Our Staff
Smart Start Academy staff are fully equipped individuals in the field of childcare and early childcare education. Education combined with love, patience, faith, and flexibility ensure that your child has a great experience. They are professional and qualified, some have decades of experience working with young children.
Directors
A'Nita Pedersen
Director
A'Nita has 20+ years of experience in the childcare industry. She has an Early Childhood Degree and a background of business and management. Working with staff to create a safe and inviting environment for children to learn and grow is her passion.
Maxine Hughes
Assistant Director
Maxine has several years experience under her belt as a classroom teacher and as an Assistant Director. Her love and compassion for children and families is evident when you meet her. She strives to ensure that all children have the opportunity to learn and grow through our care and curriculum.
Admin Support Staff
Our support staff here at Smart Start Academy is some of the best in the business.
When you call you are greeted by a professional administrative assistant.
Ms. Mandi Dawson is our admin/receptionist, She handles all calls regarding information about our program, waiting list management and children's paperwork for our center.
She has many years in childcare and is a She loves making sure the parens, staff and children have everything they need.
Ms. Kamaria Blake is our on-site chef. She has culinary skills that are off the chart. Our children are served meals that are both healthy and delicious.
Ms. K is a wonderful part of our admin team!
Teaching Staff
Teaching is one of the most complicated jobs today. It demands broad knowledge of subject matter, curriculum and standards. Our teaching staff are qualified, experienced and educated in the field of Early Child Development.
Our goal is to encourage and instill in each and every child a love for learning.
Every staff member renews their continuing education learning with 15 hours of training, minimum per year. All are certified in CPR/First Aid.
TEAM: a group of individuals with different skills working together to create a common bond and complete joint goals.
We also say that it is an extension of our family.
Our teaching staff works together to ensure the development of children; educational, social, emotional and physical.