|
November 2023
|
|
Jennifer (Dorman) Crockett BSN, RN, CPAN, graduated from Susquenita High School in 1996. During her time as a Blackhawk, she was a member of the tennis team.
After spending six years as an accounts payable manager for a construction company, Jen began her career in the medical field as a Unit Secretary/Monitor Tech/Patient Care Assistant in the Cardiovascular Unit at Holy Spirit Hospital twenty years ago. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from HACC in 2007 and transitioned to a nursing role in the same unit. In 2009, she transferred to the Perianesthesia Department at Pinnacle Health Harrisburg (now UPMC Harrisburg). Jen found her passion as a perianesthesia nurse, prepping and recovering patients from a wide variety of different surgeries. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Mansfield University in 2015. She transitioned to a Nurse Educator role, supporting the perianesthesia department at UPMC Community Osteopathic, UPMC Harrisburg, and UPMC West Shore that same year. As a nurse educator, Jen is responsible for preparing new staff to care for the patient population. The nurse educator is also responsible for educating staff about new equipment, surgical procedures, policy and procedural changes, and helps to guide and support staff in their professional development. Jen is currently completing her Master of Science in Nursing Education at Walden University.
Jen recently celebrated her 9th wedding anniversary with her husband, David, with whom she is raising two fantastic children, Finn & Sydney. Jen enjoys beach vacations, reading, and spending time with her family.
After spending six years as an accounts payable manager for a construction company, Jen began her career in the medical field as a Unit Secretary/Monitor Tech/Patient Care Assistant in the Cardiovascular Unit at Holy Spirit Hospital twenty years ago. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from HACC in 2007 and transitioned to a nursing role in the same unit. In 2009, she transferred to the Perianesthesia Department at Pinnacle Health Harrisburg (now UPMC Harrisburg). Jen found her passion as a perianesthesia nurse, prepping and recovering patients from a wide variety of different surgeries. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Mansfield University in 2015. She transitioned to a Nurse Educator role, supporting the perianesthesia department at UPMC Community Osteopathic, UPMC Harrisburg, and UPMC West Shore that same year. As a nurse educator, Jen is responsible for preparing new staff to care for the patient population. The nurse educator is also responsible for educating staff about new equipment, surgical procedures, policy and procedural changes, and helps to guide and support staff in their professional development. Jen is currently completing her Master of Science in Nursing Education at Walden University.
Jen recently celebrated her 9th wedding anniversary with her husband, David, with whom she is raising two fantastic children, Finn & Sydney. Jen enjoys beach vacations, reading, and spending time with her family.
October 2023
Casi Larish is a graduate of the SHS class of 2010. While attending SHS she was a member of the softball and field hockey teams. After graduation she went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh, where she completed her bachelor of science in nursing. When she completed her BSN in 2014, she moved to North Carolina. There she worked as a registered nurse in the Burn Intensive Care unit. She continued her education at Duke University, graduating in 2017. There she received a master of science in nursing specializing as an acute care nurse practitioner. After completing her MSN, she was hired at Duke University Hospital as a nurse practitioner in the Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit. There Casi cared for patients following heart transplants, lung transplants, and various other cardiac surgeries. At Duke Casi was a respected preceptor and mentor for new staff joining the team.
Earlier, this year Casi moved to Nashville, TN. Casi now works at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the Trauma Intensive Care unit. In trauma ICU Casi cares for patients following gunshot wounds, car accidents, motorcycle accidents. She enjoys working in a high acuity and fast paced environment.
Casi enjoys spending time exploring her new city with her dog Gus. She also enjoys traveling around the world and skiing each winter with her friends. She frequently comes back to PA to spend time with her family. She loved spoiling her 2 year old niece and 7 month old nephew whenever she gets the chance.
Pictured below is Casi with her grandparents, Joseph and Lillian Kistler. Also graduates of Susquenita. (class of 1956 and 1958)
Earlier, this year Casi moved to Nashville, TN. Casi now works at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the Trauma Intensive Care unit. In trauma ICU Casi cares for patients following gunshot wounds, car accidents, motorcycle accidents. She enjoys working in a high acuity and fast paced environment.
Casi enjoys spending time exploring her new city with her dog Gus. She also enjoys traveling around the world and skiing each winter with her friends. She frequently comes back to PA to spend time with her family. She loved spoiling her 2 year old niece and 7 month old nephew whenever she gets the chance.
Pictured below is Casi with her grandparents, Joseph and Lillian Kistler. Also graduates of Susquenita. (class of 1956 and 1958)
September 2023
Courtney (Knauss) Devlin graduated from Susquenita High School in 2000. While there, she participated in tennis, soccer, musical productions, West Side singers, and Student Council. She went on to graduate from Elizabethtown College with a
B.S. in biology in 2004, and received her MD from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 2008. She spent 3 years at Eastern Virginia Medical School to complete her residency in Emergency Medicine, then spent 3 years practicing emergency medicine in rural North Carolina before moving back home to central Pennsylvania.
Courtney is an attending physician in the emergency departments at UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC Community General, and UPMC West Shore. She enjoys teaching and is a Core Faculty member and Simulation Director for the UPMC Harrisburg Emergency Medicine residency program. She also is an examiner for the American Board of Emergency Medicine. She enjoys taking care of critically ill patients in the emergency department, and teaching new physicians the art and science of medicine. As simulation director for the residency program, she gets to create and run medical simulations using robotic “patients” for residents and medical students so they can practice life saving techniques before actually having to do them in real life. She has published a few original simulations with her residents in Emergency Medicine journals, but her greatest accomplishment has been receiving “Core Faculty Educator of the Year” for two out of the past three years, an award given by the residents of the UPMC Harrisburg Emergency Medicine residency program.
Courtney is married to Patrick Devlin, also SHS Class of 2000. They lived in Virginia Beach while he was stationed at Little Creek with the U.S. Navy, and moved back home after he became a reservist. They have two kids ages 10 and 11, and two rescue dogs. Courtney enjoys gardening and spending time with her family- they enjoy playing tennis, board games, and hiking together.
B.S. in biology in 2004, and received her MD from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 2008. She spent 3 years at Eastern Virginia Medical School to complete her residency in Emergency Medicine, then spent 3 years practicing emergency medicine in rural North Carolina before moving back home to central Pennsylvania.
Courtney is an attending physician in the emergency departments at UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC Community General, and UPMC West Shore. She enjoys teaching and is a Core Faculty member and Simulation Director for the UPMC Harrisburg Emergency Medicine residency program. She also is an examiner for the American Board of Emergency Medicine. She enjoys taking care of critically ill patients in the emergency department, and teaching new physicians the art and science of medicine. As simulation director for the residency program, she gets to create and run medical simulations using robotic “patients” for residents and medical students so they can practice life saving techniques before actually having to do them in real life. She has published a few original simulations with her residents in Emergency Medicine journals, but her greatest accomplishment has been receiving “Core Faculty Educator of the Year” for two out of the past three years, an award given by the residents of the UPMC Harrisburg Emergency Medicine residency program.
Courtney is married to Patrick Devlin, also SHS Class of 2000. They lived in Virginia Beach while he was stationed at Little Creek with the U.S. Navy, and moved back home after he became a reservist. They have two kids ages 10 and 11, and two rescue dogs. Courtney enjoys gardening and spending time with her family- they enjoy playing tennis, board games, and hiking together.
August 2023
Cathy Klinger and her family moved to Perry County in 1979, not long after Three Mile Island incident. Her first home room in 7th grade was Mr. Knepp. She played softball (Ms. Brown was her favorite coach), played clarinet in the marching band and was drum major her senior year. After graduating with the class of 1985, she moved to Happy Valley and earned her BSN in Nursing.
Cathy started her career in 1989 at the Polyclinic Hospital (now UPMC) and has stayed with her organization for 35 years. During her career she has served in several roles including managing the long term facility and running a certified nurse assistant program. Cathy’s largest role was opening, managing, and growing the Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Practice. The practice has grown from 2 to 9 surgeons and 5 CRNP's across three locations. She continues to work with the surgeons and cardiologists in her current role where she manages three cardiac rehabs and two pulmonary rehabs in Harrisburg and Lititz. She also manages a team that abstracts and submits data to the national cardiac registries. Her mission is to make sure front line staff feel supported and have what they need to provide the highest quality care possible for our community at UPMC.
Cathy has three younger sisters who graduated from Susquenita and all are graduates from Penn State and have since obtained their Master's Degrees. She has two grown children who also graduated from Susquenita. Her son graduated from Penn State with his Master’s degree in mechanical engineering and her daughter graduated from the University of the Sciences as a pharmaceutical chemist and is now at Penn State getting her Master’s degree in Forensics.
Cathy and her family are grateful for the foundation that Susquenita provided them which has led to happy and successful careers. Susquenita High School, honor be thy name!
Cathy started her career in 1989 at the Polyclinic Hospital (now UPMC) and has stayed with her organization for 35 years. During her career she has served in several roles including managing the long term facility and running a certified nurse assistant program. Cathy’s largest role was opening, managing, and growing the Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Practice. The practice has grown from 2 to 9 surgeons and 5 CRNP's across three locations. She continues to work with the surgeons and cardiologists in her current role where she manages three cardiac rehabs and two pulmonary rehabs in Harrisburg and Lititz. She also manages a team that abstracts and submits data to the national cardiac registries. Her mission is to make sure front line staff feel supported and have what they need to provide the highest quality care possible for our community at UPMC.
Cathy has three younger sisters who graduated from Susquenita and all are graduates from Penn State and have since obtained their Master's Degrees. She has two grown children who also graduated from Susquenita. Her son graduated from Penn State with his Master’s degree in mechanical engineering and her daughter graduated from the University of the Sciences as a pharmaceutical chemist and is now at Penn State getting her Master’s degree in Forensics.
Cathy and her family are grateful for the foundation that Susquenita provided them which has led to happy and successful careers. Susquenita High School, honor be thy name!
June 2023
Suzanne (Loper) Eicher graduated from Susquenita High School in 1994. During her time at Susquenita she was a member of the field hockey team and yearbook staff. After hschool, Suzanne attended Geisinger School of Nursing and graduated with a diploma in nursing in 1996. Later that year she started her health care career at UPMC Harrisburg (Pinnacle Health at that time). She has been employed there ever since.
She started working on a unit taking care of post surgical patients. In 2000, she transferred to the Operating Room. After her orientation, she joined the neurosurgical team. In 2019, she became the Neurosurgery Clinician for the OR. Her main role is helping to coordinate patient care in the operating room for neurosurgical patients. She makes sure the surgeries go smoothly by assuring any special supplies are ordered, implants are available for cases and various administrative duties. When needed, she helps her team members in staffing during procedures.
Suzanne is married to Matthew Eicher (also class of 1994). They live in New Bloomfield with their three children, Emma (17), Molly (14) and Harrison (11) who also attend Susquenita. In her free time Suzanne enjoys watching her children in their various sports and activities and spending time with her family and friends.
She started working on a unit taking care of post surgical patients. In 2000, she transferred to the Operating Room. After her orientation, she joined the neurosurgical team. In 2019, she became the Neurosurgery Clinician for the OR. Her main role is helping to coordinate patient care in the operating room for neurosurgical patients. She makes sure the surgeries go smoothly by assuring any special supplies are ordered, implants are available for cases and various administrative duties. When needed, she helps her team members in staffing during procedures.
Suzanne is married to Matthew Eicher (also class of 1994). They live in New Bloomfield with their three children, Emma (17), Molly (14) and Harrison (11) who also attend Susquenita. In her free time Suzanne enjoys watching her children in their various sports and activities and spending time with her family and friends.
April 2023
Brian Ebersole was born and raised in the Keystone State, graduated from high school in 1995 and was an active member of the student council, a member of the National Honor Society, and played on the soccer team. He also showcased some of his talents as a member of the West Side Singers and in school musicals. As if that wasn't enough performing, he even donned the Blackhawk costume from time to time.
After high school, Brian went on to attend Ursinus College, where he majored in Politics with a minor in Education, graduating in 1999. While in college, Brian was actively involved in Student Government and Beta Sigma Lambda fraternity. During his junior and senior year, Brian traveled to Washington DC two days a week to intern for the National Biodiesel Board.
Following graduation, Brian embarked on his health career journey after some time as a bartender at Sorrento’s in Duncannon. He worked for four different Governors at the PA Department of Health and the Office of Health Care Reform before moving to Scranton to become the Senior Vice President at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. There, he established the first accredited national family medicine residency program in collaboration with FQHCs in seven states. Currently, Brian serves as the Senior Director of Health Innovations at Geisinger, where he oversees their social determinants of health portfolio, including the nationally recognized Fresh Food Farmacy and the social care platform Neighborly (www.NeighborlyPA.com), as well as community activation initiatives as the Geisinger Health Plan expands Medicaid services to all 67 counties of Pennsylvania this year.
Brian's focus is not on direct patient care, but rather building a better healthcare system by redesigning how physicians are trained, investing in communities, and engaging patients and members. Brian is passionate about his work and is continuously striving to improve health for everyone.
In his personal life, Brian married his partner Jeff in March 2022. They live near Scranton and have a 10-year-old son named Keegan, who is into baseball, football, and cub scouts. Together, Brian and Jeff operate a travel franchise focused on cruises called Ebersmith Travel. Brian is also an Optavia Health Coach, where he shares his weight loss successes with others.
In their free time, the Ebersoles love to cruise, spending as much time on the open seas as possible. They also enjoy spending time in Potter County at their family cabin and going on adventures off the beaten path. Brian's drive for success and passion for improving healthcare makes him a true asset to his community, and he continues to make a positive impact in every aspect of his life with the motto - Be Better!
After high school, Brian went on to attend Ursinus College, where he majored in Politics with a minor in Education, graduating in 1999. While in college, Brian was actively involved in Student Government and Beta Sigma Lambda fraternity. During his junior and senior year, Brian traveled to Washington DC two days a week to intern for the National Biodiesel Board.
Following graduation, Brian embarked on his health career journey after some time as a bartender at Sorrento’s in Duncannon. He worked for four different Governors at the PA Department of Health and the Office of Health Care Reform before moving to Scranton to become the Senior Vice President at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. There, he established the first accredited national family medicine residency program in collaboration with FQHCs in seven states. Currently, Brian serves as the Senior Director of Health Innovations at Geisinger, where he oversees their social determinants of health portfolio, including the nationally recognized Fresh Food Farmacy and the social care platform Neighborly (www.NeighborlyPA.com), as well as community activation initiatives as the Geisinger Health Plan expands Medicaid services to all 67 counties of Pennsylvania this year.
Brian's focus is not on direct patient care, but rather building a better healthcare system by redesigning how physicians are trained, investing in communities, and engaging patients and members. Brian is passionate about his work and is continuously striving to improve health for everyone.
In his personal life, Brian married his partner Jeff in March 2022. They live near Scranton and have a 10-year-old son named Keegan, who is into baseball, football, and cub scouts. Together, Brian and Jeff operate a travel franchise focused on cruises called Ebersmith Travel. Brian is also an Optavia Health Coach, where he shares his weight loss successes with others.
In their free time, the Ebersoles love to cruise, spending as much time on the open seas as possible. They also enjoy spending time in Potter County at their family cabin and going on adventures off the beaten path. Brian's drive for success and passion for improving healthcare makes him a true asset to his community, and he continues to make a positive impact in every aspect of his life with the motto - Be Better!
March 2023
Amanda Clark Stoner graduated from Susquenita in 2009. While a student there she participated in ski club and track. Foretelling her TV appearance, Amanda also acted in the school play Thirteen Past Midnight during her senior year. Amanda was raised by her Grandmother, Sandy Barrick in Duncannon. Her Grandmother, who she refers to as Nana, always encouraged Amanda to embrace her eccentric personality and bold character. This advice proved to give Amanda an advantage later on in her life.
After graduation Amanda attended The Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she studied psychology and sociology. Amanda realized her academic potential here, where she earned a spot on the Dean's list every semester, was awarded the Esko. E Newill Scholarship for success, was a member of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity and The National Society for Leadership and success, and was awarded with the outstanding senior award due to being in the top 10% of her class. After graduating Summa Cum laude from IUP in 2013, Amanda took a gap year and took up rock climbing at The Climbnasium in Mechanicsburg. She went on to compete in rock climbing competitions and ultimately placed 1st in the womens' beginner category in one of Spooky Nook Sports Bouldering competitions. During this time Amanda found herself working with Registered Nurses as a crisis intervention specialist at the Holy spirit Emergency Department and was praised for her ability to think quickly and find solutions to problems. This positive feedback from coworkers led her to apply to nursing school and she was accepted to PA College of Health Sciences. Amanda continued to achieve high marks and graduated with her Associates degree in Nursing in 2017.
She took the NCLEX (National Council Licesure Exam) right after graduation and obtained her Registered Nursing license. The transition from working as a crisis worker in the Emergency Department to a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department was obvious to Amanda. She obtained her first Nursing position with UPMC Carlisle hospital, where she quickly took leadership responsibilities such as Triage and Charge roles, was
precepting new graduates and was asked to be in a promotional video for the UPMC marketing team. Amanda continued to be a gym member at The Climbnasium and
ultimately met her Husband Brad Stoner there in late 2019, they married in October 2020.
After working for 2.5 years as a staff RN with UPMC, Amanda applied to be a travel nurse and obtained a contract with The York Hospital Emergency Department, a level 1 trauma center. Little did anyone know the 2020 COVID pandemic would hit America a few weeks later. Amanda describes the first few year of the pandemic as "a war zone". The demands of her job increased dramatically and the physical and emotional toll it took on her and her coworkers was evident. Nurses began leaving the bedside quickly and with short staffing and increased patient demands, Amanda was starting to feel like she needed something to change. She then fell ill with covid in October 2021, which proved to be an answer to her need for change. She was quarantined for 14 days and this is when she watched her first reality TV show, The Circle on Netflix. Amanda became interested in applying to The Circle and submitted a video application in her pajamas in late October 2021. She followed Nana's words of wisdom and embraced her personality for the audition video. She was contacted a few weeks later with an invitation to audition with the casting executives of Studio Lambert for a brand new show called The Traitors. Amanda thought this was a pipe dream but accepted and after 6 months of auditioning and flying to Scotland to meet with the NBC and Studio Lambert executive team she was told she was selected for the show. Amanda moved into Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands and competed in The Traitors, a
psychological thriller competition for a grand prize of a quarter of a million dollars in May of 2022. Her fellow competitors consisted of everyday civilians, Survivor legends and even the Olympic swimmer, Ryan Lochte. If you are interested in watching The Traitors it is streaming on Peacock, Bravo and USA network. After filming Amanda returned home and continued to contract as a travel nurse while she and her husband renovated a dilapidated farm property in Carlisle, PA that they purchased in January of 2021. Amanda and Brad have plans to complete and move into their home in late 2023. She is
currently offering content on her renovation, crash courses in farming/homesteading and casting tips on her instagram _amandastoner. In addition, Amanda and Brad are sharing their fertility journey to help normalize the conversation around infertility issues. Amanda and Brad start their first round of fertility treatments this week.
Amanda recently returned from NYC where she filmed The Traitors Reunion hosted by Bravo icon Andy Cohen. Amanda describes her experience as "a dream come true." When asked if another reality tv show is in her future, Amanda is hopeful that she will return to the big screen but for now wants to focus on building her family and spending time with her husband, her great dane (Graceland) and two Yorkshire Terriers (Oliver and Winne).
After graduation Amanda attended The Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she studied psychology and sociology. Amanda realized her academic potential here, where she earned a spot on the Dean's list every semester, was awarded the Esko. E Newill Scholarship for success, was a member of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity and The National Society for Leadership and success, and was awarded with the outstanding senior award due to being in the top 10% of her class. After graduating Summa Cum laude from IUP in 2013, Amanda took a gap year and took up rock climbing at The Climbnasium in Mechanicsburg. She went on to compete in rock climbing competitions and ultimately placed 1st in the womens' beginner category in one of Spooky Nook Sports Bouldering competitions. During this time Amanda found herself working with Registered Nurses as a crisis intervention specialist at the Holy spirit Emergency Department and was praised for her ability to think quickly and find solutions to problems. This positive feedback from coworkers led her to apply to nursing school and she was accepted to PA College of Health Sciences. Amanda continued to achieve high marks and graduated with her Associates degree in Nursing in 2017.
She took the NCLEX (National Council Licesure Exam) right after graduation and obtained her Registered Nursing license. The transition from working as a crisis worker in the Emergency Department to a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department was obvious to Amanda. She obtained her first Nursing position with UPMC Carlisle hospital, where she quickly took leadership responsibilities such as Triage and Charge roles, was
precepting new graduates and was asked to be in a promotional video for the UPMC marketing team. Amanda continued to be a gym member at The Climbnasium and
ultimately met her Husband Brad Stoner there in late 2019, they married in October 2020.
After working for 2.5 years as a staff RN with UPMC, Amanda applied to be a travel nurse and obtained a contract with The York Hospital Emergency Department, a level 1 trauma center. Little did anyone know the 2020 COVID pandemic would hit America a few weeks later. Amanda describes the first few year of the pandemic as "a war zone". The demands of her job increased dramatically and the physical and emotional toll it took on her and her coworkers was evident. Nurses began leaving the bedside quickly and with short staffing and increased patient demands, Amanda was starting to feel like she needed something to change. She then fell ill with covid in October 2021, which proved to be an answer to her need for change. She was quarantined for 14 days and this is when she watched her first reality TV show, The Circle on Netflix. Amanda became interested in applying to The Circle and submitted a video application in her pajamas in late October 2021. She followed Nana's words of wisdom and embraced her personality for the audition video. She was contacted a few weeks later with an invitation to audition with the casting executives of Studio Lambert for a brand new show called The Traitors. Amanda thought this was a pipe dream but accepted and after 6 months of auditioning and flying to Scotland to meet with the NBC and Studio Lambert executive team she was told she was selected for the show. Amanda moved into Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands and competed in The Traitors, a
psychological thriller competition for a grand prize of a quarter of a million dollars in May of 2022. Her fellow competitors consisted of everyday civilians, Survivor legends and even the Olympic swimmer, Ryan Lochte. If you are interested in watching The Traitors it is streaming on Peacock, Bravo and USA network. After filming Amanda returned home and continued to contract as a travel nurse while she and her husband renovated a dilapidated farm property in Carlisle, PA that they purchased in January of 2021. Amanda and Brad have plans to complete and move into their home in late 2023. She is
currently offering content on her renovation, crash courses in farming/homesteading and casting tips on her instagram _amandastoner. In addition, Amanda and Brad are sharing their fertility journey to help normalize the conversation around infertility issues. Amanda and Brad start their first round of fertility treatments this week.
Amanda recently returned from NYC where she filmed The Traitors Reunion hosted by Bravo icon Andy Cohen. Amanda describes her experience as "a dream come true." When asked if another reality tv show is in her future, Amanda is hopeful that she will return to the big screen but for now wants to focus on building her family and spending time with her husband, her great dane (Graceland) and two Yorkshire Terriers (Oliver and Winne).
February 2023
Suzanne Brunner graduated from Susquenita in 1966. While a student there she participated in numerous activities including basketball, band, chorus, editor of the yearbook, newspaper staff, Youth Festival, and Youth Forum. Foretelling her future endeavors in healthcare, Suzannne placed third at the Capital Area Science Fair with her study of the absorption of aspirin. Being a first born, Suzanne has often found herself in leadership positions and was elected best leader in her Senior year.
Brothers Mike and Pat participated in sports and became longtime residents of Duncannon, both eventually serving on the Borough Council. The entire Brunner clan have been active members of Otterbein United Methodist church. Suzanne served as president of the Youth
Fellowship and sang in the choir. Suzanne went on to follow in the footsteps of two of her cousins who graduated from Susquenita and attended Harrisburg Polyclinic Hospital School of Nursing - Jackie (Kelley)
Liddick Reigel and Barbara Stuckey. Her leadership abilities continued to be evident at Polyclinic where she was Student Council president, yearbook editor, and played basketball. While at Polyclinic, Suzanne served as “Big Sister” to Susquenita High School graduate, Sue
Herr Swails. At graduation Suzanne received the Award for Excellence and Adaptability in Nursing.
Following graduation from Polyclinic and briefly working on the surgical unit at Polyclinic, Suzanne ventured to Columbus Ohio to pursue her BSN. Later receiving her masters degree at the University of Maryland and returning to Ohio State to complete all but her dissertation in the PhD program. During her master’s program, Suzanne was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the national nursing honor society. Suzanne’s nursing career centered primarily around pediatrics and public health working clinically, and in educational and administrative roles in Ohio, Maryland and Michigan. In December,1995, Suzanne accepted a teaching position at the University of Maine in Orono. After teaching at Maine she became Director of the nursing program at Eastern Maine
Community College. One of her delights as a nursing instructor was mentoring individuals, and watching them become leaders and expert professionals in their own right. This included counseling students individually as well as advising nursing student organizations. Later
Suzanne became Director of the Federally Qualified Health Center at York County Community Action in Sanford, Maine. After successfully reviving that program, Suzanne returned to the Bangor area and became Director of Caring Connections, a program that provided support, education and outreach regarding breast cancer.
Always interested in social justice issues and politics, Suzanne was an active member of the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine. In addition, she was a board member of the Maine Women’s Lobby, and a long term board member and chairperson of the board of the Mabel
Wadsworth Women’s Health Center.
Now retired, Suzanne lives in Bangor with her partner Janet and their two dogs Stevie and Wiley. In addition to traveling, she enjoys the beauty and wonder of Maine, books, cooking, needlework and other crafts, card playing, gardening, working at the polls during elections, and entertaining friends and family. And it is always a pleasure to return to her beloved Perry County.
Brothers Mike and Pat participated in sports and became longtime residents of Duncannon, both eventually serving on the Borough Council. The entire Brunner clan have been active members of Otterbein United Methodist church. Suzanne served as president of the Youth
Fellowship and sang in the choir. Suzanne went on to follow in the footsteps of two of her cousins who graduated from Susquenita and attended Harrisburg Polyclinic Hospital School of Nursing - Jackie (Kelley)
Liddick Reigel and Barbara Stuckey. Her leadership abilities continued to be evident at Polyclinic where she was Student Council president, yearbook editor, and played basketball. While at Polyclinic, Suzanne served as “Big Sister” to Susquenita High School graduate, Sue
Herr Swails. At graduation Suzanne received the Award for Excellence and Adaptability in Nursing.
Following graduation from Polyclinic and briefly working on the surgical unit at Polyclinic, Suzanne ventured to Columbus Ohio to pursue her BSN. Later receiving her masters degree at the University of Maryland and returning to Ohio State to complete all but her dissertation in the PhD program. During her master’s program, Suzanne was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the national nursing honor society. Suzanne’s nursing career centered primarily around pediatrics and public health working clinically, and in educational and administrative roles in Ohio, Maryland and Michigan. In December,1995, Suzanne accepted a teaching position at the University of Maine in Orono. After teaching at Maine she became Director of the nursing program at Eastern Maine
Community College. One of her delights as a nursing instructor was mentoring individuals, and watching them become leaders and expert professionals in their own right. This included counseling students individually as well as advising nursing student organizations. Later
Suzanne became Director of the Federally Qualified Health Center at York County Community Action in Sanford, Maine. After successfully reviving that program, Suzanne returned to the Bangor area and became Director of Caring Connections, a program that provided support, education and outreach regarding breast cancer.
Always interested in social justice issues and politics, Suzanne was an active member of the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine. In addition, she was a board member of the Maine Women’s Lobby, and a long term board member and chairperson of the board of the Mabel
Wadsworth Women’s Health Center.
Now retired, Suzanne lives in Bangor with her partner Janet and their two dogs Stevie and Wiley. In addition to traveling, she enjoys the beauty and wonder of Maine, books, cooking, needlework and other crafts, card playing, gardening, working at the polls during elections, and entertaining friends and family. And it is always a pleasure to return to her beloved Perry County.
January 2023
Brian Ulrich, DPT, Cert DN graduated from Susquenita High School in 2006. While at SHS, he was a member of National Honor Society and graduated top 10% in his class. He earned numerous Mid Penn Conference and District 3 medals in cross country and track, as well as a PIAA state medal in cross country in 2005. Brian still holds the Susquenita school cross country record to this day, with his overall course record narrowly eclipsed by one second in 2017.
Following high school graduation, Brian accepted a scholarship for cross country/track and field while attending Slippery Rock University. He graduated with a BS in Exercise Science while balancing academics/sports all four years. Brian earned All-PSAC, All-Atlantic Region, and Academic All-American honors in cross country. After graduation from Slippery Rock, Brian attended Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC where he earned his doctorate degree in physical therapy, while continuing to train and race for local clubs in regional races as part of USATF.
Since 2014, Brian has worked as a physical therapist at Ashe Memorial Hospital in Jefferson, NC with his primary focus being outpatient orthopedics and vestibular rehab. He recently received his full certification in dry needling, which is most easily explained as Western-based acupuncture with focus being on the musculoskeletal system and neural desensitization vs. movement of Chi and use of meridians associated with formal Eastern-based acupuncture. Brian enjoys connecting with and encouraging high school athletes to push themselves to their full potential while using his own stories of traveling around the country, including Alaska, to compete in college athletics. Brian married his wife, Whitney, in 2015, and they have two children, Braya and Hayes. They enjoy hiking, spending time outdoors, and living as simply and fully as possible.
Following high school graduation, Brian accepted a scholarship for cross country/track and field while attending Slippery Rock University. He graduated with a BS in Exercise Science while balancing academics/sports all four years. Brian earned All-PSAC, All-Atlantic Region, and Academic All-American honors in cross country. After graduation from Slippery Rock, Brian attended Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC where he earned his doctorate degree in physical therapy, while continuing to train and race for local clubs in regional races as part of USATF.
Since 2014, Brian has worked as a physical therapist at Ashe Memorial Hospital in Jefferson, NC with his primary focus being outpatient orthopedics and vestibular rehab. He recently received his full certification in dry needling, which is most easily explained as Western-based acupuncture with focus being on the musculoskeletal system and neural desensitization vs. movement of Chi and use of meridians associated with formal Eastern-based acupuncture. Brian enjoys connecting with and encouraging high school athletes to push themselves to their full potential while using his own stories of traveling around the country, including Alaska, to compete in college athletics. Brian married his wife, Whitney, in 2015, and they have two children, Braya and Hayes. They enjoy hiking, spending time outdoors, and living as simply and fully as possible.
December 2022
Liz (Stouffer) Knauss, BSN, RN graduated from Susquenita in 2003. While at SHS, she played field hockey and softball and was involved in numerous clubs and activities. After graduation, Liz attended Bloomsburg University and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. While in nursing school, she worked in the Emergency Department at Holy Spirit Hospital as an ED Technician. After graduating from Bloomsburg, Liz remained at Holy Spirit as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department. She later started working as a Charge Nurse in the ED, eventually progressing to Leadership roles as a Clinical
Coordinator, Assistant Nurse Manager, and then the Nurse Manager. During her time in the Emergency
Department, Liz took care of newborn babies, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. Her care covered the entire lifespan and all disease processes. She assisted in initiating the Trauma Program at Holy Spirit and ensured the ED nursing team was prepared for any traumatic event.
Liz was the Nurse Manager in the Emergency Department when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Liz assisted in preparing the Emergency Department to handle infected and potentially infected patients while keeping the staff and community members safe and protected.
After 17 years in the ED, Liz decided to come back to her roots at Susquenita High School and is now the high school nurse. She started in early October 2022 and is enjoying meeting the students and seeing a few teachers who guided her while she went to school here. Liz lives in Marysville with her high school sweetheart Brad, and their three children, Landon, Maryn, and June. They have 2 dogs and a few chickens. Liz enjoys spending time with her family and friends, learning about her garden, and reading every book she possible can.
Coordinator, Assistant Nurse Manager, and then the Nurse Manager. During her time in the Emergency
Department, Liz took care of newborn babies, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. Her care covered the entire lifespan and all disease processes. She assisted in initiating the Trauma Program at Holy Spirit and ensured the ED nursing team was prepared for any traumatic event.
Liz was the Nurse Manager in the Emergency Department when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Liz assisted in preparing the Emergency Department to handle infected and potentially infected patients while keeping the staff and community members safe and protected.
After 17 years in the ED, Liz decided to come back to her roots at Susquenita High School and is now the high school nurse. She started in early October 2022 and is enjoying meeting the students and seeing a few teachers who guided her while she went to school here. Liz lives in Marysville with her high school sweetheart Brad, and their three children, Landon, Maryn, and June. They have 2 dogs and a few chickens. Liz enjoys spending time with her family and friends, learning about her garden, and reading every book she possible can.
November 2022
Juliana Shuty, DPT, graduated from Susquenita High School in 2012. While at Susquenita, she was Valedictorian of her 2012 graduating class. She was a member of the National Honor Society and an award-winning Model UN team. She was also a member of the Spanish club, with whom she was able to travel to Costa Rica. She received eleven varsity letters while participating in a variety of sports including field hockey, softball, basketball, and cross country. She was a co-captain of the softball team. While playing shortstop, she helped lead her team to the Mid Penn Capital Division Champions and the District III quarter finals in 2012. She was also a member of the 2011 field hockey team that won the Mid Penn Capital Division and was a District III 5 th place finisher. Some of her fondest memories of high school include the hard-won victories, devastating defeats, and silly laughter shared with her teammates. The countless hours of hard work as a Susquenita student athlete helped her to create strong friendships and learn invaluable lessons that still feel relevant today.
Following high school graduation, Juliana attended Lebanon Valley College, studying Health Science and Spanish. She managed the LVC field hockey team throughout her undergraduate career, spent a semester abroad in Valladolid, Spain, tutored ESL students in Lebanon, and volunteered for LVC Women Health and Gender Resource Center. After graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2016, Juliana furthered her education at LVC, pursuing a physical therapy degree. While in grad school, Juliana worked as a teaching assistant for Human Anatomy and continued to tutor for Spanish and Biomechanics as well as volunteered in the pro bono C.U.R.E. clinic. Juliana also presented a research project on rock climbing in children with Autism at the 2018 APTA Combined Sections Meeting in New Orleans. In 2018, Juliana completed her rigorous six years of schooling to graduate as a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Now, Juliana works with a talented group of clinicians at OIP Physical Therapy in Camp Hill. Her work is mostly centered on providing care to individuals with orthopedic injuries, but her favorite is rehabbing young athletes for return to sports. When she is not at work, Juliana enjoys spending her free time traveling as well as pursuing her favorite hobbies, hiking, rock climbing and disc golf. Despite graduating 10 years ago from Susquenita High School, Juliana is still very grateful for the opportunities
Susquenita provided, the amazing mentors that taught her so much, and the wonderful peers with whom she was able to share so many memories.
Following high school graduation, Juliana attended Lebanon Valley College, studying Health Science and Spanish. She managed the LVC field hockey team throughout her undergraduate career, spent a semester abroad in Valladolid, Spain, tutored ESL students in Lebanon, and volunteered for LVC Women Health and Gender Resource Center. After graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2016, Juliana furthered her education at LVC, pursuing a physical therapy degree. While in grad school, Juliana worked as a teaching assistant for Human Anatomy and continued to tutor for Spanish and Biomechanics as well as volunteered in the pro bono C.U.R.E. clinic. Juliana also presented a research project on rock climbing in children with Autism at the 2018 APTA Combined Sections Meeting in New Orleans. In 2018, Juliana completed her rigorous six years of schooling to graduate as a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Now, Juliana works with a talented group of clinicians at OIP Physical Therapy in Camp Hill. Her work is mostly centered on providing care to individuals with orthopedic injuries, but her favorite is rehabbing young athletes for return to sports. When she is not at work, Juliana enjoys spending her free time traveling as well as pursuing her favorite hobbies, hiking, rock climbing and disc golf. Despite graduating 10 years ago from Susquenita High School, Juliana is still very grateful for the opportunities
Susquenita provided, the amazing mentors that taught her so much, and the wonderful peers with whom she was able to share so many memories.
October 2022
Sierra Wright graduated from Susquenita High School in 2012. She was a member of the Varsity Cheerleading team that was PECO champions three years in a row. After high school, she attended Harrisburg Area Community College and earned an associate’s degree in Medical Assisting. While earning that degree she made the dean’s list for her academics. She then worked in an internal medicine office, an office caring for individuals living with HIV, and an urgent care clinic.
While working at the office caring for individuals with HIV, she did community education and community HIV testing. She also did HIV education for Medical Assisting students at HACC. During her time at the urgent care clinic, this was the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sierra helped open collection sites and did testing for COVID-19. While working as a Medical Assistant Sierra wanted to pursue another degree as a Nurse. She attended Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences and earned her associate’s degree in Nursing. Sierra accepted a job as an RN at West Shore Hospital on a neurology medical surgical floor. There she cared for individuals that had a wide range of health conditions such as strokes, COVID-19, and seizures.
After working on the neurology floor Sierra realized she wanted to follow her dream of becoming a mother-baby nurse. She achieved this goal and is currently working at Harrisburg Hospital as a nurse on the maternity floor, while continuing her education for her bachelor’s degree in nursing.
While working at the office caring for individuals with HIV, she did community education and community HIV testing. She also did HIV education for Medical Assisting students at HACC. During her time at the urgent care clinic, this was the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sierra helped open collection sites and did testing for COVID-19. While working as a Medical Assistant Sierra wanted to pursue another degree as a Nurse. She attended Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences and earned her associate’s degree in Nursing. Sierra accepted a job as an RN at West Shore Hospital on a neurology medical surgical floor. There she cared for individuals that had a wide range of health conditions such as strokes, COVID-19, and seizures.
After working on the neurology floor Sierra realized she wanted to follow her dream of becoming a mother-baby nurse. She achieved this goal and is currently working at Harrisburg Hospital as a nurse on the maternity floor, while continuing her education for her bachelor’s degree in nursing.
September 2022
|
|
DeAnna Hill Brown graduated from Susquenita High School in 2005. During her time at SHS,
she participated in numerous activities and was a member of our Varsity Softball Team. DeAnna received awards for her dedication to the fire service and for becoming an EMT before
graduation.
After high school, DeAnna attended University of Phoenix for criminal justice. However, realized
that Emergency Medicine was her calling. She worked full time at Harrisburg Hospital with
toxicology and respiratory patients and eventually transitioned to working full time on an ambulance at West Shore EMS (now Penn State EMS). Over the years, she has worked per-diem or part time in other municipalities, keeping the citizens of the area safe and well.
DeAnna began her emergency services career when she was 14 years old by joining the local fire department. She then started working towards medical certificates and credentials, where she eventually became an EMT prior to graduation. DeAnna volunteered most of her teenage years with Perdix Fire Department and Duncannon EMS. During that time, she has seen more than most teenagers would want to see, but that has only made her who she is today. She has continued to work hard at what she does, even when the pandemic of COVID made it difficult.
Currently she is employed by Evangelical Regional Mobile Medical Services, out of Lewisburg,
Pa; serving those who live in Snyder, Union, and Juniata Counties all while continuing her
education to get her RN / PHRN.
DeAnna now resides in Snyder County with her husband, Bill, and their children (Hailey, Kylie,
Carson, Alivya, and Karli). Outside of work, school, and taking care of her family; DeAnna
continues to serve her community by volunteering any free time she may have with the local
fire department. She also loves to travel with her husband and children when time allows.
she participated in numerous activities and was a member of our Varsity Softball Team. DeAnna received awards for her dedication to the fire service and for becoming an EMT before
graduation.
After high school, DeAnna attended University of Phoenix for criminal justice. However, realized
that Emergency Medicine was her calling. She worked full time at Harrisburg Hospital with
toxicology and respiratory patients and eventually transitioned to working full time on an ambulance at West Shore EMS (now Penn State EMS). Over the years, she has worked per-diem or part time in other municipalities, keeping the citizens of the area safe and well.
DeAnna began her emergency services career when she was 14 years old by joining the local fire department. She then started working towards medical certificates and credentials, where she eventually became an EMT prior to graduation. DeAnna volunteered most of her teenage years with Perdix Fire Department and Duncannon EMS. During that time, she has seen more than most teenagers would want to see, but that has only made her who she is today. She has continued to work hard at what she does, even when the pandemic of COVID made it difficult.
Currently she is employed by Evangelical Regional Mobile Medical Services, out of Lewisburg,
Pa; serving those who live in Snyder, Union, and Juniata Counties all while continuing her
education to get her RN / PHRN.
DeAnna now resides in Snyder County with her husband, Bill, and their children (Hailey, Kylie,
Carson, Alivya, and Karli). Outside of work, school, and taking care of her family; DeAnna
continues to serve her community by volunteering any free time she may have with the local
fire department. She also loves to travel with her husband and children when time allows.
August 2022
Camryn Stiffler graduated from Susquenita High School in 2017. During her time at SHS, she was a member of the National Honor Society, student council, varsity club, and president of her graduating class. She participated in softball, soccer, and musicals.
Camryn then attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing alongside a minor in Spanish. She was a member of Alpha Tau Delta, an academic nursing sorority, and Student Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania.
Camryn began her healthcare journey by volunteering in the Emergency department and PACU at Community Osteopathic and Harrisburg hospitals. From 2018-2021, she was a nursing assistant in the float pool working at Harrisburg hospital, West Shore, and Community Osteopathic hospital. During the summer of 2020, she completed the Student Nurse Internship on the maternity floor at Harrisburg Hospital. She began her nursing career at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh on a Covid/Med Surg floor. Camryn cared for patients diagnosed with Covid-19 with oxygen requirements up to 60 liters. She is now working in the PACU at UPMC Presbyterian, taking care of patients before and after medical procedures.
During her first year as a nurse at UPMC Presbyterian, Camryn was honored as Rookie of the Year for the entire Presbyterian campus. This award is presented to a nurse who is within the first years of practice that has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, performance, and the highest potential to make significant contributions to nursing practice.
Camryn now resides in Pittsburgh with her fiancé, Zach, and their dog, Kip. Outside of work she enjoys being outdoors, playing with Kip, and exploring Pittsburgh.
Camryn then attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing alongside a minor in Spanish. She was a member of Alpha Tau Delta, an academic nursing sorority, and Student Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania.
Camryn began her healthcare journey by volunteering in the Emergency department and PACU at Community Osteopathic and Harrisburg hospitals. From 2018-2021, she was a nursing assistant in the float pool working at Harrisburg hospital, West Shore, and Community Osteopathic hospital. During the summer of 2020, she completed the Student Nurse Internship on the maternity floor at Harrisburg Hospital. She began her nursing career at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh on a Covid/Med Surg floor. Camryn cared for patients diagnosed with Covid-19 with oxygen requirements up to 60 liters. She is now working in the PACU at UPMC Presbyterian, taking care of patients before and after medical procedures.
During her first year as a nurse at UPMC Presbyterian, Camryn was honored as Rookie of the Year for the entire Presbyterian campus. This award is presented to a nurse who is within the first years of practice that has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, performance, and the highest potential to make significant contributions to nursing practice.
Camryn now resides in Pittsburgh with her fiancé, Zach, and their dog, Kip. Outside of work she enjoys being outdoors, playing with Kip, and exploring Pittsburgh.
July 2022
Rachael Sterner, MSPAS, PA-C, graduated from Susquenita High School in 2014. While at Susquenita, she was Salutatorian of her 2014 graduating class. She was a member of the National Honor Society. She also played softball and basketball. She was a part of the PECO basketball championship team as a forward/center. While on the softball team, she was a part of the team that went to the PIAA Final Four, only one of three SHS teams in any sport to ever do so. She batted clean-up and pitched the way to a being a Patriot News Big 15 1st Team selection and 2nd Team All-Pennsylvania. Many of her fondest high school memories involve her teammates, on the bus traveling to and from away games. Much of her academic and athletic success during her time at Susquenita come under the leadership and guidance of amazing coaches, teachers, and family as well as equally hardworking teammates and peers, who pushed her to be the best version of herself.
Following graduation, Rachael received an academic and athletic scholarship to attend 4 years at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. During her time there, she played Division II college softball, under the strong leadership of coach Edith Gallagher. While on the team, she was not only a PSAC Scholar Athlete, but also All-PSAC Central selection and All-Atlantic Region selection starting all of the games at first base and batting clean up, stringing together over 100 hits and 21 home runs. Most importantly, during Rachael’s time at Mansfield, she graduated Magna Cum Laude and performed many different science research projects, one specifically on the impact of pharmaceuticals on cells. During her college years, she also spent some time volunteering with Special Olympics and working at the local central Pennsylvania hospitals as an aide where she grew her love for medicine.
After a tough and lengthy interview process, she was accepted into the Physician Assistant program at Thomas Jefferson University in Center City, Philadelphia where she earned a Master’s Degree. The program is a rigorous, full-time, 2.5 year program including the basic medical training of how to be a provider, working alongside a physician, and making decisions regarding patient management. Upon graduation, she returned back to Central Pennsylvania to help the community that built her.
She now works at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in the Emergency Department as a Physician Assistant/Associate, caring for patient’s with the flu, covid-19, and repairing lacerations to name just a few of her job tasks. She works independently and alongside her colleagues of amazing Nursing Staff, other Advanced Practice Providers and Physicians.
When she is not at work, she enjoys walking her lab mix, whom she rescued during her time in Philadelphia, participating in CrossFit workouts and traveling. Much of her success she attributes to her parents, Shannen and Ross Sterner, who also grew up in the Susquenita school district, and have taught that hard work is integral to all of life’s successes.
Following graduation, Rachael received an academic and athletic scholarship to attend 4 years at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. During her time there, she played Division II college softball, under the strong leadership of coach Edith Gallagher. While on the team, she was not only a PSAC Scholar Athlete, but also All-PSAC Central selection and All-Atlantic Region selection starting all of the games at first base and batting clean up, stringing together over 100 hits and 21 home runs. Most importantly, during Rachael’s time at Mansfield, she graduated Magna Cum Laude and performed many different science research projects, one specifically on the impact of pharmaceuticals on cells. During her college years, she also spent some time volunteering with Special Olympics and working at the local central Pennsylvania hospitals as an aide where she grew her love for medicine.
After a tough and lengthy interview process, she was accepted into the Physician Assistant program at Thomas Jefferson University in Center City, Philadelphia where she earned a Master’s Degree. The program is a rigorous, full-time, 2.5 year program including the basic medical training of how to be a provider, working alongside a physician, and making decisions regarding patient management. Upon graduation, she returned back to Central Pennsylvania to help the community that built her.
She now works at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in the Emergency Department as a Physician Assistant/Associate, caring for patient’s with the flu, covid-19, and repairing lacerations to name just a few of her job tasks. She works independently and alongside her colleagues of amazing Nursing Staff, other Advanced Practice Providers and Physicians.
When she is not at work, she enjoys walking her lab mix, whom she rescued during her time in Philadelphia, participating in CrossFit workouts and traveling. Much of her success she attributes to her parents, Shannen and Ross Sterner, who also grew up in the Susquenita school district, and have taught that hard work is integral to all of life’s successes.
June 2022
Tad Glossner was born in Camp Hill, at Holy Spirit Hospital, on June 2, 1971, and grew up on Susquenita Hill Rd. He attended Susquenita Elementary and was in the last class to make the transition from the
elementary school directly to the high school. He played 4 years of Baseball for Coach’s Rice and Alexander, played some soccer in 7th and 8th grades, enjoyed playing tennis on Susquenita’s courts, and
also competed on the National level in Metallic Silhouette shooting. He graduated 3 rd in his class of 1989. He attended Bloomsburg University from 1989-1993 where he double majored in Biology and
Chemistry. In August of 1993, he headed to West Virginia University to begin his Dental school education and to hone his hunting and fishing skills in some of the nicest country he had ever seen. In 1997, he won the senior dental school Research award for his work with Fluoride and its ability to reduce bacterial counts in dental unit water lines. He graduated 3 rd in his dental school class and then applied for, and was accepted into and completed West Virginia’s A.E.G.D program (Advanced Education in General Dentistry.) In 1998, Dr. Glossner returned to Camp Hill and became an Associate of Douglas P. Marinak. Two years later, he joined Dr. Marinak and a partner and the corporation’s name was changed to Marinak and Glossner DDS PC. In 2018, Dr. Marinak retired and Tad worked for a year and a half by himself, until he, and his longtime friend, Dr. Patrick McElwee, decided to combine their two offices into one corporation named Glossner & McElwee Comprehesive Dental Care LLC.
Dr. Glossner is married to his
wife Suzanne and enjoys watching his two sons, 12 year old Grant and 15 year old Gavin, compete in shotgun shooting competitions across the northeast. Both boys have won state titles in different states. Dr. Glossner was voted as Harrisburg magazines “Best Dentist” for the last two years and was nominated again this year, but he is more appreciative of the honor that was bestowed on his staff when Glossner & McElwee Comprehensive Dental Care was voted as the “Best Dental Office on the West Shore”. He is
happy that his staff has been able to achieve this honor in the adversarial environment spawned by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr. Glossner would like to extend his sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the teachers and administrators at Susquenita School District. Although many of them are no longer in the workforce, the culture they created, lives on. He feels that the educators and administrators treated each student with
respect. Tad said that in 1976 when he entered the Susquenita school district, he was a very shy and backwards country boy from a middle-class household. 46 years later, Dr. Glossner said that the education and environment that Susquenita made available to him, encouraged him to tolerate the inevitable failures in everyone’s path on a journey to his own social, financial, and professional success.
elementary school directly to the high school. He played 4 years of Baseball for Coach’s Rice and Alexander, played some soccer in 7th and 8th grades, enjoyed playing tennis on Susquenita’s courts, and
also competed on the National level in Metallic Silhouette shooting. He graduated 3 rd in his class of 1989. He attended Bloomsburg University from 1989-1993 where he double majored in Biology and
Chemistry. In August of 1993, he headed to West Virginia University to begin his Dental school education and to hone his hunting and fishing skills in some of the nicest country he had ever seen. In 1997, he won the senior dental school Research award for his work with Fluoride and its ability to reduce bacterial counts in dental unit water lines. He graduated 3 rd in his dental school class and then applied for, and was accepted into and completed West Virginia’s A.E.G.D program (Advanced Education in General Dentistry.) In 1998, Dr. Glossner returned to Camp Hill and became an Associate of Douglas P. Marinak. Two years later, he joined Dr. Marinak and a partner and the corporation’s name was changed to Marinak and Glossner DDS PC. In 2018, Dr. Marinak retired and Tad worked for a year and a half by himself, until he, and his longtime friend, Dr. Patrick McElwee, decided to combine their two offices into one corporation named Glossner & McElwee Comprehesive Dental Care LLC.
Dr. Glossner is married to his
wife Suzanne and enjoys watching his two sons, 12 year old Grant and 15 year old Gavin, compete in shotgun shooting competitions across the northeast. Both boys have won state titles in different states. Dr. Glossner was voted as Harrisburg magazines “Best Dentist” for the last two years and was nominated again this year, but he is more appreciative of the honor that was bestowed on his staff when Glossner & McElwee Comprehensive Dental Care was voted as the “Best Dental Office on the West Shore”. He is
happy that his staff has been able to achieve this honor in the adversarial environment spawned by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr. Glossner would like to extend his sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the teachers and administrators at Susquenita School District. Although many of them are no longer in the workforce, the culture they created, lives on. He feels that the educators and administrators treated each student with
respect. Tad said that in 1976 when he entered the Susquenita school district, he was a very shy and backwards country boy from a middle-class household. 46 years later, Dr. Glossner said that the education and environment that Susquenita made available to him, encouraged him to tolerate the inevitable failures in everyone’s path on a journey to his own social, financial, and professional success.
May 2022
|
|
Dr. Heather Doty (Kerlin) graduated from Susquenita High School in 1993, serving as Salutatorian and Student Council President. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Seminar, and Varsity Cheerleading team. Much of her success in high school is attributed to her parents, Bob and Alice Kerlin, as well as several teachers who encouraged and inspired her: Mrs. Harriet Magee, Mrs. Amy Landers, and Mr. Richard Riter, among many others. Heather considers the education she received at SHS to be of the highest caliber, and she recalls her years as a Blackhawk with fondness and gratitude.
Heather completed her Bachelor of Science degree at Ursinus College in 1997, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a major in Biology. She spent a portion of the following year serving as a missionary in Ecuador before dedicating the following 7 years to furthering her education. Heather completed her Doctorate of Osteopathy (DO) training in 2002 at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia, PA and subsequent residency training in Family Medicine at Memorial Hospital in York, PA from 2002-2005.
Her training in family medicine has afforded many wonderful opportunities to serve. She has volunteered as a medical missionary in urban Philadelphia, Mexico City, and India. Her career as a family physician has included a role as the Medical Director for Novant Health Lakeside Family Physicians Urgent Care, overseeing the operations of five high volume urgent care clinics. Most recently, Heather was appointed as the Assistant Program Director and Director of Osteopathic Education at the Novant Health Family Medicine Residency Program where she has the privilege of training up the next generation of remarkable family physicians. Heather also serves as Clinical Assistant Professor at the Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine and in the Department of Family Medicine at the UNC School of Medicine.
Heather and her husband David live in Charlotte, NC and have six children, including two teenagers recently adopted from Ukraine. In their spare time, they enjoy traveling, podcasting, and investing time with their home church family.
Heather completed her Bachelor of Science degree at Ursinus College in 1997, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a major in Biology. She spent a portion of the following year serving as a missionary in Ecuador before dedicating the following 7 years to furthering her education. Heather completed her Doctorate of Osteopathy (DO) training in 2002 at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia, PA and subsequent residency training in Family Medicine at Memorial Hospital in York, PA from 2002-2005.
Her training in family medicine has afforded many wonderful opportunities to serve. She has volunteered as a medical missionary in urban Philadelphia, Mexico City, and India. Her career as a family physician has included a role as the Medical Director for Novant Health Lakeside Family Physicians Urgent Care, overseeing the operations of five high volume urgent care clinics. Most recently, Heather was appointed as the Assistant Program Director and Director of Osteopathic Education at the Novant Health Family Medicine Residency Program where she has the privilege of training up the next generation of remarkable family physicians. Heather also serves as Clinical Assistant Professor at the Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine and in the Department of Family Medicine at the UNC School of Medicine.
Heather and her husband David live in Charlotte, NC and have six children, including two teenagers recently adopted from Ukraine. In their spare time, they enjoy traveling, podcasting, and investing time with their home church family.
April 2022
Amy Marshall (Shive) is a SHS class of 2007 graduate. During her years at SHS, she was active in student council, peer mediation, and was a member of the 2006 PECO champion varsity cheer squad.
After high school graduation, she studied business administration at HACC. While there, she realized her heart was set on a much different career path. Nursing. She transferred her credits to Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and started the nursing program in 2010 while working at PinnacleHealth on the weekends. She graduated with her associates degree in nursing in 2012 and immediately began working as a RN at Select Specialty Hospital in Camp Hill. She received a certificate in Fundamentals of Critical Care Nursing.
In 2013, she returned to school to complete her bachelors degree; this time at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. She graduated in 2015 and continued working as a critical care nurse at Select until late 2018.
She was promoted to a nurse educator role for Selects’ Central Pennsylvania market which includes hospitals at Penn State Holy Spirit Medical Center, UPMC Harrisburg Hospital, and UPMC York Memorial Hospital. Her love for educating and guiding new graduate RN’s is what returned her to school once again. She graduated with a Masters Degree in Nursing Leadership and Management in 2021. She is entering her 10th year with Select Specialty Hospital and truly enjoys the relationships she continues to build with staff and patients.
Select Specialty Hospital is a long term acute care hospital that cares for patients with chronic critical illnesses. The COVID19 pandemic has proven to be a very challenging time for Amy and all of her co-workers. Due to the severe respiratory compromise seen in patients with COVID19, it has been imperative that nursing education related to the disease process is progressing and changing as more data and statistics is identified with the virus. She has played a vital role in ensuring staff members are knowledgeable of the disease process, assessment requirements, and multi-system management for patients with COVID19. She has provided extensive education related to chest tube therapy and mechanical ventilation. She is very thankful for everything her hospital teams have done and continue to do for the people in the communities. She is proud to be a small part of incredible success stories throughout the region.
In her spare time, she can be found on the volleyball court alongside her husband, Zach. She thoroughly enjoys biking, hiking, and traveling. Prior to the pandemic, she volunteered with the Bethesda Mission Mobile Mission during the winter; delivering hot meals, water, and winter gear to the homeless in the Harrisburg area. Most importantly, she loves spending time with her husband, their 3-month old daughter, and their three cats.
After high school graduation, she studied business administration at HACC. While there, she realized her heart was set on a much different career path. Nursing. She transferred her credits to Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and started the nursing program in 2010 while working at PinnacleHealth on the weekends. She graduated with her associates degree in nursing in 2012 and immediately began working as a RN at Select Specialty Hospital in Camp Hill. She received a certificate in Fundamentals of Critical Care Nursing.
In 2013, she returned to school to complete her bachelors degree; this time at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. She graduated in 2015 and continued working as a critical care nurse at Select until late 2018.
She was promoted to a nurse educator role for Selects’ Central Pennsylvania market which includes hospitals at Penn State Holy Spirit Medical Center, UPMC Harrisburg Hospital, and UPMC York Memorial Hospital. Her love for educating and guiding new graduate RN’s is what returned her to school once again. She graduated with a Masters Degree in Nursing Leadership and Management in 2021. She is entering her 10th year with Select Specialty Hospital and truly enjoys the relationships she continues to build with staff and patients.
Select Specialty Hospital is a long term acute care hospital that cares for patients with chronic critical illnesses. The COVID19 pandemic has proven to be a very challenging time for Amy and all of her co-workers. Due to the severe respiratory compromise seen in patients with COVID19, it has been imperative that nursing education related to the disease process is progressing and changing as more data and statistics is identified with the virus. She has played a vital role in ensuring staff members are knowledgeable of the disease process, assessment requirements, and multi-system management for patients with COVID19. She has provided extensive education related to chest tube therapy and mechanical ventilation. She is very thankful for everything her hospital teams have done and continue to do for the people in the communities. She is proud to be a small part of incredible success stories throughout the region.
In her spare time, she can be found on the volleyball court alongside her husband, Zach. She thoroughly enjoys biking, hiking, and traveling. Prior to the pandemic, she volunteered with the Bethesda Mission Mobile Mission during the winter; delivering hot meals, water, and winter gear to the homeless in the Harrisburg area. Most importantly, she loves spending time with her husband, their 3-month old daughter, and their three cats.
March 2022
JoAnn Saltsburg Adkins graduated in 1977 from Susquenita High School and Cumberland Perry Vocational Technical School. Her instructor at Vo-Tech, Mrs. Ruth Ann Kublick, and guidance counselor at Susquenita, Frank Snyder, Sr, believed in her and inspired her to continue her dream of becoming a nurse. JoAnn graduated from Reading Hospital School of Nursing with her diploma in nursing and continued her education at Eastern University, graduating with distinction with her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
JoAnn is a Senior Infection Preventionist for the Patient Safety Authority. JoAnn’s clinical experience and roles include: critical care, dialysis, quality improvement and infection prevention. Prior to joining the Patient Safety Authority, JoAnn was the manager of Infection Prevention and Control for several years at Holy Spirit Hospital. During that time, JoAnn initiated and facilitated several process improvements to decrease hospital acquired infections and enhance patient safety. In her role at the Patient Safety Authority, she works with Pennsylvania healthcare facilities helping them improve patient/resident safety through infection prevention and control (IPC) initiatives such as educational programs, collaboratives, and facility consultations. JoAnn has provided educational programs on infection prevention topics for hospitals, long term care and ambulatory surgery systems at the local, state, and national levels. She has published several infection prevention and control articles. JoAnn is blessed to have the opportunity to publish an article with her son, Brandon Gallagher, also a Susquenita graduate.
JoAnn is board certified in infection control and epidemiology (CIC) and is a Fellow of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (FAPIC). JoAnn is also the 2019 recipient of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology’s Heroes of Infection Prevention Award for Education. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Prevention and has served on the Member Services Committee, the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society, and the Pennsylvania Association Directors of Nursing Administration Long Term Care.
The pandemic has stressed the healthcare system tremendously. JoAnn continues to work closely with facilities, especially nursing homes, throughout the pandemic as an infection prevention resource offering guidance and support. One of the greatest challenges she has faced is dealing with very stressed, understaffed, and frightened facility infection preventionists. JoAnn provides these infection preventionists a safe space and a “shoulder to cry on” along with providing the most up-to-date strategies to address the pandemic. She was on call 24/7 for several months in 2020 supporting facilities. Covid has been an extremely stressful time for JoAnn and her colleagues; supporting facilities and listening to the horror stories of what they are enduring with staffing shortages, lack of PPE, and death is very difficult and draining. Everyone has suffered the horror and the profound sadness of this pandemic. JoAnn relies on her faith and self-care (i.e. prayer and reflection, long walks in the woods, gardening) to maintain balance.
JoAnn is blessed with a large, supportive family! She and her husband, Dean, are a version of the Brady Bunch with six children who all graduated from Susquenita. Her hobbies include traveling with Dean and being “Mimi” to seven beautiful grandchildren.
JoAnn is a Senior Infection Preventionist for the Patient Safety Authority. JoAnn’s clinical experience and roles include: critical care, dialysis, quality improvement and infection prevention. Prior to joining the Patient Safety Authority, JoAnn was the manager of Infection Prevention and Control for several years at Holy Spirit Hospital. During that time, JoAnn initiated and facilitated several process improvements to decrease hospital acquired infections and enhance patient safety. In her role at the Patient Safety Authority, she works with Pennsylvania healthcare facilities helping them improve patient/resident safety through infection prevention and control (IPC) initiatives such as educational programs, collaboratives, and facility consultations. JoAnn has provided educational programs on infection prevention topics for hospitals, long term care and ambulatory surgery systems at the local, state, and national levels. She has published several infection prevention and control articles. JoAnn is blessed to have the opportunity to publish an article with her son, Brandon Gallagher, also a Susquenita graduate.
JoAnn is board certified in infection control and epidemiology (CIC) and is a Fellow of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (FAPIC). JoAnn is also the 2019 recipient of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology’s Heroes of Infection Prevention Award for Education. She is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Prevention and has served on the Member Services Committee, the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society, and the Pennsylvania Association Directors of Nursing Administration Long Term Care.
The pandemic has stressed the healthcare system tremendously. JoAnn continues to work closely with facilities, especially nursing homes, throughout the pandemic as an infection prevention resource offering guidance and support. One of the greatest challenges she has faced is dealing with very stressed, understaffed, and frightened facility infection preventionists. JoAnn provides these infection preventionists a safe space and a “shoulder to cry on” along with providing the most up-to-date strategies to address the pandemic. She was on call 24/7 for several months in 2020 supporting facilities. Covid has been an extremely stressful time for JoAnn and her colleagues; supporting facilities and listening to the horror stories of what they are enduring with staffing shortages, lack of PPE, and death is very difficult and draining. Everyone has suffered the horror and the profound sadness of this pandemic. JoAnn relies on her faith and self-care (i.e. prayer and reflection, long walks in the woods, gardening) to maintain balance.
JoAnn is blessed with a large, supportive family! She and her husband, Dean, are a version of the Brady Bunch with six children who all graduated from Susquenita. Her hobbies include traveling with Dean and being “Mimi” to seven beautiful grandchildren.
February 2022
Brett Morrison graduated with the Susquenita class of 2014. During his time at Susquenita he played baseball and football. Brett was a member of the 2014 Mid- Penn Capital Division Champion baseball team. He was named to the Penn Live PA Big 11 baseball all-star team as well. Some of his best memories took place on the baseball field and with his teammates.
Brett then went on to continue his academic and athletic career at Lock Haven University. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in health science. He then furthered his education at Lebanon Valley College where he obtained his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. After obtaining his Doctoral degree, Brett began his career as a Physical Therapist at Madden and Gilbert Physical Therapy in Harrisburg. He continues to be involved at Lebanon Valley College as a lab assistant for the Physical Therapy program.
Brett currently lives in Palmyra with his fiancée Miranda (graduate of Susquenita class of 2015). He enjoys golfing, traveling, and time spent with friends and family.
Brett then went on to continue his academic and athletic career at Lock Haven University. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in health science. He then furthered his education at Lebanon Valley College where he obtained his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. After obtaining his Doctoral degree, Brett began his career as a Physical Therapist at Madden and Gilbert Physical Therapy in Harrisburg. He continues to be involved at Lebanon Valley College as a lab assistant for the Physical Therapy program.
Brett currently lives in Palmyra with his fiancée Miranda (graduate of Susquenita class of 2015). He enjoys golfing, traveling, and time spent with friends and family.
January 2022
Amanda Schrader is a Registered Nurse with almost 15 years of experience primarily in Long Term and Skilled Nursing Care as well as Hospice. She attended Northland Community and Technical College, receiving her LPN in 2007. From there, she went on to receive her RN from Pennsylvania College of Technology in 2009. She completed her Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 2017 through Grand Canyon Universities online BSN program.
Currently she works for AmeriHealth Caritas Community Health Choices Program. This is a program designed to support Medicaid recipients in an effort to allow them to remain in the community and as independent as possible. ACCHCP works to establish in home support services to aid in this goal. During COVID, ACCHCP assisted participants in accessing personal assistance services to help in caring for themselves when their family or natural supports may have been ill or unable to assist. ACCHCP hosted and participated in multiple COVID Vaccination Clinics to create opportunity for participants and their caregivers/family members to receive the vaccine when it became available. They continue to work diligently to provide community resources and support to the most vulnerable population in the area.
Schrader moved to Duncannon when she got married in 2010. They have two sons: Harrison is in 4th Grade and Nathan is in 1st Grade. As the boys move through school, the family has become more active in the community and within the Susquenita School District. Schrader is a den leader for Cub Scouts, is on the Newport Public Library’s Board of Directors, and active in many aspects of her church. She attends and participates in School Board meetings to ensure that the best interest of the residents and students of the District are represented.
Amanda Schrader is excited to be part of the Blackhawk family and look forward to many more opportunities to be involved and support the staff, students, and families of SSD.
Currently she works for AmeriHealth Caritas Community Health Choices Program. This is a program designed to support Medicaid recipients in an effort to allow them to remain in the community and as independent as possible. ACCHCP works to establish in home support services to aid in this goal. During COVID, ACCHCP assisted participants in accessing personal assistance services to help in caring for themselves when their family or natural supports may have been ill or unable to assist. ACCHCP hosted and participated in multiple COVID Vaccination Clinics to create opportunity for participants and their caregivers/family members to receive the vaccine when it became available. They continue to work diligently to provide community resources and support to the most vulnerable population in the area.
Schrader moved to Duncannon when she got married in 2010. They have two sons: Harrison is in 4th Grade and Nathan is in 1st Grade. As the boys move through school, the family has become more active in the community and within the Susquenita School District. Schrader is a den leader for Cub Scouts, is on the Newport Public Library’s Board of Directors, and active in many aspects of her church. She attends and participates in School Board meetings to ensure that the best interest of the residents and students of the District are represented.
Amanda Schrader is excited to be part of the Blackhawk family and look forward to many more opportunities to be involved and support the staff, students, and families of SSD.
December 2021
Emily (Sellers) Reeher, MMS, PA-C, BS, RRT-NPS, graduated from Susquenita in 2003. At Susquenita she played field hockey, basketball and soccer and was active in Student Council and Art Club. After graduation, she attended York College and graduated with honors in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Care. She joined Hershey Medical Center as a Registered Respiratory Therapist and after 4 years working primarily in the Neonatal and Pediatric ICU, decided to pursue a Master’s Degree to become a Physician Assistant. In 2013, she earned her Master of Medical Science degree from Salus University and came back to Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital as the first Physician Assistant in the Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine. Her responsibilities include admitting and caring for critically ill infants and children and procedural skills such as endotracheal intubations, lumbar punctures and blood draws. Emily’s professional interests include teaching strategies in mechanical ventilation, precepting Physician Assistant students and mentoring new employees in the Advanced Practice Onboarding Program.
She has been providing care to children with Covid-19 and MIS-C, the inflammatory disease associated with Covid-19 throughout the pandemic. She also administered Covid-19 vaccines to her co-workers and members of the community. Emily lives in Marysville with her high school sweetheart, Brandon, and two daughters, Madison and Morgan. Emily enjoys cooking, baking, working out and is looking forward to watching her girls play sports for Susquenita someday.
She has been providing care to children with Covid-19 and MIS-C, the inflammatory disease associated with Covid-19 throughout the pandemic. She also administered Covid-19 vaccines to her co-workers and members of the community. Emily lives in Marysville with her high school sweetheart, Brandon, and two daughters, Madison and Morgan. Emily enjoys cooking, baking, working out and is looking forward to watching her girls play sports for Susquenita someday.
November 2021
Nicole Jones is a Susquenita alumni year 2016. She entered college as a nursing major, while simultaneously playing field hockey. She was a four year starter as a defenseman for the Stevenson Mustangs. While completing her four years bachelor degree, Nicole's father was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. In this experience, she grew to love caring for oncology patients and their family members. Nicole started her career at The Johns Hopkins Hospital on the hematology malignancy unit, as a nurse extern her Junior year at Stevenson, beginning her oncology career. Once graduated, Nicole was hired on the hematologic malignancy unit, specializing in Leukemia, starting as a new-grad mid COVID-19 pandemic. Striving through the challenges of becoming a new RN, over the past year, Nicole has succeeded in performing life saving biopsies, procedures and giving intense chemotherapy. One of her most memorable and honorable moments as a Leukemia nurse has been when her dad was diagnosed in 2020 with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), she was able to get him life saving treatment at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. To this day she credits her compassion and bedside manners to her mother, Tracy Jones, a 7th grade Math teacher. Nicole states she is grateful for her upbringing that had prepared her mentally through experience and education enabling her to care for those closely effected by cancer.
October 2021
Susan Herr Swails, MEd, BSN, RN, NPD-BC-Retired graduated with honors from Susquenita High School in 1967. She was a cheerleader, played one year of basketball (found it confusing as guards could only go half court), was in numerous clubs, in both the junior and senior plays, served as Class Editor for the Yearbook and was inducted into the Arista Chapter of the National Honor Society her senior year.
Sue is a graduate of Polyclinic School of Nursing (1970) and Penn State University with a BSN (1987) and MEd (1997). She was accepted into Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing, in 1987.
She began her nursing career in Polyclinic’s Critical Care Unit and in 1972 was given an opportunity to be part of a company (CPR Centers) that was implementing Cardiac Rehab and Stress Testing Centers across the country. This new and exciting field led to the development of educational classes offered in the Harrisburg Area for nurses from all over the United States to be educated in stress testing as well as cardiac and pulmonary rehab. She co-authored the first nursing text book in Cardiac Rehabilitation that was selected as an American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year in 1980.
Her 45-year long career took many twists and turns as she left CPR Centers to work at Holy Spirit Hospital and Health System. While with Holy Spirit, she worked in the GI Lab, did outpatient cardiac rehab and eventually worked in community health, helping to set up and manage several health centers including the Duncannon Family Health Center. During her time in Community Health, she attained an American Nurses Association nursing certification in Community Health Nursing.
But her love of cardiac rehab was calling and she returned to the hospital as the Cardiac Rehab Coordinator. She implemented an inpatient cardiac rehab program and became very active nationally in the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), served on the National Board of Directors as the Cardiac Nurse representative, contributed to several books and articles, was a speaker at national conferences and was named a Fellow in the organization (FAACVPR). Sue was also part of the task force who wrote the American Nurses Association Scope of Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing Practice and was an item writer for the first certification exam for cardiac rehab nursing.
In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, Sue accepted the role of Clinical Education Team Leader in 2001. Her team implemented a myriad of education programs within the Health System including a Critical Care Course, a Student Nurse Extern Program, in-services on new equipment, new nurse orientation, developed annual competencies for nursing staff, a dysrhythmia course, set up a Clinical Training Lab, a Nurse Residency Program for new graduates, and implemented training on the new computerized documentation system (Eclipsys). Sue was the Primary Nurse Planner for the Health System’s Pennsylvania State Nurse’s Association (PSNA) Providership for nursing continuing education (CNE) and reviewed programs for PSNA from all over PA as well.
Sue became active nationally with the Association of Nursing Professional Development (ANPD), served on the Board of Directors, contributed a chapter in the Core Curriculum for Staff Development, and achieved the American Nurses’ Association Board Certification in Nursing Professional Development (NPD-BC).
Sue always wanted to be a nurse and found nursing a wonderful profession as it provides a lot of opportunities in various fields-there is never a dull moment!
Sue married her Susquenita High School sweetheart, Randy, and they reside in Wheatfield Township. They have two sons, Josh (and wife Shannon) and Luke, both SHS graduates, and three grandchildren-Rylee, Ashlyn and Rafe Swails, all students at Susquenita. Sue and Randy can usually be found cheering for their grandchildren at one of their many sporting events.
Sue is a graduate of Polyclinic School of Nursing (1970) and Penn State University with a BSN (1987) and MEd (1997). She was accepted into Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing, in 1987.
She began her nursing career in Polyclinic’s Critical Care Unit and in 1972 was given an opportunity to be part of a company (CPR Centers) that was implementing Cardiac Rehab and Stress Testing Centers across the country. This new and exciting field led to the development of educational classes offered in the Harrisburg Area for nurses from all over the United States to be educated in stress testing as well as cardiac and pulmonary rehab. She co-authored the first nursing text book in Cardiac Rehabilitation that was selected as an American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year in 1980.
Her 45-year long career took many twists and turns as she left CPR Centers to work at Holy Spirit Hospital and Health System. While with Holy Spirit, she worked in the GI Lab, did outpatient cardiac rehab and eventually worked in community health, helping to set up and manage several health centers including the Duncannon Family Health Center. During her time in Community Health, she attained an American Nurses Association nursing certification in Community Health Nursing.
But her love of cardiac rehab was calling and she returned to the hospital as the Cardiac Rehab Coordinator. She implemented an inpatient cardiac rehab program and became very active nationally in the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), served on the National Board of Directors as the Cardiac Nurse representative, contributed to several books and articles, was a speaker at national conferences and was named a Fellow in the organization (FAACVPR). Sue was also part of the task force who wrote the American Nurses Association Scope of Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing Practice and was an item writer for the first certification exam for cardiac rehab nursing.
In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, Sue accepted the role of Clinical Education Team Leader in 2001. Her team implemented a myriad of education programs within the Health System including a Critical Care Course, a Student Nurse Extern Program, in-services on new equipment, new nurse orientation, developed annual competencies for nursing staff, a dysrhythmia course, set up a Clinical Training Lab, a Nurse Residency Program for new graduates, and implemented training on the new computerized documentation system (Eclipsys). Sue was the Primary Nurse Planner for the Health System’s Pennsylvania State Nurse’s Association (PSNA) Providership for nursing continuing education (CNE) and reviewed programs for PSNA from all over PA as well.
Sue became active nationally with the Association of Nursing Professional Development (ANPD), served on the Board of Directors, contributed a chapter in the Core Curriculum for Staff Development, and achieved the American Nurses’ Association Board Certification in Nursing Professional Development (NPD-BC).
Sue always wanted to be a nurse and found nursing a wonderful profession as it provides a lot of opportunities in various fields-there is never a dull moment!
Sue married her Susquenita High School sweetheart, Randy, and they reside in Wheatfield Township. They have two sons, Josh (and wife Shannon) and Luke, both SHS graduates, and three grandchildren-Rylee, Ashlyn and Rafe Swails, all students at Susquenita. Sue and Randy can usually be found cheering for their grandchildren at one of their many sporting events.
September 2021
Dr. Alison McDonald Sabados, class of 2005, is a critical care pharmacist at WellSpan York Hospital (York, PA). After graduating as valedictorian from Susquenita, Ali earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Wilkes University (Wilkes-Barre, PA). She played singles and doubles for the varsity women’s tennis team and was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019. Upon graduation in 2011, Ali completed two years of residency training with a focus in critical care. She has been working as a clinical pharmacy specialist at WellSpan York Hospital since finishing her residency in 2013. As part of a multidisciplinary health care team, Ali focuses on optimizing medication regimens in patients in the cardiovascular and open-heart intensive care units. She also serves as a preceptor for pharmacy residents and students and teaches a pharmacology course for nurse practitioner students at York College.
During the pandemic, Ali helps care for the most critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). She works with other providers to create and update treatment protocols for COVID-19 and has helped staff vaccination clinics for employees and the community. Ali resides in York Haven with her husband and daughter who all enjoy spending time together outdoors, especially at the beach. Ali continues to enjoy playing tennis in her free time at local clubs and through the USTA.
During the pandemic, Ali helps care for the most critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). She works with other providers to create and update treatment protocols for COVID-19 and has helped staff vaccination clinics for employees and the community. Ali resides in York Haven with her husband and daughter who all enjoy spending time together outdoors, especially at the beach. Ali continues to enjoy playing tennis in her free time at local clubs and through the USTA.
August 2021
Tristen B. Kremsner graduated from our very own, Susquenita High School, in the year of 2020. During her time at Susquenita she loved dedicating her time to Science Fair. Tristen was able to achieve the title of Grand Champion two years in a row in 2019 and 2020 with her ongoing 3-year project on how pollution effected wildlife and plant life. Tristen was also a member of the National Society of High School Scholars because of her academic achievements.
Tristen enjoys helping not only those around her, but everyone within her community. Since 2018 Tristen has volunteered as a Firefighter for Duncannon Fire company. She has nearly 2,000 volunteer hours between Duncannon fire company and Duncannon EMS. Deciding to continue her education, Tristen had volunteered to take the Emergency Medical Technician class that Susquenita High School was offering during her senior year. Since then, Tristen had achieved her NREMT Certification that makes her a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician.
Once Tristen graduated she decided to pursue a future within the emergency medical services. She has learned how to drive the ambulance and has recently been cleared to be crew chief. As crew chief Tristen is able to make life or death decisions for the patient(s) in her care and determine when she may need a medic. Additionally, she can request the life lion helicopter, and determine which hospital would be best for a patient.
Tristen loves helping people so much that she has made the decision to join the US Military. She had decided to go into the Army National Guard to become a 68 Whiskey Combat Medic. Once Tristen completes her basic training, she will go to Fort Sam Houston, Texas for her Advanced Individual Training. Her future plans are to come out of training and enroll in college as a full time student to further her education for a bachelors degree.
Tristen lives in Duncannon with her amazing mother, Jessica White. She loves to help her mom take care of all the wildlife in their area, spend quality time together with her sisters and niece, and run firecalls on her days off from the EMS station. She does not plan to quit anytime soon on serving her community or country.
Tristen enjoys helping not only those around her, but everyone within her community. Since 2018 Tristen has volunteered as a Firefighter for Duncannon Fire company. She has nearly 2,000 volunteer hours between Duncannon fire company and Duncannon EMS. Deciding to continue her education, Tristen had volunteered to take the Emergency Medical Technician class that Susquenita High School was offering during her senior year. Since then, Tristen had achieved her NREMT Certification that makes her a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician.
Once Tristen graduated she decided to pursue a future within the emergency medical services. She has learned how to drive the ambulance and has recently been cleared to be crew chief. As crew chief Tristen is able to make life or death decisions for the patient(s) in her care and determine when she may need a medic. Additionally, she can request the life lion helicopter, and determine which hospital would be best for a patient.
Tristen loves helping people so much that she has made the decision to join the US Military. She had decided to go into the Army National Guard to become a 68 Whiskey Combat Medic. Once Tristen completes her basic training, she will go to Fort Sam Houston, Texas for her Advanced Individual Training. Her future plans are to come out of training and enroll in college as a full time student to further her education for a bachelors degree.
Tristen lives in Duncannon with her amazing mother, Jessica White. She loves to help her mom take care of all the wildlife in their area, spend quality time together with her sisters and niece, and run firecalls on her days off from the EMS station. She does not plan to quit anytime soon on serving her community or country.
July 2021
Dr. Gerald (Jerry) J. Kruba, D.C. graduated with honors from Susquenita High School with the class of 1984. Jerry has been in private practice (Kruba Chiropractic Center) as a Doctor of Chiropractic in Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania for 29 years. Jerry said, “It has been an honor to provide chiropractic spinal care to the local community and witness people regain their physical function.”
While at Susquenita Jerry was the National Honor Society (NHS) president during the 1983/1984 school year. During that time period, the NHS was responsible for purchasing and selling donuts (from Super Donut in Enola) in the school cafeteria to students who weren't able to get breakfast at home. This NHS activity was very popular with the student body and faculty alike. Jerry remembers those very early morning drives to pick up and deliver bakery treats. During Jerry's tenure as president, the NHS also organized and produced an all-school assembly putting on Susquenita's version of the then very popular game show, Family Feud. Jerry played the part of the show's flamboyant host, Richard Dawson. Jerry stated, “It was hilarious--- a refreshing break from the normal seriousness of a school day!”
Jerry was a member of Susquenita's quiz bowl team that traveled to Lebanon Valley College to compete against other high school teams and test their knowledge on an array of subjects including physics, history, chemistry, biology, art, mathematics and current events. The team spent many hours studying subject material and holding mock-meets among themselves in preparation for the event. Susquenita's physics department constructed an electrical buzzer system that was similar to the one that would be used at Lebanon Valley College. This system made practice sessions more realistic. The school nurse, Harriet Magee, was the team's adviser/coach and generously hosted many of the study sessions at her home. That Susquenita team made it all the way to the final round of competition. Jerry was also heavily involved in athletics at Susquenita. He lettered in both basketball and football. Jerry was a starting forward on the 1982-83 basketball team, coached by Gary Cryder, that went 20(W) and 5(L).
After graduating from Susquenita, Jerry studied at the University of Pittsburgh where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1988. Jerry then traveled to Spartanburg, South Carolina where he attended Sherman College of Chiropractic and graduated with honors in 1992, receiving his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. While at Sherman College of Chiropractic Jerry was awarded the B. J. Palmer Chiropractic Distinction Award. Jerry is an active member of the Chiropractic Fellowship of Pennsylvania, a professional association that protects and promotes traditional chiropractic values.
Jerry is the proud father of three wonderful children: Joseph (21), Isabella (19) and Danayla (17). Jerry is also very active at Saint Bernadette Catholic Church in Duncannon where he holds positions as Lector, financial committee member and Treasurer of Knights of Columbus Council #8151.
Jerry can be contacted at: Kruba Chiropractic Center
5761 Spring Road
Shermans Dale, PA 17090-8613
o Phone- (717)582-7900
o Fax- (717)582-3027
o Website: www.krubachiro.com
While at Susquenita Jerry was the National Honor Society (NHS) president during the 1983/1984 school year. During that time period, the NHS was responsible for purchasing and selling donuts (from Super Donut in Enola) in the school cafeteria to students who weren't able to get breakfast at home. This NHS activity was very popular with the student body and faculty alike. Jerry remembers those very early morning drives to pick up and deliver bakery treats. During Jerry's tenure as president, the NHS also organized and produced an all-school assembly putting on Susquenita's version of the then very popular game show, Family Feud. Jerry played the part of the show's flamboyant host, Richard Dawson. Jerry stated, “It was hilarious--- a refreshing break from the normal seriousness of a school day!”
Jerry was a member of Susquenita's quiz bowl team that traveled to Lebanon Valley College to compete against other high school teams and test their knowledge on an array of subjects including physics, history, chemistry, biology, art, mathematics and current events. The team spent many hours studying subject material and holding mock-meets among themselves in preparation for the event. Susquenita's physics department constructed an electrical buzzer system that was similar to the one that would be used at Lebanon Valley College. This system made practice sessions more realistic. The school nurse, Harriet Magee, was the team's adviser/coach and generously hosted many of the study sessions at her home. That Susquenita team made it all the way to the final round of competition. Jerry was also heavily involved in athletics at Susquenita. He lettered in both basketball and football. Jerry was a starting forward on the 1982-83 basketball team, coached by Gary Cryder, that went 20(W) and 5(L).
After graduating from Susquenita, Jerry studied at the University of Pittsburgh where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1988. Jerry then traveled to Spartanburg, South Carolina where he attended Sherman College of Chiropractic and graduated with honors in 1992, receiving his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. While at Sherman College of Chiropractic Jerry was awarded the B. J. Palmer Chiropractic Distinction Award. Jerry is an active member of the Chiropractic Fellowship of Pennsylvania, a professional association that protects and promotes traditional chiropractic values.
Jerry is the proud father of three wonderful children: Joseph (21), Isabella (19) and Danayla (17). Jerry is also very active at Saint Bernadette Catholic Church in Duncannon where he holds positions as Lector, financial committee member and Treasurer of Knights of Columbus Council #8151.
Jerry can be contacted at: Kruba Chiropractic Center
5761 Spring Road
Shermans Dale, PA 17090-8613
o Phone- (717)582-7900
o Fax- (717)582-3027
o Website: www.krubachiro.com
June 2021
|
|
Miranda Hoover graduated from the Susquenita class of 2015. During her time at Susquenita she played basketball; she was a 1000 point scorer, and a BIG 15 selection of the Patriot News- Pennlive as one of the best basketball players in Central Pennsylvania. Miranda also soared in academics and was a member of the National Honor Society. She then went on to Alvernia University in Reading, PA where she was a student athlete and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Her academic achievements continued as she became a member of Sigma Theta Tau (Nursing Honor Society).
After graduating from Alvernia University in 2019, Miranda started her career at The Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center as a Registered Nurse on their Surgical Intermediate Care Unit. During the Covid- 19 pandemic she has been working in both her surgical unit and the Covid -19 patient units in the hospital. Miranda said, “It has been a crazy time to enter nursing, however it has been a great learning experience and I couldn’t be more proud to be a nurse.” Miranda plans to further her education in the nursing field.
Miranda lives in Palmyra with her fiancé Brett Morrison (Susquenita Graduate of the class of 2014). They love to travel, spend time with family, friends, and their dog Sadie, and are currently planning their upcoming wedding.
After graduating from Alvernia University in 2019, Miranda started her career at The Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center as a Registered Nurse on their Surgical Intermediate Care Unit. During the Covid- 19 pandemic she has been working in both her surgical unit and the Covid -19 patient units in the hospital. Miranda said, “It has been a crazy time to enter nursing, however it has been a great learning experience and I couldn’t be more proud to be a nurse.” Miranda plans to further her education in the nursing field.
Miranda lives in Palmyra with her fiancé Brett Morrison (Susquenita Graduate of the class of 2014). They love to travel, spend time with family, friends, and their dog Sadie, and are currently planning their upcoming wedding.
May 2021
|
|
Jacob Matter attended Duquesne University from 2012 – 2017 where he obtained both his Bachelor’s of Science in Health Sciences and Masters of Physician Assistant Studies degrees. During his time at Duquesne he was president of the Duquesne University Physician Assistant Student Association.
After graduation, he began working for Geisinger Holy Spirit as a Trauma and Critical Care Physician Assistant from 2017 – 2019. During this time, he was also a volunteer for the Duncannon Emergency Medical Services. He is currently a Trauma, Acute Care Surgery and Surgical Critical Care Physician Assistant with Allegheny Health Network, Forbes Hospital in Monroeville, PA.
Currently, he volunteers with FurKid Rescue, a non-profit, homebased animal rescue organization in Pittsburgh, PA. Most recently he was recognized by the Mayor of Plum Borough for his aid in rescuing an elderly woman from a house fire in his neighborhood in January of 2021.
Jacob Currently resides in Plum, PA with his wife, Kara Stiely, Pharm.D. also a class of 2012 alum, and their three dogs.
After graduation, he began working for Geisinger Holy Spirit as a Trauma and Critical Care Physician Assistant from 2017 – 2019. During this time, he was also a volunteer for the Duncannon Emergency Medical Services. He is currently a Trauma, Acute Care Surgery and Surgical Critical Care Physician Assistant with Allegheny Health Network, Forbes Hospital in Monroeville, PA.
Currently, he volunteers with FurKid Rescue, a non-profit, homebased animal rescue organization in Pittsburgh, PA. Most recently he was recognized by the Mayor of Plum Borough for his aid in rescuing an elderly woman from a house fire in his neighborhood in January of 2021.
Jacob Currently resides in Plum, PA with his wife, Kara Stiely, Pharm.D. also a class of 2012 alum, and their three dogs.
April 2021
|
|
Amanda (Bostdorf) McLaughlin graduated from the Susquenita class of 1999. Amanda earned her BS in psychological biology at Lebanon Valley College and then received her BSN and Masters of Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University. She then returned to the area and has worked as a Nurse Practitioner for the past 10
years in emergency medicine, urgent care and family practice settings.
Currently Amanda is an Infectious Disease consultant for UPMC Pinnacle at the York Memorial Hospital. During the peak of the Covid -19 pandemic she helped set up several testing facilities in the state and trained nurses on the "drive through" model of operations. Amanda says it was one of her proudest times in her career; working along other healthcare workers learning, adapting and staying strong to keep the community safe and work on getting everyone back to seeing their friends and loved ones.
She resides in Camp Hill with her husband and son. They love fixing up their 100 year old home. They are currently re-modeling their whole back yard in anticipation of summer 2021!
years in emergency medicine, urgent care and family practice settings.
Currently Amanda is an Infectious Disease consultant for UPMC Pinnacle at the York Memorial Hospital. During the peak of the Covid -19 pandemic she helped set up several testing facilities in the state and trained nurses on the "drive through" model of operations. Amanda says it was one of her proudest times in her career; working along other healthcare workers learning, adapting and staying strong to keep the community safe and work on getting everyone back to seeing their friends and loved ones.
She resides in Camp Hill with her husband and son. They love fixing up their 100 year old home. They are currently re-modeling their whole back yard in anticipation of summer 2021!
March 2021
Shawnna (Smith) Kinard graduated from Susquenita class of 2003. Her post-secondary education included a practical nursing degree from the Mifflin-Juniata CTC in 2005. More recently she earned an Associate’s Degree of Health Sciences from Harrisburg Area Community College.
Currently she is the middle school nurse at the South Western School District in Hanover, Pa. She also has the privilege to employ her youth fitness certification and coach the middle school weight room program. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, her job not only consists of taking care of sick students and staff on a daily basis, but she is also tasked with the contact tracing and quarantine procedures for the 1100+ individuals in the building.
She resides in Hanover with her husband and step-son. They are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a baby girl in July!
Currently she is the middle school nurse at the South Western School District in Hanover, Pa. She also has the privilege to employ her youth fitness certification and coach the middle school weight room program. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, her job not only consists of taking care of sick students and staff on a daily basis, but she is also tasked with the contact tracing and quarantine procedures for the 1100+ individuals in the building.
She resides in Hanover with her husband and step-son. They are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a baby girl in July!
February 2021
|
|
Dr. Lindsay Goetz (McCormick)- Valedictorian 2001
Dr. Goetz is a graduate of Lebanon Valley College and Penn State College of Medicine. She completed her family medicine residency with the United States Air Force at David Grant Medical Center in California where she served as Chief Resident. After residency she served 5 years as an active duty Physician with the Air Force Base in South Carolina and later Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma providing care to servicemen and women and their families. During this time she acted as Medical Director and worked to mentor and assist medical technicians and physician assistants to develop their procedural skills.
Lindsay separated from the Air Force at the rank of Major in 2016 and joined Wellspan Health Medical Group. She is currently practicing with a group of physicians and advanced practice clinicians at Meadowbrook Family Medicine Clinic in Leola, PA. She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Family Medicine and her professional interests include women's health and contraception services and advocating for better access to mental health services. Currently her clinic tests and treats patients with COVID-19 on a daily basis, which has added many new challenges.
She lives in Lancaster, PA with her husband, Aaron Goetz and their children Ethan and Erika. As a family they enjoy hiking and the outdoors. She still enjoys playing field hockey in her spare time with fellow Lebanon Valley College alumni on an indoor team at a local recreational center.
Lindsay separated from the Air Force at the rank of Major in 2016 and joined Wellspan Health Medical Group. She is currently practicing with a group of physicians and advanced practice clinicians at Meadowbrook Family Medicine Clinic in Leola, PA. She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Family Medicine and her professional interests include women's health and contraception services and advocating for better access to mental health services. Currently her clinic tests and treats patients with COVID-19 on a daily basis, which has added many new challenges.
She lives in Lancaster, PA with her husband, Aaron Goetz and their children Ethan and Erika. As a family they enjoy hiking and the outdoors. She still enjoys playing field hockey in her spare time with fellow Lebanon Valley College alumni on an indoor team at a local recreational center.
January 2021
|
|
Ryan P. Zimmerman, DO, FACOI, FACP
Susquenita High School Class of 2004 (Valedictorian)
Dr. Zimmerman is a graduate of Elizabethtown College and Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM-Virginia). He completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Reading Hospital, then served as Chief Resident/Junior Faculty member. Currently he is the Director of Osteopathic Education and Associate Program Director at Tower Health - Reading Hospital Internal Medicine Residency. The program was awarded Osteopathic Recognition by the ACGME during his tenure.
Ryan is a member of the ambulatory medicine faculty in the residency and spends time teaching medical residents. Dr. Zimmeman is Assistant Professor of Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine (DUCOM) and adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. Additionally, he was appointed membership in the American College of Osteopathic Internists Graduate Medication Education Council.
Dr. Zimmerman is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. Ryan’s professional interests include student and resident education, incorporation of osteopathic principles into general internal medicine practice, ambulatory management of complex medical patients with chronic disease, and maintaining focus on humanism within the patient-physician relationship.
He lives in Shillington, PA, with his wife, Lisa Zimmerman, DO, and sons, George, Henry, and Luke.
Susquenita High School Class of 2004 (Valedictorian)
Dr. Zimmerman is a graduate of Elizabethtown College and Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM-Virginia). He completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Reading Hospital, then served as Chief Resident/Junior Faculty member. Currently he is the Director of Osteopathic Education and Associate Program Director at Tower Health - Reading Hospital Internal Medicine Residency. The program was awarded Osteopathic Recognition by the ACGME during his tenure.
Ryan is a member of the ambulatory medicine faculty in the residency and spends time teaching medical residents. Dr. Zimmeman is Assistant Professor of Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine (DUCOM) and adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. Additionally, he was appointed membership in the American College of Osteopathic Internists Graduate Medication Education Council.
Dr. Zimmerman is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. Ryan’s professional interests include student and resident education, incorporation of osteopathic principles into general internal medicine practice, ambulatory management of complex medical patients with chronic disease, and maintaining focus on humanism within the patient-physician relationship.
He lives in Shillington, PA, with his wife, Lisa Zimmerman, DO, and sons, George, Henry, and Luke.
December 2020
Brittany Shields, class of 2016, is a Registered Nurse working in the Pediatric Emergency Department at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. After graduation from SHS and CPAVTS she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for 4 years. Brittany graduated from Messiah College during the midst of the COVID outbreak. During her college career she studied abroad in both Zambia and Thailand, helping provide care to the community and patients in local hospitals. Her externship in the Peds ED during her junior year at Messiah inspired her nursing career. She is very passionate about helping children and their parents when they are most vulnerable and at their worst. It has been an interesting year starting her career during a pandemic, but she is taking all precautions needed to keep herself, coworkers, and patient/families safe
November 2020
Abby Wolfe (Reed), class of 2012, is a Registered Nurse currently working in the Oncology department at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. She provides compassionate care to patients and their families who are experiencing new and preexisting cancer diagnoses, as well as end of life care. It is a constant worry for herself and her fellow nurses to protect their patients and keep them safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Abby says “It has been so tough to see our patient’s families being unable to spend time with their loved ones during their end of life due to visitor restrictions brought on by the virus. We are so blessed, though, to be able to care for and treat our patients as if they are our own family and advocate for the best care possible, despite the challenges”.
October 2020
Megan Houser (class of 2012) is a Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse that currently works in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Geisinger Holy Spirit. She is a travel nurse who has the opportunity to work in different ICUs to provide help where it is needed. Her patients are usually in critical condition and with the added factor of COVID, the level of intensity of care for these patients exponentially increases.
Megan says, "These are trying times in our hospitals but it's our awesome healthcare teams that keep up the hard work and positive spirit to pull through this pandemic. I am proud to be a nurse with both the joys and sorrows that come with the duty."
Megan says, "These are trying times in our hospitals but it's our awesome healthcare teams that keep up the hard work and positive spirit to pull through this pandemic. I am proud to be a nurse with both the joys and sorrows that come with the duty."
September 2020
Danielle Brouse (class of 2012) is a Physician Assistant that works in trauma surgery at Geisinger Holy Spirit. She sees individuals who have undergone life threatening trauma that need more immediate care than an emergency room can provide. Most of her patients are too critically ill to answer the typical “COVID screening questions,” which has added another element of uncertainty to an already unsettling time.
Danielle says, “Despite the long hours, tears, frustration and fear that has come with working during a pandemic. I’m proud to be on the front lines. I’m blessed I have my health and that I am able to fully embody the oath I took when I received my white coat.”
Danielle says, “Despite the long hours, tears, frustration and fear that has come with working during a pandemic. I’m proud to be on the front lines. I’m blessed I have my health and that I am able to fully embody the oath I took when I received my white coat.”
