Our Teachers

As a Goddard owner and parent, Slava feels a true connection to Goddard’s philosophy of fostering a love of learning in children while providing a fun, safe and nurturing environment for them to grow. He is proud to provide this exceptional learning experience for more children and families in the Hawthorn Woods community. Slava has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Western Michigan University, and a Master of Science in Accountancy from DePaul University. Previously, he has been working as an accountant for the past 10 years.

Ms. Tricia has been a member of our team since 2011. Ms. Tricia earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Kentucky University majoring in Child Studies with a minor in family studies. She has over 15 years’ experience with children. She is a passionate educator and director who wants children to feel confident, excited and eager to learn and grow at our school. She is a mother to a beautiful daughter; Brooklyn and is looking forward to meeting you and your family! Her favorite children's book is The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister.

Ms. Amanda has been a member of our team since December, 2018. She has earned her Child Development Associate Credential. She has over 5 years’ experience with children and can’t wait to engage more with you and your family. She loves being able to read and sing to the children throughout the day and create fun arts and crafts! Ms. Amanda's favorite children's books are anything by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Casie has been a member of our team since November 2021. She has earned her Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Science. She has over 5 years’ experience with children and can’t wait to engage more with you and your family. She loves painting, bubble dance parties, and engaging in fine motor activities. Her favorite children's book is Everyone Poops by Tara Gomi.

Ms. Freyda is a wonderful member of our team! She is a mom of four beautiful children. She loves spending her time with her family and helping in her community. She enjoys doing crafts and showing love for all of her students. Her favorite children's book is Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein.

Ms. Kylie is a wonderful member of our team! She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Kean University in New Jersey. She has been working with children for over 5 years and loves to read and make fun crafts with her class. Ms. Kylie's favorite children's book is Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems.

Ms. Kattner has been a member of our team since December 2019. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from The University of Wisconsin majoring in Family Science. She has worked in childcare since 2010. She is a mother to Ethan and Elizabeth, who also attends our school. Ms. Kattner's favorite children's book is The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen.

Ms. Rachel is a wonderful member of our team! She is currently taking classes at the College of Lake County. She has been working with children for 5 years and enjoys every second of it. She loves reading stories, dancing and doing music and movement with her class! One of her favorite books is by Mo Willems "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!"

Ms. Aleyda is a wonderful member of our team! She is a mom of three beautiful children. She loves spending her time with her children and bringing her motherly instincts to our school. She enjoys reading books to children. Her favorite children's books are all of the Pete The Cat books.

Ms. Cate is a wonderful member of our team! She graduated from Mundelein High School and is currently taking classes at Madison College to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She enjoys educating and spending time with children. Her favorite activities to do with the children are arts and crafts, puzzle, and dancing with her little friends. Ms. Cate's favorite children's books is the Fancy Nancy Collection by Jane O'Connor.

Ms. Deepika is a wonderful member of our team! She is a mom of two beautiful children. She believes in excellent communication and kindness above all else. She loves helping her students learn and grow in her classroom. Her favorite children's books are all of the Pepa Pig book series.

Ms. Emily is a wonderful member of our team! She graduated from Mundelein High School and has been working with children for over two years. Her favorite activities to do with children are art and musical movement. She can’t wait to sing and dance with your little ones! Ms. Emily’s favorite children’s book is Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? By Bill Martin Jr.

Ms. Mary is a wonderful member of our team! She graduated from Schaumburg High School and is also a licensed paraprofessional. She has been working in the childcare industry for over 15 years and loves taking care of our littlest learners! Ms. Mary's favorite children's book is Paws and Claws by Dr. Seuss.

Ms. Sorina is a wonderful member of our team! She has been in the teaching field for 11 years. She is a mom of two beautiful girls and married to her beloved husband Jordan. She enjoys teaching her little one's sign language, dancing, and reading books to the children. She can't wait to meet you and your family. Her favorite children's book is Cinderella by Marcia Brown.

Ms. Elizabeth is a wonderful member of our team! She has been working with children for over fived years. She is currently taking classes to earn her CDA credential. She can't wait to get to know her students and learning what makes them all so different! Her favorite children's book is Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel.

Ms. Erika is a wonderful member of our team! She is currently earning her CDA credential. She has 7 years of childcare experience. She's very excited to be your child’s assistant teacher and loves having dance parties with her students! Her favorite children's book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

Ms. Tavia is a wonderful member of our team! She is currently taking classes to earn her CDA credential. She loves singing, dancing, and doing music and movement with her class! Her children's book is Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss.