Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic
Kyra  Makara

Kyra Makara

Hazleton,PA

Summary

Adaptable healthcare volunteer with a focus on patient-centered care. Skilled in supporting recovery through therapeutic engagement and effective communication, contributing to improved patient experiences in fast-paced environments.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Physical Therapy Volunteer

Encompass Healthcare
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
07.2025 - Current
  • Shadowed licensed physical therapists provide patient evaluations, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions across a diverse patient population for a wide range of musculoskeletal, orthopedic, and sports-related conditions.
  • Observed the progression of patient treatment plans involving therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, stretching, gait training, and neuromuscular re-education.
  • Gained exposure to documentation processes, including SOAP notes and patient outcome tracking, to understand goal setting and progress assessment.
  • Learned about commonly used modalities in outpatient care, such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy, cupping, scraping, and resistance equipment.
  • Built strong interpersonal communication skills through professional interaction with patients, staff, and physical therapists in a fast-paced clinical environment.
  • Prepared treatment areas and sanitized equipment between patients to maintain a clean and safe environment.

HELP (Hospital Elder Life Program) Volunteer

Geisinger Bloomsburg Health Care Center
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
03.2025 - Current
  • Program designed to prevent delirium and functional decline in hospitalized adults aged 65 and older. This program focuses on improving the hospital experience for elderly patients, and supporting their recovery.
  • Assisted patients with orientation, mobility, hydration, meal support, and therapeutic engagement activities.
  • Collaborated with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Developed strong communication, empathy, and time-management skills in a hospital setting.
  • Maintained patient confidentiality and adhered to infection control procedures.
  • Monitored patients for signs of confusion, pain, or changes in mobility, and communicated observations to the healthcare team to ensure timely care.
  • Gained firsthand exposure to hospital-based physical therapy practices, and the critical role of movement and function in elderly patient care.

Guest Service Representative

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
06.2024 - Current
  • Provided information about services and facilities to patients and visitors.
  • Coordinate with clinical and administrative departments to provide accurate information and wayfinding support, enhancing patient satisfaction.
  • Trained new staff on customer service protocols and system navigation.
  • Resolved guest complaints in a professional manner.
  • Promoted high level of guest satisfaction through genuine, enthusiastic and friendly interactions.
  • Greet and assist patients, families, and visitors in a fast-paced hospital environment, ensuring a welcoming and supportive first point of contact.
  • Communicate clearly and compassionately with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who may be experiencing stress, illness, or language barriers.
  • Manage confidential patient information professionally, demonstrating an understanding of HIPAA standards and privacy protocols.
  • Adapt quickly to changing situations, maintaining professionalism, and calm during sensitive interactions.

Member of Theta Tau Omega

Bloomsburg University
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
09.2023 - Current
  • Actively participated in a wide range of philanthropic initiatives focused on community health, mental wellness, pediatric care, and animal welfare.
  • Supported national and local organizations, including Shatterproof (mental health and addiction recovery), Janet Weis Children's Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), the SPCA, the Alzheimer's Association, the American Cancer Society, etc.
  • Volunteered at hospital and healthcare-related events, providing support services to children, families, and patients undergoing treatment.
  • Assisted in fundraising campaigns, donation drives, and awareness events, contributing to the success of chapter-wide philanthropic goals.
  • Developed teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal skills through collaborative service projects and chapter initiatives.
  • Demonstrated ongoing commitment to civic responsibility, compassion, and service—values that align with patient-centered care in the physical therapy profession.

Cofounder of Unexpected Kindness

Volunteering
Hazleton, Pennsylvania
08.2023 - Current
  • Created and distributed handmade items (e.g., notes, crochet items, small gifts) in hospitals and public spaces to promote emotional well-being and community connection.
  • Fostered kindness and positivity by anonymously sharing uplifting messages with patients, staff, and community members.
  • Collaborated with volunteers to organize and deliver acts of kindness across multiple locations.
  • Reached over 15,000 people with positive messages and thoughtful gestures, promoting emotional wellness and kindness.

Volunteer Advisory Council Member

Geisinger Northeast
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
01.2022 - Current
  • Served as a representative voice for volunteers, advising leadership on program improvements, community needs, and volunteer engagement strategies.
  • Participated in quarterly meetings to review program performance, propose initiatives, and provide feedback on organizational practices.
  • Co-planned the annual end-of-year volunteer recognition banquet, coordinating logistics, communications, and program content for an event serving over 300 volunteers.

General Volunteer

Geisinger
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
01.2019 - Current
  • Volunteered alongside physical therapists at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Geisinger Community Medical Center to support patient mobility sessions, assist with equipment setup, and observe rehabilitative care practices.
  • Provided non-clinical support to patients, families, and staff across various hospital departments, ensuring a welcoming and compassionate environment.
  • Supported hospital initiatives, such as community outreach events, wellness fairs, and health education programs.
  • Helped maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment in public areas by restocking supplies and reporting facility needs.
  • Demonstrated empathy and professionalism while interacting with diverse patient populations, upholding Geisinger’s values of kindness and service excellence.

Coach for Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run
Danville, Pennsylvania
03.2024 - 05.2024
  • Facilitated engaging lessons promoting physical activity and teamwork.
  • Encouraged positive self-esteem through supportive coaching techniques.
  • Developed lesson plans aligning with program goals and values.
  • Communicated effectively with parents about participant progress and events.
  • Mentored young athletes, fostering leadership skills and confidence.
  • Integrated teamwork, encouragement, and communication into physical challenges.
  • Modeled and taught the importance of goal-setting, perseverance, and body awareness.

Member of THON Comittee

Penn State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
09.2022 - 03.2023
  • Participated in planning and executing THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, supporting children and families affected by pediatric cancer.
  • Collaborated with a team to organize fundraising events, awareness campaigns, and community outreach activities leading up to THON Weekend.
  • Assisted in logistical coordination and volunteer efforts during THON Weekend, contributing to a 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon benefiting the Four Diamonds Fund.
  • Promoted THON's mission through tabling, social media, and peer engagement to increase student involvement and donor participation.
  • Helped raise funds as part of a team that collectively contributed to THON’s multi-million-dollar annual total.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg, PA
05-2026

High School Diploma -

Hazleton Area High School
Hazleton, PA
06-2022

Skills

  • Patient care
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Team collaboration
  • Therapeutic engagement
  • Time management
  • Documentation practices

Accomplishments

  • The President's Volunteer Service Award (2022 Gold, 2023 Gold, 2024 Gold, 2025 Gold)

Timeline

Physical Therapy Volunteer

Encompass Healthcare
07.2025 - Current

HELP (Hospital Elder Life Program) Volunteer

Geisinger Bloomsburg Health Care Center
03.2025 - Current

Guest Service Representative

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center
06.2024 - Current

Coach for Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run
03.2024 - 05.2024

Member of Theta Tau Omega

Bloomsburg University
09.2023 - Current

Cofounder of Unexpected Kindness

Volunteering
08.2023 - Current

Member of THON Comittee

Penn State University
09.2022 - 03.2023

Volunteer Advisory Council Member

Geisinger Northeast
01.2022 - Current

General Volunteer

Geisinger
01.2019 - Current

Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

High School Diploma -

Hazleton Area High School