Sam Poyan, MBA – Owner/Director
Zack Poyan, PhD – Owner
Owners
As the owner and director of Suwanee Dam’s Legacy Academy, Sam Poyan brings over 11 years of experience and passion as an early-childhood educator. A graduate of Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Sam’s devotion to children and education gave her the opportunity to serve many roles in the classroom, such as the Site Coordinator at the YMCA’s renowned Prime Time program and Lead Teacher in two local organizations, Kids R Kids and Children’s World. She has also served as a Kindergarten teacher at Suwanee Elementary School and substitute teacher in the Gwinnett County Public School system. In these positions, Sam has independently created and implemented lesson plans, curriculum, and developmental activities for a combined 250-plus elementary-aged school children. Recently, Sam has devoted her time to being a stay-at-home mother to her and Zack’s two young children. In 2009, she completed her Master of Business Administration degree at Argosy University and is currently studying towards her Doctor of Business Administration.
A lifelong believer of learning, Zack Poyan brings 20 years of business and higher education experience in his role at Suwanee Dam’s Legacy Academy. As a business professional, certified public accountant, and adjunct professor, Zack has served and taught in all branches of business in the public and private sector. He served as the Director of Finance, Business, and Operations at Emory University, where he was responsible for the strategic financial planning and overall accounting, budgeting, and finance for ten departments in student affairs. Recently, he served as the Assistant Controller at the Boys and Girls Club of America in Atlanta. Zack is an active member of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management and Accounting from Georgia State University and Kennesaw State University, respectively. He also holds a Master of Business Administration and Master of Technology Management degree from Mercer University. In addition, Zack received a Master of Public Administration and Master of Accountancy from Kennesaw State University. In 2003, Zack received his PhD in Business Administration from Kennedy-Western University. Currently, he is studying for his Doctor of Business Administration in Accounting at Argosy University in Atlanta.
Sam, Zack and their two young children have been dedicated residents of the Suwanee area since 1999. In their spare time, the family enjoys exercising, trips to the beach, dining out at new restaurants, visiting local parks, and being active in social and community programs. As passionate educators, Sam and Zack became aware of the need for excellent childcare and are committed to bringing an exceptional educational foundation to the Gwinnett area through their roles at Legacy Academy. They are devoted to the parent-child-teacher relationship, providing an exceptional team builder environment that facilitates positive change, learning, and development. As directors, Sam and Zack also strive to provide a reputation for dynamic, innovative, and high-quality programs that guide and implement advanced curriculum development in the Suwanee Dam campus of Legacy Academy. In 2015, Sam opened her second child care franchise in Roswell, GA.
Amanda Connolly – Assistant Director
Originally from England, Amanda has called Georgia her home since 1998. For the past 17 years, she has been a dedicated professional in early childhood education, working with children from six weeks old to 17 years old. Amanda enjoys being a part of the development and growth of our students.
Amanda has attained an Associate of Arts in Psychology and recently completed the National Credentialing Program and obtained a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. She is married with children. Her other interest include drawing, painting, photography, and outdoor activities.
