I am a Lehigh Valley native, raised in Whitehall, Pennsylvania. Today, I proudly call Lower Macungie home.

I attended Whitehall-Coplay School District from K-12, and worked as a lifeguard for Whitehall Township throughout my high school and college years. After graduating from Whitehall High School in 1999, I attended the Rochester Institute of Technology, majoring in Physician Assistant Studies. I remained in Rochester after graduating, working for several years in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. I then took an adventurous leap and moved to sunny Southern California, living and working in San Diego for more than a decade. My professional focus has been in the field of Cardiology since 2007. I have been a mentor to dozens of PA students and new graduates, offering advice and guidance starting from their pre-application process, through their clinical experiences, interviews, and eventually first jobs. This mentoring process has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

 

In 2019, after losing my father to kidney failure, I came back to the Lehigh Valley to be closer to family and friends. Though the area has grown and changed, my appreciation for Pennsylvania has only increased. Between hiking, skiing, gardening, and my newest hobby, paddleboarding with my rescue dog Chicky at Leaser Lake, I never run out of things to do. The scenery is breathtaking and our communities are thriving. We’ve been able to maintain the “small town” feel while the economy continues to thrive.

 

My parents instilled in me a sense of responsibility for public service at an early age. My mother worked as a social worker at Crime Victims Council of Lehigh Valley for 38 years, as a trauma counselor for underserved community members. She also presented prevention programs for schools and community groups, and conducted trainings for professionals. Since recently retiring, she continues to provide hotline counseling several times a month. My late father had a passion for the environment, serving on the Whitehall Environmental Council and the Whitehall Parkway committee in the 1990s. He was a volunteer at the Wildlands Conservancy, an organizer for the Lehigh River Sojourn, and a recipient of the “Friend of the Lehigh River” award. It was my family’s commitment to public service that inspired me to seek a career in healthcare, and now, to seek a position as your representative.

 

Armed with a fresh perspective and freed from the constraints of conventional thinking, I will bring forth innovative solutions to address the intricate challenges of our day. In an era dominated by rapid advancements in technology, younger people like me possess an inherent understanding of the digital age, making us adept at harnessing its potential for the greater good. My grasp of digital communication tools empowers me to engage with constituents directly, fostering a sense of transparency and accountability that is crucial for building trust.

 

I will not shy away from difficult conversations and I am not afraid to challenge the status quo. I have a deep yearning to steer our community towards a brighter future. Driven by an unwavering determination and adaptability, I will bring an invaluable dynamic to our political landscape. With the input of my constituents, I am ready to shape policy and lead with passion and purpose.

 

Finally, I must mention one of the most perspective-shifting experiences of my life. At age 33, I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. For 9 months, I was treated with a combination of intense chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. With support from loved ones, I made it through and rang the bell to signify the last day of treatment in January of 2016. I am now 8 years cancer-free and feel extreme gratitude for every new day I am blessed to live. The experience has given me the strength and courage to tackle any challenge that comes my way. There is very little that intimidates me, and there is one lesson I have learned that I would love to pass on to anyone reading this: If you have a goal or challenge that feels too big or impossible, go for it! You have no idea what you are capable of until you try.

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-- Stefanie