Success Stories
Earning a diploma or degree from Keystone Technical Institute can lead to life changing opportunities. But you don't have to take it from us. Read what these KTI graduates have to say about how training for a new career at Keystone Technical Institute impacted their lives.
Francye Loepke
Francye Loepke – Graduate of Paralegal Program – 1/20/2012
Originally from the great state of Texas, Fran moved to Pennsylvania to spend some time with family in the area and to excel in Keystone Technical Institute’s Paralegal program. While working for a local newspaper during the day and attending classes at night, Fran showed the faculty and staff at KTI what she was made of through excellent academic progress and a “can-do” attitude.
Fran’s long term plans were to once again return to Texas provided all the conditions were right to do so. She performed admirably while on her externship and had the skills to sell to potential employers. She began applying for jobs and was even offered part-time work by her externship site. Her hard work paid off and the day after her graduation ceremony, Fran drove back to Texas to attend a job interview with a lawyer in Dallas. She interviewed on a Monday and had a job offer on Friday of that same week, which of course she was thrilled to accept! Fran is proud of her achievements at KTI and most of all for what she was able to accomplish professionally.
Carrie Beshara
Graduation: 2009
Program: Medical Assistant Specialist
Employer: Darowish & Associate
Before attending KTI, I was working with the elderly in a nursing home. I loved doing it, but I felt that there was nowhere to go there, and I was in a situation where I needed to get my degree. Now I can work in different places.
The teachers at KTI were wonderful. I learned a lot of stuff I had no idea about. The whole school experience was good, and the teachers were very helpful. I learned how to do vaccines and vitals and about diseases and so many things I didn't know before.
I now work at Darowish & Associate - a pediatrician's office. I did my externship here and got hired. I was looking for a pediatrician's office. I do not have children, but I wanted to work with them in some capacity.
We assist with suturing. We do cultures. We do vital signs and injections. We also do scheduling and check-in and check-out. I love this experience. I had never done these things before, and I've learned so much. I love to see the kids come in and get better. You hear so many interesting stories.
If you're thinking about going back to school, you should go for it. I was scared to go back, but I'm glad I did because now I have a degree, and I can do pretty much anything I want to do.
Brianna Kemp
Graduation: 2008
Program: Childcare Specialist
Employer: Small Steps - Carlisle, PA
I had just graduated from Carlisle High School when I came to Keystone Technical Institute. I used to babysit my neighborhood kids when I was 11, and I took childcare classes in high school. I wanted to go to KTI to get a degree.
The teachers at KTI are really friendly, and they help you a lot. They support you in so many ways. I took night classes, which was great because I could work full-time during the day and then go to school at night. It really worked out for me. One thing in particular that was so important to me is that you learn about the business of childcare at KTI.
Now I'm the lead teacher in the two year-old room. I plan all sorts of activities and organize things for the room. I love the kids, and in one sense you get to play all day. You don't have to sit in front of a computer all the time. The kids keep you energized and there's always something new. It's fun to see them learn new things.
Desiree Dalton
Graduation: 2008
Program: Professional Massage Therapy Specialist
Employer: Articulate Touch
I was tending bar before I came to KTI. I did that for a long time, and I thought, "I've got to go back to school to do something that I'm really passionate about and that can help people in a positive way."
KTI had the program that I was looking for, and not too many other schools around here did. I wanted the degree, so I chose KTI. I think KTI showed me how strong I could be.
The instructors were great and had hearts of gold. The friends that I met along the way were amazing, too. You build relationships with these people, and you always have someone there saying, "You can do it."
I opened up my own business, Articulate Touch. We bought a house, and it had an office space that was perfect for what I do. We did a lot of work on it and poured our hearts into it. I had built up a clientele, and they followed me here.
I do traditional Swedish massage, neuromuscular therapy (deep tissue), pregnancy (pre- and post-natal), reflexology, and sports massage. Everything I learned in school I offer here.
I love this so much. What I wanted to get out of Keystone Technical Institute was to get a great education but also to move forward with becoming well-rounded and settled with who I am, doing something that I'm passionate about that allows me to be with my children as well. I feel complete after getting my degree at KTI.
Stefanie Spidle
Graduation: 2008
Program: Childcare Specialist
Employer: Small Steps Day Care
I took two years of childcare in high school, which helped to prepare me for going to KTI. I've always liked kids. I've been a baby-sitter since I was 12, and when I started taking classes on childcare, I enjoyed it even more.
The education at KTI was much more in-depth. I always wanted to go to college, and I started working at Small Steps during my senior year of high school. My aunt had gone to KTI and loved it, so she suggested it to me. I really liked my teachers at KTI. They were great.
It's really enjoyable knowing that what you're teaching the kids can make a change in their lives that they might not have gotten. I love seeing my two year-olds learning the days of the week and starting to recognize some of the alphabet.
I would like to open my own at-home day care center someday. It's my goal, and I like the idea of being more one-on-one with the kids. Having the further education that you get at KTI, you have more knowledge to teach the kids new things every day. KTI has definitely helped me in my career.
Carole Snyder
Graduation: 2008
Program: Professional Massage Therapy
Employer: A Scents of Touch
Before I came to KTI, I was working in a manufacturing company in their plant, in HR doing payroll. I had wanted to go into massage for about 5 years, and I thought, "Well, it's now or never."
I looked at other schools, but KTI was the one. I loved the program that KTI has, and I loved the teachers and the students. They're my other family. I sometimes wish I could be back at school. It's a real community, and everybody was so kind.
I started my own business called "A Scents of Touch." I offer massage therapy, ear candling, foot escapes, pampered hands, mud wraps, and more. When you have your own business, you have to make sure that you're very flexible and that you offer a lot of different things. I'm always looking to expand.
You have to be a go-getter and get your name out there. I approached the local newspaper and have had stories done on my business. I do charity events and send my clients birthday cards. I also have a website, and I have specials every month.
I love everything about my new career. It's the most relaxing job! I'm so stress-free, and I have such wonderful clients. I can make a difference one person at a time, and each of them is so unique.
Angela Mitchell
Graduation: 2007
Program: Paralegal Specialist
Employer: YMCA - Violence Intervention & Prevention
I work at the YWCA in Harrisburg, and I love my job. I specialize in the areas of domestic violence and sexual assault, and I wear many hats. I am a crisis advocate, and I help people get through difficult situations. Counseling abuse victims and helping them with coping skills, I use my education to support them through the process of what's going on legally, what they're up against, and letting them know about our services.
I chose KTI because it was a small school. Being older, I felt that I would get the care and the attention that I needed. I was nervous about going to a big school and falling through the cracks. I knew that at KTI I would have the support I needed to get me through. My teachers were wonderful, and the staff was always there to help every step of the way.
I was often encouraged along the way and told what a good job I was doing and I needed to hear that. I got the education that I needed, and I felt that it was top-notch. I learned so much, but I applied myself and made it a point to learn everything that I possibly could.
My Paralegal education helps my career in so many ways. I can guide someone through what they're up against legally and answer questions about attorneys or court proceedings. I have the knowledge because I went to school, and I studied those courses.
When you make the decision to go to school, it's a very important step, so you need to make the choice to put everything into it and do the work and do the best that you can. I made up my mind, and I'm so happy with that choice!
Amy Warfel
Graduation: 2006
Program: EFDA - Expanded Function Dental Assistant
Employer: Halifax Dental Center
I was a stay-at-home mom before entering the dental field. I started as a receptionist, and then became a Dental Assistant. The doctor sent me to get my EFDA so we could have more production. We had another KTI graduate who told us about their EFDA program, and we thought it would be great to take things further.
I was nervous about going back to school since it had been a while, but it went very well. Everybody at KTI was really nice, and the students were great, too. The things I learned at KTI were very applicable to my career. KTI is a great school! The teachers know their stuff, and they make learning fun.
I'm working at Halifax Dental Center with Dr. Nupponen. I work 10 minutes from home, and I love the people that I work with. The doctor helps us learn new things, so my education is a continuous process.
If you're people-oriented, it's a great career. I do so many things here, from rubber dams and bonding to impressions and x-rays. I really enjoy it, and I meet nice people. Going back to school has made me much more valuable, so it was very worth it.
Jim Whitley
Graduation: 2008
Program: Professional Massage Therapy
Employer: Life's Little Luxuries
I played a lot of music and did some bartending before going to KTI. The biggest thing that led me to massage therapy was needing to have it myself. I had a ruptured disc in my back, and part of my therapy was massage therapy. After that, I felt I had to give back.
I looked at some other schools, but nobody seemed to offer what KTI's program did. KTI has an exceptional program, and the education you get is top-notch.
Moving from job to job kind of gets old after a while, and knowing I wanted to do something career-minded was a big factor.
Our instructors in the massage program were excellent. You feel like you're a part of the family there right off the bat. I was nervous being a male in the program because it was predominantly female, but the instructors and my fellow students were so welcoming. We went through everything together.
Now I'm at Life's Little Luxuries, located in McClure, Pennsylvania. We have everything here with massage and body work, and I love the way the place is growing. I do relaxation massages along with sports and deep tissue work. People have come in with physical therapy issues and are finding that massage can be very beneficial.
It's nice to give back and to see people feel better over our time together. It's great to make a difference in people's lives.
Alicia Moore
Graduation: 2007
Program: Medical Assistant Specialist
Employer: Lewistown Hospital - Cardiopulmonary
Before KTI, I was attending a university for Medical Technology and Pre-Med. It was a big school. I didn't know a whole lot of people. I decided I needed a change and was looking for something smaller but still in the medical field.
I really liked the small classes at KTI. We did hands-on training almost every night, and there was always something new. My instructor was so patient with me. At a university, I experienced professors only knowing you as a number.
With the small groups at KTI, I didn't have to sit next to someone new every time. Whenever you're doing invasive procedures, you want to know the person beside you. We still keep in touch today.
I'm currently working at Lewistown Hospital in the Cardiopulmonary department. I thought I'd be doing lab work, but I got an internship in this area and fell in love with it and excelled in it. I do many things, including EKGs, stress labs, CPXs, PFTs, and EEGs.
I love the patients here, and our doctors are so wonderful and explain new things well.
I want people to know that they shouldn't settle for the first college experience they're presented with just to please your parents. Check out your options! I'm so happy with the decision I made to go to KTI.
Shannon Hetrick
Graduation: 2008
Program: Childcare Specialist
Employer: Children of the Ark Daycare
Before KTI, I was working at Dunkin' Donuts. I always had a dream of working with kids, and my sister let me know about KTI since that's where she had gone for Medical Assisting.
I loved my instructors at KTI. If we needed help, they were there for us. They took the time to help us and made sure we understood everything. They created such a fun environment to learn things.
At Children of the Ark, where I am now, I work with all ages of children, from infants to preschool and beyond. I've learned so much. It's different every day with kids, and we're there for them.
I'm glad I decided to go to KTI!
Monica Iino
Graduation: 2008
Program: Paralegal
Employer: Smigel, Anderson, & Sacks, LLP
I attended law school for a year. I left because I felt I needed more work experience, but I still wanted to take classes. That's when I decided to join Keystone Technical Institute.
At KTI, I loved working in small classes and learning about different types of law. I also enjoyed participating in special events at KTI like award ceremonies, birthday celebrations, and the summer picnic.
At Smigel, Anderson, and Sacks, I prepare pleadings and documents for the attorney with whom I'm working. I assist with research and check different state dockets. I even do some Spanish translating in the office when needed.
As a paralegal, I love having the chance to learn about law and work alongside attorneys, knowing that I provide valuable assistance.
Taking classes at KTI gives you the opportunity to learn about a specialized field in a shorter amount of time than at a four-year college. It's great if you want a more hands-on experience.
Kathleen Nickel
Graduation: 2008
Program: Dental Assistant Specialist
Employer: Dr. David R. Curtis, DMD
When I graduated from high school, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I looked in the dental hygiene program at another school, but I wasn't happy with the big classes. My professors weren't around if I needed to talk to somebody.
I went to KTI and found out I could still go into the dental field through a 15-month program. The class sizes were what I was looking for. If I needed someone's help, someone would be there for me.
Our dental instructor was fabulous. She was one of those teachers who helped me understand. If something was hard, the instructors broke it down for me and helped me find a way to learn it. I got straight A's because they were so dedicated to us.
I'm working at a family dental practice in State College, and I just love it. I did my externship here, and they offered me a position. Everybody knows each other in the practice, so it's a very tight-knit family.
I love the steady hours of being a dental assistant and knowing what they expect of me. I can plan my life. The patients are so nice. I see them regularly and get to learn things about them and their family. You have to care about the patients to be in this field.
I feel like my life's progressing forward. I'm making more money, and I'm becoming better at what I do. Going back to school at KTI helped move my life in the right direction!
Joe Walton
Graduation: 2006
Program: Culinary Arts
Employer: The Bread of Life Restaurant, McAlisterville
I worked 23 years in the auto industry making carpet for cars. The plant closed down, and I had thought about cooking for years since I always liked to cook.
I like the different aspects of the restaurant business, and I love cooking a lot better than my last job!
It's exciting cooking for other people, not just my family. I make different things and enjoy seeing the end result, knowing what you put into it.
I would love to open my own business someday, maybe in catering. I want to work for myself.
My advice for somebody thinking of going to school is to do it. Don't hesitate. Don't do something you hate for half your life. You don't know until you try.
Jessica Snyder
Graduation: 2006
Program: Professional Massage Therapy
Employer: Ultimate Health and Body Works
I would recommend going to school for massage at KTI because it gives you the opportunity to work and meet with different types of people. I like the idea of not doing the same thing every day.
The teachers know a lot about massage, and the school itself is just a really good school. I really enjoyed going there.
All the stuff that I learned at the school, I do here at work...but get paid for it!
I would eventually like to open my own business after building up clientele first and learning the ropes with everything.
It was just a very good experience, and I'd do it again.
Patricia Rickert
Graduation: 2005
Program: Medical Assistant
Employer: Pinnacle Health Family Care Millersburg
I worked at a shirt factory, and they closed down. I was 40 when I went back to school. It took me a while to get back into learning how to study.
I graduated because of Mrs. A. She's great, and she's right there for you whenever you need her.
I like to help people, and as a medical assistant, we do so many things. We do urine dips, we draw blood, EKG's, make appointments.
Barbara Hilmer
Graduation: 2004
Program: Childcare
Employer: U-GRO Learning Center, Harrisburg
I love working with kids. I find it challenging and rewarding, and there are great benefits - hugs and kisses! I worked retail for 27 years, and I figured it was time to get out and do what I wanted to do. I make a difference in a child's life. I know I've done something important.
I would tell people thinking about going to school to follow their dreams. Go after what you want. My dream is to someday open my own childcare center or be a day care director.
Michelle Gutshall
Graduation: 2005
Program: Dental Assistant
Employer: Sadler Health
When I was little I had braces, and I always loved going to the dentist.
I attended HACC for the dental hygiene program, and the program is so limited to their 20 students a semester. I went to the Academy after I finished the prerequisites of that.
Miss Blayer was a highlight. I loved her. She was a great teacher. Anytime you had a problem, you could go to her. She was like a second mom, and she came to my wedding.
As a dental assistant, I work in all areas. I even help at the front desk when I'm needed and billing whenever we do pre-authorizations for insurance.
I love the patients. Here we're really able to help people. These are people that need help-low-income, no insurance. I'm definitely getting a chance to make a difference.
It's a great program, and it definitely fit in with my schedule. 18 months is a short amount of time to get an Occupational Associate's degree.
Sherri Donley
Graduation: 2003
Program: Dental Assistant
Employer: Williams Valley Dental Group, Williamstown
I worked in a factory for 18 years. They closed down, so I decided to go back to school.
I toured the school, and I was thinking about medical, but when I saw the dental program, I decided on that, and I'm glad I did. I really enjoy it.
I thought the teachers were great. Miss Blayer was excellent. It was a good experience all the way around.
It's totally different than working in a factory. I enjoy interacting with the patients and getting to know them. Working in a small town, of course, I already knew some of them. It can be challenging some days, but it's a lot of fun.
I would highly recommend it for anyone that's thinking about going back to school and starting a new career. It's definitely worthwhile and very rewarding. I enjoy it very much, and I'm glad I did it.
Danelle Casner
Graduation: 2004
Program: Medical Assistant
Employer: Pinnacle Health Family Care, Millersburg
Before going back to school, I was working at a debt collection agency. My sister was in the medical field, my mother was in the medical field, so I figured I might as well try the medical field. They both liked it. My mother is a pharmaceutical technician, and my sister is a registered nurse.
At school, I loved all the hands-on opportunities that we had. I'd want to tell people considering Keystone Technical Institute that it'll be hard at first, but work through it. It is definitely worth it.
Kenyata Allison
Graduation: 2006
Program: Dental Assistant
Employer: Hamilton Health, Harrisburg
I was a nurse's aide before I went to school for dental. I worked there for four years and decided I wanted to go back to school.
I like taking care of people and helping people, and I still wanted to be in the health care field, but I was ready to change the health care atmosphere.
The learning experience at school was a highlight. At that time, I had just had a son. He went to the day care on the site, so that worked out for me that I was able to take him there and have my classes. My son had medical problems when I first started school, and it was a very good support system for me.
I have 3 boys altogether, so to me it was to make a better life for them, to let them know that no matter what, you can still do whatever you need to do. Don't let anybody hold you down. I had to do it for my boys.
Don't let anybody crush your dreams. Don't let anybody step in your path and discourage you from doing things that you want to do. Follow through. Don't stop. Be consistent in what you do. That's what I did.
I would have to say Keystone Technical is a very good school to attend. I would suggest it to anyone who's ready to go back to school and further their education.
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