Karim Badani

As Albert Einstein said “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” This is a quote I firmly believe in and something that has guided me through my educational journey. I am very excited to bring Ivy Kids Early Learning Center to Johns Creek as the focus of our center will be to use the research-based MultiPrep Curriculum that promotes academic excellence through active learning.

Educationally, I have received my Bachelor of Science from Georgia State University with a major in Finance. Most recently, I was one of the youngest Executive MBA Graduates from Georgia State University. I am also currently working on obtaining my Child Care Director Certification.

Professionally, I have been working in the banking industry for the past nine years at a Fortune 50 company. I am a Vice President at the current company and frequently volunteer at local schools teaching financial literacy seminars.

I am also involved in various community service organizations and currently serve as the Southeast USA Manager of Camp Management for Jubilee Monuments Corp (JMC). JMC is responsible for arranging positive youth empowerment camps for students in grades 1 – 8. Some of the goals for the camps are to build communities around cultures, languages, and to incorporate STEM in activities for development. I have been involved with JMC over the last three years in various roles, including Project Manager of Camp 2020.

According to UNICEF, “The brain develops most rapidly before birth and during the first two years of life. Good health, good nutrition and nurturing are especially important during this time. Eighty percent of human brain’s structure takes shape between the ages of 0-3 and the 90 percent of the human brain’s structure takes shape until the age of 5.” This is where Ivy Prep Curriculum and Brain Bites program fit in for us to develop our future leaders.

Education has always held an essential role in my life. Through Ivy Kids, I can pass that on to the community, by combining academic excellence and innovation in a nurturing and joyful environment.

Gayon Washington

We are thrilled to introduce Gayon Washington as the Director of Ivy Kids of Johns Creek. Gayon is a dedicated, resourceful, and goal-driven professional educator, deeply committed to fostering the social and academic growth and development of each child under her care.

Gayon holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with specialized concentrations in Early Childhood Education and English Literature. Furthermore, she has earned her Masters in Education with a focus on Curriculum Instruction for K-12 education. With an impressive 16-year career in early childhood education, Gayon brings a wealth of innovative teaching experience and a diverse background that makes her an invaluable asset to our team.

In addition to her educational credentials, Gayon brings a wealth of knowledge to our organization. She has served as a Program Manager, Pre-K Teacher, and has accumulated over 4 years of experience as a Curriculum Director. With her extensive background, Gayon is well-equipped to lead Ivy Kids of Johns Creek, ensuring that each child’s potential is nurtured and their educational journey enriched.

Nadja Lima

“Teachers have three loves: love of learning, love of learners, and the love of bringing the first two loves together.” ~ Scott Hayden

Hi Ivy Kids Family! I am Nadja Lima, and I am so excited to be taking on the position of Education Director! I have been an early education professional for over fourteen years. During my time in the field, I’ve held the positions of teacher, curriculum coordinator, and program director. In my opinion, the best part of working in early education is the moments we witness when a child realizes how capable, strong, and intelligent they really are. From rolling over to using a fork for the first time to a child reading his first words, those moments to me, are everything.

I attended Gwinnett Technical College’s early education program, and I hold my Child Development Associate credential with a preschool endorsement.

I was born in New York (Go Giants) but raised in the Gwinnett County area. For the past several years, I lived right outside of Dallas, Texas, and boy, am I glad to be home. I am a mother of two beautiful girls, Cassidy and Caelynn, and I spend my free time chauffeuring them to practices, events, and their social engagements. I also enjoy crafting, reading, and binging Netflix shows.

I look forward to building a community with you all!