About Dr. TAS

Maybe you have an idea to build, work to make stronger, or a problem to solve. The right plan and support can help you get where you want to go.  

I am Dr. Teresa A. Smith, also known as Dr. TAS. I started DQ Consulting, LLC, and I lead its work. For more than 35 years, I have worked in schools, human services, leadership, publishing, and media. I hold an EdD in Educational Leadership, an MBA, and a master's degree in counseling. I am also a nationally certified counselor.  

I have written grants, led programs, edited books, and worked in media. For more than 10 years, I ran 21st Century Community Learning Centers programs. Today, I host Talk With TAS on iHeartRadio, Conversations Radio Network, and WYAD 94.1 FM. I bring the same hands-on care to every client.

I also worked at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. There, I wrote the state's standards for school counselors, social workers, and school psychologists. Colleges use those standards to train people for these jobs. I wrote policies and curriculum too. I also helped build North Carolina's early college high schools. When the state set new standards for students, I made sure the books and learning materials schools used matched them. That means I understand how strong programs are built, from the rules that guide them to the people who run them. 

If you have ever reached a point where you were not sure how to keep going, you already understand how DQ Consulting got its name.

I founded DQ Consulting in 2006, starting with career and event planning. When I was choosing a name, I kept coming back to a poem called "Don't Quit," which encouraged me through some difficult seasons in my own life. It reminded me that when one way does not work, there may be another way forward. DQ stands for Don't Quit.

The DQ Consulting logo is shaped like a compass, with points that face every direction. It stands for finding your direction, even when the path ahead is not clear. 

As my work grew, one experience changed how I saw the company. I had written 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants for afterschool programs I ran, and those grants were funded. When I wrote one for a faith-based organization and it was funded too, I realized I did not have to run every program myself. I could help other organizations secure funding, build strong programs, and serve their communities.

Today, DQ Consulting offers five services. Each one rests on the same belief that gave the company its name. When you have something worth building, do not quit. 

I am the Executive Editor of Conversations Magazine, and I write for it too. I am also an editor for ChosenPen. I have written my own books, from my life story, STRONGER, to cookbooks and a book on editing. My work as a writer and editor helps me guide you as you shape your ideas and reach the people you want to serve. 

Media Visibility: For business owners and leaders ready to share what they know. Get help with your message, your bio, interviews, a plan for where to show up, and social media posts. 

Publishing Support: For anyone with a book idea, a draft, or a finished book that is not out yet. I help you plan, shape, edit, and publish your book. If you have the materials but not the time, I can handle the whole process for you.

Author Support: For authors whose book is out or almost out. I help with a plan to share your book, author materials, book interviews, events, and deciding which offers are worth your time.  

Organizational Strategy: For leaders of nonprofits, schools, churches, and small businesses. I help you check how your programs are working, plan new ones, and write clear policies. I also help you get ready for funding and fix problems that keep coming back. 

21st CCLC Afterschool Support: For schools, churches, and nonprofits that want to plan, apply for, or run a 21st CCLC afterschool program. I help you get ready, write the grant, and run the program day to day. I also help with reports and with planning for life after the grant.