Samantha Herman is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner and a Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist. She provides comprehensive care for patients from birth through young adulthood, with a clinical focus on pediatric mental health, adolescent care, developmental needs, and complex conditions such as dysautonomia. Samantha completed her Master of Science in nursing at Seton Hall University, her Bachelor of Science in nursing at Thomas Edison State University, and her associate’s degree at Passaic County Community College. In addition to her nurse practitioner training, she completed the pediatric mental health fellowship through the Ohio State University KySS (Keep Yourself Strong and Secure) program. Samantha is a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) and has intermediate-level Spanish comprehension. Her clinical interests include pediatric mental health, adolescent health (including adolescent female health), developmental and special needs care, and dysautonomia.
Her path into healthcare was deeply personal. As a teenager, Samantha helped care for her father after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and supported her family when her grandmother developed Alzheimer’s disease. Witnessing her mother juggle caregiving responsibilities while working full time inspired Samantha to pursue nursing and dedicate her career to helping families navigate complex health challenges.
Samantha’s favorite part of pediatric care is working with children and adolescents. She appreciates their resilience and energy, and enjoys building relationships that help young patients feel comfortable and supported. She is also especially motivated to solve challenging cases and help families find answers when a diagnosis has been difficult to determine. In her approach to care, Samantha believes one of the most important things a provider can do is listen. She prioritizes taking the time to hear patients and their families, recognizing that many have previously felt dismissed or unheard. By understanding the full picture—including social circumstances and potential barriers to care—she works with families to create thoughtful, individualized treatment plans.
Samantha has volunteered as both a nurse and provider with Remote Area Medical, an organization dedicated to delivering healthcare services to underserved communities. She has also served as a volunteer medic for local roller derby organizations. Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her family. She and her family are foster parents to local youth. A former music education major, she still has the flute she first learned to play at age nine and loves seeing her daughter participate in music and theater at school. Samantha also enjoys dance and hopes to return to classes soon. At home, the family is kept busy by their three cats and two hermit crabs.