About Maisie T. Howard

Maisie T. Howard’s story begins in the scenic suburb of Pasadena Hills, located on the outskirts of St. Louis, Missouri. The daughter of an army veteran and a high school English teacher, Maisie was raised in an environment where service and education were not just values but a way of life. Growing up in a household that epitomized community engagement—through participation in local organizations, church events, and educational initiatives—Maisie and her four siblings were nurtured in a setting that celebrated learning and community participation. This upbringing in a small, close-knit community, where residents often grew their fruits and vegetables, imbued her with a sense of responsibility towards her neighbors and the environment. Her educational journey mirrored this ethos of community service and academic pursuit. Transitioning from public school to more structured parochial education during her middle and high school years, Maisie began to come into her own. She emerged from her shell, and transformed from a shy child who communicated through her sister to a confident student leader recognized by the American Youth Foundation with the prestigious William H. Danforth "I Dare You" Leadership Award. This accolade honored her leadership skills and bolstered her belief in her ability to effect positive change.

Maisie's professional journey is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to healthcare. After graduating from Truman State University with a degree in Nursing, she joined the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where she specialized in surgical gynecology, liver transplant intensive care, and home health care. During her years at Mayo, Maisie encountered patients from diverse backgrounds, including heads of state and common citizens, each with unique health challenges. These experiences enriched her understanding of the complexities of healthcare delivery and highlighted the critical role of cultural competence. Her profound interactions with patients at the end of their lives deepened her empathy and shaped her perspective on patient care, driving her to advocate for more personalized and culturally aware healthcare practices. Recognizing the need to augment her clinical skills with policy and legal knowledge to more effectively advocate for systemic change, Maisie embarked on a new academic venture, earning a Juris Doctorate and a Master of Health Administration from Saint Louis University. Here, she specialized in Health Law, equipped with the legal acumen to navigate and influence the intricacies of healthcare policy.

In her personal life, Maisie has navigated significant challenges and milestones with grace and resilience, enjoying the 20+ years of her husband's police service as an officer, and now a small business owner. As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a graduate of Truman State University, Maisie has always been dedicated to service and leadership. As a stepmother and mother, she has experienced the joys and trials of parenting, particularly with the premature births of her biological children. These personal experiences brought her into close contact with the March of Dimes NICU Family Support program, where she not only received support but also gave back as a volunteer and advocate. The premature birth of her children was a pivotal experience that highlighted the importance of accessible and compassionate healthcare support for families. It reinforced her commitment to healthcare advocacy, particularly for the most vulnerable. Following the death of her father, a period of profound personal reflection led Maisie to reevaluate her professional commitments and seek a role that aligned more closely with her values. This brought her to the Anne Arundel County Public Libraries, where she currently thrives in a role that allows her to share her passion for knowledge and community service. Maisie continues to embody the spirit of service and advocacy that has defined her career, while also finding the balance needed to nurture her family and personal well-being. Her journey from a healthcare professional to a legal expert and community advocate underscores her multifaceted approach to life—a blend of professional ambition, personal resilience, and a deep-seated commitment to making a difference.

Click the button below to access my resume and explore my professional journey and achievements!