BIO ~ Erica Smith
Chief Executive Officer, Boys to Men Tucson
I was raised in Flagstaff, Arizona, where my early experiences shaped a strong connection to community and place. I later attended Northern Arizona University, developing my college acumen through coursework and applied learning grounded in community-based public health. Before entering the workforce, my school life emphasized understanding how social, environmental, and systemic factors influence individual and community well-being, laying the foundation for a career in public health.
My professional work centers on building community-based systems that support prevention, healing, and long-term wellbeing. I have spent my career working at the intersection of public health, youth development, and community engagement, with a strong focus on populations that are often underserved or disproportionately impacted by violence, school discipline, and inequitable access to mental and behavioral health supports. My approach is grounded in relationship-building, trust, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported.
Much of my experience involves designing and leading community-rooted programs that prioritize prevention over reaction. This includes developing mentoring and group-based models, facilitating restorative spaces, collaborating with schools and community partners, and aligning programming with evidence-informed public health frameworks.
I have worked closely with cross-sector partners to ensure efforts are coordinated, culturally responsive, and responsive to local needs rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. In addition to program leadership, I bring experience in organizational development, strategic planning, and sustainability. I have overseen program growth with limited resources, managed partnerships, supported staff and volunteers, and helped organizations remain mission-focused while navigating changing community conditions.
Across all of this work, my guiding principle has remained the same: lasting impact happens when communities are centered as experts in their own lives and when connection is treated as a core strategy for change.
Email: erica@btmtucson.com
Phone: 520-344-3624
Your Host: Kelly Ellsberry
Executive Lab Director; Education Coordinator
I was Born in Detroit. I attended Bethune Cookman College for a BS in Marketing but left due to marriage and children and entered the Healthcare field in 2008. I received Initial Lab Training in 2009 at UofA University Medical Center. My first business was a Real Estate Investment company in 2002 at 22 years of age.
Started Berry Best Mobile Lab Services, LLC (BBMLS) in mid 2016 as a small mobile lab company (contracting) then Launched Berry Best Phlebotomy Training, LLC (BBPTLLC) in 2019.
Expanded BBMLS into a Nationally Recognized Independent Clinical Lab in 2022. I am the Current Owner and Executive Lab Director of BBMLS, a Nationally Recognized Independent Clinical Lab, licensed by Center for Medicare Services (CMS) and COLA Accredited that operates primarily in a mobile capacity.
Current Owner and Education Coordinator of Berry Best Phlebotomy Training, LLC, a biolaboratory training academy that trains and preps graduates for national certification.
Company Phone: (954) 822-4722
Email: kells@bbmlsllc.com
Company Website: www.berrybestlabtechtraining.com
Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berrybestphlebotomy/
Company Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BERRYBESTPTLLC/
Company Messenger: https://www.berrybestlabtechtraining.com/contact-1
