Bathsheba Smithen

The Queen Bathsheba is the founder and CEO of Cage Free Voices®, a visionary edutainment network and education consultancy committed to transforming how we teach, inspire, and uplift all learners—both neurotypical and neurodivergent. With over 15 years of experience as a curriculum developer, ELA and Social Studies teacher, professor of critical reading for healthcare professions, and a performing and spoken word artist, she has led the design of programs that bridge entertainment and education while producing measurable academic impact.

Bathsheba’s deep roots in the performing arts and spoken word shape the heart of Cage Free Voices. Her ability to weave storytelling, rhythm, and truth into compelling performances has inspired audiences across stages, schools, and platforms around the world. As a creative visionary, she uses her artistic voice to confront injustice, spark healing, and awaken the brilliance in underserved and misunderstood youth.

At the core of Cage Free Voices is a neurodiversity-informed approach to learning, designed to affirm the cognitive strengths of students often mischaracterized in traditional classrooms. Through this methodology, CFV has helped students make 2–4 grade levels of reading progress in as little as 2.5 months, using culturally responsive curriculum, media, and direct instruction that speaks to both heart and intellect.

With a powerful team of educators, creatives, and strategists behind her, The Queen Bathsheba has grown Cage Free Voices into a multifaceted platform that includes:

-    Cage Free Voices Records, a global music imprint developing socially conscious artists and distributing their work to locations worldwide

-    A comprehensive online learning platform that supports literacy, social-emotional development, and student voice

-    A vibrant media network with shows such as Cage Free Voices Radio, The Artists, Bedtime Stories, Spoken Devotionals, and Game Plan: ACT Prep for the Serious Student Athlete

-    Original curriculum and content currently used in schools, youth programs, and correctional facilities

-    Strategic partnerships preparing CFV platforms for licensing, syndication, and international expansion
 
Bathsheba has also served as a national speaker and facilitator, delivering workshops and keynotes on literacy equity, youth empowerment, culturally relevant pedagogy, and arts- based education. She is not only a creator—she is a systems architect, committed to reshaping the landscape of education and entertainment so that all learners, regardless of how they process the world, can thrive.

Cage Free Voices is not just a company—it’s a movement. And The Queen Bathsheba is leading it with deep vision, expert strategy, and a call to set minds free.

The Queen Bathsheba is a seasoned professional with a deep commitment to neurodiversity and inclusive education. Holding a bachelor’s in biology and a master’s in health systems management with a concentration in Health Policy, she has spent years working in education with neurodivergent populations. Her extensive experience includes studying cognitive diversity and developing strategies to address the varying neurological wiring of individuals.

With a strong foundation in the sciences, The Queen Bathsheba brings a unique blend of scientific knowledge and practical expertise to her work. She is passionate about advocating for the inclusion of neurodivergent individuals and helping organizations create more inclusive, supportive environments. Her approach focuses on understanding the strengths and challenges of all learners and providing actionable solutions to foster collaboration and empowerment.