By Rachel Hartman ‘27, staff writer
Camryn Cataldi’s time at LVC transformed uncertainty about the right career path into a journey of growth, leadership and purpose.
Cataldi, a Reading, Pennsylvania, local and Exeter Township Senior High School graduate, is completing the undergraduate portion of LVC’s 3+2 Speech-Language Pathology program while also finishing her first year of graduate studies.
Coming in as a member of the 3+2 Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, Cataldi knew she wanted a career devoted to helping people but quickly realized the program did not fully align with her interests and long-term goals.
After researching other majors and professions, Cataldi discovered speech-language pathology. The field checked all of her boxes, and she quickly fell in love with the program. Her passion for the profession grew even stronger after a family health scare.
Following complications during surgery, Cataldi’s stepfather suffered a stroke that affected his speech. During his rehabilitation, he worked with a speech-language pathologist, allowing Cataldi to witness firsthand the impact the profession can have on both patients and their families.
“Seeing the rehab process firsthand confirmed that it was what I wanted to do,” she said. “I could picture myself in that role helping others.”
Throughout her undergraduate career, Cataldi became deeply involved in campus life and took on several leadership roles. She was an active member of the cheerleading team, student government, yoga club and National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association, while also working in several student employment positions across campus.
Cataldi said that while balancing a demanding course load and campus activities has not always been easy, she has remained motivated by her desire to help others and make a positive impact on the community.
Coming into college, she made it a goal to step outside of her comfort zone and take advantage of new opportunities. She credits LVC’s welcoming atmosphere for helping her feel comfortable getting involved and building relationships she may not have formed otherwise.
Her hard work has also been recognized through several honors and scholarships. Cataldi was awarded the Mund Scholarship, Alumni Scholarship and was recently inducted into the Phi Alpha Epsilon honors society.
She said those accomplishments serve as reassurance that her dedication has been worthwhile and help provide financial security throughout her education.
As she looks ahead, Cataldi’s immediate goal is to complete graduate school and begin her career in speech-language pathology. She hopes to work with post-trauma patients, helping provide communication and swallowing rehabilitation that improves their quality of life.
Through leadership, perseverance and a commitment to helping others, Cataldi has made the most of her time at LVC as she prepares to make a meaningful difference beyond campus.