Hi! My name is Stephanie Smith, and I’ve been a Golden resident since 2016. I love the question- “Where are you from?”. While simple, one can get to know another with some genuine connection. There’s usually a very real and natural story telling of one’s life that organically happens post-inquiry. As an Air Force military ‘brat’, I describe myself as from the Midwest, specifically southern Illinois. Since 2000 I’ve lived in Colorado. I attended the University of Colorado-Boulder, keeping busy as a student athlete on the CU dance team. I then explored the professional world of the NFL, representing the Broncos organization as a Denver Broncos Cheerleader for four seasons. My NFL experience allowed me to serve as an ambassador for numerous charities in the local Denver area, USO tour to Guantanamo Bay, John Elway’s Hall of Fame induction in Canton, and served as an instructor for our Junior Broncos program. After undergraduate school, I realized that I wanted to help other people in our community. I also enjoyed the variety of what the medical field had to offer. I explored becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) and then attended the Anschutz Medical Campus for my master’s degree. I landed in a very special family medicine clinic after graduation, a federally qualified health center called Clinica Family Health. At Clinica, we serve largely a monolingual, Spanish-speaking-only group of patients. I currently oversee the medical services for our Walk-In clinic. I have such gratitude for the role and our impact to our patient’s ability to access healthcare without an appointment. I just celebrated my 15th anniversary with the organization and truly love what I do!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career/accomplishments. What do you love most about what you do?
I was in an all-leadership meeting within our organization this week. We were asked to reflect on what motivates us in our work. My word choice was ‘Purpose’. There’s such value in the work that I do on a day-to-day basis for my team and for my patients. I truly enjoy seeing my patients, aging with them, and walking alongside them and their health goals.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants or breweries in our community?
I love New Terrain and Golden Mill. New Terrain is an oasis for almost anyone that’s on a mountain bike or finds themselves wandering and wanting to socialize. Golden Mill has a gorgeous view of South Table, with many food options and is family friendly. We bring many out of towners there!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
7 years
Q: What is one of your favorite hiking or biking trails?
North Table Mountain- it’s right down the street. I look forward to August when my favorite trail ‘Rim Rock’ opens. That view…
Q: What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s also OK to ask for help when you need it.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the energy of the people who live in Golden, the city is an awesome fit for the active person, or someone looking to become more active and find a new hobby!
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love horseback riding. As I age, I like gardening more and more. Instead of a ‘cat lady’ I am a ‘plant lady’. Sunrise is my favorite part of day.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Jason, my spouse. We’ve been dating or married since 1997. High school sweethearts! And wow, that’s 26 years ago. He knows me better than anyone. Finding balance as a working mom of 3, and all of the ‘things’, he’s really my support system and knows exactly what I need, often times without me saying a word.
