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ESP Athens
Location: Watkinsville / Athens, Georgia | Phone: 706-769-9333
Overview & Info
Welcome to ESP Athens
ESP was founded in the Athens area in 1986 and continues to serve families across more than 30 counties. Today, we offer year-round programs for our members and families that create transformative experiences, including Afternoon Programs afternoon programs, meaningful employment through Java Joy, and adventure-filled opportunities like Summer Camp.
Rooted in a belief that every person has the abilities that shine, ESP Athens is a place where kindness, creativity, and joyful hospitality come together. Members learn, play, and develop skills across a vibrant campus — from adaptive sports at the fully accessible Miracle League Baseball Field to hands-on job training in the Java Joy Snack Stand café. Supported by a dedicated team and caring volunteers, ESP Athens is a community where every member is seen, valued, and encouraged to thrive.
Executive Director: Craig Portwood
Contact Info & Directions
Conveniently located in Watkinsville, just minutes from Athens and downtown Watkinsville, off VFW Drive.
Address: 189 VFW Drive Watkinsville, GA 30677
Phone: (706) 769‑9333
Email: [email protected]
What Our Families Say
Stories of transformation, joy, and belonging from across the ESP community.
It has been life changing for my kid.
Karen G
It’s a wonderful program and it can change many people lives for better.
Pat L
We all love Esp and wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s home away from home.
Debra M
Our Experience Programs
At ESP, experiences are designed to help members grow, connect, and discover what’s possible. Each program creates space for confidence, joy, and meaningful relationships — all within a community rooted in support and joyful hospitality. When you enroll a loved one at ESP, you’re opening the door to experiences that build skills, encourage independence, and celebrate abilities every step of the way.
Programs for Members
- Afternoon Programs
- Club Events (themed monthly)
- Summer Camp
- Overnight Camp
- ESPLAY (ages 0–4)
- Member +
Programs for Families
- Family Dinners
- Family Dance
- Jolly Jubilee
- ESP Sibs
- Fall Festival
- Resources (Information Pack & Emergency Support)
Upcoming Events
ESP Athens
From celebrations and family gatherings to active, joy-filled experiences, ESP events bring members, families, and the community together. Each event is designed to spark connection, create memories, and celebrate abilities in every season.

Athens
ESPlay Athens (0-4)
For Parents/caregivers and their children aged 0-3 years. ESPlay is our way of…
Date: May 1, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: ESP Athens
Cost:

Athens
ESPlay Athens (0-4)
For Parents/caregivers and their children aged 0-3 years. ESPlay is our way of…
Date: May 8, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: ESP Athens
Cost:

Athens
ESPlay Athens (0-4)
For Parents/caregivers and their children aged 0-3 years. ESPlay is our way of…
Date: May 15, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: ESP Athens
Cost:

Athens
ESPlay Athens (0-4)
For Parents/caregivers and their children aged 0-3 years. ESPlay is our way of…
Date: May 22, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: ESP Athens
Cost:
Meet the Team
From celebrations and family gatherings to active, joy-filled experiences, ESP events bring members, families, and the community together. Each event is designed to spark connection, create memories, and celebrate abilities in every season.
Meet Our Team
Champion Board Members
Joyristas
Craig Portwood, CFRE
Athens Executive Director
Catherine Huskey
Athens Program Manager
Gracie Daniel
Athens Program Coordinator
Mamie Smith
Athens Development Coordinator
Ashley McMullen
Athens Development Officer
Jake Brown
Hooray Camp Coordinator
Kate Tracy
Volunteer Coordinator
Hunter Reynolds
Athens Operations Coordinator
ESP Athens Joyristas
Spreading Joy
- Brad Akins
- Ellen Beasley
- Will Beasley
- Kari Beth Chitwood
- Ceci Churchwell
- Ronald Copes
- Eric Fletcher
- Robin Hoover
- David Kernall
- Tammy Lindsay
- Jean Mullis
- Christy Norton
- Jason Norton
- Allison Nealy
- Lorie Petersen
- Jake Sapp
- Caroline Thomas
- Jimmy Willis
- Maggie Wilder
- Adam Fogie
- Aiden Stone
- April Jones
- Chris Garrison
- Colin Peppers
- Cory Dylan Cheatham
- Donna Goulding
- Emily White
- Hannah Baird
- Katie Merritt
- Kimi Gilbert
- Lia Johnson
- Liz Ware
- Luke Frankson
- Luke Wilder
- Megan McCutcheon
- Nathan Nelms
- Nicky Stanley
- Ruthie Hartel
- Suzanne Goossens
- Tristan Fulcher
- Vlad Filipek
- Sam Langhorne
- Hallie McCollum
- Austin Elder
How you can be part of Java Joy?
Get Started
Whether you’re a family exploring programs, a volunteer looking to serve, or a supporter ready to make an impact, there’s a place for you at ESP.
