Our Teachers

Jay B. Bryan, Owner 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. Christina earned her Bachelor of Psychology from the University of Phoenix. She is currently finishing up her Masters in Elementary Education at Grand Canyon University. Experience: 19 years of experience that started with her daughter in 2005 Mrs. Christina worked for the Department of Defense Education for the military community with age groups ranging from Pre-K to 8th grade between Japan and Germany. Philosophy on teaching: being able to differentiate instruction based on their unique individual learning styles. Mrs. Christina believes learning is supposed to be fun and that teachers should present it as such for the ultimate educational success.

Education: Mrs. Maria graduated from Riverwood High School. She has taken multiple educational courses throughout her time at The Goddard School and received her CDA. Experience: Mrs. Maria has been with The Goddard School since 2014. Since her time at The Goddard School, Mrs. Maria has helped in every classroom. Philosophy: Mrs. Maria believes that children are thinkers reflecting on the world. They gain knowledge by building on a path of ever-increasing knowledge and learn through the process of their efforts. Through purposeful play, they are encouraged to make choices and practice decision- making.

Lisa loves knowledge, and it shows! She has a Diplôme d'Études Collégiales in Languages & Literature with a certificate in bilingualism, a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, and is pursuing her CDA. Her philosophy on teaching is that there is no “one size fits all” approach when it comes to education; she believes that children learn differently, and that educators should celebrate this diversity! Lisa has worked with children aged 3 years through high school over the last 25 years, in the classroom and beyond. She specifically loves teaching all ages about art and global cultures, as these are two of her passions. Lisa is a writer, and is developing a children’s book series; she is also a bookworm. She enjoys being outdoors, especially on the beach-- walking, hiking and gardening are also preferred activities. Through travel she finds inspiration, and is always ready to learn about others’ customs and traditions.

Ms.LaTeachia received her degree in Criminal Justice from The University of Phoenix. She has over 20 years of experience working with children. Ms.LaTeachia’s philosophy of teaching is that teachers should allow each child to show their uniqueness while creating an environment where they can grow.

Ms. Lupita has over 2 years of experience working with children. She has a strong passion for caring for little ones who cannot care for themselves. Ms. Lupita believes that every child deserves an opportunity to express themselves. All children are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment in order to thrive.

Mrs. Karen has a bachelor’s degree in International Trade and Senior Technician in Customs Administration. While teaching Pre-k and English in Venezuela, Mrs. Karen gained over five years of experience in the classroom. She has two lovely children that she adores. Mrs. Karen’s philosophy of teaching is that all children have their own personality and believes that with love anything is possible when it comes to promoting the development of all children.

Ms. Alaysia has 2 years of experience working with children. She enjoys being a part of shaping the minds of the future. Everyone is not graced to work in childcare. It takes a special kind of love. Ms. Alaysia comes from a big family and naturally has a big heart. She enjoys showing up to work.

Ms. Jazmyne has a high school equivalency diploma from Gwinnett .She has over four years of experience working with children. Ms. Jazmyne believes that teaching is a process of learning from students, colleagues, parents, and the community. With the help of everyone, children are more than capable to thrive.

Ms. Carla has an associate degree in Architecture. She has 4 years of experience working with children. Her philosophy of teaching is that every child is unique and the teacher's approach should be too. Not all students learn the same so the teacher's instruction should be created with the child in mind.

Ms. Patricia has over 4 years of experience working with children. Her love for children continues to grow each time she encounters a new student. She has a big heart and feels passionate about caring for and providing the needs of students.

Mrs. Mariangela received her bachelor’s in Psychology from Rafael Urdaneta Maracaibo University in Venezuela. Mrs. Mariangela has over eight years of experience working with ADHD and Autistic Aspect Disorder children. Mrs. Mariangela believes that children learn by playing and expressing themselves.

Ms. Krystal has a bachelor's degree in African American Studies/Special Education. She has over 12 years of experience working with children. Her philosophy of teaching is that every child brings their own unique gift to the class. It is her duty to ensure that children have a safe environment where they are able to express themselves.

Ms. Maria has a degree in Business Administration. She has 3 years of experience working with children. Her philosophy of teaching is to be kind and to genuinely love each of her students. She believes that each child is different and have their own way of expressing themselves.

Ms.Kaelyn attends Paul Mitchell School. She has over 5 years of experience working with children from different ages. Her experience so far in the classroom has been intriguing and eye-opening. Ms. Kaelyn is a firm believer that with love and patience, children can do anything.

Ms. Samantha is currently pursuing her CDA. She is a graduate of Riverwood. Ms. Samantha has over 5 years of experience working with children. She is a mother of 4. Ms. Samantha believes that the early years of a child’s life are the most critical for their development progress as they are forever growing rapidly. She wants to create a comfortable and secure environment for the children as if they were at home. She hopes to produce a stimulating, educational and fun atmosphere for children to learn and play.

Ms. Dayra has a bachelors degree in English Language Teaching (ESOL); Master cosmetologist, Esthetician. She has 3 years of experience in childcare; 5 years middle school; as well as tutoring adults in ESOL. Her philosophy of teaching is that every student has their unique way of learning and personality. She strives to build strong relationships her students and their parents. As a teacher, her heart runs off love and patience.

Ms. Jessica has a bachelors and a master of Business Administration. She has 5 years of experience with children. She believes in child-guided learning and lots of TLC! Her experience so far has been pleasant and rewarding. It takes a big heart to be a teacher.

Ms. Natasha has 6 years of experience working with children. Her philosophy on teaching is embedded on the quote, "It takes a big heart to help shape little minds." As a teacher, she believe it is her responsibility to be patient, love, and guide her students daily.

Ms. Jena has her CDA credentials along with 7 years of experience. Her philosophy of teaching is helping children learn and become independent, as well as becoming the best version of themselves. Ms. Jena believes that her purpose is to shape young minds.

Education: Ms. Sally has a Bachelors degree in Accounting and Business Administration. Experience: She has over 12 years of experience working with children. Philosophy: Ms. Sally believes that classrooms should be focused on the specific needs of students in order to differentiate learning.

Ms. Noelle is excited to be apart of the Goddard family. She enjoys reading to children and helping out in any way that she can. She believes that every child is special.

Mrs. Charletta holds a TESOL certificate (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Mrs. Charletta has over 10 years of experience working with children. Mrs. Charletta believes children need patience, love, attention, and time. She believes that every child is different as well as learn different.

Mr. Jonatan received his education from Clark Atlanta University. Although Mr. Jonatan is just getting started in the classroom, he comes from a big family. His philosophy of teaching is that children learn at their own pace and should be able to express themselves freely.

Ms. Linda has a bachelors degree in Engineering. Majority of her experience has been teaching on the collegiate level. As she has been gaining experience with younger students, Ms. Linda has enjoyed the different age groups that she has encountered thus far. It has been a rewarding and learning experience for her.

Ms. Dao has over 5 years of experience in the childcare field. She looks forward to coming to work so that she can see all the little faces. She believes that children can feel the energy of their teacher so she is always full of energy and positivity.

Ms. Dixon is a graduate of Stone Mountain High School. She has many years of experience working with children. She believes that every child deserves to be loved no matter what. Communication is key when it comes to the students in her class. Ms. Dixon looks forward to making new memories with her class.

Ms. Corvette is excited to be apart of the Goddard family! She has spent years taking care of children in her family. Her love and compassion is what led her to become a teacher. Ms. Corvette believes that children learn at their own pace and often need individualized instruction to meet their needs. She also believes that hands-on instruction help students learn how to apply what they learn in the classroom to their lives outside the classroom.

Ms. Jacqueline is a graduate of North Springs High School. She believes that all children are unique and have something special they can bring to the class. It is a honor of Ms. Jacqueline to help assist her students accept themselves as the unique individuals that they are.

Ms. Katherine has a bachelors in History from Virginia Tech. Although she is new to the classroom her passion for children outweighs that. Not only does she believe that you should treat others the way you want to be treated, you should also treat children how you would have liked to be treated as a child. Ms. Katherine believes that children deserve to be loved,

Ms. Loba has a bachelors degree in Political Science. She has over 10 years of experience working with children. Her philosophy of teaching is that young children are better to learn when they are allowed to experience the world around them. She also believes that it is important to address different learning styles and diversity in the classroom.