The Crooked Creek Management Team
Kathy Ailts - Director
Kathy was born in Illinois, and lived in Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota as well. She and her family moved to Georgia about 2 years ago. Kathy's background is in both business and education. She has a B.A. degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Psychology. Her Master's of Education degree is from the University of Wisconsin in River Falls.
After working with children of various ages, Kathy has followed her heart and returned to the field of early childhood education. She believes nothing is more vital than providing quality care and learning opportunities for the very young. Kathy is especially pleased to have joined the Legacy team so close to the neighborhood in which she lives. She is enthusiastic about the quality of the early childhood program at Legacy Academy, including this location's unique Spanish component.
Outside of work, Kathy enjoys reading, and the simple pleasures found in gardening and the outdoors. She's always happy to spend time with her family and their variety of activities.
Valentina Cardona - Assistant Director
Valentina was born in Los Angeles, California and lived in Memphis, Tennessee before moving with her family to Atlanta, Georgia in 1999. She has a B.S. degree in Psychology and Human Services from Clayton State University, with a minor in Education.
Along with her great energy and enthusiasm, Valentina brings a variety of experience in the early childhood field to this position. Her experience within the profession includes working at learning centers and elementary schools with children from birth to age twelve. She has also provided support services for parents. Her volunteer experience includes serving as a mentor through the Big Brother/Big Sister program. For the past year, she has worked as a bilingual behavioral specialist to provide care and resources through the Department of Family and Children Services.
In her free time, Valentina enjoys exercising and playing soccer. Also important to her are spending time with her family and friends. Being part of the team at Legacy Academy is right in line with her career goals.
Nayree Torrealba - Center Support
Born in Venezuela, Nayree holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Informatics Engineering. She began working at Legacy when they opened the Legacy Academy Satellite location in October of 2003. Working with children has been one of the most beautiful experiences in her professional life. Watching the growth and development of the children along with her own children has been an irreplaceable experience.
Arely Orta - Center Support
Arely is also from Caracas, Venezuela. She graduated from Andres Catholic University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She holds a Masters degree in Learning Process. Arely has 20 years of experience in early childhood education. She and her husband Hector moved to Georgia in 2000. She worked at the Atlanta International School for two years and now has developed a Spanish program to run parallel with the Legacy
Framework for Their Future curriculum.
