Meet Deborah
Meet Deborah R. Smith, M.ED.
Children’s Motivation Coach, Speaker, Author, and Founder of Nana Banana Happy Kids
More than two decades ago, Deborah R. Smith created Nana Banana Happy Kids out of a simple but urgent belief: every child deserves the tools to thrive — emotionally, mentally, and joyfully.
As a former teacher, Deborah had seen firsthand what happens when children carry stress, anxiety, and frustration without the skills to understand or manage those feelings. She knew there had to be a better way — and she built it.
The Nana Banana Happy Kids program has since reached children through private sessions, public and private schools in Ohio and California, museums in Michigan, and libraries in Iowa. The results have been remarkable. Teachers have reported dramatic improvements in children’s confidence, self-esteem, and positive mindset. Parents have watched their children transform.
Deborah has dedicated her career to teaching children that their thoughts, feelings, and imagination are not just things that happen to them — they are powerful tools they can learn to use.
Founder
Deborah R. Smith, M.A.
A little about me
I am an advocate for all children. I consider them precious gifts to the world — and I dedicate my time to listening to them, learning from them, and helping them become happy, whole little souls.
I am all about family. My husband and I are the proud parents of three remarkable daughters — two Harvard Law graduates and an entrepreneur and Florida A&M graduate — and the even prouder grandparents of eight beautiful grandchildren. Family is everything to me. It is also what drives every part of this work.
Years inspiring kids
States reached
Happy little souls