Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristal Todd.
Hi Kristal, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey in education began in 2008, when I made a bold career pivot from corporate America into the classroom. I earned my undergraduate degree from Jacksonville University, and although my degree was not in education, I took a leap of faith that ultimately became one of the best decisions of my life. I quickly fell in love with education and the impact it allowed me to have on students.
I began my career teaching students with emotional and behavioral disabilities in the Special Education Department of Duval County Public Schools, where I served for four years. Early on, I knew I was ambitious and wanted to grow beyond the classroom. When opportunities didn’t immediately present themselves, I chose to invest deeply in my professional development. In 2012, I earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education and intentionally sought diverse roles within special education to strengthen my expertise.
Over the years, I served in multiple capacities—teacher, behavior specialist, interventionist, site coach, and eventually Assistant Principal at the elementary level. While leadership brought valuable learning experiences, it also prompted me to reflect on the systems within education that often limit individualized instruction and sustainable outcomes for both students and educators. That period of reflection became the catalyst for envisioning something different.
In 2021, I officially established Education Transformation Enterprises Inc. While still working in public education, I began putting my ideas on paper—ideas centered on customized learning, strategic interventions, and aligning education with long-term career pathways. Around that same time, I experienced health challenges that required me to slow down, reflect, and recommit to building something purpose-driven. Despite those challenges, I completed the Bridges to Business Program through the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and successfully pitched ETE Inc. to a panel of 21 professionals, receiving strong validation and support for the model.
After resigning from traditional public education, I worked through a contract agency in the charter school arena, which further sharpened my understanding of the gaps families often encounter when seeking high-quality, individualized instruction. Those experiences reinforced my belief that students—especially those with IEPs, 504 plans, or who are behind grade level—need intentional, smaller-scale learning environments to truly thrive.
In 2025, Education Transformation Enterprises Inc. transitioned from concept to a brick-and-mortar learning center serving Clay County, Duval County, and surrounding communities. We provide homeschool education, tutoring, and career-driven enrichment programs, all built around customized learning paths for every learner. Our enrichment offerings are led by seasoned professionals and designed to expose students early to real-world skills and career possibilities—because I strongly believe that when education and career interests align early, students remain more engaged, confident, and motivated.
I maintain active certification with the Florida Department of Education, holding K-12 Special Education, K-6 Elementary Education, and Educational Leadership certifications. Our students are demonstrating measurable academic growth, developing clear career interests, and enrollment continues to grow steadily each week.
Despite the challenges along the way, my love for education remains just as strong today as it was in 2008. This work matters. Students deserve learning environments that are strategic, supportive, and responsive—especially in systems where one teacher is often responsible for 25 to 30 students with vastly different needs. At Education Transformation Enterprises Inc., we exist to fill that gap.
We believe every learner deserves intentional instruction, meaningful opportunities, and a future they can see themselves in. That belief guides everything we do as we continue to nurture every learner and transform every future.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped the clarity and strength of the work I do today. Transitioning from traditional education into entrepreneurship required unlearning systems that weren’t built for customization or sustainability. Building something new meant navigating funding limitations, operational growing pains, and the realities of serving students with complex academic needs—often without the same resources larger institutions have.
There were also moments where timing, health, and professional transitions required me to slow down and recalibrate. However, those pauses were necessary. They forced me to be intentional, build strong foundations, and ensure that Education Transformation Enterprises Inc. was not just impactful, but sustainable.
Each obstacle reinforced why this work matters. The challenges helped refine our mission, strengthen our programs, and solidify my commitment to creating learning environments where students are truly supported. What may have felt like setbacks ultimately became alignment.
We’ve been impressed with Education Transformation Enterprises Inc, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Education Transformation Enterprises Inc. is a K–12 learning center created to provide intentional, customized education for students who need more than traditional systems are often able to offer. We serve students across Clay County, Duval County, and surrounding communities through homeschool education, tutoring, and career-driven enrichment programs designed to meet learners where they are and move them forward with purpose.
What sets ETE Inc. apart is our commitment to customized learning paths. We specialize in supporting students with IEPs and 504 plans, learners who are behind grade level, and students who need targeted instruction to rebuild confidence and close academic gaps. Every student’s plan is intentional, data-driven, and designed around their individual strengths, challenges, and long-term goals—not a one-size-fits-all curriculum.
Our enrichment programs are another defining feature of our brand. Led by seasoned professionals, these offerings are intentionally career-aligned and expose students early to real-world skills and experiences they can continue to build on throughout their academic journey. I believe strongly that when education and career interests align early, students remain more engaged, motivated, and confident in their future possibilities.
At the core of our mission is service to underserved youth and families—including single-parent households, senior-citizen caregivers, and families facing financial limitations who recognize their children’s academic challenges but may not know where to turn for support. We actively educate families about school choice and funding opportunities, including Step Up For Students scholarship options, so that access to academic support is not limited by income.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the consistency, integrity, and intentionality behind ETE Inc. This learning center was built through dedication, commitment, and a belief that passion—when paired with consistency—can become reality. Our growth reflects trust from families, measurable academic progress from students, and a clear need within the community.
For sponsors and donors, I want readers to know that Education Transformation Enterprises Inc. is not simply an education provider—we are an investment in the future workforce. The students we serve today are tomorrow’s employees, leaders, and contributors to our community. Support allows us to expand customized learning opportunities, strengthen programming, and continue transforming academic futures in underserved communities.
At ETE Inc., we are committed to nurturing every learner and transforming every future—one intentional learning experience at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
On a personal level, I’m happiest when my health is at its best and I’m able to fully enjoy life. Spending time with my mom—who is also my best friend—grounds me and brings me a great sense of peace. I also find genuine joy in seeing others win; celebrating people’s successes truly fills my cup.
Professionally, nothing compares to watching a learner grasp a concept they once struggled to understand. Seeing that moment of clarity and confidence is incredibly rewarding. I’m equally grateful when parents and guardians share improvements in their child’s learning, academic performance, grades, or renewed interest in school. Each new enrollment also brings happiness, because it represents trust, growth, and another opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Those moments—both personal and professional—are constant reminders of why this work matters to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eteinc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTYJWSeESU-/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/100085630287793/about/?_rdr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/111035005/admin/dashboard/
- Twitter: @ETEInc2022
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHsqfld9zlOGeg9QvjIPg3Q
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/education-transformation-enterprises-orange-park
