Samantha Stauffer Mendez graduated from the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University where she received a Bachelor of Music degree in Oboe Performance. During her time in college, she studied with the Associate Principal oboist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Peter Smith. She was a member of the Temple University Wind Symphony, the university’s Symphony Orchestra, as well as multiple chamber ensembles. Samantha has also had the opportunity to perform internationally on numerous occasions, and with a variety of ensembles, including the Music Academy International Music Festival in Mezzano, Italy. 

Outside of classes at Eastern, Samantha travels to teach private oboe lessons in the surrounding counties. She and her husband Dave, a percussion teacher and youth pastor, love living in quaint, little Boyertown, with their silver lab puppy, Remo.