OUR TEAM
Where collaboration and inspiration work together
Carlson Family
Owners
The Carlson Family are the proud owners of Kids R Kids Crabapple, having taken the reins of the school in 2021. Committed to providing exceptional early childhood education, they bring a personal touch to the school that resonates with families and staff alike.
Prior to embarking on this journey as business owners, The Carlson Family had often discussed their shared dream of owning an early childhood learning center. Now, they are living that dream every day and are enthusiastic about the positive impact they can make in their community.
The Carlson Family consists of two wonderful children, Ledger and Holland, who bring joy and inspiration to their lives.
Understanding that choosing an early childhood learning center is a significant decision for families, The Carlson Family is dedicated to ensuring that Kids R Kids Crabapple offers the best preschool experience possible. They strive to create a nurturing environment where every child receives unmatched care and education.
Whether you are a first-time parent or have years of parenting experience, The Carlson Family welcomes you to Kids R Kids Crabapple with open arms. Their goal is to provide families with peace of mind, knowing that their child is in a safe, loving, and educational environment.
With their passion for early childhood education and their commitment to excellence, The Carlson Family is excited to continue growing and enriching the lives of children and families in their community through Kids R Kids Crabapple.
Ashley Handley
Billing Specialist
Ashley Handley serves as the Billing Specialist at Kids R Kids Crabapple, bringing with her a wealth of experience and dedication to the early childhood education field. Ashley joined the Kids R Kids Crabapple family in 2019 and boasts an additional 11 years of experience in early childhood education.
Ashley holds an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development and Technical Management, which has provided her with a solid foundation to excel in her role. Her passion for working with children shines through in her commitment to building meaningful relationships with each family and child she encounters.
Originally from Minnesota, Ashley made the move to Georgia three years ago with her husband and two beloved dogs. They are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their second daughter this summer.
One of Ashley's favorite aspects of Kids R Kids is the "hug first, then teach" philosophy, which resonates deeply with her approach to nurturing and educating young minds. She is enthusiastic about welcoming new families to the school and looks forward to being a part of your child's educational journey.
With her warm and caring nature, combined with her extensive experience and education, Ashley is a valued member of the Kids R Kids Crabapple team, dedicated to providing exceptional service and support to both families and staff.
Rissa Buluran
Assistant Director
Rissa Buluran is an Assistant Director at Kids R Kids Crabapple with a rich background spanning over 8 years in early childhood education. Throughout her career, Rissa has held various roles including Private PreK teacher, Curriculum Director, and Assistant Director, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the field.
Rissa earned her Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and furthered her studies with a Master's in Educational Management from De La Salle University. Her academic background has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to excel in educational leadership and management.
Driven by her passion for early childhood education, Rissa is committed to providing a nurturing and enriching learning environment for children. She believes in fostering a love for learning while empowering each child to reach their full potential.
Outside of her professional life, Rissa cherishes quality moments with her husband, Earl, and their toddler, Eli. She enjoys hiking, exploring new cities through travel, and watching movies together as a family.
With her dedication to education and her love for family and adventure, Rissa embodies a balanced and passionate approach to both her career and personal life.
Laura Argroves
Director of Curriculum
Leah Queen
Private Pre-K Teacher
Leah Queen is a seasoned educator with an impressive tenure of over 15 years in the field of early childhood education. She joined the Kids R Kids family in 2013 and has embraced nearly every role the school has to offer, showcasing her versatility and commitment to the community.
With a genuine passion for learning and a deep love for teaching young minds, Leah is known for her creative and interactive teaching style that captivates her students' attention and fosters a love for learning. She consistently goes above and beyond in the classroom, ensuring that each child receives a personalized and enriching educational experience.
Leah values the community atmosphere at Kids R Kids and appreciates the flexibility she has in the classroom to innovate and adapt her teaching methods to meet the needs of her students.
Outside of her professional life, Leah is a devoted mother to her four children. When she's not teaching, she enjoys watching football and exploring her culinary skills through cooking. One of Leah's favorite children's books is "Duck for President" by Doreen Cronin, which reflects her playful and engaging approach to education.
With her extensive experience, passion for teaching, and love for the Kids R Kids community, Leah Queen is a cherished member of the team, dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of her students and their families.