Catherine has a B.S. degree in Business Administration from The University of North Carolina and a master’s degree in Counselor Education from The University of Alabama. She has spent over 25 years in private practice and nonprofit work. Her clinical specialties in couples counseling, mood management and cognitive behavioral therapy have provided her with expertise in effective communication which she brings to all areas of her life and career. As a co-founder of a Birmingham nonprofit in 2006, she has close to 20 years of experience managing the property, facilities, and operations for that organization in addition to maintaining a thriving private practice.

Four years ago, Catherine moved to Baldwin County to live closer to her parents in Fairhope. She oversaw the construction of her new home (designed by Ono resident Kristen Coll) and fell in love with residential construction and the inner workings and systems of a home. As a seventh-generation property owner in Baldwin County, she is thrilled to live full-time on Ono Island and enjoy the beautiful Gulf Coast. While walking, biking, and driving on the island with Stephanie, both noticed how many homes on Ono sit empty when owners are away. Holding property management and maintenance close to her heart, Catherine felt pulled to help owners know what was happening while they were away from their homes. She is proud to be a founding member of Goat Island Guardians and serving this community through a home watch service.

With an MBA, double-focused in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Finance,  Jen spent 25 years in professional roles spanning technology and healthcare, from startup through acquisitions, building and leading national sales and service teams for multi-billion dollar organizations. Four years ago, Jen left the corporate world to launch and lead her own consulting and advisory firm, where she guides early stage health tech companies in strategy-building, aligning financial models for value-based care, and growing revenue. Along the way Jen’s passion for real estate led to the purchase and management of numerous investment properties, both solo and with real estate partners.  An outdoor enthusiast, Jen lives in Orange Beach on Terry Cove, where she delights in all the active adventures available year-round here, including biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even metal detecting on our beautiful (and “treasure”-rich) beaches!

“I know how challenging it can be to leave your beautiful home for weeks or months at a time, and then have the worry of your investment being “at risk,” sitting empty in your absence – the hassle and angst of begging friends and family to go bring in a package, check to be sure no pipes have broken, the pool pump is running, no pest infestations, etc. I wish I’d had access to a Goat Island Guardians when I was flying 40 – 45 weeks a year in my corporate job, and needed some peace of mind at home! I’m so thrilled to be living in paradise now (sans corporate travel schedule) and, as a founding member of Goat Island Guardians, working and serving luxury homeowners here in my back yard!”

Stephanie Smith is a licensed real estate agent with Keller Williams Alabama Gulf Coast, as well as a licensed, master-level Social Worker. She spent 25 years working with families in various settings. Her Social Work career involved helping families and children overcome challenges and improve their quality of life. She brings years of experience in service and resource coordination, dedication, and an eye for detail to her Home Watch and Real Estate businesses.

Stephanie is excited to live and work on Ono Island, and help care for neighborhood homes. She prides herself on her reliability, honesty, and dedication to keeping homeowners informed, and confident that their home is in good hands. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys boating, kayaking in the canals, riding her bike on the island, and walking her dog Chaco. As a full-time resident on Ono Island, and a founding member of Goat Island Guardians, Stephanie is excited to help care for your home in your absence, while nurturing relationships with her island neighbors.