Our Teachers

Jody McManus was inspired to open The Goddard School after falling in love with a Goddard School her daughter attended. Jody has a bachelor’s degree in psychology & a minor in business. She has two children, Morgan & Brayden. Jody is committed to providing a learning environment that fosters creativity, independence, critical thinking skills, resilience & a love of learning. She believes learning must be individualized to meet children where they are to help them achieve their full potential. The Goddard School in Rock Hill offers an array of industry-leading curriculum programs, including Chess and Spanish. They also prioritize the development of social/ emotional skills. With extensive training in “Conscience Discipline,” Goddard faculty help students learn to self-regulate and manage their emotions, which is key to their future success. Ultimately, Jody’s goal is for every graduate to feel confident, be inquisitive and remain excited about learning in kindergarten and beyond.

Ms. Lacey is the Director of Education for our school. She has a Bachelor's degree in Child and Family Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood and Speech Language Pathology from Missouri State University. Ms. Lacey has worked with children since 2006 in the capacity of Teacher, Assistant Director, Director, Therapist and as a Mother. What she truly enjoys and finds rewarding is the connection made with both the students and their families.

Ms. Kerry is the Assistant Director for our school. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Social Work from UMSL. Ms. Kerry has worked with children since 2012 and joined our school in September 2015. She enjoys spending time with her husband and her two sons, Isaac and Jacob. Ms. Kerry also enjoys camping, reading, and puzzles.

Ms. Abigail is a Lead Teacher in our Infant Classroom. She is currently a student at Fontbonne University pursuing her degree in Fine Arts with aspirations of becoming an Art Therapist in order to contribute to children's well-being through creative expression. As a teacher, Ms. Abigail enjoys watching children learn and grow which she finds very fulfilling. A fun fact about her is that one of her favorite hobbies is jewelry making.

Ms. Emma is an Assistant Teacher in our Infant Classroom. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre and Communication and has been working in theatre ever since. Ms. Emma has been working with children since 2021, primarily as a nanny. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching the children get excited about learning and being proud of their accomplishments. A fun fact about Ms. Emma is that she was a figure skater as a child!

Ms. Lucy is the Lead Teacher in our Toddler Classroom. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Webster University. Ms. Lucy has been working with children since 2006 and has been with our school since 2013. Her favorite thing about teaching is connecting with the children and helping them progress in their skills and language throughout their time within that classroom. Outside of school, Ms. Lucy enjoys spending time with her husband, Ryker, and their two children, Leo and June. She also loves taking group fitness classes, cooking, organizing and creating products for Teachers Pay Teachers.

Ms. Emily is an Assistant Teacher in our Toddler Classroom. She is currently attending St. Louis Community College as she obtains her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Her favorite aspect about teaching is the joy she gets as she creates a safe and fun space for all the children to learn. A fun fact about Ms. Emily is that she has seven siblings and she loves to bake.

Ms. Ellen is a Lead Teacher in our Toddler Classroom. She comes to us with her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development from Southeast Missouri State University. Ms. Ellen has worked with young children since 2009 in the capacity of a babysitter, assistant teacher, student-educator, and also as a lead teacher. She enjoys teaching because she loves helping children mold their minds. Ms. Ellen and her husband, Jonah, have a daughter named Isabelle. A fun fact about Ms. Ellen is that her brother lives in Germany.

Ms. Alyssa is a Lead Teacher in our Twos Classroom. She has a Nationally Accredited Child Development Associates. Ms. Alyssa began working in child care in 2007, but has had a lifetime love of children and teaching. She is a jewelry artist in her spare time and loves to go camping, fishing and floating. Ms. Alyssa has five siblings that she enjoys spending time with along with twelve nieces and nephews. She has three cats and a big Ol' Gunnar dog. Her favorite aspect of working with children is seeing the "light bulb" go off and taking advantage of those "teachable moments".

Ms. Malia is an Assistant Teacher in our Twos Classroom. She is a mother of four children and an aunt to several more. She has worked with children for many years in her Church Nursery, Vacation Bible School, and as a Sunday School Teacher to 3rd and 4th graders. Her favorite thing about teaching is letting kids express themselves and showing them other ways of learning. Some of Ms. Malia's favorite things to do are crafts and puzzles.

Ms. Kaitlin is a Lead Teacher in our Twos Classroom. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Webster University. Ms. Kaitlin has worked with children since 2010. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and baking. Her favorite color is lime green. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching children’s excitement when they learn something new and are successful. She is very excited to have her two daughters just down the hall and a part of the Goddard School family.

Ms. Nicole is an Assistant Teacher in our Toddler Classroom. She is currently exploring options for furthering her education in Early Childhood Education. She has many years of experience babysitting and raising a child of her own. Her favorite part about teaching is the excitement on a child's face when they learn a new skill. A fun fact about Ms. Nicole is that she has two cats and one dog.

Ms. Caitlin is a Lead Teacher in our Twos Classroom. She has a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Central Methodist University. She has been working with children since 2017 through student teaching and working as a nanny. Ms. Caitlin's favorite thing about teaching is making a positive impact on students and getting to know each child as an individual. In her spare time Ms. Caitlin likes to spend time with her husband and their daughter, Willow, and go to the gym.

Ms. Taylor is a Lead Teacher in our Preschool Classroom. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri. She comes to us with over five years experience working with children through student teaching, leading cheer camps and substitute teaching. Her favorite things about teaching include providing a safe space for all children and sharing her love of learning. Ms. Taylor also has a pet bearded dragon named Liz.

Ms. Abby is a Lead Teacher in our Preschool Classroom. She comes to us with her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a minor in Psychology from Webster University. Ms. Abby has extensive experience working with both children and adults. She has worked for years with young children and also for over nine years in an assisted living center. Seeing the excitement children have about learning something new is what Ms. Abby enjoys the most and is looking forward to seeing in the classroom. A fun fact about her is that both her husband and herself are obsessed with Disneyland.

Ms. Lexi is a Lead Teacher in our Preschool Classroom. She comes to us with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Southeast Missouri State and in 2017, she obtained a medical assisting certification. Ms. Lexi has worked with children since 2007 in various capacities such as being a mother of 5 children, as a summer camp counselor, and also a toddler teacher. Her favorite aspect of teaching is being involved with each child's growth and using her creativity to make learning fun and exciting. A fun fact about Ms. Lexi is that she has always desired to be a traveling food critic.

Ms. Beth is a Lead Teacher in our Preschool Classroom. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Child and Family Development from the University of Central Missouri. She has been working with children since 2016 as a preschool teacher and nanny. Her favorite thing about teaching is seeing children learn something new and experience the excitement with them. Ms. Beth lived in Japan for two months and enjoys spending time with her husband.

Ms. Carrie is a Lead Teacher in our Pre-K Classroom. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Studies from Webster University. Ms. Carrie has worked with children since 2005 and joined The Goddard School in 2014. Ms. Carrie has previously worked with the Education Department at the Magic House. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their son, James.

Ms. Teri is a Lead Teacher in our Pre-K Classroom. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Behavioral Science from Missouri Baptist University. Ms. Teri has previously worked in elementary school districts but it was her love for Early Childhood Education that brought her to Goddard in 2013. Ms. Teri enjoys spending time with her son fishing, camping, exploring nature and playing video games. She also spends time doing art, crafting and working as a leader of a youth group and singing in church choir.

Ms. Kate is a Lead Teacher in our Pre-K Classroom. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri- St. Louis. She started working with children as a volunteer at a Child Development Center while in High School. While pursuing her degree in Psychology she worked as an assistant teacher at the Child Development Center. Her favorite thing about teaching is being able to help children understand the world around them. She loves that every day working with children is different and enjoys the variety. A fun fact about Ms. Kate is that she has two cats, named Mitzi and Simon.

Ms. Sarah is the Spanish Teacher for our School. She studied Anthropology and Spanish at Truman State University. She has been studying Spanish for thirteen years and did anthropological field work in Chile. She has been working with children for over ten years, as a babysitter, swim instructor and in the Preschool setting. Her favorite part of teaching is seeing the joy of self discovery and self confidence on a child's face. Ms. Sarah enjoys spending time with her dog, Wrigley, and two cats, Perseus and Hercules.

Ms. Dalicia is an Assistant Teacher in our school and a Chess Teacher for Preschool and Pre-K. She is currently a student studying general studies at St. Louis Community College. Ms. Dalicia comes to us with several years of experience working with children and most recently as a YMCA before and after care group leader. Her favorite aspect about teaching is being able to say that she helped ‘shape’ a young mind in the best way possible. A fun fact about Ms. Dalicia is that she loves to dance.

Mr. Dave is the Chef for our school. He has been the Chef since 2012, shortly after the school's opening. Mr. Dave ensures the children have a balanced breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack, by creating a well-rounded and tasty menu. Mr. Dave and his wife, Amy, have a son named Jack. He enjoys watching Cardinals baseball and St. Louis Blues hockey.

Ms. Olivia is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Mizzou. She has the most experience working with infants and two-year olds. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching the children develop and grow. Ms. Olivia finds it very rewarding to watch a child become more articulate, demonstrate more advanced fine and gross motor skills as well as overall progression in development. A fun fact about Ms. Olivia is that she has two dogs, both of which she rescued from the side of the road.

Ms. Heather is a Lead Teacher in our Pre-K Classroom. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Saint Louis University. Ms. Heather has experience as a babysitter, nanny and Lead Teacher. She has previous Goddard experience as she held various positions at a neighboring Goddard School, prior to having three children of her own. Her favorite thing about teaching is discovering new and exciting ways to teach an idea, theme or concept. Ms. Heather loves that everyday brings something new. A fun fact about her is that she loves astrology.

Ms. Malaia is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education at Mckendree University. Ms. Malaia has experience with infant to preschool age through babysitting and substitute teaching. She loves coming to work and seeing all of the children's happy faces. A fun fact about Ms. Malaia is that her middle name is Princess.

Ms. Dazsa is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She started her degree in Human Services at Saint Louis Community College. Ms. Dazsa began babysitting in 2014 and has experience with children of all ages and abilities. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching kids grow and make connections while learning. A fun fact about Ms. Dazsa is that the spelling of her name comes from a famous actress, Zsa Zsa Gabor.

Mr. Alex is an Assistant Teacher in our school. He is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education at Maryville University. He started working with children in 2021. Mr. Alex has experience as a Pre Kindergarten Teacher, Direct Support Professional, Boy Scout Leader, Swim Instructor and Lifeguard. His favorite thing about teaching is seeing the children grow and learn. A fun fact about Mr. Alex is that he summitted Granite Peak in 2022.

Ms. Araia is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at Saint Louis Community College. Ms. Araia has worked with children since 2022 both as a Sunday School Teacher and a Music Teaching Assistant. Her favorite thing about teaching is seeing those light bulb moments for a child and watching their excitement when they learn something new. A fun fact about Ms. Araia is that she plays six instruments and loves to draw!

Ms. Erin is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Leadership and Human Resources Management at Saint Louis University. Ms. Erin started babysitting in 2019 and has experience as a camp counselor for First and Second graders. Her favorite thing about teaching is having fun with the children while also watching them grow and learn.

Ms. Ah'Mirah is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at Fontbonne University. Ms. Ah'Mirah has worked with children since 2020 as a nanny and tutor. Her favorite thing about teaching is finding new ways to learn, creatively. Ms. Ah'Mirah's fun fact is that her favorite color is pink.

Ms. Michelle is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She has a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Missouri- Saint Louis. Ms. Michelle started working with children in 2017 as a Teacher's Assistant helping with fun activities. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching the children develop skills and learning their likes and dislikes and how they change over time. A fun fact about Ms. Michelle is that she enjoys horror movies.

Ms. Amoni is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology from Harris-Stowe State University. Ms. Amoni joined our school to gain experience in an early childhood education setting. She has three siblings and four younger cousins and has several years of experience in babysitting.

Ms. Grace is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology and Dance at Saint Louis University. Ms. Grace has been working with children since 2019 as a Camp Counselor and Nanny. Her favorite things about teaching are seeing the progress in the students, learning from her students, and finding new ways to engage with them. A fun fact about Ms. Grace is that her name was unofficially Kate for about 24 hours.

Ms. Brandy is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Women and Gender Studies at Washington University. She has worked with children since 2023 as a Youth Development Advocate. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching the children make new friends. A fun fact about Ms. Brandy is that she loves playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Ms. Kameryn is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology and Social Work at Southeast Missouri State University. Ms. Kameryn started working with children in 2021 and has experience as a counselor, instructor and coach. Her favorite thing about teaching is learning new ways to teach different students. A fun fact about Ms. Kameryn is that she loves to sing and dance!

Ms. Sophia is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a degree in Biology with a Psychology minor. Ms. Sophia is the oldest in her large family and has been taking care of children all her life. Her favorite thing about teaching is watching the kids learn and grow while revisiting the joys and curiosities of childhood. A fun fact about Ms. Sophia is that she was born in Seattle Washington, lives on Washington Avenue, attends Washington University and has a dog named George!

Ms. Roshni is an Assistant Teacher in our school. She is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Health Administration at Saint Louis University. Ms. Roshni has worked with children since 2022 and has experience as a tutor and Kindergarten Assistant Teacher. Her favorite thing about teaching is knowing that the children in her classroom have learned something new. A fun fact about Ms. Roshni is that she has been a dancer since age four!