My work is rooted in a personal calling to lead, serve, and develop people. My specialty is building systems and cultures that help students and educators thrive, where high expectations are paired with genuine care and accountability. My purpose is to create opportunities that change life trajectories, and my mission is to empower young people to discover who they are, walk in confidence, and maximize their potential. My faith is the foundation that guides how I lead, make decisions, and serve my community.
That same commitment extends into Atlanta SMART Academy where our mission is to use science, math and the arts to build innovative solutionists. As the only performing arts charter school in Atlanta, we provide a well-rounded education that blends academic excellence with the arts. This allows students to develop creatively and academically. What sets us apart is our holistic approach. We don’t just focus on performance or academics alone, but on the full development of each student.
We are intentional about building confidence, creativity, compassion, and competence through both the classroom and the stage. At Atlanta SMART Academy, students are seen, supported, and challenged to grow into leaders and change agents. That combination of purpose-driven leadership, faith-centered values, and a unique performing arts focus is what makes our work truly special.
My journey into education and leadership is deeply personal and purpose-driven. I began as a student in performing arts schools from kindergarten through 12th grade in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where I experienced firsthand the power of combining academic rigor with creative expression. Initially, my path led me toward medicine as a Biology pre-med major, but everything shifted when I was recruited into Teach For America. I was placed in Southwest Atlanta, where I taught high school chemistry and biology. It was there that I encountered students whose stories of resilience, hope, and determination reshaped my purpose. Seeing what was possible when students were given access to strong educators and real opportunities changed the trajectory of my life.
That passion carried me into school leadership, but I knew more could be done. One year before the pandemic, I made the decision to step away from my role as an assistant principal to plan and launch Atlanta SMART Academy. I believed then and still believe now that students on the south side of Atlanta deserved a better, more intentional educaitonal option. Atlanta SMART Academy was created to meet that need, combining academic excellence with performing arts to give students both a voice and a vision for their future. Starting in August of 2021 and now celebrating 5 years, what started as a leap of faith has grown into a mission-driven organization committed to transforming lives and communities through education.
Throughout this journey, there have been several proud moments and milestones that reflect both the impact of our work and the strength of our community. Atlanta SMART Academy was honored as Partner of the Year with InspirEdu in 2023 and recognized as Business of the Year in 2022. Both affirmations of our commitment to innovation and excellence in education.
Academically, one of our most significant achievements has been exceeding the State Charter Schools Commission (SCSC) standards in 2025, demonstrating that our model not only inspires students creatively but also drives strong academic outcomes. Building on that success, we were awarded a 5-year charter renewal in 2026, solidifying confidence in our vision and results.
Looking ahead, one of our most exciting milestones is the approval to expand our impact by launching Atlanta SMART Primary, serving grades K–4, beginning in August 2027. This expansion represents our continued commitment to reaching students earlier and building a strong foundation for lifelong success.
To me, being dauntless means facing every challenge with the belief that I can overcome it. It doesn’t mean I’m never afraid or that I always know what to do next. It means I refuse to let fear, failure, or circumstances have the final word. If I am facing it, I believe God has given me, and will continue to give me, the strength, wisdom, and grace to overcome it.
I would remove sin because I believe it is at the root of so much of what separates us from God and from one another. Sin causes us to forget who we are, surrender our power, and live beneath the authority and purpose God has given us. I would want every person to understand their identity, their God-given potential, and the power they have to make a difference in the world.
Outside of my professional work, I am a wife, a proud mother to one daughter, and a pastor, which are all roles that deeply shape who I am and how I lead. My faith and family are central to my life and continue to ground and inspire me in everything I do.
In my personal time, I enjoy reading, writing, and traveling. I love trying new things including tennis, glassblowing, and painting. You can find me near the water trying new water sports like whitewater rafting and kayaking. I’m especially drawn to the tranquility of the beach whenever I have the opportunity. That time allows me to reflect, recharge, and return to my work with clarity and purpose.
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One of my greatest challenges has been learning how to push through failure and keep going when things don’t work out the way I envisioned and to see failure as an opportunity to learn rather than a reason to quit.
That lesson has been especially personal in building Atlanta SMART Academy. We fought to open our school in the middle of a pandemic because our community believed in what we were creating and wanted us there. Since then, we’ve faced significant challenges, including losing funding and having to make difficult decisions and cuts.
But I’ve learned not to stop when I encounter a closed door. I keep telling the story. I keep sharing the vision. And when I do, the right people find us. They help us meet a need, connect us to a resource, or give us an idea that moves us forward.
Atlanta SMART Academy
Atlanta, GA
2636 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Suite 14
(470) 502-3110
info@atlantasmartacademy.org
Insta @atlantasmartacademy
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Atlanta SMART Academy
Atlanta, GA
2636 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Suite 14
(470) 502-3110
info@atlantasmartacademy.org
Insta @atlantasmartacademy
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