Graduate Stories

Adamaris (Addie) Moncion

Health Science

“Cedar Crest College is a very warm environment. It is my home away from home,” says Adamaris (Addie) Moncion ’21.  A health science major, Moncion enjoys reflecting on her college journey. “My biggest aha moment was getting adjusted to balancing everything,” she says. Learning how to be there for herself, her friends and her family was a process for Moncion. 

With the help of her faculty and staff mentors, Moncion was able to balance her time better, get more involved on campus and incorporate positive study habits like taking breaks and asking for help. “Whenever I had a question, I knew I could just walk over and ask the faculty,” says Moncion. “Getting involved, and not isolating myself in academics, helped me understand balance and start ‘adulting.’ It exposed me more to the real world and helped me to understand that things are different from high school.” 

Faculty and staff mentors also helped Moncion when she changed her major from nursing to health science. Dianne Babbitt, Ph.D., chairperson and associate professor of health sciences, was assigned Moncion’s new advisor and provided support and guidance. “She was very understanding and super helpful throughout the entire process,” Moncion explains.

In her first semester as a health science major, Moncion took a class taught by Allen Snook, DH.Sc., director of athletics, wellness and recreation, which broadened her outlook on sports medicine and contributed to her decision to pursue a career in athletic training. “As an athletic trainer, I can help others, which is important to me, and can follow my interest in caring for injuries and illnesses,” Moncion explains. Moncion also had the opportunity to shadow Cedar Crest athletic trainers, Kelly Fleming and Amanda Stopinski. Through her shadowing experience, Moncion learned about a typical day for an athletic trainer and gained insight into the steps she needed to take to enter the profession.

Throughout her time at Cedar Crest, Moncion also provided support for her fellow Falcons. For three years, she served as a First-Year Experience (FYE) Mentor, sharing advice, lessons learned and empowering messages with the incoming classes. Serving as an FYE Mentor was a significant experience for Moncion, who compares mentorship to being like a big sister. “Transitions are scary, let alone transitioning into college,” she adds. “I always made sure that my mentees knew that I was reliable and had the best interests in them—being there for them when they needed me yet cheering them on from afar when they didn't.”

After graduation, Moncion will attend Montclair State University to earn her master’s in athletic training.

Brice Gardner

Psychology

When Brice Gardner ’21 visited Cedar Crest for the first time, she knew that she wouldn’t be “just a number” on campus and that she would be joining a tight-knit community. A psychology major and student-athlete, Gardner found a supportive environment at Cedar Crest where she was able to balance academics, athletics and activities outside of the classroom.

“I had the opportunity to obtain three strong support systems,” explains Gardner, who was a member of the field hockey team, an admissions ambassador and a research assistant for the Department of Psychology. “The three departments have been my biggest cheerleaders with my [psychology] research and have been there for me every step of the way.”

In her final semester, Gardner presented two research projects at the 2021 meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association (EPA). While virtual, the conference continued EPA’s tradition of offering lectures, symposia and posters to present new developments in psychological science, application and teaching. Gardner presented both projects, which she conducted under the direction of Kerrie Baker, Ph.D., professor of psychology, in an e-poster video format.

Through her first project, Gardner examined email communication between students and professors. Students and professors were shown sample emails that varied in formality—differing in word choice, amount of detail and the use of professional titles—and Gardner investigated participants’ perceptions of the communications. Her other presentation focused on the impact of Cedar Crest’s COVID-19 policies on students’ educational decisions.

“This was my first time presenting at a conference, and I consider the experience to be one of my greatest accomplishments during my time at Cedar Crest,” says Gardner.

After graduation, Gardner will be on her way to becoming a board-certified Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist. After graduate school at York College of Pennsylvania, she plans to start a career working in a school as a Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst.

Carlie Gausch

American History and English

Carlie Gausch ’21 of Reading, PA, was the winner of Cedar Crest’s 9th Annual Scholarship Competition Day. Then a high school senior, Gausch was one of more than 150 high school students to participate in the competition, which consists of a three-hour exam covering the arts, mathematics, science and the humanities, as well as an interview portion for finalists. In honor of her accomplishment, Gausch, who is a first-generation college student, was awarded a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to Cedar Crest.

When she began at Cedar Crest, Gausch jumped right in—double majoring in American history and English and getting involved across campus. She took on several leadership roles throughout her Cedar Crest journey, including serving as senior editor of Pitch, Cedar Crest’s virtual arts and literature journal, and as a First-Year Experience Mentor.

“Pitch has been the proudest part of my experience at Cedar Crest,” Gausch says. Pitch is written and edited by Cedar Crest students and features original creative work, including fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, photography, digital art, video and more. As senior editor, her work included planning virtual open mic nights for student performances and hosting an art and writing exchange between students. For the last several weeks of her senior year, Gausch and the editorial team were busy copyediting and designing every aspect of the Pitch website—creating a volume she says she will be proud to look back on for years to come.

As a humanities double major, Gausch found a home in Hartzel Hall. The English and history departments provided the flexibility that made it easy for her to double major and pursue the co-curricular activities that made her Cedar Crest experience unique. In addition to her involvement in Pitch and FYE, Gausch interned in the Alumnae Museum under the instruction of assistant professor of history, Megan Monahan, Ph.D., completed two independent studies in English with assistant professor of English, Peter Nagy, Ph.D. and served as a teaching assistant for an Honors writing class taught by professor of English, LuAnn Fletcher, Ph.D. “The faculty have always been receptive to anything I wanted to do, and so I have always felt encouraged to try new experiences with my education,” she explains.

Next up for Gausch, who is graduating a year early, is attending Lehigh University to earn her Master of Arts in English. Gausch is interested in becoming a professor, and, in addition to taking her graduate classes, will be teaching college writing at Lehigh this fall.

Elizabeth Oleksa

Applied Psychology

“I began my Cedar Crest College journey in the spring of 2017, completely blind as to what was awaiting me in my psychology major. I mean this in both the figurative and literal sense of the phrase, ‘completely blind,’” says Elizabeth Oleksa ’21. Four years before enrolling at Cedar Crest, Oleksa became completely blind due to complications of diabetes. As an adult student learning to navigate a new disability, Oleksa was overwhelmed and anxious beginning this next step in her educational journey. However, with her seeing-eye guide dog, Bryce Krispie, at her side, Oleksa persevered through any challenges that came her way and flourished both personally and academically.

“I never thought that attending college would have the tremendous impact that it had on my life,” she says.

Throughout her time at Cedar Crest, Oleksa gained the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the psychology field while also learning to advocate for her needs, believe in herself and make her dreams a reality. She enjoyed having the opportunity to share a different perspective with her peers—giving several presentations to classes and organizations across campus about her personal journey and the power of a positive attitude.

“I feel unbelievably blessed to have earned such a strong education but feel even more grateful for the personal growth I obtained during this time,” Oleksa says.

Oleksa has earned numerous certificates in life coaching and even started her own business, The Self-Discovery Advisor. Next, she will be attending Rosemont College to earn her master’s degree in counseling.

“All of this has become possible due to my attending Cedar Crest College,” she concludes. “My time here has been truly remarkable and priceless. Thank you for empowering me to find my true purpose and passions and encouraging me to continue to believe in myself, no matter what obstacles may come in my path.”

Jessica Haase

Nutritional Science

Jessica Haase ’21 of Emmaus, PA, has always been interested in health and nutrition. Her experience working as a manager at GNC, a health and nutrition retailer, sparked her interest in becoming involved in the field on a deeper level and enrolling in Cedar Crest College’s ACEND accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics.

“As a future leader in the field of dietetics, my professional ambitions lie within type 2 diabetes,” Haase says. “I have a strong interest in bridging the gaps in access to culturally appropriate nutrition education among underrepresented and marginalized populations.” Minority populations are disproportionately affected with type 2 diabetes-related complications, Haase explains, and, while working at GNC, she saw these disparities firsthand.

“I think it is so important to not only possess the knowledge in which to help improve the health of the community but to also be an ally for those in underrepresented and marginalized populations,” says Haase.

In March, Haase received the Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (PAND) Diversity Scholarship. The annual scholarship is awarded to a dietetics student with a diverse background, traditionally underrepresented in the field of dietetics, who demonstrates a commitment to the dietetics profession and exhibits leadership qualities as evidenced by volunteer activities in community organizations, campus activities or other organizations.

From 2019 to 2020, Haase served as treasurer for the Student Dietetic Association (SDA), and she is currently the student liaison for the Lehigh Valley Dietetic Association (LVDA)— communicating important information from dietitians to students. “My hope is to distribute resources to local high schools for their career guidance centers to have as a reference for those students interested in the field of nutrition,” Haase says of her LVDA role. “This resource will contain information about the classes needed in the program, and the various employment opportunities for RDNs [Registered Dietitian Nutritionists].”

Continuing her Cedar Crest education, Haase will be pursuing her Master in Nutrition and joining the Dietetic Internship Program. Her goal is to concentrate in the field of diabetes and to one day work at the Helwig Health and Diabetes Center, becoming a Certified Diabetes Educator and Specialist (CDES).

Jonique Pace

Social Work

Social work student, Jonique Pace ’21 was a member of the social work honor society, Phi Alpha, and the Social Work Club, serving as historian her senior year. She completed her 450-hour field experience with Northampton County Children Youth and Families and was offered a full-time position to begin after graduation.

Pace will serve as a caseworker in the organization’s permanency unit. A personal connection inspired her to pursue this path of social work. “I had a caseworker growing up and aspired to be like her and help children in need,” Pace explains. “I am super excited to start this new journey.”

Pace thanks social work faculty Dr. Kathleen Boland and Dr. Chelsea Toth, as well as fellow social work graduate Ciera Mesits “for believing in me and helping me get to where I am today.” She shares that in addition to the social work program’s small class sizes, she appreciated how engaging and caring the professor are. “They really care about the students and want them to do the best that they can,” she says.

During her time at Cedar Crest, Pace had the opportunity to experience social work on international scale. She was awarded a scholarship from Cedar Crest College to travel to Finland with the Northampton Community College social work program. In addition to social work professors, Pace was one of five students that had the chance to participate in the study abroad experience.

“It was a great experience,” she says. “My favorite parts were learning about how others live, how Finland is different from the United States and learning from the individuals that were on the trip and hearing about their experiences.”

In Finland, social work professionals met with the students to answer questions and provide information about their work in order to help the students determine their path after graduation. Pace and the other students also learned about Finland’s social systems and visited a domestic violence shelter, a daycare and a mental shelter. Her experiences, both locally and internationally, have prepared Pace to start in the field right after graduation.

Madison Schettig

Criminal Justice
Certificate in Crime and Community Mapping

Madison Schettig ’21 applies the skills she learned in Cedar Crest College’s criminal justice program to her work as a public safety analyst for the Allentown Police Department. “If you had asked me a year ago, I would have told you this is my dream job,” says Schettig, who started working professionally in crime mapping eight months before finishing her undergraduate studies.

Schettig began her journey at Cedar Crest pursuing psychology until one course changed both her academic and professional trajectory—Introduction to GIS and Crime Mapping, taught by Scott Hoke, Ph.D., associate professor of criminal justice and director of the Master in Crime Science program. “I think my ‘aha!’ moment was in that class. I enjoyed it a lot,” she says. In fact, Schettig always had an interest in learning more about crime and working in the criminal justice field. “My mom likes to credit my major, and now my job, to her always playing shows like ‘Law and Order: Special Victims Unit,’” she adds, laughing.

As a public safety analyst, Schettig analyzes data in a variety of settings and applies her crime mapping knowledge. “I can take 10 years’ worth of data and look to determine what crimes are popular, or even what times of day or months of the year are popular for certain crimes,” she explains. Schettig also helps fulfill requests from outside the department. For example, if a news station is looking for statistics to use in a story, she can help answer their questions and work with them to understand the data. Additionally, Schettig assists with the analysis of officers—monitoring their activity and making sure everything is running smoothly. She adds that the department is also getting a new records management system, and she has been helping design the website and organize the data.

“I’m blessed to be able to work with people who are absolutely amazing and that my needs as a student [were able to] be met,” says Schettig. The department provided the flexibility Schettig needed to work while still pursuing her undergraduate degree. “They’ve created an environment where I’m excited to come to work every day, and I want to be there. Not everybody gets that with their job,” she adds. She is grateful for the opportunity to enter the criminal justice and crime mapping fields, build professional relationships and gain valuable experience that will help inform her career journey.

When thinking about her journey ahead, Schettig considers eventually returning to school to pursue a master’s degree in geographic information systems (GIS), a field using spatial and geographic data to map and analyze real-world problems. “I’ve always had a passion for learning, and I never want to stop growing and exploring new avenues,” she explains.

Mercedes (Mercy) Melo

Biology

Biology major, Mercedes (Mercy) Melo ’21 of Lehighton, PA, chose Cedar Crest College because of the small class sizes, ability to work one-on-one with professors in a hands-on environment and ample opportunities for undergraduate research.

While at Cedar Crest, Mercy was the president of Beta Beta Beta, or TriBeta, the National Biological Honor Society, president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), a resident advisor (RA) and head RA, a member of the field hockey and tennis teams, and a work-study employee in the Department of Biological Sciences. In her first year, Mercy took the opportunity to conduct independent research and it greatly shaped her Cedar Crest experience.

Through a collaboration with Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, PA, Melo conducted research on the American Kestrel, the smallest and most common falcon in North America.

"Many other institutions only have research opportunities for upperclassmen, so being able to begin learning how to conduct research so early allowed me to be extremely well prepared for my career after undergrad,” Melo says. Melo now conducts research full-time working as a field technician at Hawk Mountain. She is collecting data for her Ph.D. research project, an expansion of her undergraduate research on American Kestrels.

“My first-year research experience jump-started my passion for conducting biological research and ultimately led me to the career path I am on today,” says Melo.

Melo plans to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst this fall to pursue her Ph.D. in environmental conservation with a concentration in wildlife, fisheries, and conservation biology. Her new research project connects nine kestrel nest-box programs in five different states to investigate how populations of kestrels in different regions may be facing different challenges that are leading to declines.

“My favorite thing about my current research is that it is so multifaceted,” she says. “There are so many angles to look at the issue from. It’s such a puzzle to me, and I love putting together the different pieces to try to see the story they’re telling us.”

Nia Fratrik

Master of Education

Nia Fratrik ’21 completed her master’s degree in education and is taking her next career step with her first full-time teaching position as a Spanish Teacher at Parkland High School in Allentown, PA.

One standout moment for Fratrik as a Cedar Crest graduate student was when a classmate introduced a “Privilege Walk” activity to their class. A “Privilege Walk” is an activity in which students begin standing in a horizontal line and then step forward or backward in response to statements related to privileges or obstacles. The purpose is to help participants learn about different forms of privilege and better understand themselves and others.

The activity encouraged the education students to be aware of and understand privilege, as well as the variables, including race, socioeconomic status and gender, that shape a person. Fratrik says she and her classmates were encouraged to consider these variables when thinking about the perspectives of their future classroom students. “It was an amazing and eye-opening experience,” she adds. “It left an impression on me, and I carry the lessons I learned from it to this day.”

Fratrik shares that her greatest accomplishment while at Cedar Crest was her induction into Kappa Delta Pi, an international education honor society. Throughout her entire graduate and teacher certification program, Fratrik was able to maintain a high GPA while balancing school, work and raising her three school-age children. “It took a lot of perseverance and hard work,” she says.

When reflecting on her Cedar Crest journey, Fratrik thanks Education and Spanish department faculty members, Dr. Purdy, Professor Hartman, Dr. Kamyab, Professor Omana and Professor Gonzalo del Real for their support and advice. “I would also like to thank my classmate, Marilyn Navarro, for being a great friend and fellow teacher who was there for a shoulder to cry on, a cheerleader and my most honest critic,” Fratrik adds.

Nikole Orlemann

Social Work, Child Welfare Certificate

“I always knew that I wanted to help people, but I never knew how,” says Nikole Orlemann ’21, “It was through my own life experiences that I realized [that social work] was the career path I was meant to take and, although it took me until adulthood to realize it, it is the best decision I could have ever made for myself.”

Orlemann is graduating from Cedar Crest College’s Social Work Program with her Bachelor of Arts and a certificate in child welfare. In addition to offering a strong social work program with a high success rate of placements after graduation, Cedar Crest provided the convenience, flexibility and support Orlemann needed to pursue her undergraduate degree while raising her family. “Because Cedar Crest is a smaller, private college, the personal level of education that is offered here is essential to becoming a successful social worker,” she adds.

In August 2020, Orlemann began an internship at Adoptions From The Heart, a nonprofit agency with the mission of providing safe, loving homes for children and offering comprehensive, high-quality services to adoptive families, birth parents and children. Adoption is a topic close to Orlemann’s heart. Her parents-in-law adopted four children, including Orlemann’s husband. “When we were discussing placement options at the end of my junior year, I knew that I wanted to be in an area working with children and their families,” she explains.

As an intern, Orlemann worked with families throughout the adoption process—assisting with intake interviews, home studies and the placement process. She has worked with both birth and expectant families to help create adoption plans and provide resources before and after birth.

In March, Orlemann, Chelsea Toth, DSW, MSW, LSW, director of field education and assistant professor of social work, and two other interns were guests on the podcast, Heart to Heart. The episode, entitled "Reflecting on the Field of Social Work During COVID,” focused on the experiences of social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Orlemann and the other interns spoke about the challenges they faced managing internships and schoolwork during a pandemic. The interns also discussed their experiences working with clients virtually rather than in person, the ways they have seen the social work field change, how to achieve a work-life balance and their advice for other students pursuing a social work degree. “The podcast was an amazing opportunity to be a part of,” she concludes.

Orlemann now has a full-time position as an adoption social worker in the Allentown office of Adoptions From the Heart. She will be continuing her education part-time at Marywood University in their Master of Social Work program.

Ashley Heller

Psychology

Ashley Heller ’21, a psychology major, had a burgeoning interest in environment conservation. Between academics and softball, Heller found time to learn about our local environment, native plants and pollinator conservation. She knew there was some way to tie her newly found passion to her psychology honors capstone project.

Heller found out that the campus had a need for plants that supported bees, so she got to work on a proposal for a pollinator garden on campus. With input from Amy Faivre, PhD, she proposed several options to Cedar Crest’s Grounds and Maintenance department.

“It was amazing to see how the Cedar Crest College community rallied behind my project by donating funds and offering advice and the proper space needed to make the garden happen,” said Heller.

By spring, an empty patch of land next to the tennis courts was transformed by a new crop of native plants, fresh mulch and a donated milkweed plant from Monarch Watch. The garden will soon welcome two new bee boxes. Heller’s liberal arts approach to her capstone project included psychology research “focused on the role of awe in how people can be more humble and prosocial, which can in turn lead to better habits, such as sustainability and conservation efforts,” according to Heller.

Heller’s project saw support from many areas of campus. She credits K. Joy Karnas, PhD, Micah Sadigh, PhD and Christine Carpino, PhD for helping her to bring all her ideas together. Nicholas Curry, grounds supervisor, and Jennifer Evans, administrative assistant in biology were key to helping Heller create the physical garden.

“Our environment doesn’t have look perfect. The imperfections are needed and beautiful. Those bugs you are worried about stinging you are so important,” added Heller.

Heller will continue to keep an eye on the new pollinator garden when she returns to Cedar Crest in the fall to begin work on her master’s degree in education. She plans to explore environmental education as she begins work as a camp counselor at the Lehigh Valley Zoo.

Asher Atwood

Nursing

For Asher Atwood ’21, nursing runs in the family. Graduating with her BSN, Atwood is following in the footsteps of her mother and both her grandmothers who have all worked as nurses. In addition to her family connection, Atwood has always been interested in helping others and learning more about the human body. Now she will be working as a graduate nurse at Lehigh Valley Health Network- Cedar Crest on a medical-surgical floor.

“I’ve loved the opportunities that I’ve gotten from this program, including job experiences at the hospital and most definitely the friendships that I’ve made. My clinical groups have gotten me through the hardest times of nursing school, and I couldn’t imagine having attended anywhere else!” Atwood says of her experience in Cedar Crest’s School of Nursing.

A member of Cedar Crest’s Honors Program, Atwood held numerous leadership roles across campus. She served as the treasurer for the Student Nurses Association (SNA), a group focused on making nursing students aware of changing trends in the profession, and was co-founder and president of CCC Signs, Cedar Crest’s first American Sign Language club.

For three years, she worked as a student ambassador in the Admissions Office giving campus tours to prospective Cedar Crest students and their families. In another role as the anatomy and physiology instructor’s assistant, Atwood had the opportunity to refresh her own knowledge of the human body, while also tutoring students taking the course. The experience sparked her interest in one day becoming a nurse educator.

“One of the best decisions” Atwood made was serving as a First Year Experience (FYE) Mentor. Chosen because of their outgoing personalities, involvement on campus and love of everything Cedar Crest, FYE mentors each lead a small group of students through their first year at the College. “I got to make meaningful connections with the first-year students to guide them through their time in college,” she explains. “I can still call these students my friends, even after their first year.”

Kimberly Hane

Forensic Science & Genetic Engineering

Honors student, Kimberly Hane ’21, first became interested in forensic science when she was in middle school. When one of her classes did a CSI unit, Hane got her “first taste of actual lab work,” and she has been fascinated with the subject ever since. In high school, she participated in a forensic science-focused summer internship and took biotechnology courses at her local community college, leading to her interest in genetic engineering.

Hane was able to start research early in her undergraduate career, which, she says, has given her a leg up when applying for outside opportunities. Since her freshman year, Hane conducted forensic DNA-based research in the laboratory of K. Joy Karnas, Ph.D., professor of biology, who served as her research advisor and mentor throughout her time at Cedar Crest.

“I’ve always felt supported whenever I went to her with concerns or questions, and she encouraged me to take opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise done. Dr. Karnas inspired me to want to become a professor myself and hearing her own life experiences guided me when I was making some tough decisions, like deciding what graduate program to attend. I really look up to her,” Hane shares.

Hane has presented at a total of six conferences, four of which were during her senior year. Through her current research, Hane utilizes concepts and techniques of molecular biology and genetics and applies them to forensic science.

“I find DNA methylation, as well as other forms of gene regulation, fascinating,” she says of her research. “To me, it’s a puzzle and trying to understand at a mechanistic level what allows a gene to be expressed to produce an observable effect is a lot of fun to learn and research. Being able to combine it with my interest in forensics was the best of both worlds, and I honestly cannot picture myself doing any other project.”

In the fall of 2020, Hane was awarded the very competitive George W. Chin Memorial Scholarship by the Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists. This spring, she won national recognition earning second place for her section at the undergraduate level at the American Association for the Advancement of Science 2021 Annual Meeting.

Hane will be pursuing a Ph.D. in genetics at Stony Brook University starting August 2021. She hopes to obtain a post-doctoral fellowship after graduate school and become a professor.

Cynthia Rodriguez

Art Therapy

“I have been an artist my entire life,” says SAGE art therapy student, Cynthia Rodriguez ’21. Rodriguez came to Cedar Crest College after many years of experience in the local art scene using her art to promote change and help others. The College’s art therapy program, she explains, was the perfect fit.

At Cedar Crest, Rodriguez found her place in the art therapy program and took advantage of opportunities to explore her interests. “Every single one [of my professors] has been knowledgeable, patient, understanding, caring and compassionate,” she says. Rodriguez also accomplished two of her longstanding goals—hosting her own radio show and traveling abroad to Europe.

From 2018 to 2020, Rodriguez hosted "The X ChromoZone Radio Show" on Sunday nights. The show, which Rodriguez gave the slogan “college radio by women for women,” focused on women’s issues and featured women guests and music by women. “I had always wanted to host my own radio show or podcast,” she says. “When I came to Cedar Crest, I saw that I would have that opportunity and I went for it. I love public speaking and performing.”

In the spring of 2019, Rodriguez experienced an “art student’s dream,” studying abroad at the University of Barcelona in Spain. At the University, Rodriguez studied Spanish art, architecture and culture. She completed interesting class projects, including doing graffiti at a famous graffiti park, and participated in numerous field trips to museums and galleries.

“I love to travel, and I was very lucky to have this experience pre-COVID,” she says. “I loved being in the airports and taking many planes, trains and taxi cabs all over. Other than Spain, I went to Portugal, Paris, Athens, London, Rome, Dublin and Morocco! It was an adventure in every country.”

Rodriguez will be continuing her art therapy journey at Cedar Crest—pursuing her master’s in the College’s Master of Art in Art Therapy (MAAT) Program. Joining the MAAT Program just made sense, she says. “Everyone here knows me and knows my artwork. [This next step] feels consistent to me. Plus, I love this school. I love being at a women’s college and on a small campus,” Rodriguez explains.

After receiving her master’s degree, Rodriguez hopes to attend Drexel University for her Ph.D. in art therapy, return to Cedar Crest as a professor and one day have her own art therapy practice.

Elyse Podgurski

Early Childhood Education

Student-athlete and early childhood education major, Elyse Podgurski ’21 is pursuing her Master of Education through Cedar Crest’s 4+1 Program. The College’s 4+1 program allows undergraduate students to earn their master’s with just one additional year of coursework. Education students participating in the program begin their graduate-level coursework in the second semester of their junior year.

Podgurski came to Cedar Crest with the plan to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s in just five years. “I knew that coming back to school after a few years to earn my master’s degree could be challenging, and the 4+1 program would condense all of my education into a shorter time frame,” says Podgurski, who will also be completing her English as a Second Language (ESL) certification next year.

Undergraduate education students at Cedar Crest begin participating in fieldwork in their first year—an experience that Podgurski really valued. “Starting fieldwork early gave me and my classmates a wide variety of experiences at area schools. This allowed us to observe many different teachers and see what kinds of school environments we prefer,” she explains.

In addition to completing her education classes and fieldwork, as well as holding on-campus jobs, Podgurski was a member of the track and field and volleyball teams. One of her greatest accomplishments as a student-athlete was making it to finals for the first time in Cedar Crest volleyball history.

Her time in athletics helped her grow her confidence and leadership skills. Once a shy first-year student, Podgurski was a captain and leader on the volleyball team by her senior year. Some of her teammates even referred to her as the “team mom.” “Becoming a captain my senior year has been an honor, and I truly felt prepared for the position after my time in the program and development as a leader,” she adds.

During her fifth year at Cedar Crest, Podgurski will continue working in her current role as a long-term substitute kindergarten teacher at Central Elementary School in Allentown, PA. After she graduates with her master’s degree, she hopes to stay in the Lehigh Valley, teaching kindergarten or first grade full-time.

Grace Dougherty

Art Therapy

Art therapy student, Grace Dougherty ’21 shares that one of her favorite Cedar Crest memories is working with refugee children during her Sophomore Expedition to Athens, Greece.

In the spring of 2019, Dougherty was among over 150 students, staff and faculty, who embarked on an eight-day trip to Athens with travel, lodging and meals fully funded by the College. In Athens, students were grouped by their field of study and guided through academic and service experiences by Cedar Crest faculty and staff.

In addition to hiking, visiting ancient ruins and learning about Greek culture, Dougherty had a moving experience meeting and playing games with refugee children. “We wanted to show them some positivity,” she explains. “These children are facing a lot of serious issues.” The experience not only allowed Dougherty to witness firsthand and learn more about many of the issues facing refugees but also furthered her interest in helping children in need through art therapy.

Dougherty will be continuing her education at Cedar Crest in the Master of Art in art therapy (MAAT) program. Cedar Crest’s supportive community was part of her decision to stay at the College for graduate school. “What was most impactful for me was how open and caring the community is towards everybody,” she says. Her art and art therapy professors, she adds, also contributed to her decision.

“I would like to thank all of the art and art therapy professors I have had throughout my years at Cedar Crest. A few to mention are Jill Odegaard, Maggie Mills and Moriah amyloid-Daggett,” Dougherty shares.

After completing her master’s degree, Dougherty will pursue a career in art therapy, aiming to help adolescents and young children in need.

Ally Arabio

Forensic Science & Biology, Mathematics Minor

Alexandra (Ally) Arabio ’21 of Egg Harbor, NJ, a two-sport athlete and double major, is off to Iowa State University to pursue her Ph.D. in statistics. Arabio is entering ISU's statistics graduate program after completing a one-year distance internship with the University’s Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence (CSAFE).

Arabio’s undergraduate research in handwriting analysis and faculty collaborators, associate professor of mathematics James Hammer, Ph.D., and professor of forensic science Lawrence Quarino, Ph.D., helped forge her connection with CSAFE and launch her internship experience.

Quarino met the director of CSAFE, Alicia Carriquiry, Ph.D., at a conference and set up a meeting to introduce her to Arabio and discuss their handwriting project. After meeting Arabio and learning about her research, Carriquiry offered her a summer internship with CSAFE. Arabio’s internship was eventually extended through the spring of 2021, and she will continue her research as a graduate student at ISU.

Throughout the internship, Arabio worked on her handwriting analysis project, frequently met with CSAFE members and learned more about statistics and computer coding. The remote aspect of her work allowed her to collaborate with individuals across the country and pursue research with CSAFE throughout the academic year, despite being roughly 1,000 miles away from ISU.

On campus, Arabio was a Resident Advisor (RA), a tutor with America Reads and an Admissions Ambassador, as well as a member of the Student Activities Board (SAB) and the swim and field hockey teams. A forensic science and biology major, Arabio chose Cedar Crest College because of the College’s accredited forensic science program and small size where she felt that she could make a difference to the community.

“My favorite part about my academic experience at Cedar Crest is how individualized every aspect has been,” Arabio says. “Through independent research and elective courses, I've really been able to study what I enjoy.”

Reflections

Ashley Wilkins

Biology
Minor: Chemistry and Global Disease
Honors program

After traveling to Greece on my Sophomore Expedition, and learning about how many medicines came from natural sources, I talked with Dr. Hayden about shifting my research focus from cell aggregation on Mycobacterium smegmatis to novel antibiotics from soil microbes. I love working in the lab, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life doing it.

Danielle Krispin

Business Administration
Marketing Minor
Management Concentration
Health Care Management Certificate

My greatest Cedar Crest accomplishment was honestly growing into myself and becoming a confident woman. I came here and people accepted me for who I was. I was taught to accept and love myself, and from that, I became confident in myself and who I can be.

Alivia Moore

Psychology

My greatest Cedar Crest accomplishment was being inducted into the Tri-Alpha National Honor Society. I would like to thank Dr. Micah Sadigh for all the guidance he has given me the past four years

Ashley Marie Gaumer

Political Science

I would like to thank Dr. Christine Carpino. As my advisor, she has helped me throughout my entire college career. She has also been a great professor.

Alyssa Rodriguez

Nutrition

My greatest accomplishment at CCC was when my experimental foods poster was selected to be presented at the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo. We organized a van, and I was able to present with nutrition students and faculty supporting me. We also enjoyed numerous free goodies from all the booths at the expo!

Emily Williams

ME.D. Early Childhood and Special Education

My favorite Cedar Crest memory was during a graduate weekend class. We had to act out different teaching scenarios involving how some parents could act towards educators during parent teacher conferences. If anyone knows how weekend classes go, you know spending two full weekends with your classmates for over 5+ hours each day can be exhausting. We all got so close and made amazing friendships, but some of the scenarios got crazy! Other classmates were rolling on the floor laughing due to some of our amazing acting skills, even the teacher was laughing so hard she was crying!

Felicia Kern

Nursing

My time at Cedar Crest SON has seemed to just fly by! Being on TNICU for my independent practicum has been challenging, exciting, and I have learned so much. Thank you so much to my preceptor and my advisor for all your help and guidance! I will dearly miss all the friends that I have made, and I have loved our time together! I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me through this entire experience because I could not have done it without you. Special thanks to Professor Missy Orlando who is just amazing and has been a mentor to me. I want you to know how pivotal you have been in my life!

Julie Krupka

Health Science

My greatest accomplishment was being inducted into the Tri-Alpha Honor Society. I am a first-generation college student, so it is an honor and privilege to be a part of a society that recognizes our hard work.

Kaitlyn Rockwell

Cedar Crest Head Swim & Dive Coach
Master of Education

I would like to thank my coworkers in athletics, my friends that I have met through the education program, and I would like to give a big thank you to all the professors in the education department. I would not have been able to do it all without you, and I greatly appreciate your support and encouragement during this semester. My greatest accomplishments while at Cedar Crest have been completing the Master of Education program, completing student teaching, and winning the swim and dive championship for the first time in school history!

Kellyn Neff

Master of Health Science
DI Program

I loved orientation week for the DI program at Cedar Crest. My peers and I were very excited to get to know one another and begin preparing for our rotations. It was nice to know that we were all in the same boat of nervousness and excitement before venturing out to begin working towards our shared goal of becoming Registered Dietitians.

Kiera Shellhammer

Environmental Conservation
Minor: Political Science

Dr. Christine Carpino has been an exceptional mentor. Since the first day I met with her and wanted to add a political science minor, she has been nothing but helpful. She helped me get an internship with House Representative Susan Wild and is the only reason I knew about the opportunity in the first place. She is a ray of sunshine, and I miss having an in-person class with her.

Leannan Feldman

Forensic Science
Math Minor

When first coming to Cedar Crest, I never would have thought that I would be studying, let alone minoring, in math. It was through the encouragement of the Cedar Crest staff and other students that I realized my love for the subject. My greatest accomplishment while at Cedar Crest was serving as a math tutor. I had a student say that I had helped her get a perfect score on her test. Seeing students figure out math problems or seeing the accomplishment on their faces is the most rewarding feeling.

Lyndi Wieand

Masters of Health Science
DI Program

My greatest Cedar Crest accomplishments have been completing the dietetic internship after trying to "match" two times, becoming a highly sought-after preceptor for the program and now completing my Master of Health Sciences! I would like to thank the entire nutrition department, but most specifically Tara Miltenburger and Martine Scannavino who were the most influential and helpful throughout the last four years.

Madeline Kohutka

Mathematics
Secondary Education

My greatest accomplishment at Cedar Crest was finishing my Honors Capstone Project, 'An Exploration of Logic Puzzles, Magic Squares, and Latin Squares'. It was a stressful project that certainly took its toll, but I felt so proud of myself after typing up the last of nearly 50 pages, submitting it for the last time, and presenting it virtually to a group of faculty and peers.

Shayonna Escalera

Social Work

Thank you to Dr. Boland, Dr. Toth, and Professor Weaver for all of your encouragement, professional advice, and support. You have all made such an impact on me and I will take that with me wherever I go. As a student, your dedication has never gone unnoticed, and I appreciate you so much. Thank you to Tammy Bean for giving me the opportunity to make such great memories while working in the Lutz Center, and thank you for always having confidence in me, even when I didn't see it in myself.

Sieanna Rahatt

Psychology Major
Theatre Major

While the pandemic brought huge challenges to the performing arts, I was able to perform in three different Cedar Crest productions my senior year! CCC made the necessary adaptations to keep our community safe, while still making this feel like a college environment. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to even have just a mild sense of normalcy!

Valerie Dodoo

Psychology

My favorite Cedar Crest memory was going to Greece for our Sophomore Expedition.

Victoria Kohn

Criminal Justice
Spanish Minor 
Child Welfare Certificate
Crime and Community Mapping Certificate

During my senior year, I've had the opportunity to be an intern at the IMPACT Project, a children and youth agency located in Emmaus, PA. Throughout my internship, I've been able to learn so much about the foster care system, and even take on some case manager responsibilities by supervising my own foster homes and kids. Additionally, at the end of my senior year, I presented my Honors Capstone Project, "Breaking the Stereotypes of Female Domestic Disturbance Calls.” I used the crime analysis program, ArcPRO to investigate how geography intersects with female domestic disturbance calls in Abington Township, PA. Based on the findings from my geographic investigation, I discussed and suggested prevention programs for these calls.

AnnMarie Mateo

Nursing FNP MSN Track

This program has definitely been intense (then COVID to top it all off), but I feel it’s given me the tools I need to be successful after graduation. I have loved all my rotations, preceptors and professors. Everyone truly does their best to see you succeed and you come to realize that it’s not just you working hard but everyone around you to support you. I’m undecided where I think I will land, but am convinced wherever it is... I’ll be ready!

Ciera Mesits

Social Work

I was offered a full-time position as a social worker at Cay Galgon Life House. I will be helping homeless and low-income pregnant women and mothers become self-reliant through access to housing and other resources. I would like to thank Jonique Pace, a fellow graduating student, for helping me through this journey ever since we were together at Northampton Community College. She has been my rock in my academic career, and I am so grateful for her. Thank you to Dr. Toth for helping me to come out of my comfort zone and push myself to be the best student and social worker I can be.

Brittney C. Ritchey

Nursing

My greatest Cedar Crest accomplishment is being inducted into Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society. I am so proud to be able to wear the purple cords at graduation. In August, I will start my new role working in the labor and delivery department at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest! I could not be more excited to bring tiny humans into the world, and I cannot wait for my journey to begin.

Samantha Schrader

Nursing

I would like to thank my 341 clinical group. Having your support has positively impacted my nursing school experience. I have accepted a position at Lehigh Valley Hospital Muhlenberg in the behavioral health unit. I am very passionate about working with this population.

Christina McElroy

Psychology

My greatest Cedar Crest accomplishment has been completing my research with Dr. Sharon Himmanen as my advisor under the circumstances of dealing with COVID restrictions. It was challenging but awarding! After graduation, I will be a Behavioral Health Technician at NeurAbilities and taking online graduate classes to get my master’s in applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy.

Sulakshmi Renuka Vaid

Political Science & History

Thank you to everyone who has supported me all these four years, from my friends and coworkers to all the staff and faculty that have been there for me in any kind of capacity; know that I am grateful for everything you have done for me. My success, I dedicate to all of you!