Our Teachers

Jason graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management. He wanted to operate a business that plays an important role in the community by providing an exceptional service for children. He is excited to own a business that is centered on his most important priority - family! Jason is excited and proud to be a part of The Goddard School and is committed to providing the highest quality preschool experience for the children in the neighborhood. He looks forward to getting to know you and your family as well as being a part of the community.

Lauren graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Since then, she has been in the childcare field for over fifteen years. Lauren has experience being an educator in every age group from infants to Pre-Kindergarten, but the babies are her specialty. After teaching in the classroom for several years, she moved into a management role in 2010. Lauren has now been the Executive Director at the Lincoln Park location since 2012. Lauren loves the fact that her position affords her the flexibility to spend time in every classroom, getting to know all the children and families while helping drive the education program forward. She is available to assist the teachers with everything they need from curriculum to classroom environment. Children have been Lauren’s passion since she can remember, so getting to work with them every day is so special.

Kirstin graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. During her experience at Indiana, she student taught in a Kindergarten classroom. It was an amazing experience, and she fell in love with teaching. After college, Kirstin moved to Chicago and worked as a lead teacher in a three year old classroom. She enjoyed getting to watch the children grow as learners. After about three years in the classroom, Kirstin moved up to a management position. Kirstin strives to create a nurturing yet structured environment, that allows children to grow at their own pace. Her main goal is to focus on the individual child and helping them flourish in the classroom. Kirstin strives to make classrooms fun, hands-on and creative!

Dee graduated from Loyola University with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and then attended graduate school at Erikson Institute, receiving a Master’s Degree in Child Development with an Infancy Specialization. As an undergraduate, she worked as a Developmental Psychology Research Assistant, collecting data from children in Chicago schools. It was then that she realized her passion for working with children. Dee began working at a preschool after graduating, assisting in classrooms for children with a variety of special needs. After obtaining her Master's Degree, Dee worked as a lead teacher for children between the ages of 18 months to two and a half years of age. One of the best parts about becoming a Director has been getting the opportunity to help teachers grow and to help our families feel welcome and comfortable. Dee’s favorite children’s books include "Where The Wild Things Are" and anything by Dr. Seuss. She is very excited to be a part of the team at The Goddard School!

Katie received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Central Florida. During her time in Florida, Katie taught many different ages. The different experiences showed Katie that she wanted to work with children for the rest of her life. After graduating, Katie moved to Chicago where she worked as a nanny, but she missed her time in the classroom. Katie believes it is important that children learn best through play while being in a safe and nurturing environment. She also believes that being a part of a child’s growth and development is an incredible opportunity and is excited to work at The Goddard School.

Adriana grew up in South Texas, and graduated from Texas State University - San Marcos with a bachelor's degree in Family and Child Development. While in school, she volunteered her time at the Child Development Center and worked with different age groups. After graduation, she continued her education and pursued special education courses. For the past six years, Adriana has also been a Spanish teacher to children of various age groups. Adriana has a passion for working with children and believes in providing a fun learning experience.

INFANT I - Tiera has her Child Development certificate and loves working with children. She comes from a big family and has had plenty of practice being with children. Tiera knew she wanted to be part of children’s early development and knew that a preschool setting would be the right place to do that at. Tiera's passion is arts and crafts and she loves letting little hands explore their creativity. When she’s not cuddling babies, Tiera is raising her three children and teaching them Spanish. Their favorite thing to do together is messy art!

INFANT I - Phala, known as Ms. Faye, has been working with children for over twenty years. She graduated from Mary Holmes College in Mississippi with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Faye has experience with all age groups and believes that working with children is such a joy. Communicating with new parents is one of her specialties. She loves to give advice to help them with this new transition in life. She makes sure to show each and every parent that their child is in great hands.

INFANT II - Ronisa was born in Mississippi and raised in Chicago. She started babysitting for families in 2009, and while in high school she took several courses in the field of Early Childhood Development. Shortly after graduation, she attended Samland Institute, where she received a Patient Care Technician certification. After working as a CNA for years, and having a daughter of her own, she knew that working with children was her calling. Ronisa is currently working on her degree in Early Childhood Education!

INFANT II - Mariah was born and raised in Chicago and comes from a big family. She has ten nieces and nephews and loves to interact with children. She was in high school when she realized that working with children is her true passion. Mariah is currently exploring all different age groups to further her education in the future. Her favorite children's books are “Dragons Love Tacos” by Adam Rubin and “Penguins Love Colors” by Sarah Aspinall. Mariah is excited to be a part of the Goddard team!

INFANT II - Alexandra, also known as Alex, was born and raised in Chicago. She has helped take care of her little brother since she was a teen. Since then, she has always worked with children in some capacity. Prior to Alex starting at Goddard, she was working with special needs children in many different settings. Alex loves to help little minds grow and flourish through play and naturalistic environment teaching. She just welcomed her own son in February 2023! Alex’s favorite book is “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” and the “Llama Llama” series. Alex is beyond excited about being part of the teaching team here at The Goddard School!

FIRST STEPS - Hannah holds a bachelor's degree in Business and Child Development from Liberty University. As an undergraduate, she interned at Disney World, earning her Mouseters in Hospitality while working in Guest Services and Entertainment. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for working with children. Hannah is beyond excited about being part of the teaching team here at The Goddard School!

FIRST STEPS - Chloe has been in the childcare field since she was 16 years old. When she first started in childcare, it was just a summer job; but then it began to turn into something she was truly passionate about and a possible true career. Chloe has taught in every age group and loved them all, but of course her favorite age group are the toddlers. Chloe received her degree in Infants/ Toddlers in 2019. What she loves about working with toddlers is that they keep her on her toes! She loves teaching them the first steps in their education process. Chloe is also a dance instructor and loves to dance herself. She enjoys teaching her students through dance and movement!

INFANT II - Isabel was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She graduated with a degree in Music Education in 2019; and in 2020, she moved to the US to pursue her exchange program as an Au Pair. In her years in college and as an Au Pair, she discovered her passion for working with children. Since then, she has been working as a professional Child Care Provider in the Chicagoland area. She enjoys planning music activities and arts and crafts, and her favorite children's books are from Dr. Suess, especially "The Cat in the Hat" and "Oh, the Places You'll Go.” Isabel is very excited to join the team of teachers here at The Goddard School!

YOUNG TODDLER - Brianna graduated from Wilbur Wright College with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts. She then spent the next few years pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Malcom X College. After working at both summer camps and in the childcare field, Brianna found her passion for working with children in a school setting. She was also inspired by her mother, who has been a teacher for many years. Brianna is not only passionate about education, but she hopes that she can make an impact on each student that she teaches.

YOUNG TODDLERS - For as long as she can remember, Tiffany has always had a passion for teaching. She studied Elementary Education at Loyola University and Early Childhood Education at Harold Washington, and has worked in a school setting ever since. Every day in the classroom is a great learning experience not only for the children, but for the teachers as well. This is why Tiffany loves being a teacher and working with all age groups. Tiffany is excited to be part of The Goddard School family, and her goal is to make each classroom a welcoming, exciting, and trusting environment for each child to learn and grow.

TODDLERS - Margaret was born and raised in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. She has worked in schools with 2 and 3 year olds since high school and has formed lasting bonds with many families. Margaret loves watching children transform from little baby babblers to polite and confident little people. Margaret has a two year old dog named Betty who went to work with her every day at her last job. When not working, Margaret enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and family. She is very excited to be part of The Goddard School!

TODDLERS - Lauren moved to Chicago from northern Kentucky, but is originally from Tennessee. She has been working in early childhood for the past eight years and holds her Child Development certificate. Lauren's passion is that children should be provided with love and support through every area of their life. She wants children to feel a sense of belonging and safety to help them to achieve their goals. Her favorite books for the classroom are “Pete the Cat” and “Tony Chestnut.”

Dana has been working in early childhood education for over seven years. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she honed her skills working for the YMCA and Milwaukee Montessori School. Dana is passionate about creating a safe and nurturing environment for children to grow and thrive. She values building relationships with families and finds great reward in seeing the impact of her work on the children she cares for.

GET SET - Viri has her bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science focusing on Child Development and Criminal Justice from East-West University. Before she graduated, she began working in the field of Education as a teacher at a childcare center. From a young age she always knew that she wanted to work with children, and it has become her passion. She loves teaching and helping children discover and learn new ways to navigate and grow in the classroom!

PRESCHOOL - Lola brings over 15 years of children's dance education experience to The Goddard School. Her boundless enthusiasm for learning and her ability to engage with young people are attributes she brings to her role as a preschool teacher. Lola's dance teaching foundation has developed in tandem with her creativity, adaptability, innovative program design, and the ability to recognize every child’s individual personality and unique strengths. Her passion for collaboration, coupled with her commitment to nurture individual learning paths using the Goddard Developmental Model, sets her on a productive path to a vibrant and inclusive environment promising a positive and enriching educational experience for her and her students. Lola's outside interests include her dog Levi, her two cats Mr. President and Mali, and her garden.

PRESCHOOL - Jessica graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. After graduating, she worked for a meeting and event planning company. However, she wanted to do something more meaningful and that’s when she first thought about teaching. Jessica’s mother was a teacher for 17 years, and when she saw the impact she had on her students, she knew she wanted to have the same positive effect. Jessica became certified to teach English as a foreign language. This brought her to South Korea where she taught English at a preschool for two years. It was a wonderful experience and she learned that she wanted to continue her career in Early Childhood Education. Jessica is excited to be teaching at The Goddard School.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN - Mr. Keenan graduated from Grand Valley State University in Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in Women, Gender, and Sexuality studies with a Minor in Dance. He has also received his preschool CDA teaching certificate. Dance has been a huge part of Keenan’s life and what drove him to move to the Windy City. He has worked with or trained at a wide variety of professional dance companies including Grand Rapids Ballet, Eisenhower Dance Detroit, Joffrey Ballet, and Ardent Dance Company where he is currently a company member. As a result of his background, Keenan takes pride in bringing a unique and dynamic energy to school, attempting to meet children where they are at and help them grow based on their own strengths and weaknesses.

JR. KINDERGARTEN - Jess grew up in southeastern Michigan, but always wanted to live in a big city. She moved to Chicago in 2013 and is still so in love with this city. Jess has worked as a private nanny in the past but is very excited to be working with children in a school setting. She has always had an interest in working with children, which is inspired by her grandmother and great aunts, who were all teachers. In her free time, Jess enjoys knitting gifts for her friends and family. Her favorite book is "Little Blue Truck" by Alice Schertle.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN - Leslie graduated with her degree in Child Development-Preschool Education at Malcolm X College. After graduation, Leslie started her career at The Goddard School. She was born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago and has always had a passion for working with children in the early education field. During her free time, Leslie loves to experience new places, explore the city and attend lots of concerts! She wants to make sure her students are loved and happy while at school and are having fun as well! Leslie’s creative mind loves to come up with activities that children can learn from and find new experiences. She hopes to make an impact on each and every one of the children she teaches!

INFANT I - Maria was born and raised in Chicago. She is the youngest of six children. After growing up with so many siblings she decided she wanted to work with children at a young age. Maria has dedicated her time to taking Early Childhood Development courses at Morton College and plans to graduate with a degree in Child Development. She has been working with children for over 8 years now. Maria’s goals in her classroom are to always provide a nurturing, safe, positive, and fun environment for the children. Maria’s favorite things to do are painting, taking road trips and spending time with family and friends.

INFANT I - Alexa graduated from with her Associate’s Degree in Applied Science High Honors Child Development: Pre-School Education! She knew she wanted to work with children, so she become a nanny to two beautiful kids. Alexa wanted to help raise more children which is why she decided to work at a daycare. She loves being around children and seeing them grow up to be strong individuals. She loves to nurture them and lead them to the right path!

INFANT II - Ms. Crystal is originally from Brooklyn, New York but is from Puerto Rican descent. She has an associate’s degree in Criminal justice and is working on a bachelors in Child psychology. Her passion for children first began when she became a mother to two boys. She loves children whole heartedly and enjoys being able to work with them. She understands that every child is different and enjoys teaching and loving them based off their individual needs. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, vacationing and going to church with her family.

FIRST STEPS - Karen, of Guatemalan descent, makes her home in Chicago. She studied at Wilbur Wright College and is a mother of two successful children. Additionally, she is a grandmother of seven. Karen has over 15 years of experience in the childcare field, where she has gained excellent childcare experience with children of all ages. Karen has also worked for the Chicago Public School System and simply loves children and enjoys helping them learn and grow at every stage of their young lives. Her strengths are that she is a very reliable, responsible and caring person. In her free time, she loves spending time with her grandchildren, vacationing, and going to church with her family.

FIRST STEPS - Ms. Star was born and raised in Chicago. She was raised amongst teachers, nurses, and leaders. Star grew up in a big family with many cousins, and she has helped care for every one of them. During her high school years, she volunteered at multiple childcare facilities and knew right away she wanted to pursue a childcare career. Star is currently in school for early childhood education, and she is so excited to be a part of the Goddard team! Star believes children are amazing and deserve the right tools to shape their creative minds, as they are the future! One of her favorite children’s books to read is ‘Geronimo Stilton’ by Elisabetta Dami. It contains great adventures and great life lessons. When Star is not caring for children, she is cuddling with her dogs and going on adventures with her family!

Chloe grew up around Chicago, Metro-Detroit, and Las Vegas. She has been working with children since she was 13 and has been working in a school environment for three years. Prior to moving to Chicago she previously worked at a Goddard School in Michigan, where she spent her time working with children from 6 weeks up to 6 years. Her favorite thing about working with children is getting the chance to help them explore their creativity. She loves getting the chance to help create a loving and comfortable environment for them to learn and grow their confidence. In Chloe’s free time she enjoys playing guitar, painting, and hanging out with her cats Jiji and Astrea. Her favorite children's book is ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ by Maurice Sendak.

YOUNG TODDLERS - Sydney grew up in Chicago and is currently working on her degree in Early Childhood Education. Since she was a child herself, Sydney has loved taking care of children. Her caring nature sparked a lifelong interest in childcare. At 12, Sydney started her first babysitting business. She then volunteered one summer as a teen counselor and formed bonds with the families there, leading to working outside of the camp. Sydney is a traveling nanny, and she has traveled to Greece, Egypt, Austria, and Dubai. Before starting at Goddard, she was requested to nanny in Turkey, Rome, and Tokyo. Sydney's favorite childhood books are "Pinkalicious" and "Knuffle Bunny", which she has a signed copy of. Sydney’s favorite things to do are watch movies, go shopping and spend time with her best friends. She also loves anything related to Disney and performs Disney songs whenever her kids ask. She can’t pick a favorite age group because she finds something to love within all the ages.

TODDLERS - Annette graduated from Loyola University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She is from the Chicago suburb of Northbrook. When the opportunity arose to reevaluate her interests, Annette paused her studies and worked at a preschool for a year and a half to explore. It was during this time she realized her passion was teaching and caring for young children. Annette has also spent many summers as a summer camp counselor to young children and a nanny, as well. Annette’s goal is to guide and encourage children to experience a happy and healthy early childhood while in the classroom!

Emily is originally from Detroit, Michigan and moved to Chicago to attend DePaul University. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design and a double minor in Art and Early Childhood Education. With three years of experience as an art teacher, she is dedicated to fostering creativity and imagination in young learners. Emily believes that integrating the arts into early childhood education not only enhances cognitive and emotional development but also instills a lifelong love for learning. She finds joy in watching her students explore and express their creativity! Her favorite children's books are Have You Filled a Bucket Today? and Mayhem Masterpiece, a book written and illustrated by Ms. Emily and is self-published!

Emily is a student at DePaul University studying Elementary Education. Emily moved from the suburbs of St. Louis to Chicago. At a young age Emily knew she wanted to work with children. In her free time Emily enjoys hanging out with her friends, listening to music, and taking long walks around Lincoln Park. Emily’s favorite childhood book is “Eloise at The Plaza” by Kay Thompson. Emily is very excited to be a part of the Goddard community and is so excited to meet all of the children and families.

Audrey was born in the Chicago suburbs and is currently attending DePaul University where she is a senior studying Art Media, and Design. Audrey has worked with infants and toddlers since high school and worked as an art teacher at a local studio. She loves working with young children and making them smile! In her free time, Audrey loves making art, live music and being outside.

Kaxie, pronounced like “K.C.,” was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs. She is the eldest of five kids; and she has four cats and two dogs. Kaxie graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 2022 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services; and she returned to Loyola in summer 2023 to pursue a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Kaxie has experience teaching and tutoring children from preschool to 10th grade. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family, partner, and pets. She also loves trying new restaurants in downtown Chicago and nearby neighborhoods. Kaxie is very excited to be a part of the Goddard School and for what’s to come in her teaching career!

Alexandra is currently a student at Loyola University Chicago. She is working towards getting her bachelor's degree in psychology. Alexandra is from Cincinnati, Ohio, where she previously worked at another Goddard School and fell in love with childcare. For as long as she can remember, Alexandra has loved spending time with children and getting to watch them grow and learn. Her favorite part of being a resource teacher is getting to experience multiple different age groups. In her free time, Alexandra enjoys exploring Chicago, spending time with her loved ones, and volunteering at a nonprofit agency that helps refugee children.

Nova grew up in Atlanta, GA and graduated from Purdue University with a B.S in Developmental and Family Science. During her time at Purdue, she worked at the Ben and Maxine Miller Child Laboratory School where she worked with children from infants to 5 years old where her love for working with children continues to grow. Outside of the classroom, you can find her at local farmers markets, cloud gazing, going for walks, hanging out with her sister, or at a museum! She thrives on making her classroom a second home for her kiddos and is looking forward to continuing to be a positive influence!

Mina was born and raised in Antalya, Turkey. She graduated from Selcuk University with a degree in Comparative Literature specializing in works written in both English and German. Following university, she decided to pursue her passion for childhood education and started work in an international program caring for little ones of all ages. Mina ended up learning Russian in this setting, bringing her count of languages spoken up to four. She then moved to Chicago in 2021 as an au pair and nanny for two twin baby girls, ultimately spending three years with them before joining The Goddard School. Mina loves to learn and continues to advance her acumen through completion of English and early childhood education courses. Her favorite children’s book is Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes!

Elizabeth has been working in the education field for over seven years, focusing on child development. She holds a Master's Degree in Child Development from the Erikson Institute and specializes in working with hospitalized children and their families. During her internship at Lurie Children's Hospital, she provided tutoring services to school-aged patients. Elizabeth has a natural talent for working with children and has found a passion for working with infants over the past five years. She enjoys this stage of development where children are open, trusting, and learning to communicate and build relationships. In her free time, she finds happiness in baking, dancing, and creating beautiful nail art designs.

Katarina is currently studying at DePaul University working towards a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She has always had a passion for childcare that sparked while helping with her younger cousins growing up and fell in love with working in schools after beginning as a counselor in before and after care programs. Katarina has also been a lead counselor in the past for summer camps and before/after school programs in the suburbs. Katarina’s favorite children’s books are “A Light in the Attic” by Shel Silverstien and “There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” by Lucille Colandro.

Nicole was born in the Chicago suburbs and is currently attending DePaul University where she is studying for her masters in Elementary Education. Nicole has worked with children since she was in high school and has always known that is her passion. Her favorite thing about working with children is the opportunity to watch their personalities grow all while experiencing life in new ways everyday. When Nicole isn't working with children she enjoys being outside, spending time with her dog, her family, her friends, and anything to do with art. Nicole strives to create an environment for children that they feel they belong, supported, and confident.

Neav was born and raised in San Francisco. During her childhood, her mom was always watching babies, toddlers, and children of all ages. Soon her mom and aunt opened their very own home daycare where Neav got loads of experience with children. Beyond that she comes from a huge family - her mom is one of eleven while her dad is one of six; this resulted in many babies being around her entire life. Neav just graduated from Marquette this past May majoring in English Literature and Environmental Studies, and wants to go back to school to become a teacher. While at Goddard, Neav wants to encourage all children's passion and creativity, allowing them to develop not only as children but as people. One of her favorite children’s books is ‘I Love You Forever’ by Robert Munsch. As a child it made her realize how beautiful familial love is and how growing up isn't as scary as it seems. When Neav isn’t caring for children, you can find her reading, on a walk, or doing a new embroidery project.

Paola was born in Durango, Mexico and lived there until she was 8-years-old. She currently lives with her partner, her son JJ, and her daughter Xiomara. Paola enjoys going for walks, reading and watching comedies and scary movies. Her family loves spending time together, especially by traveling to beach destinations and trying new restaurants!

Kate moved here from New Orleans to pursue Arts Management and Art History at Columbia College Chicago. While pursuing art, floristry, and doula certification her drive to see the beauty in everything led her to becoming a teacher here at Goddard. Her favorite part of Resource teaching is getting to see the complexities and beauty of all ages. She deeply admires and loves giving a helping hand to our teachers.