About the Founder

Katy O'Neal Arrowood is the founder of Champions for Children. As one of the Athens area's leading childcare authorities, Katy has extensive experience in early childhood education, childcare, and family management. Her dedication to child advocacy and experience in the field of child and family development has designated her as an expert in child and family issues.

Katy is a graduate of the University of Georgia's College of Family and Consumer Sciences, with an emphasis in Child and Family Development. Her first position in the field was in a position she created as a Family Management Consultant with a large group of physicians at the Athens Women's Clinic. In this position, Katy offered assistance to women during a variety of life's challenges and changes. Events such as childbirth, preparing for siblings, finding quality childcare, infertility, adoption, and loss/grief were addressed through articles, individual appointments, and support groups. During this time Katy also published a book, A Woman's Recipe for Life, 1996, Lifetime Books. Katy also addressed similar child and family issues as a regular feature guest on Atlanta's NBC affiliate, WXIA's Noonday program.

Katy moved her position to a home office after the birth of her second child. Eventually, she accepted a position as the director of a childcare program with a local non-profit as a way to insure her youngest would have the advantage of a quality childcare situation. After serving in this position for 2 ½ years, Katy decided to go out on her own and establish the first Champions for Children located in Athens, GA.

Katy is also very active in the Athens community. In 2001 she was named the recipient of the prestigious Athena award, and in 2002 she was the recipient of the University of Georgia's College of Family and Consumer Sciences Alumni Association's Outstanding Service Award. Other community involvement includes: Athens Rotary Club, Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, American Red Cross, University of Georgia’s Family and Consumer Sciences Alumni Board, Junior League of Athens, Georgia Preschool Association, and a former advisory board member for the Nancy Travis House, a childcare center serving the homeless population. Katy also attended the invitational Emerging Leadership Conference in Washington, DC sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Katy is married to Ben Arrowood, a cardiac nurse at Athens Regional Medical Center. They have two children, Keith and Molly Kate. The Arrowoods have lived in Athens since 1992 and are active members of Campus View Church of Christ.

You are welcome to email Katy directly at katy@champsforchildren.com

You can also read some parenting articles written by Katy - click here to read.