I had a stable job as a certified nurse assistant –– a career I’d been doing for 25 years –– but the physical burnout inspired me to pivot into a new industry where human connection and meaningful service remain my priority. 

 

My life has demanded resilience and I’m proud that I’ve bounced back up after each difficulty. I grew up in Yakima, Washington, a small town surrounded by apple orchards and farms. My mom passed away from cancer when I was 18, which was incredibly difficult, but my neighbors became my support system. They’d check in on me, offer to help whenever they could, and were always there to listen. Their kindness meant so much to me and we are still in touch until this day.

 

I met my first husband in high school, and we had our son, James, when I was in my early 20s. Around that time, I began working in the healthcare industry and earned my Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) license. Caring for others was my calling. I spent seven years working in a nursing home, where I got to know my patients and their families over the years. I felt a sense of purpose in helping people with basic needs like helping them move and walk.

 

In 2000, I moved to Portland, Oregon, and later joined Kaiser Permanente as a nurse assistant. I worked in the post-surgery recovery area, where I moved patients from one area to another and assisted nurses. The patients were often vulnerable, and it felt good to be part of their recovery by helping them with physical movement or offering them a kind word. However, this was also a challenging time in my life since I was navigating a difficult divorce and custody battle. Between work and family, I had to dig deep to stay strong and keep moving forward, for myself and for my son, James. I’m grateful that both James and I emerged stronger, and I’m proud of his resilience.

 

Life took a brighter turn when I met my now-husband, Cristian, on a dating site in 2014 and we have been together ever since. Life was comfortable, with my husband and my job at Kaiser Permanente while living in the suburbs of Portland. However, another change was on the horizon –– after 15 years of lifting patients and assisting with physical tasks, the demands of the job were wearing on me physically. I started to feel the effects, especially on my back and hips. It was time to think about a career shift; something that allowed me to continue connecting with people in a less physically demanding way. 

 

I had always loved architecture and found myself fascinated by houses and design. A colleague from Kaiser invited me to join the Premier Property Group (PPG), a brokerage, where I could work as a real estate agent. The idea appealed to me since helping people find a home could be just as meaningful as helping them with their health. So, I took the leap and got my REALTOR® license in 2023.

 

Real estate has been a learning curve in the best way. There’s always something new to learn, from contract details to the latest market trends, which keeps me sharp. Building my network from scratch was challenging, but with the support of PPG, I found my footing. My team leader has provided great mentorship, teaching me professional communication skills and guiding me through the Portland market. Real estate also allows me to do what I love most—connecting with people. It’s a joy to work closely with clients, helping them navigate the process, and knowing I’m part of such an important chapter in their lives. 

 

Outside of work, Cristian and I share our home with two cats, Rex and Patrick. In my free time, I go for runs and long walks, or read mystery and fantasy novels. Giving back to the community is important to me, too—I volunteer at recycling events and participate in fundraisers organized by my team. I feel grateful for the chance to build a new chapter in real estate, surrounded by a supportive team and family.

 

Real estate gives me the chance to connect with people on a meaningful level—something I truly love. Showing homes, getting to know my clients, and exploring various house styles make the work enjoyable. It’s very rewarding to guide clients through the complex home-buying process and help them overcome challenges. That moment of handing them their keys, after all their hard work and patience, is incredibly fulfilling.

 

I specialize in residential real estate, land sales, and helping investors secure strong opportunities. What sets me apart is my commitment to prioritizing the client’s best interest, not just closing a sale. If an issue arises during a transaction, I address it personally, working with all parties involved to keep things on track. I’m honest about when I need more information and proactively seek guidance to find solutions. For me, the client relationship always comes first.

 

Sincerely,

 

Cammie Jo Aguilar