Mrs. Smith received her degree from Chapman University and began her teaching career in 1996. Her teaching experience in brick-and-mortar schools spans multiple grade levels, including kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 5th grade, in which she served her district as a department lead. She has been with CAVA since 2002, supporting students and families as a K–8 teacher, elementary trainer, regional lead teacher, regional program coordinator, and now as a curriculum specialist.