Meet Kasie Oliver! Kasie and her husband live right here in our community where she wears many “hats.” She is the mother of three children, a Speech-Language Pathologist, an entrepreneur, and a business owner.
It was a pleasure getting to talk to Kasie, and we want to thank her for taking the time to tell us more about herself and her love of our community!
Question: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Answer: “Hey everyone and thank you for taking the time to read this interview! Some of you know me as Kasie, some as Mrs. Oliver, and others call me ‘Miss Speech’ or ‘The Blueberry Lady.’ I proudly answer to each and every one! I wear many hats and enjoy them all for different reasons. I will be starting my 18th year as a Speech-Language Pathologist (8th year in Jackson County School System), an entrepreneur and business owner of O5 Farms and O5 Farms Photography Venue, a mama to three kids, and wife to Jason. I am originally from Crawfordville, and guess I have farming in my blood. I grew up on a farm and some of my best memories are helping my dad with farm chores, cooking with my grandmother, and working in my mama’s flower beds and garden.
“My husband, Jason, is a pest control exterminator for Lavender Pest Control. We have three children: Sage, who is 17 and a senior at JHS; Michael, who is 15 and a sophomore at JHS; and Johnson, age 12 who is an upcoming 7th grader at JMS. Our name ‘O5’ comes from our last name that starts with ‘O’ and the fact that there are five of us in our family. Our farm has been in Jason’s family for six generations! His grandfather was Storey Porter, who the road is named after. We live in Storey and Marion Porter’s house on the farm.”
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
A: “I knew at an early age that I wanted to be a speech-language pathologist. My youngest cousin, Amanda, went to speech therapy for an articulation disorder and I remember sitting in on one of her sessions. The therapist was playing a game with Amanda and I remember they were working on the ‘s’ sound. Amanda made quick progress with her speech, and I knew at that moment that I wanted to play games with kids and help them talk better when I grew up! This was when I was in 6th grade and my decision never wavered. I’ve loved working with students and helping them improve their communication skills. I have always worked with elementary-age students but will be venturing out into the preschool world next year. I will be working with 3 and 4-year-olds at Empower Career Academy and am excited to take on a new challenge!”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: “I love just about any and all food, but a couple of my favorite places to eat in Jackson County are Cream and Shuga and Talmo Grill. Also, you can’t beat Kay’s Southern Girl chicken salad!!”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
A: “I have lived and worked in Jackson County for seven years.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A: “It would probably be a tie between Mr. Dennis Howington and Mr. John Stringer. Both of these men are business owners in Jefferson, are a wealth of knowledge, always willing to help with goat issues or other farm needs, and just overall interesting folks. I enjoy speaking with them any time I get the chance.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: “I’m pretty content with staying close to home. However, I’m always up for a road trip to Dahlonega, Greenville, or Savannah.”
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
A: I’m an 80s baby, so love ‘Dirty Dancing,’ ‘Pretty in Pink,’ ‘The Color Purple,’ and ‘Field of Dreams.’ As far as TV shows, ‘Golden Girls’ is always my go-to, feel-good show. I enjoy watching crime shows and anything historical fiction. Wow, how’s that for variety!”
Q: What advice would you give to people?
A: The same advice I give my students and my own personal children: Treat others the way you want to be treated. If we all lived by The Golden Rule, this world would be a better place. Luke 6:31.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “I’d love to take a road trip up the East Coast during leaf season and someday would love to visit New Zealand.”
Q: What is your go-to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
A: “Amos Lee.”
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
A: “I love how Revival Hall Taproom brings the community together in a fun, family-friendly environment.”
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
A: “Oh gosh, this is tough. Can I choose two?? I can’t decide between Dolly Parton and Tina Turner. What a pair, huh? I can only imagine the conversations we would have together over lunch! Dolly has always been one of my favorites, and I admire her so much! She is so musically talented and is truly a philanthropist who gives back to her community, as well as to families nationwide through the Ferst Foundation literacy program. ‘Islands in the Stream’ is one of my all-time favorite songs and has been since I was old enough to play her album on my Fisher-Price record player! A close second to Dolly would be Tina Turner. Not only do I enjoy her music, but I’ve always admired her strength and passion. She’s her own person and never stopped pursuing her dream, so I’d love to meet her and hear her story. Of course, I’d let them choose the restaurant.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
A: “I love learning about the rich and colorful history of Jackson County and meeting the folks who were either a part of its history or know its stories.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?
A: In five to 10 years, I will more than likely be doing the exact same thing that I am now!”
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: “I grew up on my family’s farm in Crawfordville, not far from Jefferson. So, I guess it’s no surprise that I’m still farming! My dad loaded me up when I was just 10 months old and we drove to the Macon Farmer’s Market to take a load of corn that he had grown and pick up a load of watermelons. Forty years later, I’m still buying and selling produce, so I guess you could say that farming is in my blood.”
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: “It’s a toss up between Alaska and Italy. Both are beautiful in very different ways but definitely worth the trip!”
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and the best single day on the calendar?
A: “Well, fall is definitely my favorite season! I love to feel that coolness in the air and watch the leaves change colors. I also love that Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are all right there together beginning in the fall. Such a fun and festive time of the year!”
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: “Sleeping in, then sipping my coffee while watching one of my favorite shows and knowing that I have nowhere to be and nothing to do. Not sure that this will ever happen, but it sure would be nice!”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: “The students and teachers with whom I work.”
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A: “Gardenia blooms and rain.”
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: “Family, food and comfort.”
