Meet Kristen Smith Primary Therapist
At Asheville Recovery Center, our team is the heart of what we do. Comprised of compassionate professionals, many of whom are in recovery themselves, we bring a unique blend of expertise, understanding, and genuine care to every aspect of our program. From admissions to clinical care, our shared mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where individuals can find hope, healing, and lasting recovery. These are the people dedicated to making a difference every day.
Kristen Smith, CADC
Primary Therapist, Asheville Recovery Center
Kristen Smith has been a dedicated Primary Therapist at Asheville Recovery Center for over four years. Her journey into addiction recovery was deeply inspired by her personal experiences in recovery, where she received the empathy, tough love, and support that transformed her life. Kristen’s approach to therapy is marked by a blend of tough love, compassion, and a focus on meeting clients exactly where they are in their journey. She believes in tailoring treatment to each individual, recognizing that no two paths to sobriety are the same.
Kristen holds a CADC certification, completed through an intensive two-year course, and has pursued further education in various aspects relevant to substance abuse treatment. Her training includes in-depth studies in boundaries, diagnosis, client safety, pharmacology, and more. Kristen’s commitment to staying informed and adaptable in her practice ensures she provides the highest level of care to her clients. She finds immense reward in witnessing clients who are committed to their recovery achieve long-term sobriety and a better life. Kristen takes pride in Asheville Recovery Center’s family-owned, client-centered approach, which she believes truly sets it apart.
Originally from New Jersey, Kristen brings a love for authentic Italian food, bagels, pizza, and cheesesteaks from up north. Her musical tastes span 90s rock and her all-time favorite artist, Dave Matthews. She’s also a fan of Jerry Maguire and Law & Order: SVU. A fun fact about Kristen? She once won a banana-eating relay race in fourth grade.
At home, Kristen is a proud pet parent to Charlie, her loyal rescue dog from Miami who taught her the importance of slowing down and cherishing life, and Lasagna, her unexpectedly delightful and talented cat who can sit, give paw, and roll over for treats.
Outside of work, Kristen enjoys crocheting, spending time with family, and exploring Asheville’s natural beauty, with Craggy Gardens being a favorite spot. She’s a passionate NY Jets fan, holding out hope for playoff glory each season, and loves baking for loved ones, with her baked ziti and oatmeal raisin cookies earning high praise.
Kristen’s motivation stems from her deep love for the work she does and the team she works alongside. Her advice to those beginning their recovery journey is simple yet profound: “Right here, right now, everything is okay. Take it one minute, one hour, one day at a time.” For Kristen, success in recovery—and life—is defined by peace of mind, integrity, and treating others with kindness.