Cari Finley has been teaching since 2004. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia College and State University. Cari went on to pursue her Master's Degree in Reading from Nova Southeastern University. She taught first grade at Putnam Elementary school for three years. Cari decided to move back to the Oconee Area and began teaching EIP at Auburn Elementary in Barrow County. She had the opportunity to become the head of the Early Intervention Program working in grades K-3. Cari represented Auburn Elementary as their Teacher of the Year in 2011. She also continued her education and got her gifted certification as well. After 11 years in Barrow County, Cari decided to come back to Oconee.