Dan Zane Smith

Dan Zane Smith is the author of heartfelt memoirs and inspirational fiction shaped by a lifetime of perseverance, faith, and imagination.

At the age of five, Dan contracted polio, leaving him with no use of his right arm and only partial use of his left. Despite these challenges, he attended public school, participated in sports, and even played the trumpet—experiences that taught him determination and resilience.

Throughout his career, Dan served as a branch manager, disability claim specialist, and disability analyst for the State of Oregon for more than sixteen years. He also worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for twelve years and as an education coordinator and teacher for nine years. He earned a bachelor's degree in history from California State University at Northridge.

Today, Dan works part time for Pearl Buck Center in Oregon, where he supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His lifelong commitment to helping others continues to influence both his work and his writing.

Having lived in New Mexico, Southern California, and Oregon, Dan draws upon his life experiences to create stories of courage, hope, and faith. His memoir, Tiny the Gigantic Protector: A Boy, a Little Dog, and the Courage to Live with Polio, tells the true story of the tiny Chihuahua who helped a frightened little boy discover strength and security after polio changed his life.

Dan and his wife live in Oregon and are the proud parents of three children and grandparents of two grandchildren. When he isn't writing, he enjoys reading, hiking, history, church, and spending time with family and friends.

Through his writing, Dan hopes to encourage readers to face life's challenges with courage, faith, and perseverance, knowing that hope can be found even in the most difficult circumstances.