We are proud to officially announce our April 2026 GROW! Mammography Fellowship Recipients. Finding the right mammography fellowship recipient requires a unique blend of clinical excellence and patient-centered care, and this year’s selected radiologic technologists represent the very best of both. As our healthcare community continues to prioritize early cancer detection, these two professionals are stepping up to bridge the gap between advanced imaging technology and the compassionate care every patient deserves.
The GROW! Mammography Fellowship mission is to empower professionals to take the next step in their careers while strengthening the breast health resources available to our local communities. Today, we introduce two remarkable women working on the front lines of rural healthcare in Texas.
Meet Our Fellows
The Community Advocate: Elena Almanza | Rice Medical Center — Eagle Lake, Texas
Elena Almanza is a powerhouse of technical skill and heart. As a first-generation college graduate and multi-award-winning professional, she has spent her career mastering X-ray 
and CT imaging in rural settings. Currently, she serves the community of Eagle Lake at Rice Medical Center, a designated Critical Access Hospital.
In a town of approximately 3,500 residents, access to specialized care is vital. By pursuing her Mammography certification, Elena is helping Rice Medical Center expand its local diagnostic capabilities. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she recognizes that communication is just as vital as clinical precision in rural health.
“This Fellowship is more than financial assistance—it is an investment in my future, my family, and the many patients who will benefit from the care I provide.” ~Elena
The Seasoned Leader: Loretta Kelley | Sweeny Community Hospital — Sweeny, Texas
Loretta Kelley brings an incredible 30 years of experience to the cohort. Having served as a Director of Radiology for nearly 
two decades, she led her departments through digital transitions and the complexities of healthcare management. Today, she is back in the clinical suite at Sweeny Community Hospital, another vital Critical Access Hospital serving a dedicated community of 3,600.
Loretta is returning to the mammography suite with a renewed mission. After recently navigating the imaging process from the patient’s perspective, she gained a profound new understanding of the “other side” of the equipment. With the support of Sweeny Community Hospital, she is updating her skills with the latest technology to ensure her neighbors have access to high-standard, compassionate early detection close to home.
“My experience gave me a different mindset for my future patients. I want to help them feel informed, respected, and cared for during their appointments.” ~Loretta
Why This Cohort Matters: Strengthening Rural Healthcare
The April 2026 fellows illustrate the core mission of the AHEC Foundation: to improve access to quality care in the communities that need it most. By supporting technologists at Critical Access Hospitals like Rice Medical Center and Sweeny Community Hospital, we are:
- Addressing Workforce Shortages: Helping rural hospitals cross-train their existing talent to meet federal requirements.
- Improving Access: Ensuring that patients in smaller populations don’t have to travel long distances for life-saving screenings.
- Empowering Individuals: Providing the specialized training necessary to advance healthcare through education.
Looking Ahead: Join Our Fall 2026 Cohort
Are you ready to grow your career and serve your community? We are excited to open the doors for our next group of professionals. The Fall 2026 GROW! Mammography Fellowship application period begins soon.
Key Dates for the October 2026 Cohort:
- Applications Open: 06/01/2026
- Applications Close: 08/03/2026
- Candidate Selection Announcement: 08/17/2026
- Training Dates: Oct 22 – Oct 26, 2026
Note: If a candidate chooses “Option 2” for their fellowship path, all paperwork must be submitted no later than 08/31/2026.
Ready to apply? Review our Fellowship Guidelines and Sign-Up Application to prepare your materials for the June 1st opening.
