How Radical Life Began

At Radical Life, our team shares one mission: to walk alongside families as they build stability, hope, and lasting change.

Radical Life was founded by Chad & Lindsay Smith, foster parents for over nine years, who saw too many children enter state systems. Not because of abuse or neglect, but because of poverty.

Driven by a desire to change that story, they launched Radical Life in 2021 after years of research and collaboration. Today, our team is committed to empowering families through community connection and evidence-based tools so every child has a safe and thriving home.

  • Lindsay Smith

    Executive Director & Coach

    Lindsay brings a decade of foster parenting experience and a passion for empowering families before crisis hits. Her background in education and leading and designing programs is vital to our mission. She leads Radical Life with vision, compassion, and a firm belief that transformation begins with relationships.

  • Sydney Shryock

    Community Impact Director

    Sydney brings a heart for families and a growing foundation as she pursues her Master of Social Work. She oversees Marketing, Childcare, CarePortal, and more at Radical Life, approaching each part of her work with care and a strong belief that lasting change begins with connection and consistent support.

  • Karen Cope

    Coach

    Karen brings years of experience from the corrections field and a deep desire to see families healthy and thriving. As one of our dedicated coaches, she helps teach on Mondays and connects with families weekly, offering guidance, accountability, and encouragement.

  • Hope McCaleb

    Office Manager

    Hope keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes, handling the clerical and administrative work that keeps Radical Life organized and effective. In addition to her office responsibilities, she also helps care for children on Monday nights, bringing warmth and reliability to everything she does.

  • Sarah Jenek

    Financial Assistant

    Sarah serves as our Financial Assistant, keeping our QuickBooks balanced and our finances in order. Her attention to detail and reliability make her an essential part of Radical Life, handling the work we couldn’t (and wouldn’t want to) do without her!

Board of Directors

Our board of directors is made up of dedicated community leaders who believe in proactive, relational support for families. They guide Radical Life with wisdom, oversight, and a shared commitment to strengthening homes and transforming futures.

Ben Coltrane - Chair

Colby Dobson - Vice Chair

Vicki Schweinler - Secretary

Kim Olson - Treasurer

Deb Dickerhoof

Amy Harmon

Jacinda Rowson

Penny Smith