Future health professional turns health educator

Facebook Live surgery attracts thousands of viewers

Jenna Schardt ’16 (below) went from future healthcare provider to patient during a five-minute conversation in class with her professor. When she learned she would need to be awake for a high-risk brain surgery, Schardt was determined to use her experience to educate and comfort future patients.

While pursuing a master’s degree in occupational therapy at Brenau University (Gainesville, Ga.), Schardt was working at an outpatient clinic with patients with brain injuries, set to finish her last semester of fieldwork. One day when her professor asked her a question, her answer was incomprehensible. She became frustrated and tried to write her answer, but could not articulate it on paper, either. After five minutes, she was able to speak normally, but would soon be challenged with another, similar episode.

After Schardt was rushed to Methodist Dallas Medical Center, doctors discovered a brain tumor: a golf ball-sized mass on the left side of her parietal lobe. The mass, called a cavernous malformation, was pushing on her parietal lobe, the part of her brain responsible for speech and motor functions. The mass was slowly bleeding, causing seizures and aphasia. Since the bleeding was slow, doctors thought they could manage her symptoms with medication until she graduated from the program. But the seizures did not subside and Schardt was scheduled to undergo surgery on October 29, 2019.

Knowing her history working with patients with symptoms like her own, Drs. Randall Graham and Bartley Mitchell believed Schardt would be the perfect candidate to livestream a portion of her four-hour procedure. The hospital was interested in educating students and future patients

Although these last few months have been the hardest of my life, they have also been the most rewarding because I got to help and inspire so many people and grow so much as a future occupational therapist.” “

and proposed the plan to Schardt. Using Facebook Watch to stream 45 minutes of the procedure. Hospital officials noted that more than 10,000 people tuned in.

Many have thanked Schardt for sharing her story, which would go on to make national and international news.

After the surgery, Schardt completed a six-week rehabilitation program alongside the patients she is being trained to treat. Schardt is thankful for this opportunity to educate others and has taken away invaluable perspective from recovery. Her insight into the patient experience will be crucial in helping her provide comprehensive care to others in her shoes.

“As occupational therapists, we sometimes only see our patients for an hour a few times a week,” Schardt said. “I got to see the day-in and day-out of what life is really like as a neuro patient. Although these last few months have been the hardest of my life, they have also been the most rewarding because I got to help and inspire so many people and grow so much as a future occupational therapist.”

Schardt attributes her success in graduate school and her professional career to her education at North Central College. Completing a psychology major and numerous group projects taught her to help people from all walks of life. She is grateful for Leila Azarbad, associate professor of psychology and Ruge Fellow, and Marguerite Degenhardt, pre-professional health program coordinator, who helped her realize her direction and pursue graduate school.

Jenna Schardt '16 after recovery from her brain surgery.

INSPIRED INSTRUCTION INSPIRES ALUM INSTRUCTOR

Going from student to professional colleague: Meghan Steinbeiss ’13 describes the experience as “surreal.” She formally crossed that bridge when she started teaching Introduction to the American Political System at North Central for spring semester. As an adjunct instructor of political science, Steinbeiss reached a goal she set as a student and mentee of Suzanne Chod, associate professor of political science. “Dr. Chod was a new professor and I was a new student during the same timeframe,” she said. “She quickly became my mentor and we learned together.” When Steinbeiss expressed an interest in a career in academics, Chod helped her apply to and obtain a teaching assistant position at the University of Kentucky. While studying for her master’s degree there, Steinbeiss had the freedom to develop her own syllabi and readings for courses like American Government, Political Theory and Women in Politics. That experience has proved to be invaluable, she said, after Chod reached out to her to fill a vacancy at North Central. Steinbeiss also works as a senior support advisor for students studying online through Washington State University (her actual employer is Pearson, with offices in Elk Grove Village). “All the political science faculty have always encouraged me to keep going and pursue my dreams,” she added.