Our Goddard School Teachers

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.

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.  

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.

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.

Leslie Velazquez is excited to join the team as an Assistant Teacher in the Infant Room. She brings more than six years of experience in early childhood education. As the mother of a wonderful 6-year-old son, Leslie understands firsthand the importance of trusting those who care for your child. She is committed to providing every baby in her care with the highest level of love, attention, and support. Leslie also believes in the importance of fresh air and staying active to help create a fun, engaging, and energetic classroom environment. Leslie enjoys working out, spending time outdoors, and making memories with her family.

Brennen is a tenured childcare professional with more than seven years of hands-on experience supporting and educating young learners. Throughout her career, she has traveled across the United States and internationally, teaching students of various ages while adapting to diverse cultures and learning environments. In addition to her background in education, Brennen has extensive experience in the performing arts, including singing, acting, and dance. She 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.

With 3 years of childcare experience and a lifelong role as the family babysitter, Ta'jah has always had a natural passion for caring for little ones. Growing up helping with younger siblings and cousins helped shape her nurturing and patient approach in the classroom. She loves creating a warm, supportive environment where toddlers can learn, play, and feel safe every day.

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.

Melissa is excited to be a part of the team! She began working with children at the age of 17. Her experience began with babysitting, and later she moved into childcare settings. She loves watching children grow and seeing them learn something new every day. Outside of the classroom, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family. She is married and has a 16-year-old daughter whom she is very proud of. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends, shopping, and traveling.

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.

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!

Karen is excited to join the Goddard Family as a Pre-K Lead Teacher.  She has BS degrees in Early Childhood Education and Psychology from Emory University.  Karen has 26+ years of experience teaching children ranging from Pre-K to 5th grade.  At a very young age, Karen knew she wanted to be both a mother and a teacher.  She is blessed to be both.  She was born in the Atlanta area and has resided in Athens for the past six years.

Nicole is a dedicated early childhood educator who holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Care and Education. With 10 years of experience in early childhood education, she is passionate about supporting young learners and fostering a positive, nurturing environment where children can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with children with varying needs, allowing her to build strong, meaningful relationships with both children and families. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new places, roller skating, and visiting the beach.

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!

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.

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.

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.