Dr. Tori Vratanina-Smoot is a senior lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Georgia, where she also earned her Ph.D. in Psychology. Her academic focus is in neuroscience and behavior, with a strong interest in how these areas intersect with child development.

Since 2019, Dr. Vratanina-Smoot has been actively involved with OKAT-Upendo through her work with the UGA Franklin Maymester in Tanzania study abroad program. As a faculty member and program co-director, she educates students on cultural differences in child development between Tanzania and the United States, and mentors Service-Learning students in their work at Upendo and OKAT.

Beyond the classroom, she is deeply committed to supporting the mission of OKAT-Upendo through fundraising and program development efforts aimed at promoting the socio-emotional well-being of the children served by OKAT-Upendo.