Speech therapist Jolene Umholtz will retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year with thirty years of experience and five years of service to the Tyrone Area School District.

Umholtz is a Tyrone Area High School alumnus who spent most of her career as a speech therapist in the Altoona Area School District. For the last five years, she has worked with students at Tyrone Elementary.

Umholtz assists students with speech delays or who need extra help with speaking and pronunciation.

With over 30 years of experience as a speech therapist in two school districts, Umholtz said she has learned so much from teachers and has been blessed to work with them for many years.

“One of the many lessons I have learned is the importance of working as a team,” Umholtz said.

Tyrone preschool teacher Lillian Miller has worked with Umholtz for the past few years to help her students with speech and language difficulties.

“Jolene is so full of knowledge and always available to answer any questions I have about our shared students or speech in general. Working with her has been a pleasure, and I will miss seeing her every day,” Miller said.

Umholtz said she loves her students and enjoys working with them to improve their communication skills.

“Jolene has always been a good team player. She truly cares about everyone that she comes in contact with,” preschool teacher Amber Creamer said.

Umholz said she is looking forward to retirement; most of all, she is excited to have more time to visit her family.

Umholz and her husband, Rich, have two children, Seth and Paige, who are also TAHS alumni.

While it will be hard to say goodbye to the students and staff, Umholz said that it is the right time for her.

“For years, my colleagues who were retiring would tell me, ‘You just know’ when it is time. My husband and I are empty nesters and miss our children who live in Virginia and Florida. I wanted to be able to visit them any time I wanted and stay as long as I wanted. Retirement gives me that option,” Umholtz said.

Congratulations Mrs. Umholz and thank you for your service.