Stephanie Smith, Manager of Senior Advocate, LLC, knows first hand about the illnesses and issues of aging. Both grandmothers developed Alzheimer's disease and, as a result of their experiences with assisted care and nursing homes,Stephanie observed many inconsistencies within the senior health care industry. She realized the pressing need for improvement which would not only benefit her grandmothers, but, also the ever growing senior population as well.

In order to become better educated about Alzheimer's disease and dementia in general, Stephanie went to work for the Alzheimer's Association. Two years later, she relocated and accepted a position with a Williamsburg assisted living facility. In this setting, Stephanie found her true calling as she began to personally help seniors and their families with the issues and challenges of aging. A natural outgrowth of this career experience was for Stephanie to create Senior Advocate, LLC and four years ago she also begin publishing the Senior Advocate Resource Guide. The most recent addition to her business is the new website, virginiaseniorservices.com.

Locally, Stephanie is very involved with the senior population. She is the Chair of the Peninsula Alzheimer's Leadership Council and is a member of the the Gloucester Alzheimer's Advisory Council. Stephanie is a certified trainer for the both the Southeastern Virginia and Greater Richmond Chapters of the Alzheimer's Association. In addition, she hosts a monthly support group for families dealing with dementia. Stephanie is a member of the Mid- Atlantic Geriatric Care Managers Association and the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.

Stephanie was nominated by Inside Business, The Hampton Roads Business Journal, in October, 2005 as one of the "Top 40 under 40" business and community leaders. In 2007, Stephanie was chosen as a nominee for "Women with a Cause" — a event that celebrated local women who helped to make a significant impact in Williamsburg.