Executive Director of JSFC Announces Leave

It’s been five in a half years since the day Meagan Ulrich walked through the doors of the Jeanie Schmidt Free Clinic where she took on the role of executive director, responsible for management of the clinic, fundraising, strategic planning, and partnership development, among other things.

However, all good things must come to an end, and it was beginning of August when Ulrich announced that she would soon be leaving her position.

“The past five in a half years have literally been a labor of love for me as I have worked in partnership with [everyone] to help the clinic grow,” Ulrich said in a statement sent out August 3. “I have literally hundreds of wonderful memories—from my first day helping to set up the clinic at the Herndon Middle School to working with volunteers to paint our new clinic space at Connections for Hope. Each day with the clinic has been filled with small miracles.”

Earlier this week, Ulrich told the Herndon Patch that she was leaving on good terms. At this time the clinic is looking for a full time executive director, she said. When Ulrich was hired the position of executive director was a part time one.

“Even though I have been working full time for a couple of years they really need someone who will be here, in the clinic, 9 to 5 and watching the things that need to get done,” Ulrich said. Her last day is scheduled to be September 19. “I’m going to miss working with the amazing volunteers, physicians, community volunteers, and partners that the clinic has in providing services. But at the same time I’m definitely looking forward to my new position.”

Her new role will take place right next door where she’ll become Project Manager for Nova Specialty Access, a new project of the Northern Virginia Health Services Coalition (NOVAHSC) designed to increase access to specialty care appointments for uninsured patients of area free and low cost clinics.

Ulrich said she is looking forward to helping find a regional solution to the problem of specially care for the area’s uninsured. Until then, she will do whatever she can to keep the clinic running strong.

“We’ve been very fortunate that in each stage of growth the community has stepped up with free resources, financial support or volunteers to help us get to the next level,” Ulrich said. “When I started with the clinic we had a budget of $70,000 a year and I was the only paid employee. Over the past five years we have grown to a budget of $700,000 with 14 paid employees. So it’s been a testament to the support of the community and the real need for our services.”

Childcare Coordinator Lorraine Ondrasik said that it’s because of Ulrich that the clinic has seen so much growth. Not only has she done a great job with interfacing with the county but she has helped expand a number of programs while numbers have increased.

“The child care clinic has grown tremendously in the last three years under the direction of Meagan Ulrich. She never says no. She never said no to me, she never said no to suggestions figuring that something good is going to rise from it,” said Ondrasik. “When she says yes she knows that there are parameters around that. You can kind of run with your ideas but if they get far-fetched she knows when to chime in. Bottom line is everything she does is for the patient. She is a superb administrator and I hope the building doesn’t fall down when she leaves.”

“I have had a wonderful experience working with her. She cares about what needs to be done,” said Patient Care Coordinator Lillian Oseguera. “It’s because of her that we get what need in order to stay available for our patients. She has a very positive attitude, does her work, and gets it done quick. I just wish her all the success in the new job that she’s going to have.”

As of Wednesday, Ulrich said the clinic is in the process of interviewing for her position. She encourages anyone who might be interested to visit the Jeanie Schmidt website for more information.

Ulrich said that the future of the clinic, with supporters, partners and donors, looks brighter than ever, even as the need for services continue to grow. 

Over the next year the clinic will build a new exam room, welcome two new Nurse Practitioners from Kaiser Permanente and expand capacity and access to health care by 25 percent, Ulrich said. With the commitment from compassionate volunteers, talented staff and community partners the clinic is poised to rise to the challenges that lie ahead.