If you ask Carrie Smith what motivates her at work, the answer is simple: the stories. Even the raw ones, the ones ambassadors tell before they know they’re ready, when they’re still finding their voice. That’s the kind of clarity you get from someone who found their calling through having felt lost in her own health journey, then discovered a way forward.
Carrie joined SNOW 11 years ago, but her story with the company started earlier. In 2002, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Years later came an invitation to an MS-event at the Opryland Hotel. Carrie almost didn’t attend. “Most of my experience to that point with MS meetings was negative,” she says. But that particular event featured Young Frankenstein star Teri Garr, so Carrie’s inner fan girl won out.
That decision changed everything. For the first time since her diagnosis, Carrie heard an uplifting story from someone living with MS. Terri introduced her to Mike Simone, who introduced her to Brenda Snow. A two-hour Sunday morning phone call followed. By the end, Brenda invited Carrie to become a Patient Ambassador.
“After 10-plus years of being a public speaker and performer, it wasn’t until I came to SNOW as an Ambassador that I found my voice as a patient and advocate. It was the most rewarding thing I had ever done.”
Coaching as a Calling
Carrie remained an active ambassador for 13 years. Then Brenda asked if she’d like to work at SNOW. The answer was immediate: yes. Today, as Director of Coaching and Communications, Carrie works one-on-one with Patient Ambassadors daily, helping them find their voice and sharpen their storytelling.
“Their stories are inspiring and sometimes heartbreaking,” she says, “and to see them just lay it all out there for the world to see astounds me on a daily basis. The grit and heart of these patients and caregivers keeps me going even on the busiest, toughest days.”
Outside of work, Carrie’s life centers on her husband and daughter, and in her alone-time, her craft room serves as her refuge. Her motto is simple: “Laughter is the best medicine. Life is short. You gotta enjoy every single day.”
Her advice to new SNOW team members? “Don’t be afraid of the deep end of the pool. You have plenty of lifeguards keeping a close eye. It can be a lot at first, but once you catch the vision, it is the most rewarding working experience you will ever have.” Carrie’s journey is a testament to what happens when you show up. She found her voice at SNOW. Now she helps others do the same.
