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Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Womens March

 

Women's History Month Profile

Kristin Thelen-Owner of  Simply Health Wellness SPA

WomansProfile

 

What year did you graduate? 2002

Please share a favorite SCASD memory.

One of my favorite memories from high school was the Homecoming Parade. Every year, the excitement leading up to it was just as much fun as the parade itself. I loved getting together with teammates to decorate our float—brainstorming creative themes, gathering supplies, and spending hours making sure every detail was just right. There was something special about working as a team, covered in paint and glitter, knowing that our hard work would soon be rolling down the streets of our town.

The parade itself was an unforgettable experience. Riding on the float, waving to the crowd, and seeing so many familiar faces cheering us on filled me with so much school spirit and pride. It was a moment where everyone—students, teachers, families, and alumni—came together to celebrate. Looking back, those Homecoming Parades weren’t just about the event itself but about the sense of community, tradition, and shared excitement that made high school so memorable

What position do you currently hold and what previous jobs have you held? 

I am currently the owner of Simply Health Rx Salt Cave & Wellness Spa, where I combine my background in clinical pharmacy with holistic wellness practices. As a Clinical Pharmacist, Functional Nutrition Coach, Certified Halotherapist, and Wellness Enthusiast, I am passionate about helping people take a proactive approach to their health through integrative therapies.

Before starting Simply Health Rx, I spent over 13 years at Mount Nittany Medical Center, specializing in blood sugar and diabetes management. I developed protocols for hyperglycemic crises and established a pharmacist-led glycemic control consult service, ensuring personalized care for patients managing diabetes. One of my proudest achievements was leading our team to earn an optional Joint Commission accreditation for inpatient diabetes care—an honor held by fewer than 100 hospitals nationwide. My role included working on the hospital floor, in the ICU, and one-on-one with patients newly diagnosed with diabetes or starting insulin therapy.

Prior to that, I completed my Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Florida and a PGY1 residency at the VA Hospital in Boise, Idaho. While my hospital career was incredibly fulfilling, I can truly say that I am the happiest I’ve ever been now—running Simply Health Rx and helping my clients achieve their wellness goals in a way that is both meaningful and transformative!

How did SCASD prepare you for life (post-high school studies, professional employment)?

SCASD (State College Area School District) provided a strong academic foundation that prepared me for post-high school studies and professional life in several ways:

  1. Diverse Academic Offerings – The variety of courses available allowed me to explore different subjects, develop critical thinking skills, and build a solid educational foundation that benefited me in college and beyond.

  2. Strong Writing and Communication Skills – SCASD emphasized writing and research skills, which became invaluable in higher education and professional settings. Clear communication is key in business and teaching.

  3. Independence & Time Management – The level of responsibility expected in high school helped prepare me for the independence required in college and my professional career, whether managing coursework, entrepreneurial projects, or business operations.

  4. Exposure to Extracurricular Activities – Involvement in clubs and activities helped me develop leadership skills, collaboration, and adaptability—qualities that are essential for success in the workplace.

  5. Encouragement of Lifelong Learning – SCASD fostered curiosity and a love for learning, which has influenced my continued education in wellness, mysticism, and business development.

  6. Community & Networking – The connections I made in high school carried into my personal and professional life, providing a strong sense of community and support in various endeavors.


What advice would you give to current SCASD students?

  • Take Advantage of Opportunities – SCASD offers a range of extracurricular activities, courses, and programs that can help you grow in different areas. Whether it’s a subject you're passionate about or something new, explore it—these experiences can shape your future path.

  • Build Relationships – Connect with teachers, counselors, and peers. They can offer support, mentorship, and opportunities that can shape your academic and professional future. Networking is key, and building a strong support system now will pay off later.

  • Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool – You will face challenges, and things may not always go as planned. Instead of fearing failure, learn from it. It’s often the biggest lessons that come from mistakes, and resilience is one of the most valuable skills in life.

  • Develop a Growth Mindset – Be open to learning and growing, whether it's inside or outside the classroom. Every experience, good or bad, adds value to your journey. Cultivate curiosity and always seek to expand your knowledge.

  • Take Care of Your Well-being – It’s easy to get caught up in school and extracurriculars, but never forget to take care of your mental and physical health. A well-balanced life is the foundation of long-term success and happiness.

  • Pursue Your Passions – Don’t be afraid to follow your passions, even if they don’t seem like a conventional career path. Trust in your unique interests and talents—they can lead to exciting and fulfilling opportunities. And remember, it’s okay to change career paths even after a significant amount of time has passed! Your passions can evolve and change with time, and it’s completely normal to embrace that. Just make sure you’ve given your first career enough time to develop your skills and gain valuable experience before transitioning to something new. Every career shift brings new growth and opportunities!

 

Resolutions and Policies

Equity Audits

District Initiatives

Equity Workgroups

The Office of Equity & Inclusivity also coordinates the work of more than 80 equity advocates districtwide and oversees the Inclusive Excellence Steering Committee, which is comprised of the following equity workgroups:

These are just a few examples of our commitment to all of our students. As we work collectively toward providing equitable experiences for every individual, we must keep striving to understand the lived experiences of each of our students to meet their needs.

Equity in SCASD

Equity in our district means that every student, family, and employee has the resources and support they need to succeed because the State College Area School District recognizes the importance of equity and is engaged in a concerted effort to provide more caring and inclusive experiences for every student, in 2016, it formed the SCASD Office of Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. Our district's equity efforts are guided by district policy 100.1: Inclusive Excellence Policy and SCASD Board of Directors AntiRacism Resolution.