I was born and raised in Hastings, NE to Don and Stella Smith.  My father instilled in me the importance of serving the community through his time in the Air Force, the Community Redevelopment Authority, and the Hastings City Council. 

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I strongly believe in the value of education.  I grew up attending local schools and colleges obtaining four college degrees, including two masters degrees. This led me to serve as an adjunct professor at Doane University teaching future masters level therapists. This value transmitted to my son, Jordan, who graduated from St. Cecilia High School in May 2022.  He is currently pursuing a degree in physics and secondary education with the aspiration of becoming a high school physics teacher. 

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When I think of Hastings, I think of its friendly people, peacefulness, and charm. These qualities contributed to my desire  to continue to live and work in Hastings into adulthood. I worked at several area businesses before opening Sunrise Inspirations, PC in 2014 working to provide quality mental health therapy to children, adults, and families in Hastings and surrounding communities. 

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Due to these positive experiences in rural Nebraska throughout my life, I feel passionately about serving in another capacity.  Specifically, I desire to provide a commonsense, local voice to the residents of District 33 in the Nebraska State Legislature.  I believe my experience as a therapist will allow me to empathetically listen, understand, and advocate for all constituents in the District.