In her new role, Schmidt will assist in the strategic planning and growth of Emmanuel Hospice through the management of patient care; she will also work closely with the medical director to maintain and build a cohesive team of nurses and hospice aides. In addition to assisting with quality assurance initiatives, Schmidt will lead the development of the organization’s Hospice Nursing and Aide Teams, which provides comprehensive hospice care alongside the other members of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team.
“Melissa is a great addition to our dynamic leadership team,” said Sara Lowe, executive director of Emmanuel Hospice. “With her proven management and staff development skills, I am confident she will be instrumental in helping us manage our continued growth while maintaining our commitment to excellence. I know our patients and families are in capable hands and will continue to receive exceptional care.”
Since its founding in 2013, Emmanuel Hospice has grown steadily and now cares for more than 100 families a day in the four-county area – an increase of more than 40 percent over 2017. Last year, the organization cared for more than 455 patients and an estimated 1,365 caregivers who supported them on their end-of-life journeys.
Schmidt brings more than 10 years of nursing experience to the role, having served as director of nursing for Brookcrest-Sunset Retirement Communities and director of clinical services at St. Ann’s Home. In these positions, Schmidt coordinated resident care and managed clinical care. These roles provided her the opportunity to chair committees that improved local process for health care as well as statewide legislation around skilled nursing and post-acute care.
Schmidt earned her bachelor’s of nursing degree at the University of Michigan and has finished coursework to obtain a nursing home administrator license at Ferris State University.
She lives in Dorr with her children, Lexi and Austin.
About Emmanuel Hospice
Emmanuel Hospice is a faith-based nonprofit provider of compassionate, person-centered hospice care to patients and families in West Michigan. Serving the community since 2013, the organization is a collaborative effort of St. Ann’s, Clark, Porter Hills and Sunset designed to complete the continuum by providing end-of-life care to those inside – and outside – the walls of these organizations.
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