Meet Our Leadership

Professional Profile

Dr. Smith is the Executive Director & Founder of ACE Transitions. He has been involved in the mental health field for over 25 years. He is a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Health Services Provider in North Carolina. He previously served on the faculty at the Duke University Medical School as a professor of Behavioral Science.

He also has prior experience with the Duke Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing a host of psychological services including short-term individual and couples therapy, crisis management, managed care gate-keeping (including authorization of psychiatric hospitalization) and case management, fitness for duty evaluations, and psychological testing.

Dr. Smith has also worked in a Federal and State prison, a Veterans Affairs hospital, and a University Counseling Center. This broad training allows him to work effectively with a wide variety of mental health-related problems.

Education

• Ph.D. and M.A. in Counseling Psychology, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
• B.A., University of Notre Dame

Professional Involvement

• Association of Black Psychologists
• American Psychological Association
• North Carolina Psychological Association

He previously served on the board of the North Carolina Psychological Association for three years, and as president of the Triangle Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists.

Professional Profile

Carolyn Renee Shaw has spent more than thirty years in behavioral health and the criminal-justice system, and holds two active North Carolina licenses: Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHC-S) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), with a Certified Clinical Supervisor-Intern credential.

Since 2017 she has served as Criminal Justice Program Manager for Durham County — leading mental health court operations, conducting comprehensive clinical assessments, overseeing substance-use counselors and peer-support staff, and chairing the county’s Stepping Up Initiative to reduce justice involvement for people with mental health diagnoses.

Earlier, she directed mental health and substance-abuse community support programs and supervised clinicians across adult and youth divisions. At Mindsmith Consulting, she brings that full depth of experience to clients seeking counseling, to counselors under supervision, and to the courts and agencies working toward better behavioral-health outcomes.

Academic Qualifications

• Master of Science in Counseling Studies, Capella University
• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Johnson C. Smith University

Professional Profile

Kristi Riley is a proud U.S. Army veteran, dedicated professional, and passionate community leader. She currently serves as the Program Manager for the City of Durham’s Welcome Home Program and as a Qualified Professional (QP) for ACE Transitions.

With extensive experience in leadership, case management, and community support, Kristi is committed to empowering individuals, creating opportunities, and making a lasting impact through advocacy, service, and professional excellence.

Education

• Associate degrees in Paralegal Studies
• Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Legal Studies
• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, concentration in Digital Forensics
• Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity

Professional Profile

With over 15 years of experience serving the community, Nancy is passionate about helping individuals overcome challenges, rebuild their lives, and discover their full potential. As a Certified North Carolina Peer Support Specialist and Certified North Carolina Drug and Alcohol Counselor, she is dedicated to supporting individuals navigating mental health challenges, substance use recovery, and life transitions.

Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including eight years of service as a Case Manager within Mental Health Court. This experience strengthened her commitment to advocacy, accountability, recovery, and helping justice-involved individuals access the resources and support they need to move forward.

She believes that every person deserves compassion, dignity, respect, and an opportunity for a fresh start. Her approach is rooted in understanding, empowerment, and the belief that a person’s past does not define their future.

Her mission is to help individuals recognize their strengths, overcome barriers, build resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change. Through community service, peer support, and recovery-focused guidance, she strives to be a source of encouragement and hope for those working toward a healthier, more stable, and productive life.

Her purpose is simple: to meet people where they are, remind them of what is possible, and help them move toward where they want to be.