CENTER FOR CHILD HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Founder and CEO of the Center for Child Health and Development, LLC

Wendy Schmidt, OTR/L, MPA, is the founder and CEO of the Center for Child Health and Development, LLC (CCHD - est. 2009) and Wendy Schmidt, OTR/L, MPA, LLC (est. - 2003). She began the Center for Child and Health Development, LLC to provide a comprehensive child focused assessment, treatment, referral and education center serving children and families. Wendy has a keen sensitivity for children and a caring touch that so often, is forgotten in the clinical world. She has traveled extensively throughout the world helping children. She has been a consultant to many child health projects focusing on child adoption assessments; adoption family preparation; child development and behavioral interventions before and during the adoption process in Russia, Romania, Poland, Thailand, Laos, Africa and the United States. In addition, she has also worked with government officials, participated in orphanage administration, recommended treatment plans for children in orphanages and helped children and families navigate the international adoption process. Wendy believes in every child she works with as well as their families. Her goal is to help families become self-sustainable by giving them the tools they need to help them face what's needed on the path ahead. To quote her, "My work model is similar to that of the Peace Corps. My aim is to work myself out a job by empowering parents and provide a comprehensive treatment plan in the best interest of the child and family." She wants to give families hope, peace and empowerment when it comes to the development of their child. She knows how often parents can feel overwhelmed, out of control and unable to move forward when faced with their challenges related to their child's behavior and development. Wendy seeks to build a personal connection and provide a trusted method where families can partner with her to provide the best possible outcome for their child's development and in the end, become self-sustaining. Wendy provides a personal, home-based and family centered approach because she believes this is the best way to reach children and their families. With years of research, education and consulting, she has had numerous experiences with organizations such as Case Western Reserve University, the Cleveland Clinic and Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital in gaining important insight in developing her unique treatment model. Her approach is child focused but also recognizes the importance of parent involvement within the context of family dynamics. As part of her treatment she uses the following methodologies: Applied Behavior Analysis, Floor time therapy derived from the Developmental Individual-difference Relationship-based model (DIR), The SonRise Program/Options Institute and more traditional sensory, motor-based approaches. As part of the comprehensive care approach, monitoring and assessing general infant/child development and coping/regulatory systems (behavior) with parent and/or child care providers is also considered part of her treatment model. Wendy was educated at the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Wellness and Sports Medicine/Athletic Training. She later went on to secure a master's degree in Healthcare Administration/Public Administration as well as a certification in Occupational Therapy from Cleveland State University. Since then, Wendy's joined many professional organizations including affiliate membership of three sections of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is fully licensed by the Massachusetts and Ohio Board of Allied Health Professionals as well as the National Board of Certified Occupational Therapists. To read more about Wendy's professional experiences, certifications and affiliations, please download or view her resume here.