our founders
Pastor Catherine Smith
FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Catherine Smith is committed to empowering and shaping lives through the vision of Help, Healing, and Hope. Through compassionate and thorough engagement, impartation and instruction, the lives of many youth and adults have been radically changed through both non profit organizations, Power4Life Ministries and KidsLivesMatter International.
Professionally, Catherine Smith is a seasoned former Secondary and current Post Secondary (College) Educator. She is also an ordained pastor with a Diploma and Graduate Diploma of Biblical Studies. Currently, she serves as a Business and Technology Professor at Houston Community College. She has formerly served as a Houston Community College Dual Credit/College Credit Coordinator and Career and Technical Education Instructor in HoustonISD.
Blessed with a number of awards, accolades, and national speaking engagements, she was just recently awarded as Houston’s Hometown Hero for Community Service by RadioOne/TVOne and their hosting of the 47th Annual NAACP Awards in Los Angeles, been awarded as a “Pillar In The Community” by The Houston Sun Newspaper, and been featured on national and local talk shows. She has also written State of Texas Curriculum for the Texas Education Agency and the University of Houston. She has been a past National Conference Speaker for the Southern Regional Education Board in Louisville, KY, Regional Teacher of the Year in 2010 and a finalist for HISD District Teacher of the Year. Further, she was the first (1st) and only instructor to bring "Mobile Learning" through a grant with Houston Community College to HoustonISD, and she was a past HCC Mobile Learning Symposium speaker. Finally, she was granted Waste Management (formerly BFI) Teacher of the Year and the Rotary Club Teacher Of The Year. She is passionate about teaching, developing, and training students and adults, so that they are sharply prepared to meet the demands of the 21st century.
Pastor Madelyn Traylor
CO-FOUNDER AND CO-DIRECTOR
Madelyn Traylor serves a the co director for both Power4Life Ministries and Kids Lives Matter International. She helps to oversee the day to day operations and logistics for Power4Life Ministries. She also has helped to develop strong partnerships by working very closely with community leaders and organizations, as partners and volunteers. Madelyn oversees all project,administrative, and educational committees in both Power4Life and Kids Lives Matter International
She currently serves as Pre-Kindergarten Montessori Teacher and Magnet Coordinator at Blackshear Elementary in The Houston Independent School District. She has been teaching for over twenty years, and has earned the title of Teacher of the Year in 2008 at Crawford Elementary and in 1998 at Clinton Park Elementary. She has been recognized as a teacher leader, and has been instrumental in providing support for other educators on a campus and district level. She has been instrumental in beginning the dual language program at Crawford Elementary, as well as serving in leadership capacities as an After School Coordinator, Teacher Mentor, Leadership Committee, and Summer School Lead Teacher. Minister Traylor as served on various district committees, including Early Childhood, and District Advisory Committee. She has also provided professional development for English as a Second Language, Parent Education, and Early Childhood.She is a true advocate for all learners, and desires that young learners be equipped by providing meaningful and enriching opportunities to grow and flourish. She has also been recognized as a Pillar in the Community by the Houston Sun and was also recognized as a Hometown Hero by Radio One/TV One along with the NAACP. Madelyn counts it a honor to serve in the community and be a voice and advocate for those that are in need.