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About Us
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At Big Blue Marble Academy, we understand what developing minds need to be successful in preschool and in life. Research shows that the first five years of a child’s life are transformative for growing children’s minds and developing their social-emotional skills. Whether you’re looking for early care, daycare, preschool, or after-school care, we’ve designed our programs around what your child needs for their age and stage of development.

At the core of our curriculum is a focus on global education, which enhances children’s perspective and understanding of the world outside their community. We teach children the importance of giving back and helping others in need, through hands-on activities and “Heart Projects.” We provide the structure children need, while also encouraging their natural curiosity and love of learning. Big Blue Marble Academy provides a true home away from home for your child.

Our executive team

Jeff Wahl
Jeff Wahl
CEO
Jeff Wahl has over twenty years of management and leadership experience in the early care and education industry. He joined BBMA in 2019 as Executive Chairman and was named CEO in 2020. Prior to joining BBMA, Jeff supported Avathon Capital as an Executive In Residence. Jeff’s wife has been a preschool teacher for twenty years... View Article
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Robert Moffett
Robert Moffett
Chief Development Officer
Bob Moffett has almost twenty years of business growth and development experience within the early childhood education space. Bob joined BBMA in October 2018 following Avathon Capital’s initial investment in the Company and was a part of the deal team that evaluated the business. Prior to joining the BBMA team, Bob was the Chief Development... View Article
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Nan Rikard
Nan Rikard
Founder
Nan Rikard is the founder of Big Blue Marble Academy (BBMA). She has spent her entire career in early care and education. Rikard formed BBMA to serve community based early childhood care, after school programs and language enrichment programs. Her understanding of the important role culture and language play in the future of young children... View Article
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Brian Moore
Brian Moore
Chief Financial Officer
As Chief Financial Officer, Brian Moore is responsible for all of BBMA’s financial functions including accounting, financial planning and analysis, treasury, and tax. He also oversees all human resources activities. His career spans nearly 20 years of varied experience in financial management, business leadership and corporate strategy. Before joining Big Blue Marble Academy in September... View Article
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Farrar Frazee
Farrar Frazee
Director of HR
Farrar Frazee is the Director of HR at Big Blue Marble Academy. Prior to joining the team in March 2020, Frazee was a member of the senior leadership team at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, serving as Director of HR and later Senior Director of Performance Improvement. She began... View Article
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Vicki Hoover
Vicki Hoover
Regional Director
Vicki Hoover is Regional Director at Big Blue Marble Academy. As Regional Director, she oversees the operations of nine locations in North Carolina and South Carolina. Her experience and leadership empowers directors and reignites everyone’s passion to serve all children in our programs. Hoover enjoys spending time with her husband and grandchildren at their cabin... View Article
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Nicki Highland
Nicki Highland
Regional Director
Nicki Highland is an operations professional with over 16 years experience in the childcare industry, serving in many positions ranging from teacher to executive director. She currently serves as Regional Director, overseeing ten schools in Georgia and Alabama. In addition, she has a key role in leading and implementing special projects, systems, and programs such... View Article
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Cheri Smith
Cheri Smith
Regional Director
Cheri Smith is Regional Director for ten Big Blue Marble Academy locations in South Carolina and Georgia. In addition, she oversees six on-site after school programs at local elementary schools in Lexington School District One in South Carolina. Smith has over 30 years of experience in early care and education. She has been married for... View Article
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Julie Morin
Julie Morin
Regional Director
Julie Morin serves as Regional Director at Big Blue Marble Academy. In her position, she oversees the operations of five centers in Florida, New Jersey, Tennessee and Texas. She also specializes in the transitions related to new acquisitions including licensing, regulation and on-site training. In her downtime, she enjoys traveling with her family, spending time... View Article
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Kennedy Natvig
Kennedy Natvig
Curriculum Director
Kennedy Natvig is the Curriculum Director at Big Blue Marble Academy. Natvig’s passion for world language has brought an exciting energy to our Passport to Language program, opening up new worlds to children through foreign language and cultural instruction. She loves working with children and is passionate about the importance of a global education for... View Article
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Kent Krupicka
Kent Krupicka
Controller
Kent Krupicka serves as Controller at Big Blue Marble Academy and has over 14 years of experience directing accounting teams and supporting the financial reporting function. Prior to joining the BBMA team, Kent worked at Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers LLC as VP & Controller, responsible for leading all financial and accounting operations.
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Jenny Anderson
Jenny Anderson
VP of Marketing & Communications
Jenny Anderson is the VP of Marketing and Communications for Big Blue Marble Academy. Her creativity and experience in project management has been integral in her role at BBMA as she focuses on brand management, enrollment strategies, and communications to current and prospective parents. Samples also serves as Board Member for Family Connection of South... View Article
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Donna Whittaker
Donna Whittaker
Training & Education Director
Donna Whittacker is the Training & Education Director at Big Blue Marble Academy and has been in the early childhood field for 40 years. Donna’s previous experience includes running a private preschool, running the Quality/Education department at an Early Learning Coalition in Florida, and working for another childcare company as a trainer and as part... View Article
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Scott Cotter
Scott Cotter
Advisor
Scott Cotter has over twenty years of management and leadership experience in the early care and education industry. He joined BBMA in October 2018 following Avathon Capital’s initial investment in the Company and was a part of the deal team that evaluated the business. Prior to joining BBMA, Scott was the CEO of a large... View Article
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What makes our teachers different?

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Screening
  • Extensive background checks
  • Multiple reference checks
  • Must meet all state licensing requirements
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Qualities
  • Caring
  • Creative
  • Positive
  • Passionate
  • Engaging
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Training
  • Certified in first aid & CPR
  • Complete ongoing training and development
  • Incorporate strict curriculum guidelines
Join our team

“Ms. Francis was the breath that a new, older mom like me needed four years ago when I first dropped off my then 8-week old baby for the first time. I was scared to leave my son and Ms. Francis allowed me to come in to see him as much as I wanted. She understood the fears I had, even as Ayden got older and moved out of her classroom. I feel like she, and all of the teachers at that location, have helped me  grow as a mom and as a person.”

–Felisha Blassingame, parent at BBMA, Greenville – North Main

“Ms. Francis was the breath that a new, older mom like me needed four years ago when I first dropped off my then 8-week old baby for the first time. I was scared to leave my son and Ms. Francis allowed me to come in to see him as much as I wanted. She understood the fears I had, even as Ayden got older and moved out of her classroom. I feel like she, and all of the teachers at that location, have helped me  grow as a mom and as a person.”

–Felisha Blassingame, parent at BBMA, Greenville – North Main

Find a school near you!
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Whether you have a question about center availability, our age-appropriate programs, or our safety initiatives and commitment, our team is ready to answer all your questions and will be in touch soon.

Boiling Springs

Clinton

Gilbert – Augusta Hwy

Gilbert – Main Street

Greenville – Banking Way

Greenville – N Main

Irmo

Leesville

Lexington

Mauldin

Rock Hill

Roebuck

Auburn

Daphne

Glenn Ave

Opelika

Coral Springs

Friendswood

West Columbia

Morristown

Murfreesboro

Spring Hill

Edison

Charlotte – Park Crossing

Indian Trail – Wesley Chapel

Waxhaw

Acworth

Augusta – Downtown

Augusta – Madeline Dr.

Augusta – Stevens Creek

Canton

Duluth

Evans

Grovetown

Macon – Hartley Bridge

Macon – Peake Road

McDonough

Ola

Villa Rica

Submit
Or call us!
334-802-BBMA
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Big Blue Marble Academy

145 East Magnolia Ave, Suite 208, Auburn, AL 36830
© 2021 Big Blue Marble Academy All Rights Reserved
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