Our Teachers

Meet the Co-owners of The Goddard School, Marinella and Sharon.

Laura Carter has been working for The Goddard 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. Melissa is a director at The Goddard School. She has lived in Naperville for over 29 years and has raised 2 boys through the 204-school district. Ms. Melissa earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Illinois with a master’s in special education from the University of Louisville. She specializes in curriculum and individualizing instruction. Ms. Melissa has been working with children since 1989 as both a teacher and administrator. She believes it is important to connect exploration and hands on learning to all four areas of development (cognitive, physical, language, and social/emotional). In her free time, Ms. Melissa loves to attend her son’s baseball games and spend time with her family and her dogs.

Ms. Stephanie is a Director at The Goddard School. She has her Associates Degree in general studies and is almost finished with her Bachelor's Degree in early childhood education. Ms. Stephanie has been working in ECE for over twelve years. She believes that children learn best in a loving structured environment. In her free time, Ms. Stephanie loves to spend time with her 18 year old daughter.

Ms. NaShondra Snuggle Bears/ Lead Teacher Degree/Education: Associates degree in early childhood education/ College/University: University of Arizona Global/ Experience: She has been working with children since 2016. Ms. NaShondra is excited to work at the Goddard School because she believes that it's extremely important for teachers to love the children as if they are their own. She believes children learn by exploration and hands on sensory activities.

Ms. Ashley Climbing Cubs/First Steps Teacher/Education: Ms. Ashley has her Child Development Associate Credential with a specialty in infants and toddlers/Experience: Ms. Ashley is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes each child is an individual. She feels it is important to emphasizes their individual strengths in order to help them learn and grow better.

Ms. Alyssa/ Teacher/ Education: Ms. Alyssa is pursuing degrees in early education and criminal justice/ College/University: Waubonsie Community College/ Ms. Alyssa has been working with children since 2020. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes a classroom should be full of activities that allow for learning through exploration. She enjoys reading during her time off.

Ms. Shannon Romping Rhinos/ Lead Pre-Toddler Teacher/ Education: Ms. Shannon has her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work/ Experience: Ms. Shannon has been working with children since 1998. Ms. Shannon is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes that children learn by exploring at an early age through play. She enjoys spending time with her son during her time off.

Ms. Sheeba Romping Rhinos/Assistant Teacher/Education: Ms. Sheeba has her associates degree in Commerce. She is currently pursuing her Child Development Credential with a specialty in infants and toddlers/College: Karachi University/ Experience: Ms. Sheeba has worked with children since 2023. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes the classroom should be a positive environment that is safe place for children to learn and explore.

Ms. Helen Learning Lions/ Toddler Teacher/ Education: Ms. Helen is pursuing her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with a specialty in infants and toddlers/ College/University: College of Dupage/ Experience: Ms. Helen has been working with children since 2018. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes children learn best with hands-on activities. Ms. Helen is also fluent in Spanish.

Ms. Marisol Learning Lions/Assistant teacher/ Education: Ms. Marisol has her medical assistant degree and is currently pursuing new opportunities in education. Ms. Marisol is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes all children are unique and they need a loving environment filled with educational opportunities. Ms. Marisol is also fluent in Spanish.

Ms. Naszira Zany Zebras/ Lead Teacher/ Education: Ms. Naszira has a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) with a specialty in infants and toddlers/ College/University: Joliet Jr. College/ Experience: Ms. Naszira has been working with children since 2021. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes it is a teacher's job to provide a safe, warm, and loving place for children to grow and reach their highest potential. Ms. Naszira is also fluent in Spanish.

Ms. Maribel Zany Zebras/ Lead Get Set Teacher/ Education: Ms. Maribel has her Child Development Credential (CDA) in Early Childhood with a specialty in Toddlers/ Experience: Ms. Maribel has been working with children since 2019. Ms. Maribel is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes that all children are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment. She wants to provide challenging and engaging activities that encourage physical, mental, and social growth. Ms. Maribel is also fluent in Spanish.

Ms. Kiley/ Lead Preschool Teacher/ Education: Ms. Kiley has her Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) in early childhood education with a specialty in 3-5 year olds/ Experience: Ms. Kiley has been working with children since 2018. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes in teaching children creatively, that means teachers should teach them how to think and not what to think.

Ms. Shelby/ Assistant Support Teacher/ Education: Ms. Shelby is currently pursuing a degree in criminal justice/ Experience: Ms. Shelby has been working with children since 2019. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she enjoys working with children and believes that they need an interactive learning environment.

Ms. Abbey Galloping Giraffes/ Lead Preschool Teacher/ Degree/Education: Ms. Abbey has her Child Development Credential (CDA) with a specialty in Preschool/Pre-K/ Experience: Ms. Abbey has been working with children since 2021. She is very excited to be working at The Goddard School because she believes children have different learning styles and personalities. They therefore deserve and need individualized attention while learning.

Ms. Maya Earnest Elephants/ Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher/ Education: Ms. Maya has a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a bachelor's degree in early childhood education/ College/University: Oakland University and Penn Foster College/ Experience: Ms. Maya has been working with children since 2016. She is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes it is important to build on each child's strengths, interests, skills, and knowledge. She knows it is a teacher's job to provide opportunities for children to explore, discover, create, and imagine. Ms. Maya is also fluent in Hindi.

Ms. Nidhi Earnest Elephants/ Assistant teacher Pre-Kindergarten/ Education: Ms. Nidhi has her Bachelors and Masters Degree in Biotechnology/ College/University: Charan Singh University/ Ms. Nidhi has been working with children since 2018. She is very excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes that children learn through play. She says, "The more they explore, the more they learn and gain confidence in their skills". Ms. Nidhi is also fluent in Hindi.

Ms. Courtney Jammin Gators/ Lead Pre-K Teacher/ Education/Degree: Ms. Courtney has her associates degree in special education with a specialty in hearing impaired. She is currently in school working towards her bachelor's degree in special education/ College/University: College of Dupage/ Experience: Ms. Courtney has been working with children since 2013. She is excited to work for The Goddard School because she believes that every child has a light that shines within them if given the right opportunities.

Ms. Andrea Support/Teacher/Education: pursuing classes in early childhood education/ College/University: Saddleback College/ Experience: Ms. Andrea has been working with children since 2021. She has experience working with both elderly people and children. Ms. Andrea is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes that life is all about learning and the building blocks of learning start in the early ages.

Ms. Olivia/ Assistant Support teacher/ Education: Ms. Olivia is currently working on a degree in Marketing/ College/University: College of Dupage/ Experience: Ms. Olivia has been working with children since 2022. Ms. Olivia is excited to work at The Goddard School because she wants to help children explore and help make a difference in their future. She believes that “no child should be left behind” and wants everyone feels comfortable in their eductional environment.

Ms. Rhianna / Assistant Support teacher/ Education: Ms. Rhianna is currently working on a Credential in Early Childhood Education/ Experience: Ms. Rhianna has been working with children since 2021. Ms. Rhianna is excited to work at The Goddard School because she wants to help children reach their full potential. She believes that children need a positive engaging learning environment.

Ms. Chandrika / Assistant Support teacher/ Education: Ms. Chandrika has a BA from India/ Experience: Ms. Chandrika has been working with children since 2008. Ms. Chandrika is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes that all students are unique and it is the teachers job to help students embrace new information through hands on experiences.

Ms. Tiehua / Assistant Support teacher/ Education: Ms. Tiehua has a Master of Law from The University of Illinois/ Experience: Ms. Tiehua has been working with children since 1999. Ms. Tiehua is excited to work at The Goddard School because she believes that children thrive on love, care, and inquiry.

Ms. Veronica is the Kitchen Manager at The Goddard School. She has several years of experience in the kitchen. On her days off, Ms. Veronica enjoys spending time with her husband riding ATV’s.