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about us
Our Mission
To be that positive difference in the lives of our children, their families, and the communities we serve.
Meet the Founders
Justin Smith, Founder/CEO earned his bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from Florida A&M University (FAMU). He also earned a Master's of Business in Administration (MBA) from FAMU in 2020. He is also co-founder of Icon Preparatory Schools, a group of private schools in Florida and Ohio where he serves as the Executive Director. He has served in Education for over 15 years working as a Substitute Teacher, 8th grade Math/Science Teacher, Middle School PE Teacher, Athletic Director, and Soccer and Baseball coach. As a graduate of Melrose High School, a predominantly African-American high school in the Orange Mound community of Memphis, TN, he strongly believes that "a child's zip code does not determine their destination in life". He hopes to be that strong support system to kids in the community that he had while growing up.
Dianne Smith, Founder/Vice President earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Belhaven University. She is married and have 2 sons. Mrs. Smith originally founded The Little People's Village Childcare over 20 years ago back in 1998 in the heart of the Orange Mound community. From then until now, she has grown to understand the importance of early childhood education and is committed to providing an exceptional learning experience to children ages 12 months to 12 years old who live in the Memphis and surrounding communities. "I always believed in building that right foundation within a child at an early age so that they grow up to become positive impacts within society." Mrs. Smith has served in Education for over 30 years working for Memphis City Schools, Shelby County Schools and Charter Schools. She has taught English Language Arts/Reading and 5th grade Science. Mrs. Smith is looking forward to continuing the mission of The Little People's Village which is to "Make a positive difference in the lives of our children, their families, and the communities we serve".
Johnathan Smith, Founder/Executive Director earned his Occupational Therapy Assistant degree from Concorde Career College. He believes that every scholar has potential for greatness in his or her own path. His philosophy on education is "improving children's growth and development through reaching developmental milestones, equivalent with enhancing performance with their peers and expectations of their natural environment. He looks to become a pioneer in education for many more years to come.
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