Staff Profiles
Karen Barnes, Executive Director
Ms. Karen joins the McFarland campus as the Executive Director with a degree in Early Childhood Education and many years of experience in education as well as business. Most importantly, Ms. Karen has experience as an Executive Director of a large private school in the Alpharetta community. She is married, has two grown sons, a nine year-old boy, and a small dog with a big bow in her hair.
"It is my privilege to partner with my leadership team, my staff, our families here and our community in an effort to inspire, motivate and provide a true love of learning to each child we serve. It is my hope that I will earn your trust as we work closely together."Jessica Tatum, Administrative Assistant
Jessica began working with Carrington Academy in 2006, while she studied business administration at Gordon College. She enjoys working in the school sector because she gets the opportunity not only to assist with molding who the children will grow to be in the future, but she also gets to utilize her administrative talents. Jessica's home town is McDonough, Georgia, where she grew up with her parents and two siblings. She loves dogs, spending time outdoors, shopping and watching sports.
Wesley Reid, Nutrition Specialist
Education: Certified Nutrition Specialist
Wesley has been working in the food service industry since 1996. In 2009 he received his nutrition certification and began in the school sector. Wesley loves working in the school sector because the children bring a smile to his face and a joy to his heart, as he gets to share his passion for cooking with them. He not only prepares the nutritional meals for the children, but also gets to teach them good nutrition as he conducts regular cooking classes. Wesley also enjoys shopping, playing softball, and being outdoors. His hometown is Cumming, Georgia and he has two sisters, one nephew, and two nieces.
Charlene Rhue, Infant Lead Teacher
Education: Certified Child Care Specialist
Charlene has been working with young children since 1991. Her hometown is Potomac, Maryland. She has been married for 30 years and has three children and two grandchildren. She enjoys shopping, walking, baking, and cooking.
Ms. Brittney, Toddler Lead Teacher
Education: Master's Degree in Special Education
Brittney has been working in a school setting with young children since 2005.
“Working with children is rewarding to experience a child’s mind growing and expanding based on the information that I provide them on a daily basis.” Brittney’s hometown is Monticello, Arkansas. She enjoys running, writing poetry, wine tasting, children’s ministry, spending time with friends, cooking, and trying new types of cuisines. She has one sister, one brother, and a cat named Max and hopes to have two to three children of her own.
Katie Duncan - Early Preschool Lead Teacher
Education: Bachelors in Early Childhood Education
Kara Willbanks, Preschool Lead Teacher
Education: Bachelors in Early Childhood Education (GA Educator Certificate P-5)
Kara has been working in a school setting with young children since 2008. “I love seeing progress, whether it be counting higher, recognizing a letter, or saying a new word. I love the proud teacher moments. ” Kara’s hometown is Cumming, Georgia. She is married and lives in Cumming with her husband and their daughter Avery. They have 2 dogs: Bo and Peanut. She enjoys reading and outdoor activities.
Sarah Harrison, Lead Teacher Private Pre-K
Education: Master of Education, Special Education
Mrs. Mary, Lead GA Pre-K Teacher
Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Education with a minor in Special Education (GA Educator Certificate P-5)
Mary has been working in a school setting with young children since 1983. Mary feels her greatest gift is being able to reach each child and work with them on an individualized level. Mary’s hometown is Clarksville, Georgia and she is the mother of three boys.
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