Our Goddard School Teachers

Originally from Cincinnati, I came to Atlanta to pursue an electrical engineering degree from Georgia Tech. After graduating, I was employed by a fortune 100 company for 10+ years in various roles of increasing responsibility and leadership. It is also here where I have three US patents credited to my name. During this period I developed an interest in the business of our organization and earned an MBA from Emory University. Shortly thereafter I had two children and all changed! Opening The Goddard School has given me the ability to be more impactful in the lives of children as well as our community. I now feel that I am making a difference. Outside of operating the Goddard School, my time is spent with my family supporting my children’s very active extra-curricular schedule. Through the years, I have been active with my children’s school where I have served as PTA president, school council member, room mom, team mom and much more. I have a love of children’s book with my favorite being The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. My now college age children credit their love of learning to their years at The Goddard School. I am a graduate of Leadership Georgia, on the Board of Directors of Ferst Readers, and active in many service organizations. My goal for our school is to create a lifelong love of learning because we truly feel that this is the foundation for academic success. We also hope that our families make a few friends along the way!

Catina Smith, our Executive Director, offers a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our faculty, children and families. She has been serving families in licensed preschools since 1996. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services and a Master’s degree in Performance Improvement and Training. We look forward to her guidance as we continue to deliver the best possible preschool experience to our families. Catina has two sons which have inspired her passion for Early Childhood Education. She enjoys touching an entire family through the education of a young child. Her daily mantra is "to aspire to inspire".

Originally from Miami, Florida, Ms. Natalie brings over a decade of childcare experience and a background in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), giving her a compassionate approach to early education. After becoming a mother, she relocated to Georgia to be closer to family and advance her career. She holds a TCC and is pursuing a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education at Western Governors University. Passionate about helping children thrive, she enjoys family time and volunteering at her children’s school, supporting programs for students with special needs.

Ms. Carmen is originally from August, GA. She has 25 + years of experience in childcare industry. She has been employed with The Goddard for 15 years. Her favorite children's book author is James Dean (Pete The Cat Books). She enjoys teaching, talking to children, listening to them, trying to understand their emotional world, and be a good role model for them.

Ms. Michelle is a passionate teacher in our Preschool classroom. Originally from Atlanta, GA, she earned her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Toledo in 2017. In her free time, Ms. Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music, dancing, and watching football. She strongly believes in the power of education and teaching, often saying, “A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything!”

Ms. Keyaira has been dedicated to the childcare industry since 2020 and brings a warm, nurturing presence to the Infant Classroom. She is passionate about supporting the early stages of development and finds great joy in watching children learn and grow each day. Currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Education, She completed her TCC this year 2025 at Gwinnett Tech. Ms.Keyaira is committed to expanding her knowledge and enhancing her teaching skills. Her goal is to create a safe, engaging, and loving environment where every child can thrive.

Ms. Janiyah is one of our Infant Teachers. She is originally from Raleigh, NC, and has been working in childcare since 2024. She is currently enrolled at Gwinnett College, where she is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Janiyah enjoys helping children learn through play. In her free time, she loves cuddling up with a good book, cooking, and baking.

Ms. Isidrely is originally from Venezuela and has lived in Georgia for the past four years. She began working in the childcare industry in 2024 and currently holds a TCC in Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children. In her free time, Ms. Isidrely enjoys mini vacations, relaxing with movies, and spending quality time with her family.

Ms. Alexis is one of our dedicated toddler teachers. Originally from Atlanta, GA, she has over 15 years of experience in the childcare industry. In her free time, Ms. Alexis enjoys cooking, attending comedy shows, and exploring new places to eat. Her favorite part of teaching is watching children learn new skills and knowing they will carry those lessons with them into the future.

Ms. Emily is our wonderful toddler teacher! She was born in New York and has called Georgia home since 2004. Ms. Emily has been working in the child care industry since 2004 and is currently working toward earning her CDA certification here in Georgia. In her free time, Ms. Emily enjoys painting, cuddling up with a good book, and journaling. She is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where toddlers can learn, grow, and thrive.

Originally from Grayson, GA, Ms. Molly has been working in the childcare industry since 2018. She is a firm believer in leading by example, which is reflected in her commitment to a healthy lifestyle — including nutritious eating and regular physical activity. MS. Molly finds joy and purpose in being an educator, as it allows her to continually learn and grow in knowledge alongside her students. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, drawing, hiking, exercising, and exploring history.

Ms. Akenya is our wonderful Preschool teacher. Born and raised in Lawrenceville, Georgia, she has been working with children since 2022 and brings warmth, energy, and dedication to the classroom. Her favorite children’s book is The Cat in the Hat, and she loves building strong relationships with her students while supporting their learning and growth. Passionate about early childhood education, Ms. Akenya is exploring opportunities to further her career in Early Childhood Development. In her free time, she enjoys shopping and spending quality time with her family.

Ms. Isha is one of our teachers in the Two-Year-Old Classroom. She was born in India and moved to Buford, GA, in 2024. With five years of experience in the education system, she is passionate about working with young children. In her free time, she enjoys cuddling up with a good book. Her favorite children's book is *The Four Seasons*. Ms. Isha loves having fun with the children and playing an essential role in providing them with the tools they need for their future in school.

Ms. Lola is one of our dedicated teachers in the Two-Year-Old classroom. She has been working in the childcare industry since 2020 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kennesaw State University. One of her favorite children's books is Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. In her free time, Ms. Lola enjoys gardening and playing her favorite musical instruments at home. She loves watching children light up with excitement as they learn and explore in a fun, engaging environment.

Ms. Kenia was born in Atlanta, GA. She is a Teacher in our Preschool Classroom, she has worked in child care industry since 2022. Her favorite book is "The Giving Tree" By Harper Collins. On her time off she enjoys cuddling up with a good book and watching movies. She loves creating bonds with the children and enjoys watching them learn and grow in her classroom.

Ms. Jennifer is a Teacher in our Pre-K Classroom. Obtained her Business Degree from Mississippi in 2001 and Bachelors in Early Child Hood in 2011 from Georgia Gwinnett College. She has been with The Goddard School since 2015. She has been working with children since 2001. She is ELL endorsed and loves children’s excitement for learning and being a part of their future success. She is a mother of 2 and loves karaoke and football.

Meet Ms. Sandra – Pre-K Teacher Ms. Sandra brings warmth, experience, and a passion for early childhood education to our Pre-K classroom. Originally from Jamaica, she comes to us with 14 years of childcare experience. Outside the classroom, Ms. Sandra enjoys traveling and catering, exploring new cultures and cuisines. Her favorite part of working with young children is the opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact in their lives every day.

Ms. Alina is our two-year-old classroom teacher. She was born in Georgia and has worked in the child care industry since 2021. She is currently attending GTC, where she is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. In her free time, Ms. Alina enjoys spending time with her family and loved ones.

Ms. Selena is originally from New York and has been living in Georgia since 2018. She is currently pursuing a degree in Business at Georgia Gwinnett College. In her free time, she enjoys skating and baking. Ms. Selena has a passion for working with children and enjoys getting to know their unique personalities while helping them learn and grow.

Ms. Jordon is our resource teacher. She was born and raised in Georgia and is excited to continue her education at Gwinnett College this year, where she plans to pursue a degree in Child Care. She has a passion for working with children and looks forward to growing her knowledge and experience in early childhood education. When she’s not at school, Ms. Jordon enjoys baking, curling up with a good book, and enjoying some relaxing downtime. Her favorite part of working with children is watching them learn, grow, and develop their own unique little personalities. She loves being part of those special moments and helping children feel supported as they discover the world around them.