Our Board

James D. Smith and Elaine Friend - Founders

A husband-and-wife team, James and Elaine founded KOS, Inc. in the spring of 2021. Their first school break camp took place in the fall of 2021, welcoming 12 students and offering a diverse curriculum that included carpentry, theatre, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), and visual arts. Since then, the curriculum has expanded to include sewing, music, Spanish, language arts, yoga, financial literacy, and more.

James, an army veteran and former firefighter, began teaching carpentry to young people during the Covid-19 pandemic at his former business. Inspired by this experience, he decided to continue teaching carpentry within the community. In the spring of 2021, he met Elaine, and together they founded KOS, Inc.

Elaine brings nearly a decade of experience teaching children. She traveled the country teaching children’s theatre before settling in Smyrna, GA, where she managed a local children’s performing arts studio. With their combined passion for children's education and community building, James and Elaine launched KOS, Inc. to provide enriching programs for youth.

Wendy Barnes Melstrom is a dedicated healthcare professional from Smyrna, Georgia, with a deep commitment to enhancing social and emotional wellness within the community. She holds a bachelor's degree in nursing from Kennesaw State University and a master's degree in psychiatric and mental health nursing from Georgia State University. Wendy's passion for community service shines through her active volunteer work in local school systems and with the Ryan Park softball team. She is especially devoted to working with young people to boost their self-esteem and empower them through the power of civic engagement. Her goal is to foster balance and stability, contributing to the overall well-being of the community.

Kevin Howard, a proud father of two young daughters, has called Smyrna home for two decades. As an aerospace engineer, STEM curriculum architect, and maker space advisor, he brings a diverse skill set to the table. With a notable 15-year tenure in the Atlanta region, he has personally guided over twenty thousand students. Kevin's dedication remains unwavering as he persists in crafting immersive programs that ignite curiosity, nurture creativity, and instill a passion for science and engineering.