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Bergen Community College alumna Samantha Black, ‘19, is an activity therapist at Montefiore Nyack Hospital where she supports adults with developmental and physical disabilities.
Black, of Cresskill, has worked in recreation for the past six years, and is a certified therapeutic recreation specialist. After Bergen, she earned her bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation from St. Thomas Aquinas College, and is currently earning her master’s degree in lifestyle management from Rowan University.
“I decided to attend Bergen Community College as I was someone who wanted to slowly work my way into college and take my time with a two-year university rather than going right to a four-year university,” said Black.
Support from academic faculty and staff helped motivate Black during her Bergen journey, and she credits professor and academic counselor Linda Seidman for her encouragement. “She was my rock and my absolute guide during my experience and time at Bergen Community College,” she said.
After receiving immense encouragement at Bergen, Black gained the confidence to pursue advanced degrees and a career as a wellness coach. She also received her therapeutic recreation specialist certification, advancing her quality of care for adults in the behavioral health unit. Black was also invited to participate in the Southeast Recreational Therapy Symposium in March 2026, where she will network with other professionals in her field.
“I was told to not even attend college, and now here I am about to go for my master’s degree,” said Black. She urges everyone that they earn a college education and build a successful career, especially at Bergen.
“You can do it – anyone can do it,” said Black. “Bergen is the best start.”
Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 24,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state.
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