Taina Smits: The Teacher, Theater Director, and Proud Daughter of Jimmy Smits

Most people know Jimmy Smits from popular TV shows like NYPD Blue and L.A. Law. He’s a famous actor who has been in the spotlight for many years. But very few people know about his daughter, Taina Smits.

Taina didn’t follow her father into Hollywood. Instead, she chose a quieter, more personal path — as a teacher, a theater director, and a proud mother. She may not be in the headlines, but her life is full of creativity, kindness, and inspiration.

In this article, we’ll explore who Taina Smits is, how she grew up, what she does today, and why her story is so inspiring. Let’s take a closer look at her life, step by step.

Taina Smits Quick Bio

Who Is Taina Smits?

Taina Smits is the daughter of actor Jimmy Smits and his first wife, Barbara Smits. She was born in 1973, which makes her in her early 50s now (as of 2025). She grew up in New York and now lives in Virginia, where she works as a public school teacher.

Even though her father is a big star, Taina has built a life away from fame. She works in education, helps students grow through theater, and is a proud mother of two children. Taina is someone who has quietly made a difference in many lives — especially in the classroom.

She shares her love for storytelling, just like her father. But instead of movie sets, she brings stories to life on the school stage.

Early Life in the Smits Family

Taina was born into a loving but complex family. Her parents, Jimmy and Barbara, got married in 1980, but their relationship ended in 1987 when Taina was still very young. After the divorce, her mother raised Taina and her younger brother, Joaquin, in Brooklyn, New York.

Even though their parents split up, Taina and Joaquin remained close. They supported each other, especially after the sad passing of their mother Barbara Smits in 2010. That was a difficult time for the family, but they stayed strong.

Growing up with a famous father wasn’t always easy, but Taina had a grounded and caring home. She stayed out of the spotlight and focused on her own path.

Growing Up as Jimmy Smits’ Daughter

Imagine having a dad who is on TV all the time. That’s what life was like for Taina when she was young. Her father, Jimmy Smits, was becoming a big name in Hollywood, starring in hit shows and movies.

But even with the fame, Jimmy tried to be there for his kids. Taina has shared loving messages about her father over the years, showing how close they are. She calls him her “hero” and often celebrates his achievements, like when he got his Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

Still, Taina didn’t chase fame herself. She chose a quieter life, where she could focus on things she loved — like education, theater, and helping young people.

Taina Smits’ Education and Love for Learning

Taina always had a passion for learning. After high school, she went to Duquesne University in Pennsylvania. She graduated in 1996 with a degree in English and Education. But she didn’t stop there — she later earned a master’s degree in Theater.

This mix of subjects makes perfect sense when you look at what she does now. Taina loves language, writing, and performance. She found a way to bring all those passions together in her career.

Instead of going into acting, she decided to use her talents in the classroom. She became a teacher — someone who helps others grow and learn, just like her own parents helped her.

Career as a Teacher in Fairfax County

Taina Smits works as an English teacher at Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia. Her students say she’s not just a great teacher — she’s also very kind, fun, and full of positive energy.

She teaches reading, writing, and literature, but she also teaches kids how to think, express themselves, and tell their own stories. Her love for words and storytelling shows up in every lesson.

Taina’s classroom is a safe place where kids feel seen and supported. She brings the same love and care that she got from her family and passes it on to her students.

A Theater Director Who Brings Stories to Life

Outside the classroom, Taina wears another creative hat — theater director. She works at Glasgow Middle School, where she leads the school’s theater program. One of her most loved productions was Annie Jr. the Musical.

She doesn’t just direct the shows — she builds a whole experience. From planning rehearsals to designing sets and guiding young actors, Taina turns school plays into something magical.

She even once tagged Lin-Manuel Miranda on social media, sharing how inspired she felt while starting her fifth year as the school’s Theater Teacher and Director. That post shows how much she loves what she does.

Her Special Bond with Her Students

Taina Smits is more than just a teacher. She’s a mentor, a role model, and someone her students look up to. In both her English classes and theater program, Taina creates a safe and fun space for learning.

Her students don’t just learn grammar or acting — they grow in confidence. They learn how to express themselves, speak in front of others, and tell their own stories. That’s something special, and it’s because of the love and care Taina brings to her work.

Parents and coworkers have praised her for going the extra mile. Whether she’s staying after school for rehearsals or helping a shy student find their voice, Taina makes sure no one is left behind.

Proud Moments Shared on Social Media

Even though Taina lives a quiet life, she sometimes shares beautiful moments online. One example was in 2019, when she posted a sweet Father’s Day message with a photo of her dad and called him “My Hero.”

Another proud moment was in 2021, when she posted a picture of her father kneeling next to his Hollywood Walk of Fame star. She added the hashtag #dreamsdocometrue, showing how proud she was of him.

She’s also shared updates about school plays and special milestones in her teaching career. One time, she even tagged Lin-Manuel Miranda to say how inspired she was as a theater teacher. That shows how passionate she is about her work.

Although her Twitter/X has been quiet since 2022, those earlier posts gave a glimpse into her warm personality and love for family, students, and the arts.

Her Relationship with Jimmy Smits Today

The bond between Taina Smits and Jimmy Smits is strong. Even though they live in different states and lead very different lives, their love for each other is clear.

Taina supports her father from afar, always cheering him on during his big moments. And Jimmy, in turn, has expressed pride in his children. In 2021, during the premiere of In the Heights in New York City, Jimmy had an emotional reunion with his family — including Taina.

He said seeing his children and extended family that night made the event even more special. Moments like this show that even though their lives took different paths, family still comes first.

Life as a Mother and Private Person

Taina Smits is also a proud mother of two children. She doesn’t share much about them, and that’s understandable. Like many parents, she wants to protect their privacy and give them a normal life.

Even with a busy job and creative work, she finds time to raise her kids with love. She once posted a sweet message that simply said: “Blessed with the Best.” That says a lot about how much her children mean to her.

She keeps a low profile and doesn’t seek attention — but her impact is big. At home, at school, and in her community, she makes a difference every single day.

Why Taina Smits Inspires Others

There are many reasons why Taina Smits is inspiring. She could have followed her father into the world of acting, but instead, she built her own path. A quiet, powerful path.

She uses storytelling to teach, to guide, and to lift others up. She turns school plays into magical experiences. She helps shy students become bold speakers. And she shows that being kind and creative can change lives.

Taina doesn’t do it for fame. She does it because it matters. And that’s what makes her story special.

Final Thoughts

Taina Smits may not be a celebrity like her dad, but she’s a star in her own way. She shines in classrooms, on school stages, and in the hearts of her students.

Her life is a beautiful mix of family, creativity, hard work, and love. She honors her parents — Jimmy and the late Barbara Smits — by carrying their values forward.

In 2025, her story reminds us of something simple but powerful: You don’t need the spotlight to make a difference. Sometimes, the quietest people have the loudest impact.

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