About the Owners
My name is Ellen Farnsworth. I am an owner, a director and a caregiver at Crabapple Academy. My mother and father in law owned Crabapple Academy for 18 years and serve as my mentors and advisors. I stay on site every day because I love being here. My husband Alan co-owns Crabapple Academy. He is also a Latin teacher at Walton High School in Marietta. I have a BA in art history, which gives me a unique perspective in childcare. I love incorporating art appreciation and art history into the curriculum and think of childcare as the most wonderful creative medium. Truly, each child is a beautiful and still unfinished work of art.
My staff and I are certified in CPR and First Aid. Each year we complete ten hours of additional state-approved training. I have completed the state nutrition guidelines training and state licensing program, as well as many hours of additional voluntary classes about child development, curriculum and safety. Like the "Old Master" artists, my teachers have learned skills from years of training and practice as well as amazing natural ability with children. I am proud to be in the company of such talented childcare "artists."
I have had the enjoyment of raising four children in my home. My stepdaughter Elena is a graduate of Crabapple Academy and Milton High School who currently attends Brigham Young University. My stepson Duncan is a graduate of Crabapple as well and starts on the MIlton varsity football team. My daughter Ivy is currently enrolled at Crabapple Academy, as is my son Knox.
I love my work at Crabapple Academy because I know that how we raise our children will be the composition of our society's future. I know and love each child individually and treasure the enthusiasm and joy they bring to my life every day. At Crabapple Academy, the teachers and I promise to nurture, love and teach your child as if he or she were our own.
About the Director
Sara Hake was born and raised here in Alpharetta and has lived in this area all of her life (aside from a three-year stint in Chicago). She earned her BSEd from the University of Georgia and holds a Masters degree in Education from Georgia State University, and she worked as a high-school English teacher for 8 years before coming here. Sara is married to Matt - her college sweetheart - and they have two amazing boys, Parker and Brady. In her free time, Sara loves to read, shop, play tennis, travel when she can, and spend time with her friends and family. She is really excited about this new adventure in her life!
About You
At Crabapple Academy we recognize that you have a demanding schedule, and we support parents in every way we can. We recognize the importance of your work, and the stress and demands placed on parents. We strive to make it easier on parents by giving them the knowledge that their children are in good hands. We understand, because we're working parents, too!
