Deborah J. Smith, Founder and Teacher of Brilliant Minds, has over ten years of experience working with innovative school systems and over five years of experience working with elementary students as a teacher in the classroom and after-school programs. Prior to becoming a teacher, Ms. Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in International Business Management from Arizona State University and worked on a team of charter school developers at Edison Schools, Inc. in New York City. While teaching elementary students in South Florida charter schools, Ms. Smith earned a Master of Science in Education from Nova Southeastern University and professional certifications in K-6 Education, Middle School Mathematics 6-9, and Yoga for Kids. She has held various leadership positions at the regional and school level and proudly earned awards of Teacher of the Semester and Teacher of the Month. Ms. Smith is excited to combine all of her unique academic, business, and life experiences to create a model education program dedicated to bringing out the best in every child.
Teacher Bios
Deborah J. Smith
Patricia Boiteux
Patricia Boiteux completed her undergraduate and graduate degree at the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education Program at Teachers College, Columbia University where she earned a Masters of Education and Masters of Arts degree in Deaf Education. She is dual-certified in Deaf Education (all grades) and Childhood Education (grades 1-6). Since recently finishing her certificate in Ed. Leadership, her goal is to own and operate a dual language school for the Deaf and Hearing. Ms. Boiteux continually challenges herself to be an Inspiring, Empowering, Relevant, and Engaging educator knowing full well that the only way to teach a child these character traits is to embody them herself. She believes that the role of a teacher is to find the strengths in every child and allow it to resonate throughout all classroom activities and learning experiences. Facilitating, rather than dictating, is a highly beneficial style of teaching for both the teacher and the students. By constructing their own learning experiences, Ms. Boiteux believes that students will not only retain information, but will also become more confident in their abilities.
Kyle Butler-Harris
Kyle Butler-Harris has been in South Florida since 2003. She spent 5 years working at the Arts Academy of Hollywood as the Director of Communications and Visual Arts working as the primary contact with students and families overseeing and teaching art classes. She also taught Sunday school and volunteers as a library assistant at Nativity School. Prior to living in Florida, Kyle held a career in television for over 20 years in New England where she was also a philanthropist working for the cause of domestic violence and children's services. Kyle is married with one daughter.
Kerrie Lisko
Hello! My name is Kerrie Lisko and I am so excited to start my journey with Brilliant Minds! I have been a second grade teacher for the past three years at Somerset Academy and this will be my first year as a Brilliant Minds Educator. I decided to become a part of this great enrichment program because I feel very passionate about the need for "well-rounded" students. Not only do students need to be academically challenged, but when they have the ability to problem solve and grow socially and emotionally then they can come full circle in discovering their talents and abilities which will allow them to reach for the stars!
Edmalia Constanza
Edmalia Constanza was born and raised in New York City. She holds a bachelors degree in Business Administration with concentration on Management and Marketing from the College of Mount Sinai St. Vincent as of May 2000. Ms. C worked as an Account Manager for 6 years before deciding to pursue a career in teaching. Her teaching certifications began with a 200 hour Vinyasa Yoga certification and Yoga for Kids certification in July 2006. In July 2009, Ms. C earned a teaching certificate from the state of Florida. She is excited to join the Brilliant Minds family because she believes firmly their mission. Ms. C wants to bring Brilliant Minds to all children in all schools.
Love the program! What an invaluable opportunity to provide for our children; perhaps giving them the tools to succeed no matter what they encounter!