Our 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!

I am from Atlanta, Georgia. I have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Mercer University, and master’s degree in Reading Instruction from Georgia State University. I also have a Specialist in Teacher Leadership degree from Thomas University. I began my professional experience working with young children in 2003. What I enjoy most about teaching children is watching them learn to overcome challenges. I enjoy teaching my students to love what makes them special. My favorite children’s book is, “The Sneeches” by Dr. Suess. In my free time I enjoy baking, crafting, reading, and traveling. My favorite saying is, “You can learn anything.”

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".

Ms. Callie is a Georgia native, and currently pursuing a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education at University of North Georgia. She also has a Child Development Associate's Degree. 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.

Ms. Carrie is from Cincinnati, Ohio. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Child, Youth & Family Studies from the She had been professionally working with young children for over 10 years. What she enjoys most about teaching children is seeing them smile and watching them hit developmental milestones. Ms. Carrie's favorite children’s book series is The Froggy Series by author Jonathan London.

Ms. Molly is from North Carolina and has been working with young learners since 1990. She loves seeing the excitement on their faces when learning new things. She also loves the opportunity to be a part of their development while providing them with a safe learning environment. Ms. Molly's favorite children's book is "Oh The Places You Will Go".

Ms. Kendra is from College Park, Georgia. She began working with young children over ten years. What she enjoys most about working with children is to see them smile. Ms. Kendra's favorite children’s book is, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”, by Laura Numeroff.

Ms. Andrea is from Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys drawing and playing video games. She has worked with children since 2012. Her favorite part about working with children is being a part of their joy and laughter and seeing their individuality. Her favorite children’s book is “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Suess.

Ms. Alise is from Decatur, Georgia. She began her professional experience working with young children 2 years ago. Her favorite part about working with children is when they smile or laugh. She loves to see them light up about something really warms her heart. Ms. Alise's favorite children’s book is “Brown Bear, Brown Bear”, by Eric Carle.

Ms. Gigi 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. Mashaya (Miracle) is from Warthen, Georgia. She enjoys working at church, reading, and watching K dramas when she is not at work. Ms. Miracle is new to teaching and her favorite part is seeing their faces light up when they are learning and having fun. Her favorite children's book is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess.

Ms. Miesha (Adena) is from Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys crocheting, archery, and reading. She has worked with children since 2016 and is a doula. Her favorite part about working with children is seeing their individual personalities develop. Her favorite children's book is "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle.

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. Safia is originally from India where she obtained her Bachelor 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. 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. Tamara is from Stone Mountain, Georgia. She began her professional experience working with young children in 2021. What she enjoys most about teaching children is building their creativity, curiosity, and imagination. She loves assisting in improving their self-help skills and strengthening motor skills. Ms. Tamara's favorite children’s book is, “Dream Big, Little One” by Vashti Harrison.

Ms. Edith is from Stone Mountain, Georgia. She holds a bachelors degree in Psychology from University of Georgia. She has been working with children since 2022. Ms. Edith enjoys forming strong bonds with the children in her care and loves seeing them develop their personalities, character traits, and other skills. Her favorite children book is, “Lemony Snicket” by Daniel Handler.

Ms. Dana is from Long Island, New York. She holds a bachelor's degree from Valdosta State University. She has been working with young children for three years. She loves to watch her students grow and discover new things. Ms. Dana's favorite children’s book is “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom”, by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault.

Ms. Deja is from Stone Mountain, Georgia. She hold's an associates degree in psychology. She began her professional experience working with young children a year ago. Ms. Deja enjoys seeing her students grow and putting a smile on their faces everyday. Her favorite children’s book is “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Suess.

I am from Snellville, Georgia. I have a bachelor's degree. I began my professional experience in 2018. What I enjoy most about working with children is their creativity and seeing them develop and grow. My favorite children’s book series is Harry Potter by JK Rowling.

I am from Brooklyn, New York. I have a TCC certificate and a CDA in Early Childhood Education. I began my professional experience working with young children in 2018. What I enjoy most about teaching children is being part of their growth and helping to nurture them in peace. My favorite children’s book is, “Please, Baby Please” by Spike Lee.

Ms. Shorline is from Brooklyn, New York and has been working with young children for over 15 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in social science. Ms. Shorline loves creating bonds with children and families, and enjoys watching them grow. Her favorite children’s books are “Llama Llama Red Pajamas”, by Anna Dewdney.

I am from Atlanta, Georgia. I am currently working on my CDA. I have been working with young children since 2013. I love watching each child grow up individually. I enjoy being able to nurture them and be part of their development each day. My favorite children’s book is, “Corduroy the Bear” by Don Freeman. In my free time I like to do photographer, sow and make custom clothing. My favorite saying is, “If you know better, you’ll do better.”

I am from New Jersey. I have been working with young children for over 9 years. What I enjoy most about teaching is witnessing children achieve greatness and being part of their development. My favorite children’s book author is Dr. Suess. My favorite saying is, “Coffee makes it all better.”

I am from Atlanta, Georgia. I have been working young children for over 25 years. What I enjoy most about teaching children, is seeing their growth. Children motivate me and I can learn many different things from their development. My favorite Children’s book is, “Llama, Llama” by Ann Devchey. My favorite saying is “Communication is key, learn something new everyday”.

I am from Delray Beach, Florida. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bethune Cookman University. I began my professional experience working with young children in 2019. What I enjoy most about teaching is seeing children grow and prosper. My favorite children’s book is, “How do dinosaurs Say Goodnight?” by Jane Yolen.

I am from Washington D.C. and have a CDA. I began my professional experience working with young children in 1985 at my neighborhood school. What I enjoy most about teaching is the look on a child’s face at the beginning of the day, and how they feel at the end of the day. My favorite children’s book is, “Green Eggs and Ham”. In my free time I enjoy cooking, sewing, and reading.

I am from Conyers, Georgia. I am pursuing my bachelor's degree in psychology. I began my professional experience in 2014. What I enjoy most about working with children is building meaningful connections with my students, seeing them grow, and gain confidence. My favorite children’s book is, “Goodnight Moon”. In my free time I enjoy cooking.

I am from Atlanta, Georgia. I began my professional experience working with young children in 2017. What I enjoy most about teaching children is I get to see each child’s personality shine. My favorite children’s book is, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”. In my free time I like traveling and interacting with the beauty industry.

I am from Atlanta, Georgia. I began my professional experience working with young children in 2020. What I enjoy most about teaching children is seeing them smile as they learn and grow. My favorite children’s book is, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”.

I am from Stone Mountain, Georgia. I have a paraprofessional license and am currently enrolled at DeVry University. I began my professional experience working with young children in 2017 in City of Decatur Schools. What I enjoy most about teaching is making sure children reach their age-group milestones. I love building relationships with children and parents. My favorite children’s book is, “When God Made You” by Matthew Paul Turner.