Edufaith's Story
Established in 2019, Edufaith Consulting Educational Services is a testament to Dr. Nakia's commitment to inclusive education. After completing her book Essential Tips for Special Education Leaders, she felt compelled to continue to share the message of helping children with special needs and diverse learning styles and bring awareness so that the receivers of that information would also benefit from support. This venture was born out of a deep-seated passion for supporting students with diverse learning needs. As a parent of a child with a disability, Dr. Nakia experienced the challenges of navigating educational processes and accessing services.The firsthand struggle inspired a mission to create Edufaith, driven by the understanding that families deserve support and genuine comprehension of the processes of ensuring a quality education.
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With a career dedicated to sitting at the table and advocating for parents, Dr. Nakia recognizes the need through a dual lens as a parent and an educator. The impact of this unique perspective became evident during Dr. Nakia's journey as an educator and leader, witnessing the crucial need for support in understanding and developing successful processes for diverse learners and assisting parents and educators in supporting students with disabilities and diverse learning needs. Edufaith Consulting is not just an educational service; it's a catalyst for positive, inclusive change. Edufaith Consulting is a beacon of support, bringing a collaborative approach to ensure every family feels supported and truly understood.
DR. NAKIA COTTON SMITH
Owner/CEO
Dr. Nakia is an author, educator, podcaster, and CEO of Edufaith Essentials, driven by a deep commitment to honoring the diverse needs of all learners. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher, school leader, and district administrator, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her work in inclusive education and educational equity.
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A recognized subject matter expert in special education and Section 504, Dr. Nakia has built a distinguished career in the two largest school districts in Georgia. She has led the development and oversight of programs serving students with exceptionalities, including those supported under IDEA, Section 504, English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and college accessibility initiatives. Her leadership has ensured legal compliance, equitable service delivery, and meaningful academic access for all students.
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Dr. Nakia’s expertise extends beyond compliance—she is known for her ability to build effective systems from the ground up, design professional development for educators, and consult with organizations on inclusive practices. Her work is grounded in a strong understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Office for Civil Rights (OCR) requirements, and best practices for Multitiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and ELL programs.
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Through Edufaith, Dr. Nakia empowers schools, educators, and families with practical tools, strategies, and professional learning designed to elevate the educational experience for all students—especially those who require customized support. Her mission is clear: to lead with purpose, advocate with compassion, and ensure that equity is more than a vision—it’s a daily practice.
