Cole Smith

Cole Smith began their work experience as a CV Respiratory Therapist at Lexington Medical Center in 2009, where they were responsible for caring for post-open heart surgery patients. Cole joined PruittHealth in 2013 as a Corporate Respiratory Therapy Education Consultant, providing training to skilled nursing facilities and designing classes for continuing education. In 2015, Cole transitioned to become the Corporate Director of Behavioral Health and Dementia Care Services at PruittHealth, where they developed and implemented a person-centered approach to dementia care and served as a subject matter expert on the corporate operations team. In 2019, they joined Discovery Senior Living as the National Director of Memory Care Programs, focusing on person-centered care for individuals with dementia and overseeing training efforts across multiple states. Cole's most recent position was as the Corporate Director of Dementia Services at Brightview Senior Living, where they shaped the vision and strategic plans for dementia care and collaborated with the education and development teams to enhance the independence of residents with dementia.

Cole Smith obtained their Associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy from Augusta Technical College between 2005 and 2007. Cole later pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte from 2012 to 2014. Cole Smith then went on to earn a Master of Arts (MA) in Gerontology from the University of Southern California, completing their studies between 2016 and 2018.

In addition to their formal education, Cole Smith has obtained various certifications throughout their career. Cole became a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) through the National Board for Respiratory Care in August 2007. Subsequently, Cole earned certifications as a Certified Dementia Practitioner and a Certified Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Trainer from NCCDP in March 2015. Cole also obtained the BLS Instructor certification from the American Heart Association's Professional Education Center in June 2015.

Cole Smith pursued additional certifications related to end-of-life care and activities management. In August 2017, they became an End of Life Doula through Inspired Endings. Additionally, Cole received the Activities Director certification from the Georgia Health Care Association in April 2017. Most recently, in June 2022, they obtained the NEDA-Proficient certification from the National End of Life Doula Alliance.

These educational and certification achievements highlight Cole Smith's dedication to continuous learning and professional development within the fields of Respiratory Therapy and Gerontology, as well as their interest in end-of-life care and activities management.