Upon selection as branch chief, CDR Schuler quickly began implementing her vision for growing the nursing specialties within the branch. Through her leadership and advocacy, she was able to hire newly created section chiefs for each of her areas of responsibility, which include infection control, quality improvement, utilization review, and epidemiology. She advocated for experienced nurses with specific subject matter expertise to lead these new sections and has grown the branch from 18 nurses to over 40.

Her ability to gain additional positions during tight financial times illustrates the amount of respect she has from senior leadership within the Health Services Division. She has allowed her new section chiefs to work independently to develop new programs under her overall vision. Her focus on work-life balance, combined with a real sense of making a difference within the agency, has made her a highly respected leader for whom nurses want to work.

She treats her people with dignity and is never too busy for a call from one of her subordinates, and always takes the opportunity to help or mentor them with whatever they may need. Despite the rapid growth within the branch, she has maintained the close-knit family feel of the group, focused on a sense of pride in one's work and the importance of balance within one's life.