for herself and her children, she set a goal to complete the Medical Terminology course and then move to in-person instruction. During Medical Terminology, Kylee experienced some personal struggles including homelessness, food insecurities, and becoming a single parent. During these struggles Kylee persevered with Medical Terminology. By setting weekly goals and sticking to them, she completed the course and was eligible to move on to in-class instruction.

Kylee arrived on the first day of class ready to learn and to change her life for the better. She quickly set her goals to complete the MA course, become professional, and obtain a professional career to provide for her children and set an example of what hard work and perseverance can do.

Throughout the course, Kylee continued to overcome outside obstacles, and rather than give up, she asked for resources, met with her instructors weekly to continue to set goals, and reached each of her goals. By the third week of class, Kylee was excelling and building confidence. She began setting higher goals for herself and while life continued to try to drag her down, she continued to keep her head up and persevere. Kylee demonstrated all the traits of a strong MA including empathy, kindness, compassion, and the ability to work on a team. Though she had limited resources herself, she often brought in small rewards to share with fellow students. She asked for help when needed, she took feedback well and used the feedback to make improvements in her academic and clinical skills.

When Kylee entered into the medical offices for her externship, she took the initiative and found work to do even when it was not being offered. She thrived in the busy environments and jumped in to help and go above and beyond wherever she could.

Kylee was recognized by one of the Medical Practice Directors for her tremendous work ethic during her externship. The Practice Director has continued to be in contact with Kylee and has offered her a position in an innovative new program being developed to serve underrepresented populations.

The EDCOE Adult Education program and Marshall Medical could not be prouder of Kylee and she serves as a wonderful example of the possibilities available to those who persevere toward their goals even in the face of significant challenges.