The Goddard School of Athens

Bios

• Mrs Akshi

  Akshi is thrilled to be able to provide The Goddard School’s outstanding program to the children & families in the Athens-Watkinsville community. “Our mission is to create a better world through early childhood education. Every day we embrace this mission by working to create an environment where children can learn, grow & thrive." Akshi's connection to Goddard School runs deep. Akshi joined the Goddard School family as an administrator. This firsthand experience inspired her & her husband to open & own their first Goddard School in 2018. Her family wholeheartedly believes in the Goddard School's approach, a belief reinforced by her sons' positive experiences as graduates of the program. Beyond the School, Akshi’s family cherishes time spent watching baseball & basketball, exploring nature through hiking, & broadening their horizons through travel & diverse culinary adventures. You'll often find Akshi & her husband enthusiastically supporting their boys on the baseball field.

• Mrs Brittany

  Brittany Buttrey brings a strong background in business management & community engagement to her role as Managing Partner at The Goddard School of Athens. An Oconee native & UGA Grad, she has built her career around supporting educational & service-based organizations through efficient operations, clear communication, & people-first leadership. Brittany is passionate about creating meaningful experiences & relationships with local families. Her professional experience includes hospitality leadership as well as entrepreneurship, business & government administration, & non-profit work. Outside of work, she enjoys making memories with her husband & young daughter, who is a student of the flagship class of Goddard Athens! She especially loves working in environments that center children & families, & believes every child deserves to be valued & supported. Brittany is honored to be part of the team building a much-needed learning institution for the families in the Oconee/Athens area.

• Mr Viral

  Viral is thrilled to be able to provide The Goddard School’s outstanding program to the children & families in the Athens-Watkinsville community. Viral had the vision for opening a Goddard School over a dozen years ago when he and his wife were searching for quality childcare for their son. Since that time, he has opened three additional schools, became a Goddard Circle of Excellence Franchisee*, and has had both of his kids start their Goddard journey as infants through graduation at his schools. In their spare time, Viral’s family enjoys watching SEC & ACC football & basketball, playing golf, CrossFit & travelling with family and friends. *Goddard Circle of Excellence is awarded to the top 5% of all Goddard franchisees nationwide based on highest parent satisfaction responses, and maintaining rigorous education, health and safety standards.

• Susan

  Susan Hunt brings over 20 years of leadership in early childhood education, administration, and advocacy. This dynamic educator brings a wealth of experience and a renewed commitment to student success. She has served as Head of School, Early Care Specialist, Center Supervisor, and CLASS Assessor, excelling in program management, staff development, and compliance. Her academic foundation includes a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. A passionate mentor and communicator, she fosters inclusive, high-quality learning environments and strong family partnerships. At Goddard, she looks forward to offering adaptability, enthusiasm, and a proven track record of elevating educational outcomes.  

• Alexis

  Hi, my name is Ms. Lexi! I am a proud Goddard School Graduate of the Flowery Branch location and also taught at that same school before recently moving to Athens. I am deeply passionate about early childhood education and feel at home in Goddard Schools. I am very involved in my church community, where I enjoy supporting and uplifting others. In my spare time, I love practicing my second gift, cosmetology. I am happy to blend creativity and technique into everything I do!

• Claire

  Hi, my name is Claire and I’m so excited to be on The Goddard Athens Team! I’m from Atlanta, GA where I graduated from high school in 2018, and am currently pursuing my Technical Certificate of Credit in Early Childhood Care and Education at Athens Tech. I have been lucky to work with children in many capacities and all ages since my teen years, including as an infant teacher. In my spare time, I love to bake treats and spend time with my cat, Stevie. I feel so fortunate to have been selected to be a part of your family’s village!

• Emily

  Hi, I’m Emily! I am so excited to be teaching your preschoolers at the Goddard School of Athens. I truly enjoy connecting with young children and watching their curiosity and confidence grow as they explore the world around them. I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and have experience working with children of all ages, though my heart is always drawn to our littlest learners. Growing up in a large family with eight siblings helped shape my love for teaching. In my free time, I enjoy reading, crafting, and spending time outdoors. I look forward to creating a warm, joyful classroom where creativity can thrive.

• Harmoni

  My name is Harmoni and caring for children has been a calling of mine for as long as I can remember. I've always known that working with children, especially infants, is what I was meant to do. Watching them explore and reach new milestones brings me endless joy. I hold a bachelor's degree in psychology and am working toward my master's to better support and advocate for children. I am excited to be part of the Goddard Athens Village and look forward to joining your families on this wonderful journey of growth, learning and connection.

• Sharon

  My name is Sharon. After graduating from Valdosta State University and teaching for five years in the public school system here, I received a great opportunity to teach overseas. I’ve taught in international schools in China, Turkey, India, Zambia and Ukraine. It was a wonderful experience having learned so much as an educator and living quite a charmed life abroad, I might add. I met my husband, Mikel, in Turkey. He is a Basque from the Northern part of Spain. We adopted two cats named Zeus and Thor off the streets of Istanbul and have circled the globe together. I’m so thrilled to discover a place like The Goddard School. I feel I am right back in my element again. I am looking forward to an exciting new year full of sharing, learning and exploring with you and your children.

• Lindsey

  Hi everyone! My name is Lindsey and am excited to be part of your infant's journey here at our school! I have worked in nursery settings, babysat and cared for my 3 younger siblings all my life! Babies are truly a blessing -- fragile, innocent, and full of wonder. They deserve all the protection, nurturing, and patience that they can get! Taking care of children makes my heart smile! I also enjoy watching movies, journaling, painting, cooking, and baking. Baking especially! I look forward to getting to know each of you personally and spending time daily with your little treasures.

• Arriana

  Hello everyone! My name is Ms. Arriana and I am a Resource Teacher here at the Goddard School. I currently attend the University of Georgia where I major in French and Teaching (TESOL). I love movies, reading, travelling and good food. I have worked with children since 2021 and I am passionate about creating a safe and warm environment where children can explore their curiosity, engage in social and emotional learning, and grow and develop into brilliant young minds. Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with my family, reading, and singing and dancing. I cannot wait to get to know all our Goddard Village families and help your little learners grow!

• Brennen

  Nice to meet you! I'm Brennen. I am a tenured childcare professional with 7+ years of hands-on experience supporting and educating little learners. I have traveled across the US and many countries teaching students of many ages while adapting to diverse cultures and learning environments. In addition to education, I have a strong background in performing arts including singing, acting, and dance which I love to incorporate into classroom environments here at Goddard Athens. I look forward to creating memorable, creative and engaging experiences for your children!

• Danielle

  Hello, I’m Ms. Danielle I am originally from Cincinnati Ohio where I first started working with kids babysitting at the age of 16. I have lived in Athens Georgia for 5 years now where I have worked in childcare facilities and have been a nanny/babysitter for multiple families in the area. My favorite thing about working with kids is seeing them grow into their own, unique person and discover new things along the way. A few other things about me: I love animals and have five pets of my own and I love to go hiking in the North Georgia mountains in my free time. I’m excited to work with your little ones and create new, meaningful relationships.

• Haley

  Originally from Savannah, Georgia, I have called the Athens area home since 2018. I have a MA in English from the University of Georgia, where I designed and taught freshman English classes for six years. While I loved working with college students, it became a hope of mine to move towards teaching younger age groups. I think there is a certain magic in watching children experience wonder and joy while learning about the world growing around them. For me, the ability to facilitate those learning experiences in early childhood education cannot be topped. That is why I jumped at the opportunity to be at the Goddard School in Athens. I am passionate about education at all developmental levels and am thrilled to provide your children with guidance, encouragement, and support as they grow at the Goddard School.

• Jamya

  My name is Jamya! I am a dedicated, emerging educator, committed to creating supportive, safe, and engaging learning environments for all Goddard Athens Students. As a mother myself, I know all parents are seeking a nurturing and engaging environment for their little treasures and a school setting they can see as an extension of their home. I am glad to be part of your Goddard Village and look forward to seeing all your little learners grow academically, socially, and personally.

• Sierra

  My name is Haley and I am a proud Resource Teacher here! I am a devoted wife, mother to a joyful baby girl, and a second-year student at UGA. I am a creative person with a love for arts and humanities. I am excited to bring my creative spirit and warm heart to Goddard Athens and into your children's and family's lives!