By donating to Denise's campaign, you are supporting a candidate who is honest and wants the best for Crystal Lake. When you invest in Denise, you are also investing in YOUR quality of life, YOUR home, and YOUR community.
MEET DENISE
Moving Crystal Lake Forward
Read Denise's answers to The Northwest Herald Candidate Questionnaire.
You can also read Denise's answers to The Patch's Candidate Questionnaire.
Denise Smith
Denise Smith grew up in the Detroit suburbs and attended Marquette University where she received a bachelor’s degree in psychology. In 2002 she graduated with her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy. Denise married Scott Smith in 2005 and they moved to Oswego, Illinois soon after. In 2009, Denise and Scott moved to Crystal Lake because they wanted great school options for their children. They were impressed by facilities such as Veteran’s Acres (one of Denise’s favorite places to run!), Three Oaks Recreation Area (home to Denise’s race, The Crystal Lake Aquathon), Lippold Park (many Saturdays are spent here at sporting events!), and Crystal Lake Main Beach. In 2015, Denise opened her business, Smith Physical Therapy + Running Academy. She chose to open in Crystal Lake because of the support provided by the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Crystal Lake Association, and the idea that the residents of Crystal Lake support small businesses. Denise employs Crystal Lake residents, McHenry County residents, and other neighboring community residents.
She powers 4 of the city’s premier races, including the
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Crystal Lake Aquathon to benefit Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois
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Crystal Lake Half Marathon
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McHenry County Santa Run to benefit Girls on the Run, CASA of McHenry County, Main Stay Therapeutic Farm, Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County, Turning Point, and Kiwanis Club
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McHenry County Patriot Run to benefit Veterans Path to Hope and Veteran’s Assistance Commission
The steady leadership of the current city council has helped this great city become a "Good Place to Live." Now it is time to keep the progress moving forward!
Denise's Qualifications
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Leadership Greater McHenry County (Class of 2018)
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Owner – Smith Physical Therapy+ (established 2015)
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Crystal Lake Resident – arrived 2009
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Mother to Amelia (age 14 at Crystal Lake Central High School) and Cameron (age 11 at St. Thomas Catholic School)
Denise's Community Engagement
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Race Director – McHenry County Santa Run and Patriot Run
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Race Director – Crystal Lake Aquathon
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Race Director – Crystal Lake Half Marathon
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Past Board Member: Sage YMCA, Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois
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Current Board Member: Leadership of Greater McHenry County
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Leadership Greater McHenry County – Curriculum Committee Healthcare Day
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Organization Committee for Downtown Crystal Lake - President
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Volunteer Services: St. Thomas Catholic Church, My Sister’s Dress, Run for Our Lives, Jake Keltner Memorial Blood Drive, Home of the Sparrow, Family Health Partnership Clinic, Girls on the Run
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Adjunct instructor at McHenry County College Physical Therapist Assistant Program