Celebrating Five Years of Leadership: Honoring Executive Director Steve Schedler

This fall marks five years since Steve Schedler, MSW, LCSW, CAADC, CCS, became Executive Director of the Samaritan Center and what a transformative five years it has been.

Stepping into leadership in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Steve faced one of the most challenging moments in mental health care history. With the world in crisis and demand for counseling at an all-time high, Steve led with calm, flexibility, and compassion. His steady hand ensured that Samaritan remained a source of hope and healing for those navigating uncertainty, loss, and change.

Under his leadership, Samaritan Center has grown in both reach and resilience by expanding services and strengthening community partnerships. Steve’s approach has been both strategic and deeply human; he leads not from a distance, but by staying actively involved in every layer of the organization, from clinical supervision to community engagement to strategic planning.

A licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience, Steve brings a unique blend of professional expertise and heart-centered leadership. His vision for Samaritan is rooted in the belief that well-being begins with connection between people, within communities, and through faith and compassion.

Those who work alongside Steve describe him as steady, thoughtful, and visionary—a leader who balances forward-thinking innovation with deep respect for Samaritan’s legacy.

His leadership has cultivated a culture where staff feel supported and inspired, and where the mission—providing professional counseling for all who need it—remains the heartbeat of every decision. Steve’s work exemplifies the values of integrity, humility, and compassion that define the organization.

As Samaritan continues to thrive, we celebrate not only Steve’s five years of dedicated service, but also the lasting difference his leadership continues to make, within our walls and far beyond them.

Words of Appreciation

• “Steve’s methodical and steady leadership is the quiet strength behind Samaritan Center’s expanding impact in the community. It’s great to work for an organization that has as much strength on the inside as it does impact on the outside.” — Jimmy Elsner, Human Resources Manager

• “Steve’s got many admirable leadership qualities, but his passion for creating mental healthcare access for everyone is unwavering. Congratulations on your 5th anniversary and here’s to many more!” — Todd Reinhart, Board Chair

• “I’m so grateful to work for and alongside such a kind, passionate and visionary leader. Steve is steady and consistent, humble, thoughtful, and inspiring. The fingerprints of his leadership are evident in both the wonderful work culture at Samaritan Center, and the important work the center is doing in our community. Steve has strategically grown and guided the organization into new territory, while being mindful of respecting its history and traditions and preserving its legacy.” — Ben Faro, Operations Manager