Our Teachers

Laura Carter has been the Director of our school since 2011. She earned a degree in Early Childhood Education and has been working in child development schools since 1996, with much of that time in an administrative or leadership role. Her vast experience includes time as a Director, Assistant Director, Preschool Supervisor, and Team Leader. As our school Executive Director, she is able to fully utilize her in-depth understanding of early childhood education, administrative experience, leadership skills, and personal abilities on a daily basis. Laura was nominated as Teacher of the Year by PSO-ICCA in 2004. As an administrator, Laura is focused on keeping teachers and children fresh and motivated, while maintaining state standards, providing a valued education, and offering a trusting and caring environment for families. She maintains a passion for results and commitment to excellence, with unwavering determination at all times.

Ms. Brittany Dancing Dolphins / Lead Teacher / Education: Pursuing a degree in Biology, with a minor in teaching College / University: Joliet Junior College/ Experience: Ms. Brittany has been working with children since 2012. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she enjoys teaching children through hands on experiences.

Ms. Heather Traveling Turtles/ Pre-Kindergarten Teacher / Education: Studied Early Childhood Education College / University: Roosevelt University/ Experience: Ms. Heather has been working with children since 2008. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because of her love, compassion and commitment to both children and teaching.

Ms. Lexi Singing Seahorses/Lead Teacher / Education: Child Development Associate Credential College / University: Council for Professional Recognition/ Experience: Ms. Lexi has been working with children since 2017. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she loves being able to experience children grow in their education.

Ms. Neena Swimming Seals / Lead Teacher / Education: Bachelor of Science Experience: Ms. Neena has been working with children since 2018. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because not only does she enjoy teaching children through fun and interactive lessons, but she also enjoys the reward of being able to watch children learn and grow.

Ms. Noshina Artful Octopus / Pre-Kindergarten Teacher Degree / Education: Bachelor's in English Literature Experience: Ms. Noshina has been working with children since 2000. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because of how rewarding, important and significant it is to contribute to a child's overall educational development and growth.

Ms. Jocelyn Clever Clownfish/ Assistant Toddler Teacher/ Education: Studying Child Life at Illinois State University. Ms. Jocelyn has been working with children since 2018. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she understands that all children are unique and need a teacher that will cater to their individual needs in a safe and stimulating environment. Ms. Jocelyn wants to create a classroom where children can flourish and explore allowing them to reach their full potential.

Ms. Tejal Swimming Seals / Lead Preschool Teacher / Education: Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development and pursing a license as a Behavioral Therapist. Ms. Tejal has been working with children since 2001. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she understands that Early Childhood Education builds the foundation for the future.

Ms. Jennifer Artful Octopus / Assistant Pre-Kindergarten Teacher / Education: High School Diploma from East Aurora High School. Ms. Jennifer has been working with children since 2023. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she wants to teach her students to always try their best.

Ms. Katelyn Singing Seahorses / Assistant Pre-Toddler Teacher / Education: Studied at The University of Iowa. Ms. Katie has been working with children since 2023. She is excited to work at The Goddard School so that she can teach her philosophy on always trying your best.

Ms. Natasha Growing Guppies/ Lead Infant Teacher/ Education: Bachelor's Degree in Economics and a Montessori Early Childhood Qualification. Ms. Natasha has worked with children since 2006. She is excited to work at the Goddard School because teaching and nurturing children has always been her passion.

Ms. Sara Traveling Turtles/ Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher/ Education: Graduated from Downers Grove South in 2019 and has a Child Development Associate Credential. Ms. Sara has worked with children since 2012. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she can teach children to be the best versions of themselves.

Ms. Julyana Kitchen Manager/ Ms. Julyana has been with The Goddard School since 2021. She is excited to be a part of The Goddard team to share with the children her knowledge on healthy eating.

Ms. Crystal Dancing Dolphins/ Lead Get Set Teacher Degree / Education: Majored in Child Development with an emphasis on parent-infant specialist. College / University: Northern Illinois University Experience: Working with children since 1999 I am excited to work at The Goddard School because: I believe in their philosophy and it is an amazing place to provide a foundation for children.

Ms. Jillian Sleeping Starfish / Lead Infant Teacher / Education: Associate Degree in Science and pursing a Bachelor's Degree in Education. Ms. Jillian has worked with children since 2007. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes learning is a never-ending experience.

Ms. Olivia Office Manager/ Education: Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Illinois State University. Ms. Olivia has worked with children since 2015. She is excited to work at The Goddard School to be able to create a supportive relationship with parents and staff while also providing leadership to school administrative activities.

Ms. Cristina Assistant Teacher / Education: Currently studying at Joliet Junior College for Childhood Development. Ms. Cristina has been working with children since 2022. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she feels all children should be treated equitably and wants to show support to the children and staff.