CHW STRUCTURAL CARE ACADEMY · COHORT 2, JANUARY 2027

CHW certification prep grounded in structural care, safety, and Black mental health luxury.

WVW Academy offers a Maryland Department of Health-accredited Community Health Worker certification program, built on a trauma-informed, pro-Black lens and CHW workforce best practices — manageable caseloads, real supervision, and team integration. Cohort 1 (August 4) is closed. Cohort 2 opens January 2027, with Morning and Evening tracks for CHWs and CHW students. Rooted in Capitol Heights, Maryland, serving learners nationwide.

Led by Tiána, a New Yorker with direct experience in operations, HR, and Activity Director roles inside nonprofits and behavioral health organizations. Every program at WVW Academy is shaped by real frontline knowledge — not just theory.

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THE ACADEMY

Not a continuing education program. A professional development infrastructure.

WVW Academy is the education and workforce development arm of Wholistic Vibes Wellness — training practitioners at the intersection of community health, organizational wellness, and neuroinclusion. Our programs are rigorous, culturally grounded, and built around real-world application. Organizations can also enroll staff as a workforce development benefit, building internal capacity that outlasts any single consulting engagement.

Program at a Glance

Everything you need to know before you apply.

Format
In-Person & Hybrid
Duration
14 Weeks · 8 Modules
Start Date
January 2027
Tracks
Morning & Evening
Location
Capitol Heights, MD
Cohort Size
25 Seats Each Track · 50 Total
Accreditation
Maryland DOH · COMAR 10.68.02
What Makes This Different

Certification prep, built on structure — not just curriculum.

Trauma-Informed, Pro-Black Lens

Every module is taught through a trauma-informed, pro-Black lens — not retrofitted onto a generic curriculum after the fact.

CHW Workforce Best Practices

Students learn — and practice — manageable caseloads, real supervision structures, team integration, and leadership inclusion from day one.

Surgeon General Essentials-Aligned

Curriculum is mapped to Protection from Harm, Connection & Community, Work-Life Harmony, Mattering, and Growth — the same framework behind our audit work.

Curriculum

8 modules. 14 weeks. No fillers.

Each module is rooted in healing-centered, evidence-based practice and maps directly to the Maryland CHW core competencies.

01

Foundations of Community Health Work

History of the CHW profession, roles and scope of practice, ethics, and professional identity.

02

Social Determinants of Health

Understanding the structural, economic, and environmental factors that shape health outcomes in communities.

03

Health Communication & Outreach

Motivational interviewing, culturally responsive communication, and outreach strategies for underserved populations.

04

Care Coordination & Navigation

Connecting clients to resources, navigating the healthcare system, and care plan documentation basics.

05

Mental Health & Trauma-Informed Practice

Recognizing mental health needs, trauma-informed approaches, boundaries, and appropriate referrals.

06

Chronic Disease Prevention & Management

Supporting clients managing diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions through education and accountability.

07

Community Advocacy & Systems Navigation

Health policy literacy, advocacy skills, and understanding how systems — housing, food, legal — intersect with health.

08

Practicum Integration & Professional Capstone

Supervised field practicum hours, reflective practice, and a capstone presentation demonstrating readiness for certification.

Learning Outcomes

What you'll be able to do when you graduate.

  • Conduct comprehensive health needs assessments using culturally responsive tools
  • Navigate clients through complex healthcare, housing, and social service systems
  • Apply motivational interviewing and trauma-informed communication
  • Support chronic disease self-management education in community settings
  • Document client interactions in compliance with organizational and legal standards
  • Advocate for clients and communities within institutional and policy settings
Practicum Requirements

Supervised field hours are embedded — not optional.

Practicum is woven into Module 8 and runs alongside coursework throughout the program. Placement is coordinated by WVW Academy in partnership with community health organizations in the Capitol Heights area. Students complete a minimum of required supervised hours with a qualified preceptor at an approved site.

Certification Pathway

A clear line from graduation to MDH credential.

Upon successful program completion, graduates apply directly to the Maryland Department of Health for their official CHW certification under COMAR 10.68.02. WVW Academy guides you through the MDH OneStop submission process step by step.

MDH CHW Certification Info
Tuition & Financial Options

We believe cost should not be the reason someone doesn't become a CHW.

Program tuition details and payment plan options are provided to accepted applicants. Employer reimbursement, scholarship opportunities, and sliding scale options may be available. Contact us to discuss your specific situation before applying — we will not let finances be a barrier to the right candidate.

Payment Plans Available

Tuition can be split into installments across the program duration. Accepted students receive a financial options packet at enrollment.

Employer Reimbursement

Many healthcare employers reimburse CHW training costs. CHW services may also be Medicaid-reimbursable in Maryland — making this a strategic investment for your organization.

Scholarships & Sliding Scale

Limited need-based scholarships are available for Cohort 2. Sliding scale options are considered on a case-by-case basis for qualifying applicants.

Workforce Funding (In Progress)

We are pursuing WIOA and ETPL workforce development approval to reduce financial barriers further. Until that's confirmed, flexible payment plans are available now.

PROGRAMS

What we offer.

CHW Certification. Four professional credential tracks. Organizational training. One commitment: practitioners ready to do real work in real communities.

Flagship Program

Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification

State Accredited
Maryland Department of Health
Certificate #034-2026-G  ·  Valid through April 2029
COMAR 10.68.02  ·  Maryland Health-General Article, Title 13 §3705

Enrolling Now — State-Accredited Program

Duration 120 hours (hybrid format)
Location Washington DC / Maryland / Hybrid (In-Person + Virtual)
Credential Awarded State-Recognized Maryland CHW Certificate
Accrediting Body Maryland Department of Health, Office of Population Health Improvement

Accredited by the Maryland Department of Health (#034-2026-G). Graduates earn a state-recognized CHW certification and are prepared to work in behavioral health, primary care, social service, and community-based settings — grounded in healing-centered practice and trauma-informed care.

What you'll learn
  • Foundations of community health work and social determinants of health
  • Trauma-informed and healing-centered practice models
  • Behavioral health navigation and de-escalation
  • Motivational interviewing fundamentals
  • Systems navigation: healthcare, housing, social services
  • Documentation, data, and organizational accountability
  • Neuroinclusion and cognitive diversity in community health settings
  • Self-care, secondary trauma, and sustainable practice
Who it's for

Adults with lived experience in the communities they'll serve. People working in or transitioning into behavioral health, community health, social services, or nonprofit settings. Professionals seeking to formalize and credential their practice with a state-recognized certification.

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Professional Credentials

WVW Academy Credential Tracks

Cohort Forming — Join the Waitlist

WVW Academy offers four professional credential tracks for practitioners working at the intersection of organizational wellness, community health, and systems change. Each credential is stackable — practitioners can move through tracks as their expertise deepens.

The Four Credentials
  • WAA — Wellness Audit Analyst: Foundational credential for practitioners who conduct organizational health assessments. Covers validated diagnostic instruments, data analysis, and findings interpretation.
  • WCA — Wellness Consultant Associate: For consultants developing the full advisory practice — assessment, recommendations, and implementation support. Entry-level practitioner credential.
  • WCS — Wellness Consultant Specialist: Advanced credential for experienced consultants. Covers complex systems redesign, neuroinclusion architecture, and multi-stakeholder engagement at the organizational level.
  • WEP — Wellness Education Practitioner: For practitioners focused on training delivery and workforce development. Covers curriculum design, facilitation, adult learning, and cohort program management.
Credential Format

All credential tracks are cohort-based with limited seats. Cohorts include live instruction, peer practice, case work, and a practicum component. Stackable by design — WAA is the recommended starting credential for most practitioners.

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ⓘ  Important Notes About WVW Academy Programs

Scope of training: WVW Academy programs are professional development and certification training. They are not clinical education, licensed therapy supervision, or substitutes for licensed professional credentials in mental health, social work, or medicine.

CHW certification: The WVW CHW Certification Training Program is accredited by the Maryland Department of Health (Certificate #034-2026-G) under COMAR 10.68.02. Graduates earn a state-recognized CHW certification in Maryland. Recognition in other states may vary; participants outside Maryland are responsible for confirming any additional state-specific requirements.

Data & privacy: All participant data collected during programs is handled confidentially, used only for program administration, and never shared with third parties without consent.

Read our full Disclaimers & Legal page →

Join the Waitlist

Be the first to know when enrollment opens.

The WVW Academy CHW Certification Program is currently forming its next cohort. Complete this form to be added to the waitlist — we'll contact you when enrollment opens and with any updates about the program.

Cohort 1 Closed · Cohort 2 · January 2027

Join the Cohort 2 Waitlist

Cohort 1 (August 4) is closed. Waitlist members receive the Cohort 2 application invitation ahead of the public. 25 seats per track, 50 total — this cohort is selective.

Open Waitlist Form →

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Questions? Email academy@wholisticvibeswellness.com

WVW Academy's CHW Certification Program aligns with nationally recognized CHW core competencies as defined by APHA and relevant state health authority frameworks. We are committed to program design that supports employment recognition. Specific employer recognition varies — we encourage prospective students to discuss this with their current or prospective employers.
The program combines in-person sessions in the Washington DC and Maryland area with online learning modules. In-person sessions focus on skill-building, simulation, and community — components that require physical presence. Online modules are self-paced with instructor support. Exact format details will be confirmed at enrollment.
No prior professional experience is required. WVW Academy's CHW program is designed for adults who may be entering the health workforce for the first time, including those with lived experience as community members. What we look for is commitment, self-awareness, and a genuine orientation toward community service.
Tuition pricing for the current cohort will be announced when enrollment opens. WVW Academy is committed to accessible pricing and will offer payment plans. We are pursuing WIOA and ETPL workforce development approval to reduce financial barriers; until that's confirmed, flexible payment plans are available. Join the waitlist to be notified of pricing when it's confirmed.
Yes — organizational wellness training is designed for teams and organizations. Contact us to discuss scope, scheduling, and pricing for group engagements. Most training engagements begin with a brief needs assessment to ensure relevance.

WVW Consulting

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