If you’ve been treated at The Good Drop in the last year or so, you’ve probably met our nursing tech, Payge Dalton.
Payge joined our care team full time in 2025, but not as a stranger! She shares a long history of working with Mara, Kelly, and Shana in the emergency room at Regional Hospital of Scranton. When it came time for The Good Drop staff to expand, it was an easy decision to call in Payge, as she is already true family around here.
Payge is also one of our hardest workers. She makes herself available to help wherever she’s needed, from patient care to administrative tasks to office maintenance, and always with a selfless, quiet, and unassuming demeanor.
We’re so proud to give Payge the spotlight she deserves in this profile, and we thank her for being such a reliable and integral part of The Good Drop team!
What got you started in healthcare?
Payge Dalton: I was surrounded by healthcare growing up, with both of my parents working in the field, and I would go all over for specialty doctor appointments. Through those experiences, I was exposed to the impact healthcare can have on people’s lives, and it left a lasting impression on me. The sense of purpose and fulfillment that I saw medical providers find in their work inspired me to pursue a healthcare career. The field seemed like a natural fit for me, and over time, I became confident that it was the right path to take.
What did you learn from working in the emergency room at Regional Hospital of Scranton?
Payge Dalton: Working in the emergency room taught me how to stay calm and think on my feet in high-pressure situations. It’s a fast-paced environment, so you learn quickly how important it is to prioritize, communicate clearly, and work as part of a team. Every shift brought something different, and it really reinforced how crucial it is to be adaptable and compassionate, no matter how hectic things get. You also get a deep appreciation for how quickly a patient’s condition can change, and it reminds you why every moment counts in healthcare.
How did you come to work with Mara and Kelly at The Good Drop?
Payge Dalton: Their bubbly and happy energy had really drawn me in at the hospital, and they ended up taking me in as one of their own family members. We also had an amazing working relationship at the hospital, so when they needed help in their new business, it just made sense to stay together and join The Good Drop.
What do you enjoy about working in ketamine therapy?
Payge Dalton: I like seeing the positive outcomes from week to week that our patients experience. People generally come to us struggling and with very little hope. I love playing a role in their journeys out of the darkness and back to places where they can feel like themselves again and get back to living their lives.
What drives you in your career?
Payge Dalton: I love the rewarding feeling of helping people in need. That’s the core of what quality mental healthcare should be, and we still have such a need for it in Northeastern Pennsylvania. That motivates me every day, and I expect it to keep motivating me wherever my career takes me.