Erika Schmidt

I remember Erika very fondly from a trip we took to Mexico. We each took leave from college for winter term and enjoyed travel through Mexico City and Oaxaca. She and I had graduated in the same class from Brian McMahon High School in Connecticut and were both ready for a break after a couple of years of college. It was my first adventure out of the U.S. and a great travel memory.

During the brief time I got to know Erika on the Development Committee at PsiAN, I found her to be a very measured person, who was considerate, reflective, poised--a natural leader. I had assumed I would enjoy her wry smile and commanding presence as long as we shared our strong commitment to PsiAN. When I heard of her passing I was shocked and crestfallen. It still seems so surreal to me that she is gone....

Erica was such a lovely woman. As a teacher she introduced me to many things that i still use some 25 years after. She had a wisdom and kindness that will undoubtedly live on in many of us.

Erika was my consultant at the Institute For Clinical Social Work; I saw her every other week at the U of C counseling service. She challenged me. She created that I would think about children and the analytic process. I would hit the sidewalk 20 years ago and consider how lucky I was! My condolences to the family and deepest respect for Erika. Kenneth J. Cunningham Ph.D. Toledo, Ohio

Erika was truly one of a kind. During my all-too-brief relationship with her through PsiAN, I also learned of our JPA connection - and her actions that helped JPA remain in the child therapy space (thank you, Erika!). I learned so much from listening to her thoughts and ideas, especially about why society needs to rethink our relationships with children and the ways in which we can all build stronger relationships with our youngest members. Erika was a role model to all she met. Beyond her...

It's my honor and luck that I met Erika. She is a model for me as an analyst and instructor. I love her and miss her. The first time I met Erika is at an annual meeting of the China-America Psychoanalysis Association in 2018, in Chengdu, China. She inspired me to understand my patient deeply in the case conference, which encouraged me to apply the PEP in CPI. How I appreciate her innovation of open the distance training program for international students which needed her wisdom, creation,...

Dearies ~ Nancy, Jeremy & Emily, As I've shared w/you ~ I'm both saddened and so very sorry. I knew Erika to be fairly quiet and reserved so luv that she was referred to as a "stream engine"! And the fact, that she had just recently retired! Your choice of photos captured her essence right on ~ esp luv the one w/the hat as it shows the sweetness. XO's