Owners
Aim Academy began in 2020 as just a concept. After over 20 years of leading and growing two of the largest childcare operators in the US, Scott Cotter and Robert Moffett decided it was time to develop their own program. Aim Academy seeks to provide high quality early care and preschool education to premier, growing communities in Alabama and beyond.
Scott Cotter originally joined the childcare industry as the Chief Financial Officer of Childcare Network in 1999. He was later promoted to CEO in 2005. During his tenure, Scott helped Childcare Network grow from approximately 90 centers to over 250 centers in 2017. In 2018, he became the CEO of Big Blue Marble Academy. Scott began his career in 1992 as a CPA in the audit practice of Ernst & Young and is a graduate of Auburn University. Scott has been married to the former Pam Chandler for the past 29 years. They have two children, Garrett (23) and Rachel (21), and one granddaughter, Addelyn (5).
Similar to Scott, Bob Moffett started at Childcare Network as the company’s Vice President of Corporate Development in 2000. In 2010, Bob was promoted to Chief Development Officer. In October 2018, he became the Chief Development Officer of Big Blue Marble Academy. Bob began his career in 1992 as an industrial sales representative with Ferguson Enterprises after achieving his Bachelors of Science degree (Marketing) from Auburn University. Bob has been married to the former Heather Stokey for the past 28 years. They have two children, Catie (22) and Bobby (21).
Management Team
Operations Manager
Nicki Highland has over 17 years of management experience in the childcare industry. She began her career as a preschool teacher at Childcare Network while attending Columbus State University. After college, she was the director of a school in Lagrange, GA before being promoted to district manager. Most recently, she was the VP of Operations for Big Blue Marble Academy. During her career, she has provided leadership, operational support, and accountability for over 75 childcare centers. Nicki is married to Jonathan Highland and they have four children, Kaydence (13), Kinsley (13), Kale (10), and Kambrey (8).
Pike Road Director
Leann Marion has over 25 years of teaching and management experience. She began her career as a teacher at a highly rated center in Uniontown, Ohio in 1996. Leann later became director at a center in Columbus, OH. Under her leadership, the center obtained a 3 star quality rating (highest rating in OH) and NAEYC accreditation. In 2013, her and Ralph, her husband of 38 years, relocated to Montgomery following his job change. She has two children, Nick and Stephanie, and 2 grandchildren, Aiden and Ava. Most recently, Leann was the director of Sylvan Learning Center in Montgomery for nine years.
