Faces Behind the Places
Spotlighting the People Who Make Madison County Thrive
Every business has a story, and every organization is powered by people who are passionate about what they do. The Faces Behind the Places is a Madison County Chamber initiative designed to highlight the incredible Chamber member businesses, organizations, and individuals who help shape our community each and every day.
Through short videos, business spotlights, behind-the-scenes tours, and conversations with local leaders, this series gives our community the opportunity to learn more about the people behind the storefronts, offices, nonprofits, farms, industries, and services that make Madison County unique.
Whether you are a longtime business owner, a growing startup, a nonprofit organization, or an industry leader, we want to help tell your story.
Interested in Participating?
We would love the opportunity to connect with you and showcase the incredible work happening throughout Madison County.
Contact the Madison County Chamber to schedule your feature today.
Meet Alisa Hutchins with Hutchins Financial Harmony
Behind every successful business is a person with a passion for serving others, and that is exactly what makes Alisa Hutchins of Hutchins Financial Harmony such a wonderful feature in our Faces Behind the Places series. As a QuickBooks ProAdvisor with 17 years of hands-on accounting experience at the University of Georgia, Alisa now uses her expertise to provide dependable bookkeeping support for therapists, nonprofits, and service-based professionals. Her heart for helping organizations create financial clarity and stability is rooted in a genuine desire to help others thrive behind the scenes. Through The Faces Behind the Places, we are proud to highlight not only the services our members provide, but also the incredible people and stories that make their businesses meaningful to our community. We invite you to watch Alisa’s full sit-down interview at the Madison County Chamber office to learn more about her journey, her mission, and the “why” behind Hutchins Financial Harmony.
Click her photo to watch her Faces Behind the Places feature and learn more about her story.
Meet Laurie Williams with H&R Block
With more than 15 years of experience in the tax industry, Laurie Williams of H&R Block has built her career around helping individuals and families navigate important financial decisions with confidence and care. As a Franchise Owner and Master Tax Advisor, Laurie brings both deep expertise and a genuine commitment to serving her clients well. Throughout her career with H&R Block, Laurie has continued to grow her knowledge and sharpen her skills through ongoing professional education, completing more than 32 hours of training annually. As an Enrolled Agent (EA), she specializes in retirement planning, investments, and farming income, helping clients better understand their finances and work toward their long-term goals. Beyond the credentials and experience, what truly stands out about Laurie is her heart for helping people feel supported during what can often be stressful financial seasons. Her thoughtful approach, attention to detail, and dedication to client success have made her a trusted resource for so many throughout our region.
Click her photo to watch her Faces Behind the Places feature and learn more about her story.
Meet Katie Peeler with Front Porch Marketing
Katie Peeler is the owner of Front Porch Marketing and a North Georgia native with more than 10 years of experience in digital marketing. Based in Athens with her family, Katie is deeply rooted in the community she serves and is passionate about helping local small businesses grow through authentic connection and thoughtful digital strategy.
With expertise in social media advertising, organic content creation, web design, and SEO, Katie helps businesses strengthen their online presence and turn digital engagement into real customer relationships. She has partnered with a wide range of industries including HVAC, plumbing, roofing, real estate, home building, boutiques, and other service-based businesses across Northeast Georgia.
Front Porch Marketing was built to give small business owners a more personal, approachable alternative to large marketing agencies. Katie focuses on building genuine relationships with her clients, offering hands-on support, and simplifying the often overwhelming world of digital marketing so business owners can confidently show up online and reach the customers they’re meant to serve.
When she is not working with clients, Katie enjoys time at local Athens restaurants and community events, as well as time at the lake or in the mountains with her husband and their two young children.
Click her photo to watch her Faces Behind the Places feature and learn more about her story.
Meet Taryn Maddox with Kingdom Destinations
Taryn Maddox is a travel advisor with Kingdom Destinations and a Colbert, Georgia native who specializes in multi-generational family cruises and creating meaningful, memory-filled travel experiences. She is passionate about helping families plan trips that bring people together, with a focus on thoughtful details, seamless planning, and unforgettable moments from start to finish.
With a love for travel planning and a talent for organizing the little details that make a big difference, Taryn helps clients turn dream vacations into reality. Her favorite destination is Jamaica, and she enjoys working with families who are looking to create experiences that will be remembered for years to come. Her expertise and excitement for the planning process allow her to take the stress out of travel so her clients can simply enjoy the journey.
Kingdom Destinations allows Taryn to do what she loves most, helping others create lifelong memories through travel while also working from home and homeschooling her three daughters. She values the flexibility and purpose her career provides, blending family life with a passion for helping others experience the joy of travel.
When she is not planning vacations for clients, Taryn enjoys reading and karaoke, and she can often be found daydreaming about her next theme park treat, hot butterbeer and Nutella waffles among her favorites.
Click her photo to watch her Faces Behind the Places feature and learn more about her story.
Meet Jake Strickland, REALTOR with RE/MAX CLASSIC's Sold Squad
Jake Strickland is a REALTOR who is passionate about helping clients confidently navigate one of life's biggest investments, buying and selling real estate. With a detail-oriented approach and a strong understanding of the local market, Jake guides clients through every step of the process, from pricing and marketing to negotiations and closing, ensuring each transaction is as smooth and successful as possible.
Known for his focus on efficiency and results, Jake is committed to helping his clients maximize the value of their investments while making the buying or selling experience as stress free as possible. His strategic mindset extends beyond real estate, as he also enjoys options trading, a skill that reflects his interest in market analysis, smart decision making, and long-term financial growth.
Whether working with first-time homebuyers, growing families, or those preparing to sell, Jake is dedicated to building lasting relationships and delivering exceptional service. His goal is simple, helping clients make informed decisions with confidence while achieving the best possible outcome for their unique needs.
Click his photo to watch his Faces Behind the Places feature and learn more about Jake's story.
Meet Dr. Christina Halpin and Team, Ila Veterinary Clinic
Dr. Christina Halpin and the dedicated team at Ila Veterinary Clinic are passionate about providing compassionate, personalized veterinary care for pets and the families who love them. With more than a decade of experience, Dr. Halpin leads the practice with a commitment to building lasting relationships, earning the trust of clients, and treating every patient like a member of the family.
A graduate of North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Halpin believes exceptional veterinary care goes beyond medicine. She and her team work together to create a welcoming environment where pets feel safe, owners feel supported, and every visit is centered around compassion, communication, and individualized care.
Ila Veterinary Clinic is more than a veterinary office, it is a thoughtfully restored piece of local history designed with both pets and people in mind. From dedicated spaces for puppies and kittens, specialized feline care, and private comfort rooms for life's most difficult moments, every detail reflects the clinic's commitment to making each experience as comfortable and stress free as possible.
Whether welcoming a new puppy, caring for a lifelong companion, or helping families through difficult goodbyes, Dr. Halpin and her incredible team are honored to serve the Madison County community with kindness, expertise, and heart.
Click Dr. Halpin's photo to watch the team's Faces Behind the Places feature and learn more about the people behind Ila Veterinary Clinic.
Meet Olga Pyshnyak-Lawrence, Founder of Motivated Mama by Olga
Olga Pyshnyak-Lawrence, founder of Motivated Mama by Olga, is passionate about helping mothers rediscover their purpose, embrace personal growth, and live lives filled with confidence, joy, and intention. As a Certified Life Coach, Certified Aromatherapist, author, entrepreneur, and proud mother of two, Olga has dedicated her work to empowering women through every season of motherhood.
Drawing from her own journey of balancing career, family, and personal transformation, Olga created Motivated Mama as a welcoming space where moms can find encouragement, practical tools, and authentic support. Through one-on-one coaching, wellness resources, educational courses, and her signature PASSION Method™, she helps women take meaningful steps toward becoming the best version of themselves, one small victory at a time.
Olga believes that every mother already possesses incredible strength and potential. Her mission is not to encourage perfection, but to inspire progress, self compassion, and the confidence to pursue the dreams that often get placed on hold while caring for others.
Whether she's coaching clients, writing, speaking, or spending time with her family, Olga leads with authenticity, grace, and a heart for serving others. Her commitment to uplifting mothers is creating a lasting impact throughout our community and beyond.
Click Olga's photo to watch her Faces Behind the Places feature and learn more about the heart and inspiration behind Motivated Mama by Olga.
Meet SArah McKinney, President and CEO of the Athens Area Community Foundation
Sarah McKinney, President & CEO of the Athens Area Community Foundation, is passionate about connecting people, resources, and opportunities to create a lasting impact throughout the Athens area and beyond. Since stepping into her role in 2017, Sarah has dedicated her leadership to helping donors, nonprofits, and community organizations build philanthropic resources that enhance quality of life for generations to come.
With a career rooted in nonprofit development and community service, Sarah brings decades of experience in strengthening organizations and creating meaningful connections. Before joining the Athens Area Community Foundation, she served as Director of Development for the Georgia 4-H Foundation at the University of Georgia and spent fifteen years with the Athens Community Council on Aging, where she began as an intern and ultimately created and led the organization’s first Director of Development position.
A graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Social Work degree, Sarah has continued to expand her knowledge through certifications in gerontology, leadership, and nonprofit financial management. Her commitment to lifelong learning and service has shaped a career focused on empowering others and investing in stronger communities.
Beyond her professional role, Sarah is an engaged community leader who serves on numerous boards and committees throughout Northeast Georgia, including Jackson EMC, First American Bank & Trust, the Jackson County School System Foundation, and other philanthropic organizations. Through her leadership and dedication, Sarah continues to champion the power of generosity, collaboration, and community connection.
Click Sarah’s photo to watch her Faces Behind the Places feature and learn more about the person behind the Athens Area Community Foundation.
Meet Ted Adams, Owner of Adams Local Honey
Ted Adams is the owner of Adams Local Honey, a dedicated beekeeper with more than two decades of experience caring for one of nature’s most important pollinators. What began as an interest in beekeeping has grown into a passion for supporting local agriculture, protecting honeybee populations, and helping others better understand the incredible role honeybees play in our ecosystem.
Through Adams Local Honey, Ted has combined his love for beekeeping with a commitment to education, sustainability, and community connection. With hundreds of thousands of honeybees under his care, Ted’s work highlights the importance of protecting pollinators and preserving the natural systems that support our food supply and environment.
As part of his journey, Ted shares the fascinating art and science behind beekeeping, from caring for healthy colonies to producing local honey and raising awareness about the vital role bees play in our everyday lives. His dedication serves as a reminder that behind every local business is a story of passion, purpose, and commitment to the community.
When he is not caring for his bees, Ted enjoys sharing his knowledge with others and helping people develop a greater appreciation for these incredible insects and the impact they have on our world.
Click his photo to watch his Faces Behind the Places feature and learn more about his story.
Meet Stephan Morgan, CPA with Pathwise CPA Group
Stephan Morgan is part of the team at Pathwise CPA Group, a firm dedicated to helping individuals and businesses make confident, informed financial decisions.
For Stephan and the Pathwise team, accounting is about much more than numbers. Their approach focuses on building meaningful, lasting relationships and serving as a trusted financial partner through every stage of life and business.
From tax planning and business strategy to retirement planning and generational wealth, Pathwise CPA Group takes a proactive approach to helping clients navigate their financial journey. Their commitment to professionalism, responsiveness, and quality is at the heart of the relationships they build and the service they provide.
In this episode of Faces Behind the Places, we sit down with Stephan to learn more about Pathwise CPA Group, the values that guide their work, and why relationships matter just as much as the numbers.
Click his photo to watch his Faces Behind the Places feature and get to know the person behind this outstanding Madison County Chamber member.
Meet Flo Hix, Community Preservationist with The Colbert-Benton Guest House, The Carter House, and More
Flo Hix is the owner of The Colbert Benton House, The Carter House, and several beautifully restored historic properties in Colbert. Her work is rooted in a deep appreciation for local history and a passion for preserving the places that tell the story of Madison County.
Through thoughtful restoration, Flo has helped breathe new life into historic properties, transforming them into spaces where people can gather, celebrate, and create new memories while still honoring the generations who came before them. Her journey has come with its share of challenges, but her commitment to preserving these pieces of Colbert’s history continues to inspire her work.
Flo is also looking toward the future, with plans for her newest historic property to be thoughtfully transformed into a beautiful event venue. Her vision is not simply to preserve old buildings, but to give them new purpose and create spaces where future generations can make memories of their own.
In this Faces Behind the Places feature, get to know Flo, hear the story behind her passion for historic preservation, and discover why she believes protecting the past can be one of the greatest gifts we give the future.
Click her photo to watch Flo’s Faces Behind the Places feature and learn more about her story.
Meet Dr. Sailors, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning with the Madison County School System and Reader Nation Advocate
Dr. Amanda Sailors serves as Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning with the Madison County School System, where she is passionate about creating opportunities that help Madison County students thrive. Through her work, she has become part of an important community effort to strengthen early literacy and build a strong foundation for our youngest learners.
Reader Nation is a community coalition focused on supporting early language and literacy for children from birth to age five. Made possible through a grant from the Sandra Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy at Georgia College & State University, Reader Nation brings together families, educators, businesses, volunteers, and community members around a simple but powerful idea: everyday interactions like talking, reading, singing, and engaging with children can help build the language skills they need to become confident readers and successful learners.
For Dr. Sailors, Reader Nation represents an opportunity for the entire community to play a role in preparing children for success long before they ever enter a classroom. By working together and making early literacy part of everyday life, Madison County can help ensure that more children begin school ready to learn and grow.
In this Faces Behind the Places feature, get to know Dr. Sailors, learn more about the mission behind Reader Nation, and discover how parents, grandparents, educators, businesses, volunteers, and community members can all help make a difference in the life of a child.
Click her photo to watch Dr. Sailors’ Faces Behind the Places feature and learn more about Reader Nation.
Meet Breanna Watkins, Danielsville Thrift Store Manager with Project Safe
Behind every local business and organization is a person who helps bring its mission to life. in this week's feature, we’re getting to know Breanna Watkins, Danielsville Thrift Store Manager with Project Safe, and learning more about the heart behind a local resource that makes a meaningful difference in our community.
Project Safe Thrift Stores are places for the community to shop, donate, and volunteer, but they also serve an important purpose for Project Safe clients who are fleeing an abusive situation. Clients working with Project Safe can shop the thrift store completely free with vouchers and receive first priority on donated items that meet their current needs. Even more, the money raised through the thrift stores goes directly back to support Project Safe’s services and mission.
As manager of the Danielsville location, Breanna helps make this resource possible for both the community and the clients Project Safe serves. The store is also supported by dedicated volunteers from local businesses, churches, student groups, and organizations who give their time to help keep the store running.
The Danielsville Thrift Store is located at 295 Sam Groves Street in Danielsville, next door to the Marketplace. Whether you’re looking for a great thrifted find, have items to donate, or are interested in volunteering, the store offers a meaningful way for our community to support Project Safe.
Click her photo to watch Breanna's Faces Behind the Places feature and learn more about Project Safe and Project Safe Thrift Stores.