Dell Smith

Dell Smith is a Licensed Ordained Minister, Psychotherapist, Certified Life Coach, and Financial Education Counselor with a multidisciplinary background in psychology, counseling, ministry, and military service. I have dedicated my life to helping others develop emotional, spiritual, and practical tools to navigate life’s challenges. My professional work integrates clinical psychology, grief counseling, financial education, and life coaching, with a strong focus on helping individuals live intentionally and with purpose.

My educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Psychology from the University of Phoenix, completed in 2024. I am currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Psychology, expected to be completed in May 2026. I also hold certifications as a Life Coach and Financial Education Counselor, and I am a licensed ordained minister, a calling I have carried since the age of 17.

In addition to my academic and clinical training, I have served 26 years in the United States military across the Army, Navy, and Air Force in seven different roles, including chaplaincy work. I also earned the rank of Eagle Scout at a young age and later served as an Assistant Scoutmaster. These experiences shaped my leadership, discipline, and commitment to service, and reinforced my belief that purpose-driven living is essential to personal and professional fulfillment.

My approach to care is deeply rooted in faith, resilience, and lived experience. I focus heavily on grief counseling in my doctoral work, inspired by significant personal loss, including the passing of my godmother and mother in 2021, as well as multiple family losses in recent years. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to helping others process grief, rebuild strength, and find meaning in difficult seasons of life. I also actively serve in ministry and community-based programs, including foster care initiatives, youth programs, and veteran support organizations.

Beyond my professional work, I am passionate about living a creative and hands-on life. I enjoy equestrian activities, gardening, and DIY home projects, often designing and building improvements myself. I also remain committed to lifelong learning by reading Psychology Today and staying current in my field. Through all aspects of my life, my guiding philosophy is to live purposefully, serve others faithfully, and continuously grow in every area of life.

• Northwestern University - B.A. in Clinical Psychology
• University of Phoenix - B.S. in Industrial Psychology, 2024
• University of Phoenix - M.S. in Psychology (in progress)

• Certified Life Coach
• Financial Education and Counseling Certification
• Licensed Ordained Minister

• Eagle Scout

• World Changers Church International
• U-Turn Club (past member)

• Foster Parenting Agencies
• Child Placement Centers (CPA)
• Emory University Board Meetings
• Better Opportunity for Soldiers (BOS)
• U-Turn Club
• World Changers Church
• Boy Scouts Assistant Scoutmaster

I have served as a lecturer and speaker to various groups on the topic of living life on purpose as a certified life coach. I have delivered presentations to traveling groups and community organizations, sharing my philosophy of purposeful living and personal achievement. My speaking engagements focus on practical life coaching principles, including encouraging individuals to try something new on their birthday that they have never done before, and to create a list of goals aligned with their age so they continue growing and achieving new milestones each year rather than simply existing. I also stay current in my field by reading Psychology Today and other professional resources.