Jennifer Schmidt

Biography

Jennifer Schmidt is a Wisconsin-based school psychologist. Jennifer earned her Master of Science in Education, with an emphasis in School Psychology, from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She also holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology, with a minor in Family, Health, and Disability studies from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. As an early career professional, Jennifer works in rural Wisconsin by partnering with teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between the school, home, and community agencies. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and video gaming.

What are some of your special interests?

I love learning new things, especially when it involves gaining an in-depth understanding of the history and evolution of concepts in psychology, sociology, and philosophy. Recently, I started collecting old versions of intelligence tests and rating scales for social, emotional, behavioral, and adaptive functioning. This collection helps me appreciate how much we've improved these tools and how our understanding of human behavior changes with societal expectations.

Another longstanding interest of mine is video games. I've been playing since I was young, starting with the Super Nintendo. In my free time, you'll often find me playing Zelda, Pokemon, Harvest Moon, Minecraft, or The Sims. Video games are a great way to relax, enjoy immersive storylines, and express my creativity.

What does executive functioning mean to you?

To me, executive functioning represents a mental toolkit that helps us navigate daily challenges effectively. It’s about setting goals, developing strategies to achieve them, and following through, all while adapting to obstacles that arise along the way. 

What Is A Strategy You Use With Learners And Use Personally?

Because I tend to be a perfectionist, I use self-monitoring strategies almost daily for independent work, whether at my job or at home. I've found time management methods, like setting time-related goals and tracking how long tasks take, to be very helpful. When I feel overwhelmed, I often use grounding techniques like the 5-4-3-2-1 method to shift my focus away from stress and back to the present moment.

What are some of your roles and responsibilities in your current position? 

I currently work as a school psychologist in a small, rural school district in southern Wisconsin. I am an early career professional, having first entered the field full-time for the 2022-2023 school year. I work across the entire district, allowing me to work with students from their initial transition to the district at age three through their journey to high school graduation. While my main focus involves evaluating for special education eligibility and assisting with placement, I also play integral roles in student-level and systems-level activities. This includes contributing to academic and social-emotional support team meetings, providing direct psychological and counseling services, collaborating with staff and other professionals, connecting with community resources, and assisting with crisis situations as needed.

What motivated you to pursue a career in your profession? 

I've always been passionate about advocating for and supporting others, ever since I was a student myself. Reflecting on my school experiences, I often wondered how systems could better support student needs. I wanted to learn more about supporting students with academic, social, or emotional differences and brainstorming solutions with families, educators, and other professionals. Becoming a content specialist appealed to me because it allows me to deepen my knowledge of essential life skills, which I can then share with students, families, and fellow educators.

Where does executive functioning fit in the role of a school psychologist? 

Understanding and addressing executive functioning within the school setting is integral to a school psychologist’s role in promoting academic success, social-emotional development, and overall well-being for students. It’s important to comprehensively evaluate student strengths and challenges, so we can properly support students at school. I frequently collaborate with teachers, students, and other professionals to integrate executive functioning instruction and support as needed.

Which of LSA's core values resonates the most with you?

Two core values, Bravery in Advocacy & Courageous Contrarians resonate most with me. Empowering others to advocate for themselves is crucial, especially in environments that may not fully grasp or support diverse developmental needs. In the process of teaching others how to prioritize themselves and what they need to feel successful, we are simultaneously challenging ways of thinking that may clash with existing norms. Different approaches and strategies for supporting life skills should be person-centered and neuroaffirming. We embrace diverse perspectives in thinking, learning, and engaging with the world, advocating for systemic changes in education, workplace environments, and societal attitudes.