Susan Smith, our dedicated director, brings over 21 years of experience in childcare to our school, where she’s been a valued member for the past year. Her favorite part of the job? Creating a safe and nurturing environment where children receive quality care every day. Living in Athens, Georgia, Susan is the proud mom of three adult children and the loving owner of two dogs. When she’s not at school, you’ll often find her enjoying a good book or taking peaceful walks around her neighborhood. With her warm personality and passion for early education, Susan makes Appletree Prep - Athens a wonderful place for children to learn and grow. Stop by and say hello!

Amanda Hulsey has been a dedicated professional in the childcare field since 1997 and will soon celebrate her one-year anniversary with our school on December 4. Amanda’s favorite part of being a director is building meaningful connections with families and children. She cherishes the unique stories they bring, weaving them into a beautiful tapestry of memories. Amanda leads an adventurous life as a full-time RVer, calling “a little bit of everywhere” her home. She’s a proud mom to two daughters, Claudia (23) and Elizabeth (21), and shares her journey with her dog, Arizona. When she’s not at Appletree Prep, you’ll find Amanda camping, hiking, fishing, or attending sports events. She also participates in 5K runs and devotes time to volunteering, raising awareness as an ovarian cancer survivor. Her resilience and dedication inspire everyone around her. Amanda’s vibrant energy and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable part of the Appletree Prep family. Be sure to stop by and say hi—you’ll love getting to know her!