August 22, 2008 - Erase the Stigma Conference
2nd annual Erase the Stigma Conference at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. For more information or to register for the conference please email: ksf@karlasmithfoundation.org
About Karla
Karla was a seeker of knowledge, superb writer, dedicated friend, loving sister and wonderful daughter.
Her parents, Tom and Fran Smith of Shiloh, IL and her twin brother, Kevin Smith of St. Louis, MO live
with the comforting memory of her unique gifts and personality which graced our family for 26 years.
She will be missed forever and never forgotten.
Board of Directors Tom Smith, co-founder and co-director
Tom retired from full time employment and spends much of his time on KSF projects, locally and
nationally. He is the author of five books, the most recent one being “The Tattered Tapestry” the
story of our family’s search for peace with bipolar disorder and suicide. He is an avid, life-long
sports fan, with most of his loyalty going to St. Louis teams, especially the 2006 World Series
Champion Cardinals. In 1966 he adopted the motto, “Bash On, Regardless”, which is useful once again
in his work for the Karla Smith Foundation.
Fran Smith, co-founder and co-director
Fran is a former teacher, counselor, and principal. After forty years in education she retired in
June of 2004. Since her life is now more leisurely, she volunteers in a variety of ways: tutoring in
the Adult Literacy Program, teaching in the Child Protection Education program for children,
and preparing food for parish funeral dinners. She also devotes much time and energy to the Karla
Smith Foundation. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, doing puzzles, playing bridge, gardening,
and reading.
Kevin Smith, co-founder and co-director
Kevin works in Business and Management Consulting for the largest consulting company in the world,
Accenture. His work has taken him to many cities across the U.S., but since his college days at
Saint Louis University he has called St. Louis home. Since May 2003, Kevin has helped co-lead a
bipolar family support group in St. Louis through DBSA. Like his father, he is an avid sports fan
and enjoys playing tennis, golf, and basketball.
Advisory Council
The KSF advisory council meets four times yearly. We thank the council members for their contribution, ideas, and leadership.
Current
Council Members (2007) Pete Carmany, PA - Mental Health Professional; St.
Elizabeth's Hospital Rev. Bill Hitpas - Pastor; St. Nicholas Bruce Holland - Community Representative; United Way Debbie Humphrey - Program Director; 708 Mental Health
Board Terri Klawonn - Case Management Supervisor; Chestnut
Health Care Pat Mathis - Legal; Mathis, Marifian, Richter & Grandy, Ltd Philip Speicher - Legal; Mathis, Marifian, Richter
& Grandy, Ltd Bernadette Middeke - Daughter
with Mental Illness Fran Smith - KSF co-Director Kevin Smith - KSF co-Director Tom Smith - KSF co-Director Rev. Jim Voelker, RN - Pastor; Sibling with Mental Illness Sue Neuharth - Administrator, Meredith Memorial Emily Smith - Fundraising
Previous
Council Members Sharon Smith (2005-2007) - Fundraising Committee Chair; Karla's Aunt
In
Memoriam Council Members Tom Mulhall
(2005-2007) - Marketing Director;
Our Lady of the Snows
Karla was a seeker of knowledge, superb writer, dedicated friend, loving sister and wonderful daughter.
Tom retired from full time employment and spends much of his time on KSF projects, locally and
nationally. He is the author of five books, the most recent one being “The Tattered Tapestry” the
story of our family’s search for peace with bipolar disorder and suicide. He is an avid, life-long
sports fan, with most of his loyalty going to St. Louis teams, especially the 2006 World Series
Champion Cardinals. In 1966 he adopted the motto, “Bash On, Regardless”, which is useful once again
in his work for the Karla Smith Foundation.
Fran is a former teacher, counselor, and principal. After forty years in education she retired in
June of 2004. Since her life is now more leisurely, she volunteers in a variety of ways: tutoring in
the Adult Literacy Program, teaching in the Child Protection Education program for children,
and preparing food for parish funeral dinners. She also devotes much time and energy to the Karla
Smith Foundation. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, doing puzzles, playing bridge, gardening,
and reading.
Kevin works in Business and Management Consulting for the largest consulting company in the world,
Accenture. His work has taken him to many cities across the U.S., but since his college days at
Saint Louis University he has called St. Louis home. Since May 2003, Kevin has helped co-lead a
bipolar family support group in St. Louis through DBSA. Like his father, he is an avid sports fan
and enjoys playing tennis, golf, and basketball.