Our Teachers

Education: Jay holds a B.A. from Duke University, where he majored in Economics and Public Policy. He also holds a J.D. from Duke University School of Law. Experience: After 21 years of practicing law in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., Jay decided it was time for a change. Becoming the Owner of The Goddard School® located in Sandy Springs allowed him the opportunity to combine one of his loves -- children -- with one of his dreams -- running his own business. Jay's top priority is making sure the parents take comfort in knowing their children are being nurtured, educated, loved, and, above all else, protected. Jay is actively involved in the classrooms and the day-to-day operations of the school. Having three of his children, Jay recognizes the need and demand for a quality alternative to standard childcare. Affiliations: Jay is a past Vice President and former Member of the Board of Directors of the Georgia Child Care Association.

Education: Thonja holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She has received her Director Certification from Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, and she holds a Technical Certificate of Credit from Atlanta Technical College in Early Childhood Care Program Administration. Knowing things change constantly in the childcare field, Thonja has continued her education. Experience: In 2007, after spending nine years in the legal profession, Thonja started her childcare career as an after-school teacher for 25 students. Shortly thereafter, she was asked to assume the role of Assistant Director. While serving as Assistant Director, Thonja fell in love with the administrative aspect of childcare. Thonja joined the Goddard family in May 2008 and taught in the classroom for a few weeks before being promoted to the Director of Education.

Education: Mrs. Noemi attended Antelope Valley High School in California. She is currently working on her Child Development Associate Credential. Experience: Mrs. Noemi has two children. She stayed home with them for four years before joining The Goddard School in Sandy Springs in July 2010. She enjoys being a part of the Goddard family! She has taught Spanish to students ages one and up during this time. Mrs. Noemi has been a dependable guide and trainer for new faculty at our school. Philosophy on Teaching: Mrs. Noemi states, "Children are our future. Therefore, a teacher should take their time and teach them what they need for life. My philosophy is that children are unique and have different learning styles. I can make a difference by providing the children with a loving and safe learning environment."

Education: Ms. Diana graduated from Woodstock High School in Woodstock, Georgia. Experience: Ms. Diana had taught in Infants and Toddlers as well as raising three children of her own. She has been with the Goddard family since October 2010. Philosophy on Teaching: Ms. Diana’s philosophy on teaching is to make educational activities fun by playing games to keep the children interested.

Ms. Rubi's professional journey in early childhood education began with her Technical Certificate of Credit in Early Childhood Care and Education Basics from Southern Technical College. She then pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at Georgia State University and is currently attending the University of Georgia for her Master's Degree in Social Work. Her experience in the field dates back to 2011, working with a diverse range of age groups. Ms. Rubi has been a part of the Goddard family since May 2014. Her passion for working with children was evident when she completed an internship at a childcare center in East Point, Georgia, and was offered a full-time position. As a lead Toddler teacher, she has consistently shown her love for her work, believing that every child is unique and needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere where they can grow emotionally, intellectually, and physically.

Ms. Amy received an Associate of Arts Degree from Florida Junior College and has her Child Development Associate Credential. Before working at Goddard, Ms. Amy worked at Saint John Children’s Development Center for twenty-three years and worked at Crème de la Crème for about four years. Ms. Amy believes fostering a sense of fun and creativity in children is important to create a desire for learning. Ms. Amy also believes it is important always to maintain control of the classroom because children need constant direction to form learning habits.

Ms. Elimary attended Unidad Educativa Instituto "San Jose" Hermanas Dominicas in Venezuela and obtained her high school degree. She then received her Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management and Education. She has more than 13 years of experience working with children, including those in primary, middle, and community college. She also worked for the municipality as a chronicler. Ms. Elimary believes engaging with students in an ongoing process of self-exploration is imperative. Love and respect always be pedagogical practices. She enables students to recognize that their needs, desires, and wants are motivated for learning.

Ms. Keanna graduated from the Immaculata University of Philadelphia. She majored in Fashion Merchandising Marketing. Ms. Keanna has seven-plus years of experience with children. Her philosophy is, “Every child is a story yet to be told.”

Ms. Amie, a graduate of Benjamin Banneker High School, is currently pursuing a degree in Biology at Georgia State University. Her experience as a summer camp counselor at the Goddard School has inspired her to aspire to a full-time assistant teacher role in the young toddler classroom. Ms. Amie is committed to providing the right educational strategies, materials, and assistance, ensuring that every student has the potential to achieve academic advancement. She firmly believes that the teacher's role in motivating students to work hard and pursue academic advancement is crucial.

Mrs. Maria Isabel, a graduate of E.U. San Pablo School and the University of Zulia, underwent a profound transformation in her parenting journey. Her daughters, she says, were her greatest teachers, instilling in her patience she never knew she had. They taught her that before children can learn to read, they must first understand love, empathy, and kindness. Mrs. Maria Isabel now firmly believes that education is not just about imparting knowledge, but also about nurturing values, patience, and love.

Ms. Esmeralda, a graduate of Colegio Williams San Rafael in Mexico City, has gained valuable experience from her two years at Kipp Woodson School in Atlanta, as well as from raising her own three children. She is a firm believer in the idea that a classroom should be a safe haven for children, where they can freely express themselves and embark on a journey of learning and personal growth.

Ms. Jackie, a 2020 Riverwood High School graduate, is currently pursuing her Child Development Associate Credential (CDA). She has accumulated valuable experience from two years of hands-on work in a childcare facility, where she interacted with children from infants to pre-kindergarten. Ms. Jackie believes that children are capable of more than what we give them credit for. She emphasizes the importance of a learning environment that is not only stimulating but also safe and comfortable, allowing children to express themselves and explore their full potential in a nurturing setting.

Ms. Marian attended Thomas R. Proctor High School. She graduated with a regent’s diploma and is working on receiving her Child Development Associate Credentials (CDA). Her experience comes from having a big family, from babysitting her siblings to her cousins. She then led to babysitting for friends and neighbors. While living in New York, she worked at Upstate Cerebral Palsy, an agency specializing in children & adults with special needs. There, she gained experience working with special needs kids whose ages ranged from 10 to 21 years old. Ms. Marian then moved to Atlanta. In 2021, she became part of the Goddard family. She believes patience and hard work can lead children onto the right path. She mentions that teaching is a learning process for teachers, students, and parents. Ms. Marian aims to bring a positive attitude and an open mind to her classroom.

Ms. Maureen's educational philosophy is centered on the belief that children learn best through play and positive role models. This belief has been the guiding principle throughout her 26 years of experience in early childhood development. She operated her own in-home daycare in Alpharetta, Georgia, from 1989 to 2001, and she is committed to providing a superior education by coordinating work at home and in school.

Ms. Lexi has an Associate of Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Art with a Concentration in Art History. She grew up in a home that was also a family daycare. She learned how to change a diaper and care for children at a very young age. Ms. Lexi also grew up as a competitive swimmer and swimming coach. Since becoming a mother, she has found a renewed passion for Early Childhood Education and has taught at a Preschool for over two years. She believes educating our youth begins with compassion, kindness, and love. As a teacher, she prides herself on instilling these values while maintaining a consistent, structured, and fun environment.

Ms. Jiselle's expertise in early childhood education is a cornerstone of her career. She received her Technical Certificate of Credit in Early Childhood Education from Southern Crescent Technical College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at Georgia State University. Her career in education began as an Assistant Preschool teacher at another childcare center from 2011-2013. She then took on the role of a co-lead teacher in the Pre-K classroom from 2013-2014, where she also taught Spanish. Since April 2014, she has been a valuable part of The Goddard School. Ms. Jiselle's firm belief that learning thrives when children are in a safe, happy, and positive environment is a testament to her commitment to providing the best educational experience for your child.

Mrs. Mansi has a Master of Technology and six-plus years of experience with children. She believes teaching is the best way to change the future and the world.

Ms. Dana has received an Associate Degree in General Studies from East Georgia State College in Swainsboro, Georgia. She graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design. Ms. Dana gained experience with children as a student worker at East Georgia State College, where she worked for The CHOICE Program. She continued to grow in her studies and entered into the education field as a Substitute Teacher K-12 for Emanuel County Board of Education. Ms. Dana believes that education breeds confidence, and confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace. Her goal is to support children in feeling confident in learning in an independent, structured, loving, and fun environment.

Ms. Wakuna, a graduate of City-As-School, is currently pursuing her Child Development Associate Credential. With 14 years of experience as an early childhood educator and daycare provider in Brooklyn, New York, she has developed a unique approach to early childhood education. Ms. Wakuna believes in providing young children with positive learning experiences and strives to model respect, patience, and care for children and adults. She also firmly believes in the proverb, 'It takes a village to raise a child ', and actively involves the community in her educational initiatives.

Mrs. Vickie obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Communications from the University of Noreste Tampico in Tamaulipas, Mexico. She is currently working on obtaining her Child Development Associate Credential. Mrs. Vickie worked previously as an assistant teacher in the Toddler classroom at Tabula Rasa in Sandy Springs, Georgia, and as a Civics and Ethics teacher at Colegio Mexico (a private middle and high school) in Mante Tamaulipas, Mexico. Ms. Vickie also has experience working in social media for Radiorama in Tampico in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Mrs. Vickie seeks to motivate her students to reach their highest potential. Her goals are to create a pleasant, respectful, and honest environment for students to be eager to participate and learn. Ms. Vickie believes it is important to incorporate practical applications as part of her teaching strategy.

Ms. Sylvia has a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA). She is fluent in Slovak, Czech, and Hungarian, and proficient in French. Mrs. Sylvia studied Foreign Languages for two years at The University of Comenius in her native Slovakia. She is currently learning Spanish. Mrs. Sylvia has worked in early child development with young children, from infants to preschoolers, since 1996. In addition, she worked as a nanny for many years. Mrs. Sylvia has been with The Goddard School in Sandy Springs since 2010. She came to us with a wealth of experience. Mrs. Sylvia is dedicated and committed to caring for and educating young children. Mrs. Sylvia believes learning should begin early for students. To develop a lifelong love of learning, we encourage each child’s individual development through fun and playful activities.

Ms. Estefany, a 2022 graduate of Dunwoody High School, has cultivated her passion for early childhood development through her experience in early childcare courses and caring for her baby cousins. Her unwavering dedication to nurturing our future, particularly babies and toddlers, is evident in her close relationships with parents and her personalized learning experiences for children, which are tailored to their unique growth patterns. Her ability to connect with both parents and children has earned her recognition in the field.

Ms. Kristin graduated from the University of Georgia. She has experience with children through nannying, tutoring, and being a school photographer. Her philosophy on teaching is to be gentle, kind, and curious.

Ms. Paige's academic journey began at John Dewey High School, where she graduated with distinction. She is currently furthering her education at Georgia State University, pursuing a Biology Degree with unwavering dedication. Her commitment to learning is evident in her three years of work experience in an after-school program and as a summer camp counselor, where she interacted with children of various ages. Ms. Paige firmly believes that a nurturing environment, where children are encouraged to make mistakes, explore, and ask questions, is the key to fostering a love for learning.

Education: Ms. Dora graduated from Coretta Scott King High School in 2022. Her experience with children, gained from working in Kids Time and babysitting for numerous families, has reinforced her belief that children are capable of more than what we give them credit for. She believes that with structure, positive encouragement, and opportunity, children can grow to be the best of their abilities. Above all, she is a strong advocate that all they truly need is love and support!