Abbie Holland Schmit
La Grange Park,United States
Summary
As the Veteran's Program Director at Safer Foundation, Abbie Holland Schmit oversees and implements projects that address the needs and challenges of justice-involved veterans. With over 20 years of experience in the military and veteran sector, Abbie has a deep understanding of the issues that affect this population, such as suicide, trauma, and reintegration. She leverages her research, advocacy, and education skills to create evidence-based solutions and policy recommendations that improve the lives and outcomes of justice-involved veterans and their families. Abbie is also a Military Sexual Trauma Research Project Ambassador at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she is involved in a community research project that engages MST survivors, clinicians, and researchers. She is passionate about advancing patient-centered research and empowering those with lived experience to have a voice in the research process. Abbie is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Social Work from Aurora University, with a focus on trauma-informed practice and leadership. Abbie is a certified peer mentor, peer mentor trainer, and skilled workshop facilitator who has developed and delivered veteran culture training curriculum to over 225 attendees. Abbie is motivated by her own personal and professional journey as a veteran and strives to empower others through kindness and resilience.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Veteran Project Ambassador
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
02.2021 - Current
- Recruit and retain MST survivors, clinicians and researchers for PCORI funded Research project
- Work with research team on designing and executing patient-center convenings that gather qualitative data
- Advance patient-centered research by supporting those with lived experience to become more engaged in research at every level
- Gave a keynote address to survivors, clinicians and researchers on personal growth through trauma
- Provide support for the implementation of multiple, complex research projects that bring together people with lived experience, practitioners and researchers
- Work with Principal Investigators (PI’s) in overseeing and leading the overall day-to-day operations of research projects
- Participate in the continuous quality improvement and data-driven decision-making processes to assess the efficacy of community engagement efforts
Veteran's Program Director
Safer Foundation
12.2020 - Current
- Research academic literature relating to justice-involved veterans, suicide, traumatic brain injury, best practices, treatment modalities that have shown to be effective and other relative topics and disseminate information to the public through a monthly newsletter
- Coordinate round table meetings with key community stakeholders that identify gaps in the justice system and using the change continuum process work to find community & public policy solutions
- Work in partnership with subject matter experts to create CEU trainings on veteran-centered topics
- Developed and piloted a Justice-Involved Veteran Program
- Case Manage Veterans who have become entangled in the Justice System and may be in crisis
- Took the lead on working with SAMSHA to facilitate a Crisis Intercept Mapping Workshop for Cook County stakeholders
- Assisted on identifying and writing grants for the JIV team
- Continuously gather information from veterans with lived experiences and make programmatic improvements
- Network with community partners to ensure warm handoffs
Chief Operating Officer
Veteran Roasters
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Oversaw day-to-day operations to keep organization running smoothly while meeting business goals.
- Identified and pursued business development opportunities to grow organization and increase revenue.
- Monitored and analyzed industry trends to identify opportunities for organizational growth and competitiveness.
- Represented organization at external meetings and events to promote and build relationships with key stakeholders.
- Identified and mitigated operational risks to minimize potential negative impacts on organization.
- Ensure the staff had access to care and support they needed.
Senior Director Veteran Women Programs
Illinois Joining Forces
06.2018 - 06.2019
- Developed, implemented, and revised the Women Veteran Ambassador Program (WVAP) strategy in conjunction with IJF team
- Recruited, on-board, and provide guidance to Women Veteran Ambassadors in each of the identified Veteran Support Communities (VSC)
- Attended and/or hosted local, regional, and statewide Women Veteran Ambassador events and/or training seminars
- Developed and managed annual budget to support the WVAP; identified grant opportunities, drafted and submitted grants, and presented to potential funders, in support of the program
- Built and maintained relationships with women veteran stakeholders across the State of Illinois
- Assessed performance results and indicators and prepare reports on Women Veteran Ambassador program operations and women veteran initiatives for the ED, BoD, and funders as needed
- Served as de facto point of contact for women veterans seeking support from IJF; initiated necessary support through women veteran ambassador peer network
- Educated the public on what role gender plays in the military, combat trauma and military culture at conferences, outreach events, and funders
- Advocated for women veteran issues - including military sexual trauma and disproportionate homelessness and suicide rates - with policy makers and research organizations
- Researched, drafted, and published communications related to women veterans through IJF's website, social media, print, and broadcast mediums.
- Developed strong relationships with key industry partners, fostering collaboration and mutual growth opportunities.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and implementing strategic plans and initiatives.
Co-Founder
Phenix Legacy
11.2016 - 09.2018
- Created a Governing Board of Directors
- Worked with local Veteran Administration hospitals to establish lead peer support groups for Post 9/11 groups
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Identified business development challenges and customer concerns for proactive resolution.
- Researched and wrote grants to assist getting operations up and running.
- Developed marketing materials and campaigns to boost brand awareness and customer engagement.
National Director of Programs and Partnerships
Dryhootch of America
12.2015 - 09.2016
- Worked closely with Salesforce Architect to develop a grant tracking, metrics recording, and warrior/family database system
- Became Certified Peer Mentor through DBSA and facilitated weekly Post 9/11 veteran group at Jesse Brown VA
- Strategically participated in initiatives to support, enhance and grow peer mentoring as a whole in the Midwest Region
- Assisted in creating and executing the 1st annual 5K Salute to Service fundraiser plan, which raised Dry-hootch of America's community name recognition and deepened the community ties all whilst bringing in new funders
- Developed and maintained on-going relationships with major donors
- Evaluated current structure of the organization and assisted in implementing a more streamlined and effective way to do the following: manage grants, assess employee performance and run the day-to-day operations
- Strengthened relationships with key stakeholders, facilitating collaboration and fostering a productive work environment.
- Partnered alongside the CEO and Director of Communication to provide vision, leadership, strategy and high-level management skills necessary to grow Dryhootch locations across the Midwest
- Assisted in writing grants.
- Improved overall company performance by developing and implementing strategic initiatives that led to increased revenue and market share.
Manager, Alumni
Wounded Warrior Project
06.2011 - 10.2015
- Grew regional area from 850 to over 10,000 Wounded Warrior Project Alumni
- Trained, managed, motivated and mentored 11 Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Area Outreach Coordinators (AOC) both remotely and in-person
- Developed, piloted and measured innovative ideas which resulted in greater participation from underserved warriors, families and female veterans
- Engaged and directed volunteers at warrior events
- Developed, planned, coordinated and executed over 200 local through international events focused on the rehabilitation and reintegration of veterans into civilian life
- Worked with communications and branding teams to highlight local warriors for national media campaigns, promote awareness and promote the WWP brand
- Supported Active Duty, Reserve, and veteran clients transitioning after injury; input analyzed and maintained all electronic tracking systems, specifically the wounded warrior database and event management database utilizing Salesforce, Cvent, and MS Office
- Managed key stakeholder relationships within WWP, government agencies, other non-profits, donors and alumni in as many as eight states at a time, resulting in high touch warrior care in an expedited time frame
- Managed and balanced a budget of over $1.3M
- Delivered public speeches to groups varying in size, on the organization's mission, which aided in better understanding of WWP's programs and resulted in an increase of program referrals and donations
- Supported the organization's hiring process by selecting candidates, conducting behavioral-based interviews and sending feedback to the Central Region Director
- Became a Certified Peer Mentor Trainer; facilitated trainings to dozens of warriors and caregivers.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
Army Wounded Warrior Advocate
Armed Forces Services Corporation
03.2009 - 06.2011
- Built critical contacts needed to complete tasks at a local level; resulted in quicker referrals for 80+ Soldiers
- Managed 85 non-clinical cases of the most severely injured and ill Soldiers transitioning out of the Army
- Created a 57-page quick reference book for Wisconsin advocates, VA and DOD personnel
- Developed an empowering environment that enabled soldiers the opportunity to succeed
- Assisted Wounded Warriors (Active Duty soldiers assigned to a Warrior Transition Unit) in obtaining Department of Defense, Veterans Administration, Social Security and nonprofit benefits
- Briefed, presented, and promoted the AW2 program
- Designed, and distributed a quarterly newsletter that informed Wounded Warriors of events and benefits
- Maintained proficiency with benefits, non-profits, Federal and State Programs that are vital in assisting warriors make the most successful transition possible; resulted in job placements, service dogs, new furniture, modified clothing, counseling, financial assistance, home modifications, legal assistance and supportive end of life care.
- Worked effectively with fellow team members to coordinate effective solutions to any question or concern.
- Delivered friendly service and offered expert support in every interaction.
- Maintained positive relationships with community to build and nurture dynamic partnerships.
- Supported individuals with legal, physical, or mental health concerns in dealing with routine needs and complex problems.
- Conducted pre-screening activities to determine eligibility for supportive services.
- Completed home-visits, reports, scanning, paperwork and documentation accurately and in timely manner.
Volunteer on Crisis Line
Dane County Rape Crisis Line
09.2005 - 06.2007
- Answered and responded to incoming calls during times of crisis while providing timely support
- Delegated on-call personnel to local hospitals for assistance.
- Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others.
Volunteer-Intern
IAVA
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Served as the spokesperson to the media for women and veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder to include CNN, The New York Times and Psychology Today
- Represented the organization on their College Speaking Tour
- Connected with newly returning veterans and connected them to their assigned advocate
- Represented veterans in Washington, D.C
- And advocated for their rights.
Refueler
Army National Guard
01.2000 - 01.2006
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Intern in constituent outreach
Governor Jim Doyle
06.2004 - 08.2004
- Handled constituent concerns in a highly diverse environment
- Analyzed problems and worked with teams to develop solutions.
- Completed research, compiled data, updated spreadsheets, and produced timely reports.
- Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.
- Researched local areas for Governor's travels, and announced his plans to public via the phone.
- Interacted with constituents by phone, email, or in-person to provide information.
Education
Social Work -
Aurora University
03.2022
B.S., Political Science, Psychology -
Edgewood College
05.2008
Skills
- Microsoft Excel Proficient
- Community Outreach Proficient
- Customer Engagement
- Customer Education
- Social Media Management
- Product Knowledge
- Brand Awareness
- Event Coordination
Timeline
Veteran Project Ambassador
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
02.2021 - Current
Veteran's Program Director
Safer Foundation
12.2020 - Current
Chief Operating Officer
Veteran Roasters
09.2019 - 05.2020
Senior Director Veteran Women Programs
Illinois Joining Forces
06.2018 - 06.2019
Co-Founder
Phenix Legacy
11.2016 - 09.2018
National Director of Programs and Partnerships
Dryhootch of America
12.2015 - 09.2016
Manager, Alumni
Wounded Warrior Project
06.2011 - 10.2015
Army Wounded Warrior Advocate
Armed Forces Services Corporation
03.2009 - 06.2011
Volunteer on Crisis Line
Dane County Rape Crisis Line
09.2005 - 06.2007
Volunteer-Intern
IAVA
01.2005 - 01.2007
Intern in constituent outreach
Governor Jim Doyle
06.2004 - 08.2004
Refueler
Army National Guard
01.2000 - 01.2006
Social Work -
Aurora University
B.S., Political Science, Psychology -
Edgewood College
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