Samantha Tio

HDFS(FamR) alumna Samantha Tio (Tsoi), LSW, is the director of social services at Hale Ho Aloha Nursing Home. Samantha’s been in this personally and professionally fulfilling position for almost ten years now, and she credits her professors and program at CTAHR with getting her started on her journey. She graduated with a B.S. and a Certificate in Aging in 2004, worked at an adult daycare for a year, then returned for her MSW with a concentration in Gerontology and LSW at UH. She writes, “My undergraduate degree paved the foundation for where I am today. It enticed me to get into gerontology and constantly stimulated me to want more. The FAMR—now HDFS—professors were so involved and encouraging during my studies. I never tired of learning because they made learning fun and interesting; they knew how to keep things exciting. They were very hands-on and gave sound advice. I learned the importance of networking and being involved within the community. Plus, I felt like I came out of my shell more; I was less shy and more assertive with what I wanted in my life.” The kupuna of our community must be grateful that Samantha discovered what she wanted to do with her life—to make their lives better!