Susan Hackett, Early Education Division Head

Susan Hackett has been a child advocate for over 30 years, and has been the Director of the Early Education Division of Cross Schools since 2006.  Believing that the preschool years for young children have been proven to be significant in laying the foundation for future learning success, Mrs. Hackett believes in age-appropriate curriculum for all students.

Mrs. Hackett feels blessed to have had her entire career centered on children and embraces the opportunity to work in a Christian environment where the impact on children's lives shows both academically and spiritually.

After teaching in the elementary school system for several years, Mrs. Hackett and her husband opened their own school in Atlanta in 1984.  Following the sale of their business in 2004, she joined one of the largest childcare franchises in the country as a quality assurance specialist and continued in this role until moving to Bluffton to assume the responsibilities of Director of the Early Education Division of Cross Schools.

The Early Education Division of Cross Schools has grown from 70 students in 2006 to over 200 students today. Contact Mrs. Hackett at s.hackett@crossschools.org.

Kayla Smoak, Assistant Early Education Director

Kayla Smoak holds a Bachelor's Degree in Arts with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. She has more than nine years of experience working in the preschool setting, both in the classroom and administrative roles. She began her career with Cross Schools in 2012. Ms. Kayla and her husband, Jonathan moved to the Bluffton area in 2012 and plan to start a family in the Lowcountry.  

Ms. Kayla enjoys sharing her love, talents, and attention with the teachers, parents, and students at Cross Schools.   Ms. Kayla is thrilled to be a part of such a supportive, Christian environment.  Contact Ms. Kayla at k.smoak@crossschools.org.