My name is Kimberly Smith, and I was raised in Arcadia, California. When I am not on a field cheering on our two kids, you’ll find me cooking, baking, decorating or doing arts and crafts.
I am also the founder and administrator of Monrovia Rocks, the official Monrovia, California chapter of the nationally recognized Kindness Rocks Project. You can find our group on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Our mission is to spread kindness to total strangers. I love seeing new members paying it forward. It’s rewarding to see how a simple act of kindness is spreading in our city and into other cities.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband, Brad Smith, grew up and went to Monrovia schools and is now an assistant principal. We have an 11-year old son who loves soccer, baseball and eating sushi. Our daughter is ten and plays soccer, softball and takes art lessons in town. Brad and I are fortunate to have our parents living close by in Monrovia and Arcadia.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I feel very blessed to be a third grade teacher in a local elementary school. It’s always been a dream of mine to have my own classroom with 8 and 9-year olds. I love being creative with my students and interacting with them the most. I also love to get students excited about learning new things.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
There are so many to choose from. I love the Diplomat, the Monrovian, Grey and Cash and Sena on Myrtle.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Just over 12 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
This is so difficult because I’ve met so many incredible people here in Monrovia, but as a whole, Monrovia Rocks is filled with a diverse group of members from different backgrounds and stories. They are so positive and kind.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’ve always wanted to travel to Costa Rica to see the tropical beaches, wildlife and waterfalls. It sounds like it could be my happy place.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I have watched The Notebook so many times and it never gets old.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Make sure to take time to care for yourself. Life can be so busy and stressful at times that it’s important to take a moment to do something that makes you happy every now and then.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
It would be a dream to stay in one of those overwater bungalows in Tahiti or Bora Bora.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I listen to my “favorites” playlist which has a variety of genres. There’s Indie-rock, hip-hop, reggae, 80’s, latin…I listen to it all.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Dollmakers’ Kattywompus and Bob’s Big Boy
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Megan Murphy! If you’re reading this and make it out to SoCal, I would love to meet you and take you out to The Monrovian for lunch. (Megan Murphy is a Women’s Empowerment Coach, Business Mentor, Kindness Activist, Meditation Instructor and Lecturer. If it weren’t for her, Monrovia Rocks wouldn’t exist.)
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Monrovia has that small town feel where everyone knows everyone and everyone is willing to help each other out. I love all the community activities that are offered throughout the year.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Happily married in Monrovia and teaching.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have a fear of driving over railroad tracks. I think it’s called Siderodromophobia. I try to avoid train tracks as much as possible.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Island of Capri, Italy
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Any month in fall when the weather is cool and the stores sell pumpkin everything. My favorite holidays are Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My husband. haha
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband again.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Tropical scents like coconut and passionfruit
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love ~ comfort ~ warmth
