During the 2024 session, she sponsored a law that prohibits debt collectors from reporting medical debt to credit bureaus. Her advocacy led to the creation of a medical debt relief program​, administered by the Office of the General Treasurer, to help Rhode Islanders eliminate medical debt. She also sponsored a law that provides funding for a psychiatric resource network for providers treating children and new parents.

In 2022, she sponsored legislation to help increase access to social workers and better enable the field to attract licensees who can meet the language and cultural needs of Rhode Island. She also introduced legislation to create a 988 suicide prevention hotline, which became law when funding for the hotline was included in the state budget.

A strong advocate for small businesses, she sponsored successful legislation in 2021 that gives all businesses the flexibility to file annual reports with the Secretary of State between February 1 and May 1 each year. The owner of Dr. Day Care Inc., Representative Shallcross Smith previously served on the Lincoln School Committee. She is a member of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce and a commissioner on the Rhode Island Legislative Commission of Child Care.

A 1970 graduate of Lincoln High School, she received an associate's degree in early childhood education and human services in 1982. She received a bachelor's degree in human services from the University of Rhode Island in 1985, master's degree in counseling from Rhode Island College in 1989, and a doctorate in youth studies/leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Florida in 1995.

Born August 2, 1952, she resides in Lincoln with her husband, Ronald R. Smith. She has two sons and a daughter, four grandsons, and four granddaughters.​