Since 1995, she has volunteered to help teens deal with the loss of a parent, grandparent, sibling, other family member, or friend. Smolens generously volunteers to conduct sessions for Trinity Hospice (Gathering Place at Beach Cities Health District), several local high schools, and is called upon for crisis intervention. She has been diagnosed with neuropathy, a painful nerve disease, and started a chronic pain support group in Palos Verdes. Despite periods of intense pain, nothing keeps her from helping the teens who need her; she never misses a class.