by Nicole Neder

The NUA May webinar featured Stacy McAleer, Founder/Executive Director of The Cavanagh House, a non-profit organization that offers free upholstery training for individuals living with financial instability. The mission is to “Learn a Trade and Gain a Career.”

Key Points:

• Explore the development of our paid trades program, including program structure, day-to-day operations, and the systems that support student success.
• Learn how TCH collaborates with other workrooms, textile suppliers, and industry partners to expand training opportunities and create real workforce pathways.
• Highlights of the importance and impact of becoming a registered apprenticeship program, including credibility, funding access, workforce standards, and long-term sustainability.
• This webinar is ideal for workforce developers, educators, industry partners, funders, and organizations interested in building sustainable, paid apprenticeship and trades training programs.

About Stacy:

Stacy McAleer is the founder and executive director of The Cavanagh House, a vital resource to Baltimore and its surrounding areas, dedicated to helping individuals gain financial stability through the trade of upholstery and sewing. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and over 35 years as a self-taught sewer, Stacy brings both clinical insight and hands-on expertise to her leadership.
Committed to helping revitalize the upholstery and sewing industries in Baltimore and throughout the U.S., The Cavanagh House serves as a feeder of skilled workers to the industry. Under Stacy’s guidance, the organization not only provides hands-on training but also fosters
economic independence and long-term career pathways for its participants.
A proud resident of Reisterstown, Maryland, Stacy continues to drive innovative solutions that uplift individuals and strengthen communities across the region.

Missed the National Upholstery Association’s May Webinar? Click here to watch it!

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