01/28/2026
If you have ever called Tower Health Medical Group Pediatrics in Wyomissing with a worried heart, there is a good chance you have heard Nurse Barbara’s voice on the other line. 📞
For many years, her calm, steady presence has guided parents and families through fevers, medication questions, and the kinds of worries that can feel overwhelming, offering comfort when it was needed most.
When Barbara Kantner graduated from the Reading Hospital School of Nursing in 1971, she knew exactly who she wanted to be: a nurse. Inspired by her grandfather, a family doctor in a small town, she built her life and career right here in Reading. She floated across units and worked in what was once called the accident dispensary, learning on carbon paper and growing alongside emergency nursing as it evolved from a handful of beds into a full emergency department. She later spent 13 years as a school nurse so she could be closer to her son while still caring for others. Through every change, she said, one thing stayed the same: you are always learning, no matter your role.
In January of 1997, Barbara returned to Reading Hospital, this time in pediatrics. It was a move she never expected, but one that would define the next 29 years. For the past 15 of those years, her work shifted to the phones, and for countless parents and caregivers, her voice became familiar. She helped them navigate sick babies, medical concerns, and moments of uncertainty or fear. “I like to think of myself as a substitute mom,” she said. “Sometimes, all we need is a bit of reassurance.”
Barbara has always believed in meeting families where they are. She gently reminds parents, and even fellow employees, that in those moments, it is okay to simply be a parent. Her purpose has remained the same: ease fears, build confidence, and ensure every family feels heard.
Over the years, healthcare has changed in many ways. The heart of nursing has not. As Barbara retires on January 30, the same date she was hired, she leaves behind more than decades of service. As a three-time DAISY Award recipient, she leaves a legacy of compassion, steady guidance, and families who felt supported because someone took the time to listen. 💙
