Growing up, Saint Marys, Pennsylvania, native Natalie Lenze knew she wanted to work with people—especially children—but wasn’t quite sure how.

During Lenze’s sophomore year of high school, a teacher introduced her to speech-language pathology. The interest became personal when she learned her brother had received speech therapy as a child.

Inspired, she began researching the field and eventually shadowed a speech-language pathologist.

“I knew that this field was what I wanted to pursue,” Lenze said.

She enrolled at PennWest Edinboro as a Communication Sciences and Disorders major and added a minor in special education, a decision she calls “the best of both worlds.”

Early connection with the CSD faculty assured her she had found the right program.

“Before coming to Pennwest, the faculty from the CSD connected with me early on, and I knew that the program and school were meant for me,” Lenze said.  “After 4 years, my connections with the faculty are stronger, and I feel supported by them.”

These close relationships paved the way for valuable hands-on research opportunities. Lenze's work on communication devices during mealtimes led to presentations at both the Pennsylvania Speech Language Hearing Association convention and the campus library.

“I got to connect with professionals in the field while presenting my poster to them,” Lenze said. “These connections allowed me to learn about what they do and how they are making an impact in the field.”

Involvement on campus further enriched her experience.

As a dedicated member and eventual vice president of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA), she honed her leadership and communication skills. The American Sign Language club broadened her understanding of communication, and the Peer Mentoring Program allowed her to guide first-year students.

Lenze will round out her undergraduate studies on the Dean’s List and is looking forward to pursuing a master’s degree in speech-language pathology at Edinboro this fall.

“I am grateful for the connections I have made with professors, peers and coworkers during my time here at Pennwest, and I will carry those relationships forward as I continue my education,” she said.

Long-term, Lenze seeks to explore diverse populations to find her niche, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on individuals' ability to communicate. She eagerly anticipates connecting with clients and crafting personalized therapy sessions.

Her advice to incoming students in the field is to maintain an open mind, absorb all that they learn, and actively participate in clubs to build connections.

“Getting involved in clubs of interest will connect you to friends,” she said. “Enjoy your time here at Pennwest Edinboro because it goes fast!”