Caroline M. Schmidt

Hello! I am a reliable and energetic healthcare professional, with a recent Masters degree in Health Administration (MHA) from the University of Maryland at College Park.

My main strengths are adaptability, dependability, leadership, public speaking, project management, research, and a natural ability to forge strong professional relationships. I have an eagerness to learn, and the determination to get a job done and done well. I have developed impeccable organizational skills, have a clear, logical mind with a practical, analytical, and quality-focused approach to problem solving and conflict resolution, and am both self-motivated and pragmatic. I am able, and enjoy, working both on my own initiative and as part of interdisciplinary teams.

I have a rich and diverse background - educationally, at work, personally, and culturally. I have three college degrees (a BS & MS in Biology, and an MHA), I worked for 7 years behind microscopes in Neuroscience labs before switching to the leadership and management field. I have strong interest in minority health issues, healthcare quality, and I am fiercely dedicated to my own self-improvement (mind, body, & spirit).

My motto has always been "Onwards, Upwards". I have not had the easiest life, so I've learned the hard way that no matter what knocks me down, I have to, and I will, get back up again. I believe in transforming what I have learned in the past into an actionable future plan - whether those lessons were learned in the classroom, in my personal life, at work, from mistakes, or from triumphs. I'd like to share a piece of invaluable advice that I was given when I needed it most: Never give up and self-doubt achieves nothing.

My Goals: I would like a challenging and fulfilling career in management/leadership in the healthcare industry (preferably as a Business Associate or Manager, and eventually leading up to Dept. Director and beyond), attend a national APHA conference as a presenter, someday obtain a PhD in Healthcare Policy & Economics, write a book, and learn to speak French.

A few personal tidbits: My favorite pastime is reading, I'm a good cook, my favorite color is green, and I love hockey, and watching sci-fi movies. I like to travel, but hate to fly. I have temporarily lived in both Canada and Italy. I am fluent in Spanish and I can play the violin. I am blessed to be healthy and to have a strong, supportive, and loving family.