Dr. Smith is a licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) and holds advanced certification as a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a master's in biblical studies from Liberty University, a Ph.D. from Southwest University in Kenner, LA, and currently is an EdD. Candidate at William Howard Taft University. Dr. Smith holds additional certifications in Geriatric Care Management and Fall Prevention Specialist. She is the author of over 10 eBooks and 50 children's book titles in caregiving.
She has published over 250 articles on geriatric rehabilitation in the Advance Magazine and the Occupational Therapist under her column, 'Geriatrics Journal.' She is the author of The Caregiving Kids Series and caregiving booklets, which combine over 50 titles.
Clarissa Fells Smith has reached communities with her show, The Caregiving Doctor Show, which airs on TV and radio, educating families and providing resources for aging parents.
Her commitment to caregiving began early in her life - first within her own home, where she supported aging relatives and loved ones - and continued throughout her professional career, spanning clinical practice, rehabilitation, memory care, nursing homes, hospitals, and community health programs. She has witnessed the beauty of caregiving and the emotional, physical, and financial strain placed on families who are trying to care for loved ones at home without support.
This lived experience shaped her calling.
"I did not choose caregiving. Caregiving chose me.
This is the work placed in my hands - and I now carry this calling for families across Alabama and beyond."
To address the urgent need for caregiver support, Dr. Smith founded Caregiving International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to:
- Educating and training family caregivers
- Reducing caregiver stress, burnout, and isolation
- Supporting aging-in-place with safety and dignity
- Building intergenerational caregiving values in schools and communities
- Advocating for caregivers at the local, state, and national levels
Her statewide initiative, Caregivers Count Alabama, strengthens caregiver support across all 67 counties, ensuring caregivers have access to training, community hubs, school-based learning, and public awareness resources.
As the Alabama Ambassador for Family Caregiving & Eldercare Advocacy, Dr. Smith works with:
- Government leaders and agencies
- Healthcare systems
- School districts
- Churches and faith-based networks
- Community partners and families
Her mission is clear and unwavering:
To make sure caregivers are seen, supported, equipped, and never left to carry the load alone.
Through Caregiving International, Dr. Smith continues to lead, teach, advocate, and inspire - ensuring that caregivers receive the recognition, guidance, and resources they deserve.
