Our Teachers

We are genuinely excited to join the Goddard North Aurora family as on-site owners and partners with Ankur and Shreya. Michelle received her Bachelor of Science in Business degree from Miami of Ohio University and her Master of Elementary Education from the University of Illinois Chicago. She has been a first and second-grade teacher for the last 14 years and is incredibly excited to apply her knowledge and experience to our school. Michael has his Bachelor of Science in business from Northern Illinois University. Michael has been a medical device sales representative specializing in Spinal Implants and Orthobiologics for the last 20 years.

Miss Marianne is our School Director. Marianne has been in the childcare business for 30+ years and at our school since 2012. She loves being around the children and families that make our school what it is. Marianne is a proud mom to her three incredibly successful children. Professionally she wants to make our school an award winning institution and personally she has travel goals to Italy and Australia. Marianne loves the outdoors and in her free time is an avid gardener! DID YOU KNOW?! Marianne and her husband have 16 brothers and sisters combined!!

Mrs. Cindy is the Director Designee and was a former lead teacher of our Hippos classroom. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Child Development from Northern Illinois University. She has been in the field of Early Childhood Education since 2006 and has been with The Goddard School since May 2014. She has worked in Pre-k, 3's as well as infants. "I love to see the children's smiles, watching them grow, learn and the bonds I create with them”.

Miss Seferina is the Co-lead teacher in our Infant Classroom. She is our most tenured teacher who has been with Goddard since of Jan. 2009!! Incredible right? Seferina has some serious travel goals! Her son Richie and daughter Olivia are her whole world and we love having them at the school! “I believe in the importance of early childhood education, and strongly believe that children learn best through play and exploration. They need many opportunities to explore this world they are growing up in and I am happy to give them those experiences”.

Ms. Megan is the Co-Lead Teacher in our Infant classroom. She graduated in 2006 from Illinois State University with a bachelors degree in sociology. She joined our team in March of 2018. She comes to us with over ten years of experience in Early Childhood Education. "I studied early childhood education and child psychology before earning my degree in sociology. I have worked with infants and toddlers. I was also assistant principal at my last preschool for over year. I truly enjoy working with infants and toddlers and it is so exciting to watch all the children grow and learn throughout the year. Everyday is a new and exciting adventure for children and I am so thankful that I get to be a part of helping them explore this world around them. When I'm not working I enjoy spending time with my family and son"

Ms. Julie is an assistant teacher for our Infant and Pre-Toddler Hippos classrooms. She joined our team in January of 2020. Before joining our team, she ran a home daycare in her home for 6 years. She is pursuing her CDA. She believes it is important to be supportive and understanding of children so they can begin to build a relationship with you.

Mrs. Jen is the Lead Teacher in our Pre-Toddler Hippos Classroom. She has an associate degree in Applied Science from Waubonsee Community College. She Originally was going for an elementary education degree and decided her love for the little ones was stronger. She has been in the Early childhood field since 2001 and then joined our team in April 2014. "I have been married since 2005, and even though we have no human children we treat our fur babies like our own. I am the youngest of five children and I also have a twin sister".

Miss Christina is an assistant teacher in our Pre-Toddler Hippos and Infant classrooms. She joined the Goddard team in September 2020. She is very kind and loving with the sweet babies. Christina believes that children need to keep their minds expanding to help promote a healthy start in their early childhood.

Miss Jasmine is the co-lead teacher in our Toddler Kangaroos classroom. She has an Associate in Science from Waubonsee Community College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Early Child Education. Jasmine joined the Goddard family in August 2021 but has been in the Early childhood field since 2018. "I love seeing the growth and helping others. I am a mommy to one beautiful girl and my favorite color is leopard print."

Miss Mayra is our Co-Lead teacher in our Toddler Kangaroos classroom. She is currently pursuing an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education at Waubonsee College. Mayra believes all children have the ability to learn. "As teachers, we have an obligation to provide a safe and inclusive environment. Not every child is the same or learns at the same pace. We have the ability to find ways to teach children through play and inquiry."

Miss Jessie is a smiling and loving assistant teacher in our Toddler Elephants room. She is currently in college at Waubonsee Community College pursuing a degree in the arts. Jessie pursued working in early childhood education because she loves being somebody that children can trust while keeping them happy, engaged, and safe. Her bright smile and unending kindness bring a positive presence to our Goddard family.

Miss Ina is the Lead teacher in our young Preschool Giraffes classroom. She graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor's in Science- Family and Child Studies. She has been working in Early Childhood for over ten years and joined our team in December 2021. "My passion has always been teaching and helping little minds. I enjoy the conversations; Kids are so funny. I have two children who keep me busy, and I am happily married to JL".

Miss Lauren has been at our school for 13 years!!! Isn't that amazing?! She is the co-lead teacher in the Preschool Zebras classroom. She is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education from Waubonsee Community College. She loves forming connections with our children and staff. Lauren is a proud dog momma with some serious travel goals!

Miss Miki is the assistant teacher in our Preschool Zebras classroom. She joined our family in March of 2019. Something interesting about Miki is that she took a mission trip to South America and loves to sing! Her faith drives her to be the best she can possibly be. Our preschoolers are in the best hands with Miki! "I believe children learn more in a fun relaxed environment. Keeping things fun grabs their attention while they are learning."

Miss Taylor is the lead teacher in our Pre-Kindergarten Lions classroom. She has an Early Childhood Degree from Waubonsee Community College. She joined the Goddard family in December of 2019 and has been working in the field since 2014. Taylor is a proud momma to Forrest and Jaxon. "I chose to work with children because I have 12 nieces and nephews. I have always been involved with children since I was nine years old. I have a natural love and strive for educating children of all ages. I enjoy seeing the children smile when they have learned something new. Seeing them so excited to show their parents/guardians their work at the end of the day always makes me feel like I am doing something right."

Miss Sedona is our lead teacher in our School Age Parrots classroom and support teacher in other classrooms. She is currently taking Early Childhood classes at Waubonsee towards an Associate Degree. She joined the Goddard Family in July of 2019. She is certified in Sign Language and is a published author currently working on a children's book. "I believe that children naturally want to learn. If a life lesson is made engaging they will forget they are even learning and retain it better. It's important to let them grow into their own person as we guide them down the right path in life".

Miss. Amy is our amazing support lead teacher in various classrooms. She has an Associate in Science Degree from Waubonsee Community College. She joined our team in September 2021 and came to us with over ten years of experience in Early Childhood. "I have always wanted to be a teacher and work with kids since I was a kid. I love to see them catch onto a new concept or learn a new skill. I have 16 nieces and nephews, I am the middle of seven siblings, and I have two girls of my own".

Miss Kaitlyn joined the Goddard Team as a wonderful support teacher for all of our classrooms in June of 2021. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Services from Northern Illinois University. Kaitlyn approaches teaching with a kind and caring heart. "I recognize that every child is different and has different needs. Recognizing this, I can better help the individual child by providing them with what best suits them."

Miss Sophia is a wonderful addition to our Goddard team. She is an assistant teacher that helps out in all of our classrooms. She is currently studying at Bradley University and pursuing a degree as a double major in English and Education. Sophia has always had a passion for teaching and working with kids of all ages. She believes every day is a new and exciting adventure working with children. She is excited to instill knowledge and creativity in their journey in becoming life-long learners.

Miss Ariana is an excellent addition to our Goddard family. She is an assistant teacher that helps out in all of our classrooms. She has experience working with children of various ages in a variety of ways. She enjoys being a teacher’s assistant. She loves to bond with the children and create a comfortable and safe environment for them. She believes that being a good role model and having effective communication is key to the children’s overall development.

Miss Kim is our school's Chef and bus driver. Kim has been with Goddard for 11 years and is a Golden Apple award winner AKA she is a rockstar to everyone and deserves to be recognized for it! ?? Kim loves seeing the children and parents daily and serving the food she's cooking up! Kim is a proud mom to Justin and an avid Snoopy collector!!

Welcome Miss Kelsey to our Goddard family. Ms. Kelsey has a BA in Secondary Education in English Language Arts from Elmhurst University. She has had experience being a district substitute teacher. Kelsey has also worked as a swim instructor for ages 6 months-11 years of age. Kelsey believes, “Children are capable of much more than the average person. If given the tools and the patience they can experience much more success and happiness.”

Welcome Miss Kristin to our Goddard family. Miss Kristin is a kind and nurturing educator. Miss Kristin has a variety of experiences. She is a loving mom to 3 children. She was a lunch supervisor for Batavia School District for 4 years. She also has experience being an administrative assistant. Her teaching philosophy is, “Teach littles to be good people and understand right from wrong. I want to nurture children to be self-confident and creative.”

Welcome Miss Sydney to our Goddard family. She is our co-lead teacher in Elephants. Sydney comes to us from Arizona with a Bachelor’s Degree in forensic psychology from Arizona State University. She has 6 years of experience working in Early Childhood Education. Sydney is gentle and kind with the children and always has a smiling face. She believes that we should celebrate the uniqueness of children. She strives to create a welcoming, and loving environment for both the child and the adults who care for them.

Welcome back Mr. Nik! He has a Bachelor of Science from Elmhurst College and is currently pursuing his Masters of Science in Early Education at the Erikson Institute. He had joined the Goddard team in July of 2020, and has returned! Nik has been working with children since 2018. Nik believes communication is essential while teaching the children. Learning should be fun as well as educational.

Miss Akiesha is a fabulous addition to our Goddard family! She is currently in her 3rd year at NIU where she is pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education. She has experience working as an assistant teacher at an early childhood education center. She believes a good teaching philosophy in education will serve as a guiding framework for educators to shape their practice and interaction with the students. She is compassionate, engaged and kind with the children. A fun fact about her is that she has written 2 children’s books!

Welcome Miss Niki to our Goddard Family! Niki is currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Early Childhood Education from Waubonsee Community College. She also holds a nursing assistant certificate. Niki has always been passionate about education and children, and she cherishes being part of their growth and development. As a mother of four beautiful children, she believes that every child is a unique individual who thrives in a safe, age-appropriate environment.

Miss Adilene is joining our Goddard team with lots of early childhood education experience. She has her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Morton College. She has experience being a lead teacher with different age groups. Miss Adilene is a high energy and positive spirted teacher. She believes that all children are different and unique in their own way. She desires to help and teach children new things and see them shine when they learn something new. We are thrilled to have her!

Welcome Miss Megan to the Goddard family. Miss Megan is a support teacher with a big smile and enthusiastic personality! Miss Megan has been working in early childhood education for 14 years. She is currently majoring in Elementary Education at Waubonsee Community College. Megan believes that all children are unique and intelligent. She believes students should have a safe space, with a structured and nurturing environment. This will promote a nurturing environment so that they can grow emotionally and socially. We are excited to have her on our team!

Ms. Ana is our school Chef. She has been in the field of early Childhood Education since May 2011 when she joined The Goddard School.