What astronomical factors would compel someone who has traveled to dozens of countries and has lived abroad for more than a decade to finally settle in one place? Director of Counseling Lisa Roethling can tell you the answer.

Drive approximately 28 hours along I-80 West, and you will reach Roethling’s home state of Wyoming. The first in her family of self-titled “hard-workers” to attend college, Roethling wrote her ticket into the University of Wyoming by running track. Once there, she studied psychology and counseling.

“I’ve always been so interested in the world and experiencing new cultures,” Roethling said. “When I went to college, I just kind of found myself.” 

Her lifelong passion for traveling was sparked in college, galvanized by the opportunities running granted her. 

Although she’s never actually counted, Roethling estimated she’s traveled to almost 80 different countries, and she doesn’t plan on slowing down.

Indulging her wanderlust, Roethling traveled as much as she could before settling in Canada for two years and then in Germany for the next 13 where she oversaw counseling services for children of military personnel globally.

“I was determined to find a way to work with kids while traveling the world,” Roethling said. “With this job in Germany I was doing exactly that.”

While in Wiesbaden, Roethling met her husband, who was working at one of the schools she was managing, and they started a family.

Since leaving the U.S. after college, Roethling has never spent more than five consecutive days in the country until her arrival at Hill. Although she had never set foot in Pennsylvania, Roethling felt like she had “come home” when she first visited campus. 

“We took a leap of faith and here we are,” Roethling said. 

Roethling credits her decision to move to Hill to the welcoming environment she experienced fostered by Headmaster Zack Lehman and later Medical Director Dr. Kristen Spencer.

“We were blown away by Mrs. Roethling’s experience, perspective, and personality,” Lehman said. “She has the ability to organize complex mental health programs and interact with students with deep empathy.”

In her Wellness Center office, Roethling has been working closely with Dr. Kirsten Spencer to shape a new and evolving medical program at Hill, developing a more structured, clinical environment.

“I love the idea of being a part of change and growing a program to fit a school,” Roethling said. 

“She is an excellent communicator, which is a real benefit to our community as she provides educational sessions for students, faculty, and parents,” Spencer said.

You rarely get the opportunity to converse with a counselor about herself, but Roethling clearly holds an openness and a worldview that transcends any office.