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Biography

Professor Smith is an accomplished child welfare and child advocacy professional, educator, and systems-change leader with more than two decades of experience advancing the well-being of children and families. Her career brings together extensive practice experience, interdisciplinary expertise, data-informed systems improvement, and a deep commitment to preparing future professionals in the field of child advocacy.

Her professional expertise encompasses child welfare practice, child protection, family services, policy and program development, organizational improvement, and data-informed decision-making. Throughout her career, Professor Smith has worked across complex child-serving systems to strengthen outcomes for children and families, with particular expertise in child protection decision-making, placement stability, kinship care, educational stability, and parent-child relationships. Her approach integrates evidence, data, policy, and practice to advance meaningful and sustainable systems change.

As an educator, Professor Smith has taught at the university level since 2012, bringing extensive professional and leadership experience into the classroom. Her teaching reflects the interdisciplinary nature of child advocacy, drawing upon social work, psychology, sociology, law, public administration, and child welfare practice. She is committed to preparing thoughtful, informed, and compassionate professionals who understand both the individual experiences of children and families and the broader systems that shape those experiences.

Beyond the classroom, Professor Smith has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to community leadership and youth development. Her community engagement includes advancing youth leadership, STEM education, and equitable access to programs and resources for young people and families.

Professor Smith holds master’s degrees in Diplomacy and International Relations and Public Administration, a bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral Science with a minor in Criminal Justice, graduate coursework in Social Work, and a Certificate in Child Advocacy. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to bridging research, policy, practice, and education in service of children, families, and communities.