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Karen Schmidt, MPH
Senior Director, MHealthy, Health and Well-being Services
Karen Schmidt is the Senior Director of MHealthy and Health and Well-being Services. In this role, she supports the health and well-being of the university's 60,000+ faculty, staff, dependents, retirees, and spouses. Karen has over 20 years of proven experience leading, implementing, and evaluating health and well-being programs. Before joining MHealthy in 2008, she worked for the university's health plan, developing and overseeing wellness programming for its members. She has held various roles in health and well-being within corporate, health system, and health plan organizations. Karen holds a MPH (health behavior/health education) from the University of Michigan and a BA in communication and psychology. She is also a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner.
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Robert Ernst, MD
Chief Health Officer & Associate Vice President
Dr. Robert Ernst serves as Associate Vice-President of Student Life for Health and Wellness at the University of Michigan. In this role he not only functions as Executive Director of the University Health Service but also provides supervision of the Counseling and Psychological Services, Services for Students with Disabilities and Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center. In addition to his administrative duties he is also a practicing General Internist as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at Michigan Medicine. Dr. Ernst is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Michigan Medical School. He completed residency training in Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan Hospital.
MHealthy Staff Credentials
When you participate in an MHealthy program, you can rest assured that you are in the hands of highly educated and experienced health professionals. All program staff have a bachelor's degree in a health-related field such as exercise physiology, exercise science, nutrition, health education, or nursing. Many also have advanced degrees in health disciplines or hold additional health and fitness certifications.
Fitness Staff Credentials
MHealthy’s physical activity staff are encouraged, at a minimum, to have a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, exercise science, adult fitness, health education, or another health-related specialization. All MHealthy physical activity staff are CPR and AED certified. Many hold advanced degrees in health disciplines and/or certifications from leading industry organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine or the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Ongoing continuing education is encouraged and monitored to support professional development and maintain certification status.
Nutrition Staff Credentials
MHealthy's registered dietitians have, at a minimum, a bachelor's degree in dietetics, human nutrition, or another related field. In addition to a college degree, supervised field experience is required and a rigorous examination must be passed before one is eligible to become a registered dietitian. Required and monitored continuing education is mandated to maintain the status of registered dietitian. Several of MHealthy's registered dietitians have additional certifications and contribute additional experience and expertise.
Tobacco Consultation Service Staff Credentials
Tobacco Consultation Service counselors hold masters level degrees in nursing, health education, or psychology. Most are also certified tobacco treatment specialists and complete continuing education requirements annually to maintain certification.
Alcohol Management Staff Credentials
Alcohol Management counselors have a master's degree in social work, nursing, or health education and have had extensive training and experience in alcohol education. The Alcohol Management program is licensed by the State of Michigan Office of Substance Abuse Services to provide prevention services.
Health Behavior and Health Education Staff Credentials
MHealthy health educators have a master's degree in health education, social work, or nursing. In addition to a college degree, supervised field experience is required. Many of our staff hold additional health certifications that can assist consumers in making informed decisions about their health.
Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Team Credentials
SDOH team members, including MHealthy's Resource Coaches, hold advanced degrees in social work, public health, psychology and related fields. Many also have specialized certifications in related areas. With expertise in case management, systems navigation and trauma-informed care, they are uniquely equipped to support employees facing economic and social barriers to well-being.
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