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

  Ms. Lexi is a proud graduate of The Goddard School’s Flowery Branch location and previously taught at that same campus before recently relocating to Athens. She is deeply passionate about early childhood education and truly feels at home within Goddard Schools. In addition to her love for teaching, Ms. Lexi is actively involved in her church community, where she enjoys supporting and uplifting others. In her spare time, she practices her second passion—cosmetology—blending creativity and technique into everything she does. She is excited to continue making a positive impact and building meaningful connections within the Goddard Athens community.

• Claire

  Claire is excited to be part of The Goddard School of Athens team! Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, she graduated from high school in 2018 and is currently pursuing her Technical Certificate of Credit in Early Childhood Care and Education at Athens Technical College. Claire has been fortunate to work with children of all ages in a variety of settings since her teenage years, including experience as an infant teacher. In her spare time, she enjoys baking sweet treats and spending time with her cat, Stevie. Claire feels truly honored to be part of your family’s village and looks forward to supporting your child’s growth and development.

• Emily

  Emily is excited to be teaching preschool at The Goddard School of Athens. She has a genuine love for connecting with young children and enjoys watching their curiosity and confidence grow as they explore the world around them. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and has experience working with children of all ages, though she feels especially drawn to the littlest learners. Growing up in a large family with eight siblings helped shape her passion for teaching and nurturing young minds. In her free time, Emily enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time outdoors. She looks forward to creating a warm, joyful classroom environment where creativity can flourish and every child feels supported and inspired.

• Harmoni

  Harmoni has felt called to care for children for as long as she can remember. She has always known that working with children—especially infants—is what she was meant to do. Watching little ones explore their world and reach new milestones brings her endless joy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is currently pursuing her master’s degree to further support and advocate for children and families. Harmoni is excited to be part of The Goddard School of Athens village and looks forward to partnering with families on this meaningful journey of growth, learning, and connection.

• Kelly

  Kelly Smith has proudly called Oconee home for the past 15 years. She brings a diverse background in early childhood education, with experience as a Georgia Pre-K Assistant and Summer Camp Counselor. Most recently, Kelly served in Oconee County Schools as a Behavioral Specialist, where she supported students with care, expertise, and dedication. She holds a current Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification and is pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education at Grand Canyon University. Kelly is passionate about supporting young learners and looks forward to building meaningful connections with families while being part of each child’s unique journey.

• Carrie

  Originally from Tifton, GA, Carrie now lives in Athens to be closer to her two daughters and granddaughter. Family is everything to Carrie, and being near to them is truly where her heart belongs. She brings 10 years of Public-School Pre-K, Special Ed., and Inclusion. Throughout her career, she has received specialized training in behavioral management as well as child development which has greatly strengthened her ability to support and understand young learners. Working with children is not just her profession - its her passion! Kelly loves watching minds grow, build confidence, and discover their potential. She is excited to build meaningful relationships with children and families at Goddard Athens, while building meaningful, nurturing relationships with the students in her classroom where every child feels supported and valued. Kelly is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to contribute positively to the school community, culture, and student experience!

• Lindsey

  Lindsey is excited to be part of each infant’s journey at the school. She has extensive experience caring for children, including working in nursery settings, babysitting, and helping raise her three younger siblings. Caring for babies holds a special place in her heart, as she believes they are fragile, innocent, and full of wonder—deserving of protection, nurturing, and patience every step of the way. Supporting young children truly makes her heart smile. Outside of the classroom, Lindsey enjoys watching movies, journaling, painting, cooking, and especially baking. She looks forward to building meaningful relationships with families and spending each day with their little treasures.

• Arriana

  Ms. Arriana is a Resource Teacher at The Goddard School of Athens. She is currently attending the University of Georgia, where she is majoring in French and Teaching (TESOL). Since 2021, she has worked with children and is deeply passionate about creating a safe, warm environment where children can explore their curiosity, strengthen their social and emotional skills, and grow into brilliant young minds. Ms. Arriana enjoys movies, reading, traveling, and discovering great food. Outside of the classroom, she loves spending time with her family, reading, and singing and dancing. She looks forward to getting to know all of the Goddard Village families and helping each little learner grow and thrive.

• Brennen

  Brennen is a tenured childcare professional with more than seven years of hands-on experience supporting and educating young learners. Throughout his career, he has traveled across the United States and internationally, teaching students of various ages while adapting to diverse cultures and learning environments. In addition to his background in education, Brennen has extensive experience in the performing arts, including singing, acting, and dance. He enjoys incorporating creativity and the arts into the classroom at The Goddard School of Athens to enrich children’s learning experiences. Brennen looks forward to creating memorable, engaging, and inspiring moments for every child he works with.

• Cayden

  Coach Cayden is a current Early Childhood Education major at the University of Pheonix as well as a young husband and father! As a Resource Teacher, Cayden helps in a variety of classrooms and support roles throughout the school - including, and perhaps most importantly, as your child's daily Physical Education & Movement Specialist! Cayden accompanies classes during Active Play to promote a safe, enriching, and educational environment. Cayden is proud to be the father of Goddard Student as well! He is thrilled to serve our Goddard Athens Village as well as work alongside an inspiring, experienced group of educators. Being a part of this community both personally and professionally means so much to him!

• Danielle

  Ms. Danielle is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, where she began working with children at the age of 16 as a babysitter. She has called Athens, Georgia home for the past five years, gaining valuable experience in local childcare facilities and serving as a nanny and babysitter for multiple families in the area. Her favorite part of working with children is watching them grow into their own unique individuals and discover new things along the way. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Danielle loves animals and is a proud pet parent to five of her own. She also enjoys hiking in the North Georgia mountains during her free time. She is excited to work with your little ones and build meaningful, lasting relationships with families.

• Haley

  Originally from Savannah, Georgia, she has called the Athens area home since 2018. She holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Georgia, where she designed and taught freshman English courses for six years. Although she valued her time working with college students, she felt called to transition into teaching younger age groups. She believes there is something truly magical about watching children experience wonder and joy as they learn about the world around them. For her, facilitating those foundational learning experiences in early childhood education is unmatched. That passion led her to enthusiastically join The Goddard School of Athens. She is deeply committed to education at every developmental stage and is thrilled to provide children with guidance, encouragement, and support as they grow and thrive.

• Sierra

  Haley is a proud Resource Teacher at The Goddard School of Athens. She is a devoted wife and mother to a joyful baby girl, and she is currently a second-year student at the University of Georgia. With a deep love for the arts and humanities, Haley brings a creative spirit and warm heart into the classroom each day. She is excited to share her passion, positivity, and dedication with the Goddard Athens community and to become a meaningful part of her students’ and families’ lives.