About Clarissa

About The Caregiving Doctor®

Clarissa Fells Smith, Ph.D., MA, OTR/L, CAPS, has been a licensed and practicing occupational therapist in nursing homes and geriatric facilities for almost four decades. Working with caregiving families of all ages is her life's work. Her mission is to improve the quality of life for caregiving families by empowering, educating and equipping them with the necessary information and support.

She is a graduate of The University of Alabama at Birmingham and Liberty University. She has published over 250 articles in geriatric rehabilitation in Advance Magazine OT under her column, "Geriatrics Journal." She is the author of 12 family caregiving booklets and 15 children's books. The Caregiving Doctor Enterprises Inc. holds several credentials including Geriatric Care Management and Certified Aging in Place Specialist.

Clarissa is the founder of Caregiving International, a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides education, resources, and support for family caregivers around the world.

She is a mother, grandmother and helps to care for her own aging mother and relatives.

Clarissa Fells Smith
Clarissa Fells Smith
Ph.D., MA, OTR/L, CAPS