Chillicothe Campus Graduate Spotlights

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I chose Ohio Chillicothe to stay home and be close to my family. It was the best choice for me and where I was at in life at the time. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
Nursing school has been full of ups and downs. Through all the low points, it is important to remember why you started, and once you get through the hard times, you come out so much stronger. These are the moments in which I know I’ve got this. 

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
My favorite professor has been Bethany Wolfe. She is one of the kindest people I have ever met, and it is so evident how much she truly cares about her students' personal well-being and success. 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The hardest hill I have had to climb throughout college is self-doubt. At the beginning of every semester, I worry and wonder if I can do this. I always overcome this by remembering that God has a plan for my life and I have a purpose here. 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
My favorite memories from Ohio Chillicothe is spending time with my cohort outside of class and our tradition of going to Los Mariachis at the end of each semester after our last final. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
The beginning of semester cookouts! It’s so much fun to spend time with classmates and get to know them outside of class, plus they treat us pretty well with the food!

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I have accepted a position as a new grad nurse in Neurology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where I will be starting once I pass my NCLEX.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
Once I started observing in classrooms and got real experience teaching. I loved it from the minute I first entered the classroom.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
I had lots of amazing professors! Jeanie Dalton and Amy Wolfe have made a huge impact on my life by helping to prepare me to be the best teacher possible! Without them, I might not have made it this far in my journey! 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
I really struggled with some of the math classes I had to take and wanted to quit at times, but my advisor was always there encouraging me to keep going! Support from my advisors, family, and friends really kept me motivated and going!! 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
 The educational events we hosted and attended during our teaching journey. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Any educational events or opportunities to gain more knowledge in education.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
My next step is to obtain a teaching position teaching PreK-5th grade. 

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I chose Ohio University Chillicothe because it allowed me to stay rooted in my community while pursuing a degree that truly aligns with my life experiences. As a single mother of three, staying local was very important to me. Social work was a clear career choice. Growing up in poverty, and navigating life with a parent who had severe mental illness shaped my understanding of how systems impact families. I chose social work because I don’t just want to understand those systems. I want to help change them. I have also spent the last 7 years working as a licensed massage therapist which showed me just how prevalent stress is and how desperately our community needed healers to show up and educate themselves on how to help. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
My ah-ha moment came during my field placement as a sexual assault survivor advocate in the emergency department. Sitting with survivors during some of the hardest moments of their lives, I realized I wasn’t overwhelmed. I was grounded. I knew how to be present. I knew how to hold space. That’s when it clicked. I’m not here by accident. I’m built for this work.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
Balancing motherhood, relational distress, work, internship hours, and full-time coursework has been the steepest hill. There were weeks where I felt stretched thin and exhausted. I overcame those challenges by practicing self-care often, asking for support when needed, and reminding myself why I started. I stopped aiming for perfection and focused on consistency. Showing up authentically every day, even imperfectly, is what got me through.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
My favorite memories are connected to community. Planning events with the Student Social Work Association, organizing events like trunk-or-treat and collaborating with classmates who genuinely care about making a difference. There’s something powerful about being surrounded by people who believe in service and justice.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Do not underplan or focus on money while considering your field placement experience. It’s where everything becomes real. The classroom gives you knowledge, but the field gives you confidence. Lean into it. Ask questions. Be brave enough to grow.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
After graduation, I plan to pursue my Master of Social Work and become a Licensed Independent Social Worker. I want to continue working with survivors of sexual assault and individuals navigating trauma, while also expanding trauma-informed wellness services in my community. My long-term goal is to integrate mental health therapy with holistic, body-based healing practices so survivors receive care that treats both the mind and the body, which, by no coincidence, is the name of my massage therapy practice.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I chose Ohio University Chillicothe because it offers the same resources as the main campus in a regional, local setting, so I get strong support while staying connected to the Chillicothe community.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
I think my biggest ah-ha moment was when I started getting my placements for teaching and making the President’s List in my first semester.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
My favorite professors were Jeanie Dalton and Jennifer Domo. They were both such encouraging people you could go to about anything, and they both truly care about children and want us to become the best educators we can be.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The biggest challenge was discovering that some credits from my previous school didn’t transfer to OHIO Chillicothe, and having to take extra classes to stay on track for graduation. I overcame it by pushing myself—enrolling in summer courses and taking a heavy load of 20 credit hours during the first semester of my senior year to ensure I could graduate in Spring 2026.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
My favorite Ohio University Chillicothe memories are getting inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, meeting new friends, and all the campus events we would have.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
You shouldn’t miss the campus events and opportunities to connect with peers and mentors. A great takeaway is to check the official events calendar weekly, sign up for at least one club, and create new memories for yourself!

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I plan to become an elementary school teacher and softball coach.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
Close to home, smaller class sizes, good NCLEX pass rates. Overall, it seemed like a good fit!

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
Making it to the last semester of senior year!

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
All of the professors throughout the program made a positive impact in one way or another during this process. Whether it was giving tips and tricks on how to remember especially difficult topics, or making the content relatable using their own experiences as nurses. I appreciate all of them for making themselves available anytime I had a question, needed to clarify something, or even just needed a quick chat. I feel the support we get as nursing students on this campus would be unmatched anywhere else.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome the challenges you faced?
Just being a full time student, mother of 3 small children, and a part-time employee. This program was difficult, but there was so much encouragement along the way that it really made it worthwhile. 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Going to the Coffee Hub with friends and taking walks around campus with my kids.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Check-offs!

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Vacation! Taking and passing the NCLEX and working as a registered nurse.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I loved the idea of smaller class sizes and the proximity to my home! The reputable nursing program was something that made me feel comfortable with my choice.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
My ah-ha moment was probably during my first clinical rotation. Practicing the skills in a clinical environment and just doing it was eye-opening and made me trust myself. My clinical instructor believed in me and that made me think, “I've got this” 

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
They were all truly awesome and left such an impact on my life!

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The hardest hill I had to climb was adapting to the workload of the advanced program. Nursing school isn’t easy and the amount of information we got was overwhelming at times. I was grateful for the group of friends I made and the truly amazing professors. The whiteboards and many expo markers became my best friends. 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Definitely the pizza parties with Professor Shotts, Will it Waffle in Bennett Hall, Chief the Therapy Dog on finals week, Bingo with Bobcats Rally on the Hill...I will miss it.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
The events the university puts on! 

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I will be a pediatric nurse at Nationwide Children’s Hospital where I will further my career and earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I chose OHIO Chillicothe because it offers a great education, small class sizes, and it is close to home. The smaller classes allow you to form stronger connections with not only your classmates, but your professors as well. At OUC, all your professors know you by name, and want to help you succeed!

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
My ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe was when I finished the fall semester of senior year. When I got to winter break, I realized all that was left was student teaching, which was such a bittersweet feeling!

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
One of my favorite professors at OHIO Chillicothe was Jeanie Dalton. When I imagine what kind of teacher I want to be, memories from her class always come to mind. She has such a contagious, joyful energy, and passion for teaching. She makes learning meaningful, yet fun and exciting. Professor Dalton is a treasure!

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The hardest hill I had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe was the fall semester of my senior year. At this time, I was taking 23 credit hours. It was overwhelming and often tiring, but sticking to a routine in and out of the classroom helped me manage the workload and other responsibilities of everyday life

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Sitting outside to do homework when the weather was nice...of course, with a drink from the Coffee Hub! 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
The cookouts and activities that the college puts on

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
 After graduation, I plan to teach elementary school. While I am not yet sure of the school or the grade, I feel prepared for anything, thanks to the wonderful staff at OHIO Chillicothe! 

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
It was such a welcoming and supportive environment that fosters learning and growth in lots of different ways. There’s something for every student here, and that’s what makes the sense of community so strong

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
I don’t have one specific moment, but hearing encouragement and support from peers and teachers was definitely helpful.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Professor Shotts made my experience at Ohio University unforgettable, and I’m so blessed to have met her. She’s an amazing educator and person

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
Balancing life along with everything that comes with being a college student was very challenging, but I’m so glad I did it 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Enjoying the Coffee hub with peers 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
The end-of-semester cookouts are always fun and it’s nice to celebrate even the small wins like completion of a semester. 

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
I plan to work as a RN and pursue my BSN in the near future 

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
I chose OHIO Chillicothe so I could attend a college with class sizes that allowed me to build a personal connection with my professors and classmates.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
When I received the scores for my edTPA. I was so nervous when I submitted it and I truly felt like I did a poor job of my lesson planning, instruction commentary, and explaining why I chose to teach a specific lesson. I waited a month to get my scores and I passed my edTPA with flying colors. I needed a 37 out of 75 to pass and I received a 51 out of 75.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Two of my favorite professors are Jeanie Dalton and Dr. Kevin Cordi. Jeanie Dalton has supported and uplifted me as a student and future educator since the first day I stepped foot in her class my freshman year. She was the first person to tell me she believed I would be an amazing teacher and she continues to do so as I finish my final steps to gaining licensure. Dr. Kevin Cordi has opened windows of creativity for me and allowed me to see just how creative I can be when planning for meaningful ELA instruction. Dr. Cordi has also given me multiple opportunities for professional development and to share my knowledge with others across the state, presenting with him and a handful of my classmates. Both of these professors have helped me grow into a more confident person and a better future educator.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The hardest hill I had to climb during my time at OHIO Chillicothe was navigating college life as a first-generation college student. As a freshman, I had no idea how to plan for my classes, study for midterms and finals, or how to plan my life around a college schedule. To overcome these challenges I turned to the support of my husband who was a few years ahead of me in his college career. He gave me the tools I needed to succeed and a support system for those days when I contemplated giving up my dreams.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Some of my favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories are the warm days sitting outside of Bennett Hall doing homework or studying between classes. I have also enjoyed the fun events and ceremonies I have attended as an officer of Kappa Delta Pi. It's wonderful to build memories with fellow educators and build a supportive community of educators who know the hardships you may be facing.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
One thing I would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss is grabbing a snack or a drink from the Coffee Hub and sitting outside on a nice day. It's rejuvenating to sit outside and take in the fresh air and beautiful campus scenery. They should also invest in some discs to play disc golf on the course across campus! That's a fun way to stay active.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to land a job this summer teaching English language arts in a middle school. After I complete a few years in the classroom and pass my Resident Educator Summative Assessment, I hope to begin a master's program.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
Finishing each semester with an "I’m almost there attitude."

Who were your favorite professors, and how did they make an impact on your life?
Professor Wolfe helped me get through my first nursing class by being a student advocate. 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
Exams and quizzes were hard for me, but I overcame those challenges by using my program resources. 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
The beginning of the semester cookout.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Don’t miss out on time for yourself. 

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Continuing my education.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Professor Suzanne Cromlish. - She is the sweetest and she truly cares about her students!

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
My “I’ve got this” moment didn’t happen all at once—it built over time. Being a full-time student while working full-time pushed me in ways I didn’t expect, but I wasn’t doing it alone. My faith kept me grounded, reminding me to trust God even in stressful moments. I also had constant support from my husband, my family, and my closest friends, who encouraged me when I felt overwhelmed. Somewhere along the way, I realized I was handling it—I was keeping up with assignments, applying what I was learning to my job, and still showing up for the people I love. That’s when it clicked for me that I was stronger and more capable than I had given myself credit for. Ohio Chillicothe didn’t just help me earn a degree—it helped me grow in my faith, confidence, discipline, and resilience. It taught me how to balance life, work, and school, and shaped me into someone who can face challenges with confidence and trust both the process and God’s plan.


What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The hardest hill for me to climb was balancing everything at once. I was planning a wedding, working full-time, studying for my Certified Professional Coder license, and trying to be present in every role in my life—a good granddaughter, daughter, employee, friend, and helper in my church. I was constantly trying to juggle everything, and at times it felt incredibly overwhelming. But I pushed through that season by staying focused, leaning on my faith, and reminding myself why I started. After that semester, everything began to fall into place—I got married that summer, passed my coding certification exam, and stepped into the next semester feeling more confident and capable than ever. Looking back, that season taught me how to manage my time, trust God through the pressure, and believe in myself. What once felt overwhelming became a turning point that made everything after feel more manageable.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
Meeting my friends at the Coffee Hub to study. Those moments made school feel less stressful and more enjoyable, and they turned into friendships that meant so much to me throughout my time at Ohio Chillicothe.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
Don’t miss the opportunity to make new friends. Those connections can make all the difference—they support you, encourage you, and make the entire college experience more meaningful.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
My next steps are to apply everything I’ve learned and continue growing in my career. I plan to step into a leadership role within my current company and use the knowledge and skills I gained from Ohio Chillicothe to make a positive impact.

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe and social work?
I chose OHIO because it allowed me to stay close to home, which was important as a mom balancing family and education. I started my degree years ago and never gave up on finishing it. Returning 13+ years later, I came back with a stronger mindset and a deeper sense of empathy for people struggling daily with mental and behavioral health challenges.

I’ve also successfully run my own business as an independent hairstylist for 21 years. I’m good with people and love being surrounded by them. Maintaining my business while going to school has been a challenge, but I love helping people feel like the best versions of themselves. These experiences have strengthened my interpersonal skills and deepened my desire to support others in meaningful ways.

Social work has always called to me. I’ve always felt a natural pull to help others and go out of my way for people in need, and I wanted to grow that gift through education and new experiences so I could make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Becoming a mom and raising a family only strengthened my desire to support others, particularly children who face challenges like ADHD and autism.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
My “ah-ha” moment at OHIO came when I realized I was successfully balancing being a mom, taking classes, working a job, running my business, and completing my practicum. After returning to school after many years, I had moments of doubt, but as I kept showing up and pushing through, I recognized my strength. Helping others comes naturally to me, and pursuing social work is something I want more than ever. That’s when it clicked: I can do this, and I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The hardest challenge I’ve faced as a student has been narrowing my focus for my future career in social work. The field is so diverse that choosing just one area felt overwhelming at times. Adjusting to the pace and culture of school as an adult student, while balancing family responsibilities, my business, and life in general, was also challenging. I overcame these obstacles by leaning on my support system, staying committed to my goals, and pushing forward even when I felt like giving up. Every small step reminded me why I started, and that determination carried me through.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
My favorite memories at OHIO have been making friends who truly understand me—people who are like-minded and supportive—and meeting new professors who inspired me and shared their knowledge and experiences. Some of the most meaningful moments have been sitting in a room full of empathetic students, sharing life experiences, and learning from one another. Those connections made my time at OHIO feel truly special and memorable.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
To any new OHIO student, I would say: start networking now. Building connections with classmates, professors, and professionals early sets a strong foundation for success in the real world. The relationships you form at OHIO can guide, support, and open doors for you throughout your career.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I plan to continue pushing forward while I’m still in learning mode. My current schedule already mirrors that of a full-time student, which prepares me well for the next steps. I plan to attend the MSW program through Ohio University and eventually become a LISW providing psychotherapy to children. This will allow me to assess, diagnose, and treat emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders, with a main focus on children who have ASD and ADHD. I also plan to become trained in EMDR therapy and provide trauma-informed care for children. The world today needs more social workers guiding and supporting our youth—they are our next generation, and I want to be part of helping them thrive.

Who were your favorite professors, and how did they impact your life?
Professor Shotts is the reason I’m still in the program. Without her, I don’t know where I’d be. I felt like giving up, and she motivated me to come back. 

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
When I started doing clinicals and putting pieces of what I learned together during practice. 

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome challenges you faced?
The hardest part for me was figuring out how to balance my studies with my home life. 

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
My favorite memories is being with my nursing cohort and hearing their different experiences during their clinicals and precepting sites. 

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
I would say the many activities the college offers outside of classes. 

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
My next step is to obtain my BSN, and after that, go for my MSN. I want to keep going with my medical knowledge and improve myself, as well as the patient care I will be giving. 

Why did you choose OHIO Chillicothe?
Attending the Chillicothe campus allowed me to remain connected to my family and my hometown of New Holland while still pursuing my education. I was also drawn to the intimate learning environment, where smaller class sizes made it possible to build meaningful relationships with both professors and classmates, building connections I will cherish for the rest of my life. Having smaller classes has allowed me to receive the guidance, support, and one‑on‑one time from my professors that I needed to succeed and grow in my career.

Who were your favorite professors, and how did they impact your life?
My favorite professor was Nikki Newman. She made a tremendous impact on my life by providing reassurance during times when I doubted my academic abilities and by showing patience and understanding toward students who work full‑time while attending school. Educationally, she challenged me to broaden my thinking on many social work topics through open and meaningful classroom discussions. I will forever cherish this professional relationship. Her empathy, encouragement, and reassurance helped me become more confident in who I am as a student and an individual. I have never had a professor who was as understanding and supportive as Nikki.

What was your ah-ha moment at OHIO Chillicothe - that point where you said to yourself, “I’ve got this?
I experienced several “ah‑ha” moments at OHIO Chillicothe, particularly when completing extensive research proposals and long writing assignments. At first, I often struggled with self‑doubt, thinking there was no way I could finish everything on time. However, reflecting on past experiences where I had successfully pushed through similar challenges helped me realize that I could do it. Each completed assignment built my confidence, and the encouragement and support from my professors continually reassured me that I was capable.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb at OHIO Chillicothe? And how did you overcome the challenges you faced? 
One of the hardest challenges I faced was navigating life circumstances outside the classroom while maintaining focus on my academic responsibilities. Working full‑time while attending college full‑time for the past four and a half years was both difficult and rewarding. Through this experience, I learned a great deal about myself. I overcame these challenges by communicating openly with my professors about what was going on in my life. Their understanding and compassion encouraged me to persevere and reminded me that challenging circumstances would eventually pass.

What are your favorite OHIO Chillicothe memories?
One of my favorite memories at Ohio Chillicothe was attending the Field Fair in 2025, when Brandon Novak came to campus to share his story. It was an incredibly inspiring, once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience that left a lasting impression on me.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO Chillicothe student not to miss?
I would encourage new Ohio Chillicothe students to engage in campus events whenever possible. Participating in these activities can help build meaningful relationships with staff and classmates and create a strong sense of community. While working full‑time limited my ability to attend many events, I still recognize how valuable those experiences are and wish I had been able to participate more.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
My next steps include continuing to build my career in social work, using the knowledge, skills, and confidence I gained at OHIO Chillicothe. I plan to apply what I have learned both academically and personally to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others, while continuing to grow professionally and personally. I also plan to take my state exam to become a Licensed Social Worker while also applying for my LCDC-III. I eventually see myself going back to school to earn a master's in social work to gain more knowledge and broaden my field experience.