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About Clarissa Fells Smith, Ph.D. PDF Print E-mail

     Taking care of others is a way of life for Clarissa Fells Smith. You could say she has a one-track mission.... to impact the lives of family caregivers around the world! Dr. Smith is both a professional and lay family caregiver. She is a licensed occupational therapist, author, national columnist, entrepreneur, and the State of Alabama’s representative to the National Family Caregivers Association.

She is an expert when it comes to educating, empowering, and training family caregivers worldwide. In fact, she has published over 100 articles in Advance Magazine dealing with older adults and family caregivers and is recognized by her colleagues as a leader in geriatric care. She has been interviewed by Family Circle & Therapy Times Magazines and has been a contributor for several newsletters, featured in newspapers, and on-line caregiving websites.

Clarissa has held a variety of positions from staff therapist to program rehabilitation director in nursing homes, home health care agencies, and senior centers. Her down-to-earth approach exudes confidence and compassion when it comes to educating, empowering, and training family caregivers.

She launched "The Caregiving Doctor® Enterprises, Inc." in 2007, in order to reach the masses through radio, television, seminars, and other media outlets. Clarissa is a certified seminar leader with the American Seminar Leader Association. She conducts seminars for businesses, churches, communities, and non-profit groups and rehabilitation professionals in geriatrics for over 25 years. She has received many awards and holds several professional associations and memberships today.

Clarissa also holds numerous degrees and a Post Doctoral Master's Degree from Liberty University and a counseling certification. In addition to her academic acumen, she remains an energetic and informed educator and advocate in family caregiving today.

As a native of Memphis, Tennessee, Clarissa began her career as a nursing assistant, which began her love for caregiving. She has written a volume of booklets for family caregivers entitled, "How to Be A Great Caregiver Series." These booklets are designed to provide solutions for family caregivers. In addition, she is in the process of writing a new book, " How to be A Great Caregiver Without Losing Your Mind."

She is currently heard weekly on several local radio stations (Magic 96.5 FM and 98.7 KISS FM)featuring her "Caregiving Minute" vignettes. She continues to appear as a guest on several talk shows and answers questions regarding aging parent issues to her listening audience. 
 

Her life's mission is to impact the world of family caregiving by developing products and services that enhance the lives of family caregivers and care receivers across the spectrum. Her goal is to foster and facilitate caring relationships that transcend family legacies for generations to come.

Clarissa is committed to serving God, family, and communities with her mission to empower and provide needed services and training for family caregivers everywhere.

She may be reached at:

E-mail: clarissa@caregivingdoctor.com

Visit our website at: www.caregivingdoctor.com.

Office Address:
4000 Eagle Point Corporate Drive (Map )
Birmingham , Alabama 35242
1-888-4 YOU TOO or 1-877-CAREGIVER

NATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

  • National Family Caregivers Association
  • American Occupational Therapy Association
  • Alabama Occupational Therapy Association
  • Alabama Lifespan Respite Coalition member
  • National Board for Certified Occupational Therapists
  • Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
  • Alabama Gerontological Society on Aging
  • American Society on Aging
  • Alzheimer's Disease Advocacy Network
  • American Seminar Leaders Association
  • Associate Member AARP
  • APA (Alabama Psychological Association)

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

  • Eldercare Management Certificate, University of Florida at Gainsville, 2009
  • Author of "The Great Caregiver" Series, Published 2009, CD2K Publishing--28 booklets
  • Author of "The Caregiving Kids" Series--16 books and manual (Now Available in Spanish!)
  • National Columnist, Advance Magazine for Occupational Therapists, "Geriatrics Journal"1995 to present, published over 80 national articles (http://occupational-therapy.advanceweb.com)
  • Birmingham Times newspaper columnist
  • Book Author, How to Find Your Aging Career Niche, Seniorspect Publishing, 1999, Revised Version 2008
  • B.S. in Occupational Therapy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham 1986
  • Graduate Studies, University of Alabama in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa
  • NDT Certified Occupational Therapist, Alexandria, VA, 1996
  • State Licensed & Nationally Board Certified Occupational Therapist (NCOTB, ALOTA) to current
  • Current: Doctoral Program in Psychology / Behavioral Medicine, Northcentral University, 2008 to present
  • M.A. in Health Services Administration from Southwest University, Kenner, LA., 1995
  • Ph.D., Health Services Administration with specialty in gerontology, Southwest University, 1999
  • Post-Doctoral Master's Degree from Liberty University, 2004
  • Certified National Seminar Leader, 1995 (ASLA) to present
  • Life Skills Coach Online, 2008


    • National radio experience, 98.7 KISS FM, November 2008 to present
    • Served as geriatric rehabilitation consultant and manager for therapy departments and other allied health professionals in nursing homes and home health agencies
    • Clinical teaching at skilled nursing facilities for rehabilitation professionals, home health agencies, assisted living, and individual family caregivers for over 25 years
    • Conducts local, state, and national seminars and training for professional rehabilitation therapists, non-profit organizations, and church conferences (GA, ALA, FLA, TN, MS, and Texas)
    • Conference Chair for the Great Southern OT Conference, 1996
    • Ministry experience in program development and organization of people through small groups, leadership training, and counseling
    • Extensive ministry experience in older adult ministries and intergenerational programs

    VOLUNTEER WORK & AWARD

    • Launched the State of Alabama governor's proclamation for Nursing Home Week with Miss Alabama contestant, 1999
    • Caregiving International founder, 2007
    • The National Family Caregivers Association (Alabama State Representative)
    • Participation in various local churches to develop caregiving ministry programs to include nursing home and visitation ministries for lay leaders and parishioners
    • Radio broadcasts and vignettes in family caregiving 2000 to present (9.87 KISS FM)
    • NAPTE Television Pilot for "All About Aging with Clarissa Show," 2000
    • HCFA award for panel discussion on behalf of nursing home residents, Atlanta, GA


    HOBBIES

    Spending time with children is my favorite time of the day. Other hobbies include: reading, writing, and research. I particularly love spending time listening to the wisdom of older people.