Dena Smiley has a Bachelor’s in Sociology from UC San Diego, and a Master’s of Social Work from University of Denver, CO. Dena has worked for 15+ years as a clinical social worker across many mental health settings, including inpatient psychiatric units, residential programs, and large outpatient clinics serving a variety of needs. Though currently a full-time homeschool teacher to her children, she still works with small groups and individuals when her schedule allows.

Dena has a passion for travel and short term missions trips, which is where her interest grew in ministering to women who have been trafficked. She served at a residential ministry in Nicaragua for three consecutive years, where her team would invite women from the brothels to come hear the good news of the gospel and how their lives could be transformed.

Dena, her husband Boyd, and their three children have a hobby homestead in east Tennessee and love hiking and camping.