Meet Our Board Members: Christine Smalley

Name and Board Title 

Christine Smalley, Board Member, Volunteer Coordinator, Healing Conversations Coordinator

What city do you call home?

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Where did you grow up? 

I was born and raised in Broward County, Florida. I absolutely love living close to the beach and will probably stay in the Fort Lauderdale area the rest of my life. I am a proud St. Thomas Aquinas alumnus and attended FAU for Business. I am a lifetime Girl Scout and spent 12 years being a Girl Scout leader for my daughters. I was also the proud service unit manager for the Coral Springs area for 4 years.

What are your hobbies?

Most of my free time is spent on the water. My self-care practice is going to the beach as often as possible. I also enjoy most water sports, including snorkeling and paddle boarding.

What might someone be surprised to learn about you?

I have a knack for working with kids, especially those with special needs. I not only work for the Exceptional Student Education department for Broward County Schools, I am also the Special Needs Coordinator for my church.

What was your first introduction to AFSP?

I lost a close friend in 2010, followed by another friend in 2013. While in the depths of my grief I was told about an “Out of the Darkness” walk and knew I had to attend.

Why did you become involved with AFSP?

1.      AFSP offered me a place to go and grieve when I felt all alone. In 2013 I was introduced to the “Out of the Darkness” walk. After attending my first event I knew I wanted to be involved more with AFSP. I started by taking training courses such as safeTALK, Talk Saves Lives and ASIST. The more I learned, the more I wanted to be involved. Since 2013, I have joined the walk committee and now proudly lead the event as a Walk Chair. I am also trained to offer “Healing Conversations” to those who are just experiencing their loss of someone to suicide. Helping those who have lost someone is my ultimate goal as I never want anyone to feel the pain I experienced when I lost my friends. When I heard of the Southeast Florida Board, I was immediately interested in joining. Thankfully I was invited to join the Board in 2026, and I look forward to cultivating more volunteer engagement and community partnerships while encouraging the AFSP mission. 

Tell us about your background.

I have been married to my best friend, Josh, since 2008. We have 2 beautiful daughters, Leilani and Novaleigh. We also have an adorable Beagle/Doberman mix named Stella and a sassy cat named Bunbun.