MEET THE TEAM
Stephanie Smith
President
Senior Advocate was established in Hampton Roads, Virginia in 2000 by Stephanie Smith. Her experience in caring for her grandmother, who developed Alzheimer's disease, sparked Stephanie’s interest in issues involving the needs of older adults.
Stephanie’s hands-on experience providing care management for seniors and their families made her aware that these families were often ill-informed about resources available to help them. She also became aware that even the professionals who were providing services to seniors were frequently in need of additional information and options. Stephanie is committed to meeting those needs through Senior Advocate educational and social events, SeniorAdvocate.Live, Senior Advocate Social Media Sites and the Senior Advocate Magazine.
Stephanie holds a BA in Speech Communications, with a concentration in Public Relations, from Old Dominion University. She currently lives in Chesapeake and Williamsburg with her ‘In-Training Therapy’ puppy and two cats.
Sharon Smith
Vice President of Communications
Sharon Smith has been a part of the Senior Advocate team since its inception 23 years ago.
After managing care for her mother with dementia, she then worked with Senior Advocate helping with client home assessments. Sharon went on to work with the Richmond Alzheimer’s Association providing education to professionals and support and assistance to patients and their families with Alzheimer’s disease. Sharon currently helps moderate professional meetings, public seminars, and social events. She will also be consulting for our Concierge Care division.
Sharon holds a BS Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Education and Psychology. She lives in Chesapeake with her rescue cat, and enjoys cooking, reading historical novels and hiking the local nature trails.
Cristy Hansen
Vice President
Cristy Hansen is a seasoned professional with experience in the senior service arena. Her diverse background includes successful roles as a Community Liaison with a hospice company, an accomplished Admissions Director at a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community), and a dedicated Admissions Coordinator at a long-term care facility.
Driven by a passion for healthcare administration and a commitment to excellence, Cristy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Administration. Her thirst for knowledge and professional growth led her to embark on the journey toward obtaining a Master's degree in Healthcare Administration.
Throughout her career, Cristy has thrived in fostering strong partnerships and relationships within the healthcare industry, leveraging her expertise to ensure top-notch care and services for seniors. Her experience and academic achievements equip her with a well-rounded understanding of the intricacies of healthcare management, making her a valuable asset.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Cristy also finds fulfillment in her personal life. She shares her life with her husband, Donald, who has an honorable Navy service history and works in Civil Service. Together, they have created a beautiful blended family of three children. In addition, they have three dogs. Cristy's dedication to improving the lives of others, combined with her extensive experience and educational achievements, make her an inspiring figure in the healthcare administration. As she continues to grow personally and professionally, Cristy remains committed to positively impacting the lives of those she serves.