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Dedicated & Certified
Natasha Mendes
Nadiya Leipold-Ford
Katie Conceicao
Owner/Director
Education Coordinator
My name is Ms. Natasha and I am the heart behind The Smart Start. I bring big dreams, endless giggles and a love for childhood magic to life every single day. As both owner and director, I believe learning should feel like play and that every child deserves a safe, nurturing space to explore, imagine and shine.
With a background in early childhood education and over 25 years of experience guiding little learners I am passionate about turning everyday moments into big discoveries. When not leading the adventure here, you'll find me driving my big kids around to all their extracurricular activities. Being a mom is my second full-time job.
Hi there! My name is Ms.Nadiya. I am the Assistant Director here at The Smart Start! Every day I have the privilege to create a warm, nurturing, and joyful space where children can explore, learn and be themselves! Whether I am sharing a story, dancing with the kiddos, or offering a comforting hug, my goal is to make sure that every child feels safe, loved and celebrated. I am here to support our little learners, the families and our incredible teachers! I work hard behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly so that each day is filled with laughter, learning and love. Thank you for trusting me to be a part of your child's early learning journey and I am excited to be a part of their growth every step of the way!
Hello! My name is Katie. I am the Education Coordinator here at The Smart Start.
In my role, I support teachers, children, and families by creating engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences. I work closely with our team to ensure that our curriculum not only meets educational standards, but also nurtures creativity, curiosity, and social-emotional development.
My goal is to help every child feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. I believe in building strong partnerships with families and teachers, because together we create the best environment for children to thrive. As a mom to two beautiful girls, I understand firsthand how important it is to have a safe, loving, and enriching environment for young children. This perspective motivates me every day to create the same kind of supportive atmosphere for the families we serve. On my free time I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, and photography.
Assistant Director