The Goddard School of Decatur

Bios

• Erika

  From Cincinnati, I came to Atlanta to study electrical engineering at Georgia Tech. After more than a decade in leadership roles at a Fortune 100 company, where I earned three U.S. patents, I developed an interest in business and earned an MBA from Emory University. Becoming a parent changed my perspective and led me to open The Goddard School, where I could make an impact on children’s lives and support families in our community. With respective degrees from Harvard College & Howard University, my adult daughter and son credit their love of learning to their early years at The Goddard School. Outside of Goddard, I enjoy time with husband, family & friends. I have served as PTA president, school business council member, and team mom. My favorite children's book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. I am a graduate of Leadership Georgia, served on the Board of Directors for Ferst Readers, and remain active in several service organizations. My goal is simple - to be impactful.

• Ms Catina

  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".

• Nza

  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.”

• Ms Alicia

  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.

• Dana

  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 Julia

  I am from Roanoke Rapids North Carolina. I have an associate’s degree in early childhood education. I began my professional experience working with young children in 2017. What I enjoy most about teaching is seeing children smile after learning something new. I like watching children work together to solve problems. My favorite children’s book is, “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss.

• Kendra

  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 Molly

  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 Myleka

  I am from Atlanta, Georgia. I am currently pursuing my associate of applied science in Early Childhood Education from Atlanta Technical College. I began my professional experience working with young children in 2011. I knew once I stepped into the classroom, that I wanted to make a difference as a teacher. What I enjoy most about teaching is seeing children’s faces when they learn something new. I get to see what they learned from their teachers. My favorite children’s book is, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. In my free time I enjoy reading, writing, and painting.

• Narica

  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.

• Tamara

  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 Andrea

  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.

• Chiketta

  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”.

• Mrs Corshey

  I am from Sandy Springs, Georgia. I began my professional experience working with young children in 2019. What I enjoy most about teaching children is watching them learn and grow. I love fostering their creativity. My favorite children’s book is, “Frog and Toad” by Arnold Lobel. In my free time I enjoy arts & crafts and outdoor activities.

• Dawn

  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.

• Ms Kiamber

  I am from Social Circle, Georgia. I am currently pursuing my degree and getting my CDA from Gwinnett Technical College. I began my professional experience working with young children in 2022. What I enjoy most about teaching seeing children smile and being able to teach them. I want to make sure that each child is learning but are hands on when doing fun activities. My favorite children’s book is, “Green Eggs and Ham”. In my free time I enjoy reading and singing.

• Ms Mashaya

  Ms. Mashaya (Miracle) has been a teacher at this school for three years. She is from Warthen, Georgia, and enjoys serving at her church, reading, and watching K-dramas in her free time. Her favorite part of teaching is seeing her students’ faces light up as they learn and have fun. Her favorite children’s book is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.

• Ms Megan

  I am from Commerce, Georgia. I am working on my CDA credentials. I began working with young children in 2024. What I enjoy most about teaching is seeing a child’s daily growth and creating a bond. My favorite children book is, “The Giving Tree”.

• Shorline

  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.

• Ms Wynette

  I am from Atlanta, Georgia. I began my professional experience working with young children in 2025. What I enjoy most about teaching children is watching them achieve their developmental goals. In my free time I enjoy swimming and cooking.

• Yasmin

  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”.

• My-Asia

  I am from Virginia. I have taken classes at Emory University. I have been working with children since 2024. I love sharing with young children how to be creative and teaching them. My favorite children’s book author is Dr. Seuss. My favorite saying is, “Be Yourself”. In my free time I enjoy cooking, exploring new cultures, and doing hair.