Hilda Chasia Szternfeld Smith was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to survivors of the Holocaust. Her middle name Chasia was given in remembrance of her aunt Chasia Goszer who died in the Holocaust. Hilda Chasia was a self-realized child; filled with wonder and curiosity, which led her to express a true love of the arts, music and education. She has taught Hebrew, Yiddish, French, and English languages, charm school, music, art, meditation and yoga. She holds degrees from The University of Calgary, The University of Manitoba, Chopra Center University, California, and Pranayama Centers International, founded by Swami Vignanananda. She was part of the Women’s Writing Project at the University of Calgary and has contributed to the Literary International Reading Association (LIRA) writings on Poetry in the Classroom. Her poetry has been published in the Winnipeg Jewish Post and the Calgary Jewish Star and her paintings have been represented by galleries in Calgary, Alberta and Winnipeg, Manitoba.