Staff Spotlight, Emerald Smith

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Emerald Smith (she/her), and I am the Clinical Director at the Child, Adolescent, and Adult Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor – Qualified Supervisor (LCMHC-QS), a Board-Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC), and a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (200 RYT). I have been with Veritas Collaborative for three years.

What does a typical day look like for you at Veritas Collaborative?

A typical day for me usually consists of a variety of treatment team meetings, supervision with therapists and behavioral health specialists, and program management.

What might people not know about the role of a Clinical Director?

The role of a Clinical Director is to ensure clinical quality and integrity with all services offered. It’s a constant balancing act of prioritizing the unique needs of the patients as well as ensuring that all staff have the support they need to be successful and fulfilled.

What have your colleagues taught you?

My colleagues have taught me the beauty of a compassionate community. I have the honor of working alongside such kind, skilled, caring people who join me in their passion to help patients and families get the best care possible. It makes me incredibly proud of the work that we do each day.

Strangest job you’ve ever had?

I worked at a factory the summer before I went to college. We made steel anti-lock brakes for motorcycles, and I oversaw one of the cutting machines. The best part was the magnetic broom we used to pick up metal pieces off the ground.

What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

I enjoy spending time outside and with my animals. I have two rescue dogs, Jude and Bell, and a six-month-old kitten named Chauncey. If I’m not out in the wilderness, I either have my nose in a book or my hand on a paintbrush, creating a piece of art.