Katie Hart Smith – “Words, written or spoken, have power.” As a published author for over 30 years and former columnist, Smith has created a vast and diverse body of work that spans medical and academic writing, historical fiction, non-fiction, and children’s stories. A graduate of Georgia State University (B.S. in Nursing) and Troy State University (M.B.A.), her professional background informs the authenticity and depth of her writing. Smith's contributions to literature and academia include her roles on the editorial board and as a manuscript reviewer for Orthopaedic Nursing Journal and as a member of the advisory board for Atlanta Sports & Fitness Magazine. From 2016 to 2019, her heartfelt inspirational monthly column, “From the Heart,” resonated with readers of the Gwinnett Citizen newspaper. Her literary achievements include Couch Time with Carolyn (2014), a memoir, and the acclaimed Sacred Heart historical fiction trilogy—Aspirations of the Heart, Hope Never Rests, and High Cotton and Magnolias. This series, centered on Atlanta’s medical community in the 1900s, earned a prestigious place in the Georgia Governor’s Mansion Library. Smith’s work has been widely recognized, including nominations for the Georgia Author of the Year Award in 2015, 2017, and 2018. Beyond her literary endeavors, Smith is a dedicated civic leader and community advocate. Smith and her husband, Jeff, reside in Georgia, where she continues to inspire through her writing, artwork, leadership.