Ms. Donna Harris – Director/Owner
Ms. Donna is a life long resident of Cherokee County and has dedicated her life to working with preschoolers and their families. She has over 30 years experience in the field of preschool education. Before the opening of The Carpenter’s Shop in August 2007, Donna owned and operated an in-home preschool , she served as the Director of Preschool Ministries at First Baptist Canton and Mission Point Christian Academy, and has worked in the Cherokee County Public School System with Kindergarteners and children with special needs.
“Preschoolers are my passion! More learning takes place during the first five years of a child’s life than at any other time! I believe that it is our responsibility, as educators and parents, to raise Godly children. It is our responsibility to lay a solid foundation academically and spiritually on which each child will thrive, grow, and reach their God-given potential. It is my prayer that The Carpenter’s Shop will be a place where parents feel comfortable leaving their children, because they know that they are loved and that they are learning while in our care!”
Ms. Donna has been happily married for 44 years to her childhood sweetheart, Steve, and they have been blessed with three sons: Josh, 41, Ben, 38, and Marc, 36, one beautiful daughter-in-law, Jessica, and three grandchildren, Waylon, Henry, and Saylor!
Mr. Steve Harris – Owner/Maintenance Supervisor
Mr. Steve was born and bred in Cherokee County and grew up in the Sixes Community. He and his wife, Donna, have three grown sons: Josh, Ben, and Marc, a daughter in law: Jessica, and three grandchildren: Waylon, Henry, and Saylor. Mr. Steve takes great pride in The Carpenter’s Shop and loves being around all of our wonderful preschoolers!
In October, 2011, Mr. Steve retired from United Parcel Service and became a full time employee at The Carpenter’s Shop. This is a dream come true for him and Ms. Donna!
Mrs. Vickey Bryan – Assistant Director/Office Manager
Mrs. Vickey Bryan has been with TCS since 2009. Vickey is invaluable to TCS in so many ways! She is responsible for the day to day operations at TCS and does a fabulous job being Mrs. Donna’s “right hand woman” and keeping things running smoothly. She is Jesus loving, caring, compassionate, funny, hardworking, dedicated and loyal to our staff and families. Mrs. Vickey makes our school a better place!
Mr. Josh Harris – IT Technician/Maintenance
Josh joined The Carpenter’s Shop as a full time employee in 2014. As our IT technician, Josh spends his time making sure our technology is up to date and our software/computers are running properly. He also enjoys helping his Dad and Mom, Mrs. Donna and Mr. Steve, with the daily upkeep at TCS. In his spare time, Josh enjoys playing recreational league basketball and softball.
Mrs. Chelsea Kinsler – Music Teacher
Chelsea Kinsler completed her music therapy degree at The University of Georgia. She then completed her music therapy internship with the Fulton County School System working with special needs children aging from preschool to high school during the 2011-2012 school year. She is a licensed Kindermusik® educator . She is a nationally board certified music therapist as well as a state licensed music therapist. Chelsea loves working with children! Chelsea resides in Woodstock with her husband, Chris.
Mrs. Chris Johnson – Transitional Kindergarten Teacher
My name is Chris Johnson and I have been teaching Pre-K and TK for over twenty years and have been with TCS since 2008. I love working with children and believe that each child is unique and different and has different needs. I am married to a wonderful man, Cid, and we have three wonderful daughters and four grandchildren. In my free time I love spending time with my beloved dogs! I can’t wait to see what the future holds at TCS!
Mrs. Samantha Pruitt – Teacher
My name is Sam and I live in Jasper with my husband, Johnathon, and our two wonderful children, Madison and Broden. I have been with The Carpenter’s Shop since it’s opening in 2007. In that time, I have worked with many ages, but have found Pre-K to be my true calling. I have a genuine love for all children and can’t wait for the coming years at TCS!
Mrs. Jean White – Pre-K Teacher
My name is Jean White, and I have been with The Carpenter’s Shop since 2011. I received my bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University and currently reside in Canton with my three sweet girls, Ashlyn, Anna, and Addison. I have a true passion for teaching and feel honored to be able to pour the word of Jesus into precious children each day!
Mrs. Jill Wood – Chapel Leader/Teacher
Ms. Jill has been married to her husband Thad for 12 years, and they have two precious girls: Zoe and Anslee. Originally from South Carolina, Ms. Jill is a Clemson Tiger through and through! She has a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and has taught grades 3-5 for seven years before moving to Georgia in 2008. Ms. Jill states, “God led me to The Carpenter’s Shop in October, 2008, and I’ve loved every minute of teaching these precious kids since! I have a true passion for teaching, and I feel that being able to instruct and love on these children every day is a true gift from God!
Mrs. Lindsey Cameron – Teacher
My name is Lindsey, and I’ve been with TCS since August 2019. I’ve assisted in Pre-K and now Kindergarten with Mrs. Gina! My commitment to my love of early learning is shown through my sixteen years’ experience; nine of which were in a lead Ga Pre-K position. I graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in English Education. I live in Macedonia with my husband, Bobby, and two beautiful children, Sawyer June and Asher Foxx. I love books, music, the beach, turtles, and all things summer and Fall!
Josie Henson – Teacher
My name is Josie and I’ve been with TCS since summer 2020. I was born and raised in Waleska, Georgia along with my two older sisters. I will graduate from Cherokee High School in 2021 and plan to further my education at Chattahoochee Technical College with a degree in law enforcement. I hope to one day become a police officer. I love working with children and teaching them new things as well as seeing their growth and watching them reach milestones.
Gracie Henson – Teacher
My name is Gracie Henson, and I have been with TCS since summer 2020. I am currently enrolled at Chattahoochee Technical College pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy while also working at The Carpenter’s Shop. I’ve always had a passion for working with children and love to see them progress in life. I’m excited to be here at TCS!
Kaitlyn Coker – Teacher
My name is Kaitlyn Coker and I’m married to my husband Dylan. We have been blessed with two wonderful boys, Axton and Cash, and we live in Adairsville. Our family loves being outdoors and hiking to waterfalls is one of our favorite activities. I gave my life to Christ at age nineteen and have felt my whole life that God had placed a passion in my heart and calling to work with children. As I followed His path, He ultimately led me to TCS in summer 2020. I feel so blessed to be serving at a place that allows me to fulfill that calling.
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Jodie Blankenship – Teacher
My name is Jodi Blankenship and I was born and raised here in Canton. I moved to Kennesaw a little over two years ago where I live with my very spoiled nine year old dog Moon. I have enjoyed teaching in a preschool setting since 2012 where I have worked with students of all ages. I am currently working on getting my CDA in Early Childhood Education. I can’t wait to see what the future holds at TCS!
Joan Hill – Teacher
Ms. Joan Hill has been with TCS since 2019. During that time she has loved and cared for our babies. Ms. Joan is one of the sweetest ladies! She is loving and kind! Mrs. Joan always looks out for the best interest of her babies.
Ashley Brentar – Teacher
My name is Ashley Brentar and have worked at TCS since January of 2021. My husband and I moved from Colorado to Canton for his job back in 2016. I have worked as a teacher and administrator since 2013. I have one son who attends and loves TCS.
Alyssa Standish – Teacher
Miss Alyssa Standish is new to The Carpenter’s Shop this year. She works in the afternoons with our older twos. Alyssa takes great care of her students! She loves them and they adore her!
