First and foremost, Christi is a collaborative and inspirational team builder with good listening and problem-solving skills. She has demonstrated an ability to communicate effectively with diverse personalities across the organization, and her talent for motivating others is exceptional. Christi has applied these skills in her many vital roles here at SMART. For example, she has: Provided leadership for numerous committees and internal teams, including our Organizational Culture & DEI Committee, Onsite and Online Training Teams, and the Management Team that oversees all operations. Supported thousands of volunteers, fostering exemplary service to enhance their experience and skills, show our appreciation, and resolve problematic behaviors that inevitably arise in the challenging field of recovery support. Helped innovate live Zoom-based training for groups of professionals and peers taking two- and three-day courses to become facilitators or incorporate SMART into their practices. This innovation increased the reach of our training to people in multiple locations while decreasing their cost and travel requirements.
Christi offered these words about her work in this new role: “I am excited to have the opportunity to lead our dedicated team at a time when we have recently adopted a new set of organizational values that prioritize empowerment, equity, inclusion, integrity, and accountability in all that we do. By focusing on living up to those values, we can transform SMART Recovery into a sustainable great place to work and serve everyone, especially populations not yet adequately served by us.”
Christi added, “We know that it is up to us to understand and eliminate barriers to participation in SMART Recovery so that everyone has the opportunity to build a Life Beyond Addiction using our tools and community.”
Christi’s previous professional experience is notable for its depth and breadth. Before joining SMART, Christi served as the Mental Health Ombudsman for NAMI Lake County (OH) and participated in community coalitions, including the Lake Country Family and Children First Council for 12 years. Much of her previous experience involved working directly with individuals in situations that required an extremely empathic and savvy person to help them navigate the road to better health and wellness.
On a personal note, I have been impressed by Christi’s passion for SMART’s cause and work ethic for many years. She combines impressive sensitivity with resilience in performing our most challenging work. She puts her heart and soul into all her work on our behalf.
The bottom line is that SMART will continue to advance our essential mission without interruption or loss of momentum under Christi’s leadership as a caring and inspirational person and consummate professional.
Sincerely, | 
