Greenway Learning Center

GLC Staff

Meet the Educators Who Make Greenway Special

At Greenway Learning Center, our dedicated staff creates a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported, and celebrated. With years of experience in early childhood education, each teacher brings not only expertise, but also genuine care and attention to every child’s unique needs.

Get to know the wonderful team of educators who make Greenway such a special place to learn and grow.

Our staff uses color pencils of pink, orange, yellow, and more foster creativity.

Patti L. Smith

Director of Greenway Learning Center

Patti holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro.  She began her career with GLC in October 1993 as the Center Director.

Patti’s previous work experience includes lifeguard, camp counselor, Preschool teacher, Assistant Director, and Director of both corporate and privately owned child care centers. She is credentialed at level 6 with MSDE and is a member of the Prince George’s Child Resource Center.

Linda Valladares

Assistant Director

Linda joined GLC in October 2016 as a toddler teacher and in 2019 was promoted to Assistant Director. She started her career in child care back in 2008. She has earned certifications in Infant and Toddler Care and Preschool Education. Linda is credentialed at a level 4 with MSDE and is currently working on obtaining her CDA.

In her free time, Linda enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, watching movies, shopping, taking beach trips, and traveling.

Infants Classroom

Ms. Janice Clark

Lead Teacher

Janice Clark joined GLC in July 2012 as our lead Infant Teacher. Janice has a 90-hour Child Care Certification and her 45-hour Infant and Toddler training. Janice has over 15 years of experience working with young children and is the proud mother of two children and the doting grandmother of three. Janice is credentialed through MSDE at a level 3.

Ms. Ace

Ms. Ace joined Greenway’s Infant program in May of 2024 with two years of childcare experience. She is all about making kids feel safe, happy, and having fun.

Ms. Ace’s favorite part of the day is assisting children with their daily projects. Outside of work, she enjoys trying new restaurants and spending time with my friends and family. 

Twos Classroom

Ms. Nadra

Lead Teacher

Ms. Nadra joined GLC as a two year old teacher in July 2024. She has over six years of experience in Early Childhood Education and holds a 90-hour Child Care Certification, Child Care Administration for Directors, Including All Children, and the ADA and Pre-School Curriculum/Activities Certifications.

Ms. Nadra currently leads the Toddler classroom. She enjoys promoting social-emotional development as this builds a secure, caring, and supportive social environment in which children learn and try new skills. Outside of work, she enjoys listening to music, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Toddlers Clasroom

Preschool Classrooms

Ms. Rela

Lead Teacher

We welcomed Ms. Rela to our Preschool program in May 2024. Since joining GLC, she has completed her 90-hour Preschool certification and is very grateful to have been given the opportunity to complete the classes. Ms. Rela has over 20 years of experience teaching preschool-age children in the Caribbean.

She enjoys Circle Time with the children, which is very engaging.
Ms. Rela’s hobbies are reading, cooking, watching a good movie, but most of all, music is her love.

Ms. Nakita

Assistant

Ms. Nakita joined Greenway Learning Center in September 2025. She holds her 90 Hour Infant and Toddler certification, 90 Hour Preschool certification, and ADA certification. She enjoys being around children, not only to teach them but also to learn from them. Ms. Nakita has over 18 years of experience working with children and plans to continue her education. Ms. Nakita’s philosophy is to always smile and lead with love.  She is proud to be a part of the Greenway family.