Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Haverty.
Lisa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story really begins in the late 1970s, when I was teaching at Trinity school and looking for something meaningful to do during the summers. I joined my cousins in running a small neighborhood day camp called Frog Hollow Camp. It was a simple program– kids from the neighborhood coming together to play, explore, and just be kids. Eventually, I took over the camp and expanded it, always holding onto the original spirit of creativity and old-fashioned fun.
Even when I was in high school, I had a vision of one day creating my own business centered around children. That vision carried me through my masters and EDS programs at the University of Florida and Georgia State University, where I did research on what was happening to school age children when they weren’t in school and their parents were working.
The growing need for after school care led me to start an afterschool program at Trinity school, one of the first programs in the Buckhead area. In 1986 I left teaching and opened my own after school and camp programs – first in Vinings and then on the E. Beechwood Dr. property, where I have been now for 35 years
Today Haverty Hollow is a year-round program that serves children throughout the school year and during time when schools are closed, including a full summer day camp. The heart of our approach is a choice based curriculum: children are empowered to select from a variety of engaging activities each day – art, outdoor play, science, sports, music, nature, and more – allowing them to explore their interests and grow in independence, creativity, and confidence.
As Haverty Hollow grew, we became deeply woven into the Buckhead community. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see generations of families come through our doors and to know that we have played a part in supporting their growth and development. I believe the success of the program is rooted in a commitment to quality, consistency, and care, and an emphasis on old-fashioned fun. I am proud of the reputation we have built over the years and I am very grateful to the various people who have contributed their talents along the way.
Looking back, it is amazing to see how a dream I had as a teenager turned into something so impactful. And looking ahead, I’m excited to continue to serve the community that has given me so much support from the beginning.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like many long-term ventures, my journey with Haverty Hollow has not been without challenges. One of the biggest early hurdles came in 1990, when I needed to secure a special use permit to operate the programs in a residential neighborhood. It was a long process – balancing community concerns, zoning, requirements, and the vision I had for creating a safe, enriching environment for children. Ultimately, I succeeded in obtaining the permit, which allowed Haverty Hollow to grow and serve families in the same welcoming setting we are in today. The experience taught me a lot about perseverance, communication, and staying true to my mission even when the path forward wasn’t easy.
Another major challenge came decades later, during the COVID-19 pandemic. I had to rethink everything – how to keep children engaged, how to support families who relied on us, and how to maintain a sense of community while keeping everyone safe. We adapted our programs to meet Safety guidelines, offering smaller group experiences, and focusing on maintaining the heart of Haverty Hollow. It was an incredibly difficult time, but it reinforced how resilient our staff, families, and children are when we work together.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Haverty Hollow is a place where a kids can grow, play, and feel at home, and just be kids. It’s a year-round program with afterschool care during the school year and camps whenever schools are closed, including the summer. So we are always here for families, providing a consistent, safe, and enjoyable space for children.
What makes us different is our choice-based curriculum , as well as our emphasis on outside play, nature, and creative activities. Every day, children get to choose from a selection of activities – art, science, drama, sports, nature, cooking, and so on. They freedom of choice helps the children develop confidence and independence, and gives them a sense of ownership over their time and encourages creativity in a natural, playful way.
We are known for our sense of community and the relationships that have grown over the years. Many families have been with us for generations – kids who once came to Frog Hollow camp and Haverty Hollow are now bringing their children. That’s something I’m very proud of!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I would say never give up! Start small, believe in your vision, and be patient. When I began, I never imagined Haverty Hollow would grow into what it is today. It all started with a few kids in the neighborhood and a lot of enthusiasm and developed into a wonderful place that I think I would enjoy attending if I was a child today!
I would also say don’t be afraid of the hard parts. Challenges – permits, logistics, staffing, unexpected changes – teach you as much as the successes do. Stay consistent and keep your focus on your vision, mine being the children and the families that I serve.
Also surround yourself with good people – staff, parents, mentors who share your values and believe in what you’re doing. Relationship you build along the way are important to making it all work. Community has been instrumental to Haverty Hollow from the very beginning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://havertyhollow.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/havertyhollow/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/havertyhollow/
