Dr. Smith is the founding Pastor of Grace Covenant Baptist Church and Academy, serving since January 1993. He is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, and the son of a Baptist minister. Dr. Smith holds the Doctorate in Christian Counseling Psychology and Master of Arts in Ministry degrees. He completed his undergraduate studies at Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City, Tennessee. Dr. Smith is married to the former Deborah R. Stroud, Early Childhood Education Administrator of Grace Covenant Baptist Academy.

Mrs. Smith has extensive teaching and administrative experience in early childhood education. She was previously employed with Knox County Head Start and was owner and operator of Noah's Ark Christian Child Care Center. Mrs. Smith oversees all aspects of Grace Covenant Baptist Academy's early childhood education program and is responsible for Grace Covenant Baptist Academy's teacher development and curriculum. She holds the Child Development Associate Credential for early childhood education. She is married to Rev. Dr. Alan Smith, Founding Pastor of Grace Covenant Baptist Church.

Mrs. Carter holds a Master of Arts in Education degree with a concentration on Excellence in Teaching from Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee. She is a Knoxville native and a graduate of Karns High School. Mrs. Carter and her family are active members of the Seymour Church of God where she serves as Children's Worship Pastor. Prior to teaching at GCBA, Mrs. Carter was employed by Knox County Schools as a kindergarten interventionist in providing extra reading support to at-risk children who fall into the 11th—25th percentile in reading. The instruction for these students was fast-paced, repetitious and supportive.

Mrs. Hamrick is the Lead Teacher in our older preschool classroom.  She is very familiar with Grace Covenant Baptist Academy as she, herself, was a student in our After School program.  Katlyn is a graduate of Hardin Valley Academy.  Each and every day, Mrs. Katlyn brings energy and excitement to the classroom. You will find her interacting with the students on their level throughout the day, leading daily activities such as crafts, music, and recreational play. Additionally, she teaches the children the weekly theme, letter, and Bible story.

Miss Lindsey, as she is affectionately known, has been teaching our Preschool children since January 2005, and is currently serving as a Teacher's Aide in our Kindergarten-First Grade classroom. Before coming to Grace Covenant Baptist Academy, she served as a Preschool teacher for Noah's Ark Learning Center of Knoxville. Her many years of Preschool teaching experience brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom. Her giving spirit and love for children makes her a perfect addition to any Preschool or Elementary school classroom. Miss Lindsey attended Karns High School where she served in the classroom assisting children with special needs. Her numerous classroom duties include guiding and assisting with daily activities in our Kindergarten-First Grade classroom.

Miss Kayla serves as a teacher in the Preschool 3 classroom of Grace Covenant Baptist Academy.  She is a Knoxville native and graduate of Hardin Valley Academy.  Prior to her employment with Grace Covenant Baptist Academy, Kayla served as a shift leader for nine years with Chick-Fil-A (Turkey Creek). (If she responds to you with, "My Pleasure< you will know why.  She has a passion for children and a personality that is warm and inviting. Kayla grew up at Grace Covenant Baptist Church where she currently attends. Miss Kayla is the epitome of a Christian preschool lead teacher, one who loves the Lord and makes Him first priority in her life. 

Autumn is a nursing student enrolled at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville with an ultimate goal of becoming a nurse anesthetist. Autumn's parents are both educators so her ability to relate to students in the classroom is a natural. She has a warm, outgoing personality that allows her to connect with the children in a unique manner.

Rev. Steve Alford serves as robotics instructor for Grace Covenant Baptist Academy and as Associate Pastor of Grace Covenant Baptist Church. In just two years, he was able to lead students enrolled in GCBA to the state robotics competition, after leading them to winning the local competition. Pastor Steve was employed for many years by Boeing Corporation and as a teacher in the Morgan County school system.