Robin is an alumna of Cal Poly Humboldt where she graduated with a BS in Nursing (BSN) and a minor in Natural Resources Recreation in 1978. She was also a member and co-captain of the Women's Swimming and Diving Team under Head Coach Betty Partain from 1973-78. Her early nursing background in Humboldt Country includes working at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka from 1976 to 1980 as a Nursing Assistant, Graduate Nurse and Registered Nurse. In addition, she completed her Public Health Nursing student project with the Hupa Tribe learning from Tribal Leaders and Community Health Representatives thoughout the Hoopa Valley.
Robin is now retired from a 40 year career as a Medical Professional working in Healthcare, Global Clinical Research, and Clinical Trial Disclosure. She continues her work with alternative mealing modalities including energy medicine and sound healing.
In March 2020, she established the Robin M Smith RN BSN Nursing Scholarship Endowment to support students enrolled in the new Nursing program at Cal Poly Humboldt.
Robin serves on the Board of Directors and is the Open Water Swimming Chair for both Southern California Swimming and Southern Pacific Masters Swimming. She is a Certified Coach for the Irvine Novaquatics Swim Club and also a Certified Adult Learn to Swim Instructor.