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”.

Please welcome Miss Erin to our Goddard Family! Miss Erin is our Assistant Director of Education and Operations for our Preschool, Prekindergarten and School Age children. She has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. She has been working in early childhood education for 8 years. Erin has a daughter who attends our Hippos classroom. Miss Erin loves working with children. They bring her so much joy and optimism which is contagious! She loves seeing children fall in love with learning!

Miss Kim is our school's Chef and bus driver. Kim has been with Goddard for 12 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!!

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"

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".

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.

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.

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 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."

Please welcome Miss Ana rejoining our Goddard Family! Miss Ana has over 10 years experience working in Early Childhood Education. Miss Ana has had experience being a Lead Toddler Teacher at an Early Education Center. She designed and implemented developmentally appropriate curriculum tailored to toddlers. Young children bring her so much joy and optimism. She loves seeing children fall in love with learning!

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 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."

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.”

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 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 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 Lauren has been at our school for 13 years!!! Isn't that amazing?! She is the Lead teacher in the Prekindergarten, Lions 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 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 Sophia is a wonderful addition to our Goddard team. She is a fabulous assistant teacher with Miss Taylor in Monkeys. 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.

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.”

Please welcome Miss Abigail to our Goard family! Miss Abigail has her CDA in Early Childhood Education. She has been a teacher for 3 years. She was a lead teacher at her previous school. Abigail is patient, hardworking, dedicated and big on communication with children and parents. Abigail enjoys the children's bright smiles and the impact she has on their education. We are happy to have her on the team!

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 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 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!

Please welcome Miss Caroline to our Goddard family! Miss Caroline has been working in Early Childhood. She is currently a Senior at Western Governors University studying Elementary Education. Fun fact, she also is related to our dear Miss Sedona! Miss Caroline loves to watch children's growth and development throughout their early childhood years. She believes children are curious, playful and passionate. She enjoys watching them learn through play and creating art. We are excited to welcome her to our Goddard family!

Welcome Miss Jolie to our Goddard family. Fun fact! She is Miss Sedona's sister! Jolie has experience working a nanny for four years. She loves working with kids and helping their minds grow. She enjoys that children are full of wonder and have so many questions to ask! 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!