Tim Schwantes

Job Focus

Tim works on updating profiles for each of the ALBD communities.  He also works with Mark Dessauer on disseminating materials over the website and maintaining up to date information for organizations to learn more about best practices and share their stories. 

Why am I working at ALBD?

As a kid exercise and exploring the outdoors was my ticket to fun.  As I’ve gotten older it is still an important leisure activity, but I also use it as a de-stressor and time of meditation.  It is unfortunate that many kids – and adults – do not always have the means, time, or choice to consider physical activity in the ways I have been granted.  Access to physical activity opportunities and healthy living options should be consistent in all communities, not just for those that have the means to live in certain areas.  The work at ALbD is in line with my personal views about community development and public health. 

Bio

Tim previously worked in a local health department in collaboration with community organizations to develop a concise and comprehensive community assessment.  The assessment focused on health and quality of life issues through qualitative and quantitative analysis.  This work involved coordinating an interdisciplinary team of organizations from schools, government offices, non-profit organizations, law enforcement, and private businesses.  Prior to this work, Tim was a financial counselor in a hospital in Fort Collins, CO helping patients without insurance or enrolling eligible recipients in Medicaid, charity care, and/or Medicare.  Through this experience he truly saw how healthy behaviors can impact one’s quality of life.  Tim is also an Eagle Scout (his Eagle Project involved building a walking trail around a lake) and worked as an AmeriCorps volunteer doing trail building and trail maintenance in an Environmental Corps in Colorado.

Mr. Schwantes earned a BA in Public Policy with a specialization in Health Policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Most recently he has received his Maters in Social Work (MSW) from UNC-CH with a focus on Community Organizing, and he is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Health in the Health Behavior Health Education Department at UNC-CH.