Meet The Staff

Jennifer Kudlas - 
Executive Director 

Jennifer has been with the White Oak family as a Director since 2012. Prior to joining, Jennifer had over 11 years of experience in early childcare development. During this time Jennifer spent time as a preschool teacher and quickly moved into a director position at a center in North Carolina. She transferred to Georgia and spent 6 years as the Director of a KinderCare facility. She has completed specialized training, obtained a Director's Certificate from DECAL and her TCC. Most recently Jennifer was promoted to Executive Director over all the White Oak locations. Jennifer is married with 2 children of her own and 3 stepchildren. Outside of work you'll usually find her at one of her husband's basketball games or on the lake. Her favorite aspect of White Oak Academy is having the opportunity to watch all the children around her grow.

Jessica Kidd - 
Director Prominence Ct

Jessica started working in childcare in 2005 at North Georgia Kids Academy as an infant room teacher. She spent two years with us before relocating to Hall County. For the next 6 years, she continued to work with children of all ages, eventually moving into a management role as Assistant Director for a Discovery Point center. Jessica, her husband and 3 children were able to move back to Dawson County in 2014 and joined the White Oak family in 2017 as Assistant Director and was promoted to Director in 2020 at our Prominence Court location. The greatest joy Jessica gets at White Oak is being able to watch the children in her community grow in a safe and fun environment.  

Jessica Reid - 
Assistant Director Prominence Ct

Jessica was added to the White Oak family in 2014. She started her journey as an after school teacher and floater in all age groups before ultimately moving into a management position at the Prominence Court location. Jessica quickly realized that her passion for working with children had ignited and chose to pursue her education in the ECE field working towards an Associates degree. Jessica accepted a role of Assistant Director at the Forsyth location and became a certified on-site CPR trainer for all of the White Oak locations. Just recently Jessica decided to return to her home base location at Prominence Ct. Jessica is the eldest of 5 children, mother of 4 and aunt to 9 nieces and nephews. Being surrounded by children has always been a way of life. Jessica's favorite thing about being at White Oak is the family-like closeness not only with her fellow co-workers but with the children and their families as well. 

Emily Starcher - 
Assistant Director Prominence Ct

Emily has worked in childcare since 2012, gaining experience in Pre-K classrooms, management roles, and as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). She holds an associate's degree in early childhood education and is passionate about supporting young children’s growth and development. Emily is a proud mom to two boys. In her spare time, she enjoys staying active at the gym, spending time outdoors, especially by the water and being involved in her church community. Emily values the positive family work culture at White Oak. She enjoys watching the students grow, seeing their excitement as they learn new skills, reach important milestones, and build friendships that help shape their early experiences.

 

Sarah Overman - 
Director Grizzle Rd

Sarah joined the White Oak family in 2021. While pursuing her bachelor's degree at the University of North Georgia, she held various roles that enabled her to work with diverse age groups and mentor new teachers. Upon graduating in 2023, she was appointed Assistant Director at our Grizzle Road location. Most recently, she was promoted to Director in 2024. What Sarah values most about childcare is witnessing and contributing to each child's early learning experiences and cognitive and social development.

Alyssa Ingerson - 
Assistant Director Grizzle Rd

Alyssa has been working with children since 2007. She has been with White Oak since 2017 and has experience in the classrooms, kitchen and bus driver roles. Alyssa is married, as well as, a mom of one and stepmom to two children which she completely adores. She holds two Technical Certificates of Credit in Early Child Care Education and is currently interested in furthering her education.  

 

Britney Shoemake - 
Assistant Director Grizzle Rd

Britney has been working in early childhood education since 2006. She has been with White Oak since 2022 at the Grizzle Road location and has experience as an infant teacher, moving her way up to our management team in 2024. She has taught all preschool ages but much of her time has been teaching in Georgia Pre-K. She obtained her Technical Teaching Certificate at Lanier Tech in 2009. Britney is married and has 2 children. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, reading, and camping with her family.  

Prominence Ct. & Grizzle Rd. Galleries

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