Brenda Mearian Schneider
Raleigh,NC
Summary
Life enrichment specialist with extensive experience in program development and community engagement. Adept at creating personalized activities that promote physical, cognitive, and emotional wellness. Proven ability to lead initiatives that enhance resident participation and enrich community ties, leveraging strong collaboration and relationship-building skills.
Overview
1
1
Certification
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
LIFE ENRICHMENT SPECIALIST
Kisco Senior Living
Raleigh, NC
07.2025 - Current
- Design and facilitate purposeful, individualized engagement programs supporting residents' physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.
- Develop wellness programs incorporating physical fitness, mental stimulation, health education, nutrition, stress reduction, and social connection.
- Facilitate art, music, creative, educational, and life-skills programs that encourage self-expression and meaningful participation.
- Coordinated daily activities, special events, holiday celebrations, birthday parties, community outings, and off-site experiences to enhance resident engagement.
- Collaborated with residents and families to identify individual interests, preferences, abilities, and needs.
- Assessed participation and resident feedback to tailor programming, ensuring alignment with diverse interests and abilities.
- Cultivated relationships with outside organizations to create volunteer opportunities and specialized programs, including pet therapy and music therapy, enriching residents' experience.
- Promote a welcoming, inclusive environment that encourages residents to remain active and connected to their community.
- Use creative problem-solving, communication, and de-escalation strategies when addressing challenging situations.
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Police at Play
Raleigh, NC
08.2012 - Current
- Founded and led a nonprofit organization focused on strengthening community connections through innovative programs, events, and partnerships.
- Provided leadership in program development, volunteer coordination, community engagement, and organizational growth.
- Developed and evaluated community programs and services that enhanced local engagement and support.
- Planned and coordinated community events and outreach activities that fostered participation and strengthened social connections.
- Built and maintained partnerships with nonprofit organizations, schools, government officials, law enforcement, and community groups.
- Managed organizational functions including administration, communications, development, and marketing to ensure program effectiveness.
BUSINESS OWNER
B's Bites
Raleigh, NC
03.2008 - Current
- Managed daily operations of a local food establishment.
- Managed daily operations, fostered customer relationships, and handled scheduling, organization, and administrative tasks to maintain smooth business functionality.
- Developed menu items based on customer preferences and trends.
- Oversaw inventory management and supplier relationships for fresh ingredients.
PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR
Miracle-Ear
Raleigh, NC
01.2025 - 07.2025
- Coordinated patient appointments, follow-up visits, and daily administrative activities to ensure seamless patient care.
- Facilitated communication between patients, families, and audiologists, enhancing understanding of individual needs.
- Provided patient education and assistance with hearing aid fittings, insurance questions, and billing concerns.
- Cultivated a welcoming environment through compassionate, professional customer service, contributing to patient satisfaction.
LEAD PRESCHOOL TEACHER
New Hope Baptist Preschool
Raleigh, NC
08.2012 - 12.2023
- Developed and implemented engaging programs supporting physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
- Created activities tailored to different learning styles, abilities, and individual needs.
- Identified individuals needing additional support and developed targeted strategies to foster emotional and developmental growth.
- Maintained a safe, structured, inclusive environment using positive reinforcement and effective communication.
- Cultivated strong relationships with families, providing regular updates on individual progress and addressing specific needs.
- Collaborated with parents, teachers, directors, therapists, and support professionals.
- Coordinated classroom and school events, ensuring activities aligned with developmental goals and community engagement.
OFFICE MANAGER
Chiropractic Office
Raleigh, NC
04.2010 - 06.2010
- Managed daily office operations for chiropractic practice.
- Coordinated scheduling, patient communication, customer service, and front-office operations to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Coordinated patient appointments and ensured schedule efficiency.
- Oversaw billing processes and maintained accurate patient records.
Education
Group Fitness Instructor Certification - Personal Training
SCW Fitness Education
Deerfield, IL01-2026
Activity Director Certification -
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC01-2025
Early Childhood Education -
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NCEarly Childhood Education -
Southern Union State Community College
Wadley, ALEarly Childhood Education -
Auburn University
Auburn, ALSkills
- Activity Programming
- Wellness Programming
- Program Development
- Individualized Activities
- Event Planning
- Community Outings
- Resident Engagement
- Volunteer Coordination
- Family Engagement
- Staff Training
- Team Leadership
- Dementia-Sensitive Engagement
- Communication
- Relationship Building
- Wellness initiatives
Certification
- Activity Director Certification
- Group Fitness Instructor Certification
- Adult Mental Health First Aid
- Youth Mental Health First Aid
- Trauma-Informed Classroom Training
Community Leadership
- President, Triangle Area Auburn Club: Lead local alumni engagement, events, and community activities.
- Community Volunteer: Support local elementary schools with events, fundraisers, and student activities.
- Community Outreach Volunteer: Participate in community events with Raleigh Police Department community officers, including game days, pop-up soccer, movie events, and preschool programs.
- New Hope Baptist Church Volunteer: Support children's ministry, community missions, event planning, outreach, and homework assistance.
Timeline
LIFE ENRICHMENT SPECIALIST
Kisco Senior Living
07.2025 - Current
PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR
Miracle-Ear
01.2025 - 07.2025
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Police at Play
08.2012 - Current
LEAD PRESCHOOL TEACHER
New Hope Baptist Preschool
08.2012 - 12.2023
OFFICE MANAGER
Chiropractic Office
04.2010 - 06.2010
BUSINESS OWNER
B's Bites
03.2008 - Current
Group Fitness Instructor Certification - Personal Training
SCW Fitness Education
Activity Director Certification -
Wake Technical Community College
Early Childhood Education -
Wake Technical Community College
Early Childhood Education -
Southern Union State Community College
Early Childhood Education -
Auburn University