Dr. Smith was awarded her doctorate degree from University of Florida with a major in Nursing and a minor in sociology.  She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Florida and has ANCC board certification as a family nurse practitioner; she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Loyola University of Chicago. 

Dr. Smith has a diverse nursing career that includes staff level work with patients from internal medicine and oncology, surgica/cardiac intensive care, and home health departments.  She has successfully collaborated as an advanced registered nurse practicioner (ARNP) with internists, family and osteopathic physicians, and orthopaedic surgeons in their private, hospital-based practice settings.

Dr. Smith is a life long learner and believes her scientifc work will help family environments under stressful conditions. She has a special interest in working with adolescents and buidling sibling relationships.  She has published a review of the literature on her dissertation research topic and the study entitled, Predictors of Coherence in Typical Adolescent Siblings of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, is currently under editorial review. Dr. Smith intends to promote health through research, teaching, and service.