Teri Kistler

Teri Kistler had a 20-plus year career in addiction and mental health prior to switching roles and teaching at Penn State Lehigh Valley. Although Kistler has only taught at PSU-LV, she says she feels the campus is something special. “One thing I believe is unique is the relationship we have with the students. Having smaller class sizes gives us the opportunity to get to know our students and provide them with the support they need to be successful both in and out of the classroom. We witness their transformation from student to professional, working in their internship,” she said. “I love the interaction with students and knowing I am helping to prepare the next generation of human service professionals.”

Background

A lifelong resident of the Lehigh Valley, Kistler held various positions in the addiction and mental health fields at some of the most well-known facilities in the area. She has worked at the Lehigh Valley Drug and Alcohol Intake Unit, KidsPeace Hospital and Renewal Centers Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services, as well as in private practice.

Kistler has been very involved in campus initiatives throughout her career at PSU-LV. She is currently the Faculty Senate secretary, faculty representative for Student Fee Board, Undergraduate Research Committee and Student Faculty Resolution Committee, the Student Scholarship Committee and the Selection Committee for the Commencement 2023 Speaker. Previously, Kistler sat on the Campus Engagement Committee, was co-chair of the Women’s Commission, and co-chair of the Silent Auction, and sat on the Student Faculty Committee. She has been on the search committees for the Director of Advising and Career Strategy and Rehabilitation and Human Services.

Kistler also sits on the board of the Foster Fitzgerald Foundation, an organization that supports families in need. Its mission is “community members helping communities”.

Besides her many commitments at PSU-LV, Kistler stays busy off campus with various hobbies and activities. She enjoys running, walking her dog, kayaking, going to concerts, reading, and DYI home projects. She likes to watch college sports but especially enjoys watching her sons play lacrosse.

Student Testimonials

“Mrs. Kistler is an exceptional teacher and I often look forward to her classes. She stands out from other teachers as she shows her compassion for each of her students. Mrs. Kistler understands that college isn't at the center of everyone's life, but it is a steppingstone that many of us choose to take. She tries to make classes as enjoyable as she can while encouraging everyone to participate but never makes us step too far out of our comfort zones. I look forward to seeing her next semester!” –Elizabeth Wagner

“Restarting my education as a non-traditional student was a nerve-wracking experience. I was assigned Teri Kistler as my advisor and my nerves were immediately settled. She was warm, welcoming, and helped me manage my course load so I could still work my full-time job. She is comfortable sharing her experience in the field as well as teaching foundational skills to her students that prepare them to enter any human services field. With her help and leadership, I have been able to model positive behavior to my classmates as well as prepare myself to enter the addictions field upon graduation.” –Nicholas Coleman