Samantha Gstalder-Tatham, SPTA: Non-Traditional Student


Samantha Gstalder-Tatham, SPTA
Susque-View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Non-Traditional Student
            What is my story of being a non-traditional student? Well to begin with, I decided to go to college right out of high school and I chose to pursue a degree with my first passion, baking. I graduated from Pennsylvania College of Technology in 2012 with an Associates degree in Baking and Pastry Arts. After graduating, I started as a baker at Weis Markets in Montoursville and after a year I was offered the full-time baking position. I worked as the full-time baker for five years until I decided I needed something else in my life. It just felt like something was missing. That was when I made a tough decision to go back to school for something else.
            After researching different majors, I decided that becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) would be a good fit for me. I enrolled back at my Alma Mater to take a chance on the new PTA program which is not yet accredited. I have challenged myself and learned so many new things. There were many times of doubt and frustration throughout the program and so much stress from the classes, I didn’t think I would make it. But I think to myself, here I am at my level two clinical experience to learn more. The greatest reward of being a PTA is to see the joy on patients' faces when they can be more independent and have a higher level of function. It is so enjoyable to help people and it puts a smile on my face to know that I can make a difference.

            I do continue to bake and decorate cakes in my spare time, because when I am in the kitchen that is my safe zone and where I feel most comfortable. When I’m baking, I can be creative like an artist and in therapy, I can be creative with treatments. With this new chapter in my life I am excited to see where it takes me. I think with my diverse skills I will be able to do anything. Don’t ever be afraid to go back to school and try new things because learning is a lifelong process. 

Meet Samantha Gstalder-Tatham
Samantha was a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)  in our rehabilitation department at Susque-View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lock Haven, PA. As you can read above in her spare time - she loves to bake!

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