Cheryl Schmidt, DNP, APRN, BC-PNP

Cheryl Schmidt, DNP, APRN, BC-PNP, is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and nursing educator with more than three decades of experience in healthcare and education. She holds RN and APRN licenses in Michigan, Florida and Illinois. Since earning her nursing diploma and associate degree in 1992, she has built a distinguished career grounded in pediatrics, patient advocacy, and mentorship. Dr. Schmidt completed her Master of Science in Nursing in Pediatric Nursing at the University of South Florida and recently earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice, underscoring her enduring commitment to lifelong learning and clinical excellence. Dr. Schmidt’s clinical background spans pediatric and adult medical-surgical nursing, pediatric primary care, and specialized child protection work. As a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, she has provided comprehensive well and sick care to patients from newborn through young adulthood. She served on a Child Protection Team conducting forensic physical examinations in cases of suspected abuse and neglect and has acted as an expert witness in related legal proceedings. Earlier in her career, she performed telephone triage for a children’s hospital—balancing professional advancement with raising and homeschooling her children—while continuing to practice in pediatric offices and hospital settings. Throughout her career, she has remained focused on pediatrics and pediatric nurse practitioner care, with a deep commitment to supporting children and families during critical moments. Over the past year and a half, Dr. Schmidt has transitioned into university- and hospital-based teaching roles while maintaining clinical engagement. She currently teaches pediatrics in clinical settings at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and provides classroom and laboratory instruction with Davenport University and Grand Valley State University. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on clinical learning, strong critical thinking skills, patient safety, and peer-led instruction—encouraging experienced students to mentor and coach newer learners. Guided by a belief in nurturing potential, she is passionate about mentoring both students and families, helping each reach their highest level of confidence, competence, and independence.

• DNP
• APRN
• BC-PNP

• UF-DNP
• USF-MSN and BSN
• Western University - BA Psychology

• NAPNAP (National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners)