Carly Brook Schroeder is an actress, animal rights activist, environmentalist, and nutritional advocate, known for Gracie (2007), the Disney Channel's Lizzie McGuire (2001), and General Hospital (1963). Schroeder was born on October 18, 1990, in Valparaiso, Indiana. She began doing print work at the age of three and commercials at the age of six. In 1997, Schroeder was cast as Serena Baldwin in Port Charles (1997), a spin-off of General Hospital. She performed in 480 episodes during a six-year period, being nominated twice in 1999 and 2000 for a Young Artist Award. In 1999, Schroeder was also nominated for a Young Star Award; Best Performance by a Young Actress in a Daytime TV Program. Schroeder has also been featured in several television shows and television movies. In 2002, Schroder won the role of the manipulative, yet lovable Melina Bianco in The Disney Channel's Lizzie McGuire (2001). She also appeared in The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003). Her first feature film, Mean Creek (2004), received wide critical acclaim, winning the Humanitas Prize at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, and also being awarded the 2005 Independent Spirit Festival Special Distinction Award for best ensemble cast. Schroeder also appeared in Firewall (2006), with 'Harrison Ford', and Eye of the Dolphin (2006), An avid soccer player since the age of five, Schroeder finally had the chance to combine two of her passions in a single project called Gracie (2007). Knowing she had to fight for the part, she began an intense three-month workout that included training in advanced soccer skills with professional athletes and trainers. Her exposure to an athletic lifestyle influenced her later decision to choose a health-conscious lifestyle. While Gracie was in theaters Schroeder's other movie, Eye of the Dolphin (2006) received two awards from the 2007 International Family Film Festival; a Best Child Actor win for Schroeder and a Drama Feature win for the movie. Her most recent projects include Prep School (2015), and One of Us (2017). Schroeder was awarded best actress for her role as Kyra in Prep School at the 2016 Studio City Film Festival. Her earlier work for the Humane Society and Meals on Wheels in 2004 opened her eyes to her other passion, traveling. By the time she entered college, Schroeder had been to 20 states, 11 countries. As of 2018, Carly has 16 movie titles on her resume. Her appearances for 2018 include Ouija House (2018) and Deadly Shores. Carly has also received weapons training in small arms. Schroeder graduated from California Lutheran University in 2013, then went on to further her education in nutrition and holistic care. In a move towards a more health-focused lifestyle, Schroeder has given up meat, dairy, gluten, and refined sugars in exchange for a plant-strong diet. Accompanied by her dog Jax, she has embraced her wanderlust by climbing, backpacking, running marathons, snowboarding, surfing, and many more outdoor activities. In January 2019, Carly raised her right hand and chose to go to officer candidates school for her commission in the US Army.