Samantha studied at Utah State University, earning two undergraduate degrees in four years. She received a bachelor's degree in international studies with an emphasis in world economy and development, and a bachelor's in German language and literature. In 2017, Samantha also received her Yoga teacher certification from Utah State.

Samantha has worked with international youth exchange programs, both domestically and abroad, and has always had an interest in learning about other cultures. Samantha is a Cache Valley native and had the unique experience as a youth where she spent a lot of her time volunteering in the community with several youth groups. At eighteen, she received a scholarship to study in Germany for a year as an exchange student.

Samantha joined the Uinta team in 2017 as a family teacher and has worked in all of Uinta's homes, working with students through all their stages of change. Samantha became the East home manager in 2019 and then the Achievement home manager in 2021.
Over the years, she has facilitated a variety of group activities including educational, social, independent living and a social media therapeutic group. She oversaw the Uinta gardens for a few years where she had the opportunity of teaching the students new skills such as gardening, home maintenance, culinary skills, as well as taught new crafts, and self-care skills. One of her favorite things to do is taking the student's on the overnight trips to national parks, hiking and having an adventure. Samantha loves encouraging the students to learn, grow, and soar as the unique individuals they are.
In 2021, Samantha became the staff trainer where she has taken pride in teaching staff how to show up for our students with integrity. Samantha takes a lot of pride in being a large part of Uinta's continued growth and increased satisfaction amongst students and staff alike. As far back as being the East home manager, she initiated the conversation of creating a more open, safe space for non-binary students and lead efforts in creating a more inviting, gender-neutral environment.
In 2023, Samantha became Uinta's program director and continues to lead with integrity and an empowerment approach.
Samantha is addicted to cats and in her spare time can be found at home cuddling her cats, out in the wilderness digging for rocks and exploring or spending time with her nieces and nephews!