Erika came to Atlanta from Cincinnati, OH, to pursue an electrical engineering degree from Georgia Tech. After graduating, she was employed by a Fortune 100 company for 10+ years in various roles of increasing responsibility and leadership. Erika also has three US patents credited to her name. Later, she earned an MBA from Emory University. Talbert is from Buffalo, NY and is the youngest of three boys. He has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Morgan State University and 24 years of experience leading and managing in Fortune 100 companies. Talbert is also a graduate of GE's technical leadership program. Erika and Talbert opened their first Goddard School in 2008 where they have graduated both of their own children. Their goal for the school is to create a lifelong love of learning because they truly feel that this is the foundation for academic success. Erika and Talbert also hope that their 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 2 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".

Kelsie Kennedy, Director of Community Development, is from Vidalia, GA, and moved to Atlanta after the completion of her college degree. She attended Georgia Southern University where she earned her Bachelor’s in Public Relations. She also has an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts. Kelsie has experience in marketing, event planning, and social media management. She has always had a passion for working with children and enjoys their honesty and loves the opportunity to have a positive impact on their lives. Kelsie looks forward to building meaningful relationships in our community.

Shavonne Delgado, Education Director, is a Bronx, New York Native who has lived in Georgia since 2019. She moved to Philadelphia after graduating from St. John’s University with a Bachelor’s degree. She later attended The University of Pennsylvania to begin work on her master’s degree in Education with a focus on Policy and Advocacy. Shavonne has been working with children since 2012. She was a Teach for America teacher, a Teacher’s aide, Kindergarten Teacher, Preschool Teacher, and a Program Director. Shavonne focuses her energy on creating equal and equitable education for all children and is passionate about making generational changes in her community.

Ms. Kristina is from Woodbridge, VA and has her B.S. in Criminal Justice. Her favorite book is “The Babysitters Club” By: Ann M. Martin. Her favorite part of teaching is watching her student’s minds and brains expand along with their beautiful smiles. In her spare time, she enjoys doing hair, playing soccer and cooking.

Ms. Natalie is an Atlanta native. She began her Early Childhood career in 2017. Her favorite children’s author is James Dean. Ms. Natalie loves teaching children new things. In her spare time, she loves cooking and crafting.

Ms. Safia is originally from India where she obtained her Bachelors degree. She has been working with young learners since 2018. Ms. Safia loves coming up with new ideas each day to teach her students. In her spare time, she enjoys reading.

Ms. Shanterrie is an Atlanta native and attended Alabama State University where she obtained a BA in Early Childhood Education. She has been working with young learners since 2017. Her favorite children’s author is Eric Carle. Ms. Shanterrie loves seeing the "light bulb" go off when her students understand a lesson. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, shopping, and going to the movies.

Ms. Shira is from Lexington, Kentucky, and has been working with young learners for more than 10 years. Her favorite children’s book is "Pete the Cat". Ms. Shira loves being a part of a child's major milestones and knowing she was involved in helping them love learning. Ms. Shira enjoys being a mother herself, and she also loves shopping.

Ms. Staciea has been working with children since 2017. She is originally from Jackson, MS and she enjoys video editing, volleyball, and hiking. She is a graduate from Clayton State University and what she enjoys most about working with children is seeing their genuineness and watching them grow.

Ms. Ariah is an Atlanta native and has been working with young learners since 2014. Her favorite children’s book is Junie B Jones. Ms. Ariah loves watching children learn and grow. In her spare time, she enjoys cosmetology.

Ms. Callie is a Georgia native, and currently pursuing a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education at University of North Georgia. She's also pursuing a Child Development Associates. Her favorite children’s book is The Giving Tree. Ms. Callie loves being a part of a child's "Ah-ha" moment. In her spare time she enjoys painting and Kayaking.

Georgetta is a New Jersey native and has been working with young learners since 2013. Her favorite children's book is "The Rainbow Fish". Georgetta has a passion for encouraging and helping young children reach their potential.

Ms. Jade a native of Mobile, Alabama, and she is in current pursuit of her Bachelor's Degree. Her favorite children’s book is "Junie B. Jones". Ms. Jade enjoys inspiring each one of her students and loves how they can always brighten her day. In her spare time, she enjoys blogging.

Ms. Kiara is originally from Virginia and she enjoys community service and cheerleading. This is Ms. Kiara's 3rd year in childcare and she loves creating new bonds with young children. Her favorite part about being in childcare is watching children grow and achieve developmental milestones. Her favorite children's book is "No, David," by David Shannon.

Ms. Lamoy is originally from St. Thomas, U.S Virgin Island-Jamaica. She is a Certified Nursing Aide, and has been working with young learners since 2014. Her favorite children’s author is Dr. Seuss. In her spare time, she loves art and music.

Ms. Lavojia is from Decatur, Georgia and she enjoys dancing, reading, and arts & crafts. She currently holds a preschool CDA and has 4 years experience working with children. Her favorite book is, "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish," by Dr. Seuss. Ms. Lavojia believes that her role as a teacher is to give her children skills for success!

Ms. S’Coya is a Decatur native who has been working with children since 2018. S’Coya attained her TCC from Georgia Piedmont Technical Collage. Her favorite children’s book is Green Eggs and Ham. On her spare time, she enjoys creating arts and crafts. S’Coya loves watching her students achieve and surpass their milestones.

Valeria is an Atlanta native and resides in the Eastlake Community with her spouse and two children. She has a Child Development Associate and has been developing young minds since 2013. Valeria is also continuing her education in Early Childhood Development. She enjoys teaching because it takes very special people to help innovate the minds and souls of children. She loves that teaching is a profession that keeps her on her toes and young at heart!

Ms. Charlotte is originally from Chicago, IL and has been working with young learners since 2015. Her favorite children’s book is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Ms. Charlotte loves seeing the creativity in each child. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and music.